Astronomy software

[tims]

I’m trying to understand what astronomical planning(?) software is available to control a GoTo system such as the argonavis/servocat but there’s so much info out there that I’m confused.

Am I right in thinking that something like Skytools3 or Astroplanner have the ability to (from a laptop) control both the AN and the servocat, enabling me to select an object(s) from a database and, with a mouse click, command the GoTo system to do it’s stuff? If this is the case, would I only need the correct cables to hook it all together or is there much more to it than that?


Tim

[asterisk (Geoff)]

Tim

The only one of these I can accurately provide information about is SkyTools. SkyTools is an outstanding piece of software for planning observing sessions - either downloaded or self-constructed.

Using the Real Time option, SkyTools will connect to Argo Navis and interface with your laptop. Cabling will depend on what your mount setup needs to connect to the laptop.

Cheers

[gary]

Originally Posted by tims

I’m trying to understand what astronomical planning(?) software is available to control a GoTo system such as the argonavis/servocat but there’s so much info out there that I’m confused.

Am I right in thinking that something like Skytools3 or Astroplanner have the ability to (from a laptop) control both the AN and the servocat, enabling me to select an object(s) from a database and, with a mouse click, command the GoTo system to do it’s stuff? If this is the case, would I only need the correct cables to hook it all together or is there much more to it than that?


Tim

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the post.

There are several planetarium programs that you can use to perform remote
GOTO's of an Argo Navis/ServoCAT combination.

The preferred wiring topology is to link the laptop/PC to the ServoCAT and
then to link the ServoCAT to the Argo Navis in the usual way. The Argo Navis
has a special catalog entry in its menu called FROM PLANETARIUM.
When you "park" Argo Navis in the "FROM PLANETARIUM" mode, the
special "FROM PLANETARIUM" object can have its RA/Dec position filled
from an outside source, in this case, from a PC/laptop via the ServoCAT.

There is a third party freely available set of drivers that some planetarium
programs support called ASCOM. One of the ASCOM drivers supports the
ServoCAT. Using a planetarium program in conjunction with one of these
drivers then allows one to click on an object on the screen and have
Argo Navis/ServoCAT perform a slew to it (i.e. 'GOTO').

Some planetarium programs natively support remote slews for the ServoCAT without
the need for the ASCOM set of drivers.

Popular choices include Megastar and TheSky.

In addition to planetarium programs, project planning packages such
as Astroplanner and SkyTools also support Argo Navis and ServoCAT.

When you order a ServoCAT it will come with the correct cable for interfacing between
it and the Argo Navis. It will also come with a cable for interfacing it to a serial
port on a PC or laptop. Many new laptops no longer come with a serial comms
port in which case you should also buy a USB Serial Adapter. We recommend
and stock the Keyspan USA-19HS.
See http://www.wildcard-innovations.com...._describe.html

Wireless solutions between the PC/laptop and the ServoCAT are also available.
StellarCAT make available the Wireless232 option which is manufactured
by Aerocomm.
See http://www.stellarcat.com/Pages/OApix5.html

Hooking up either the wired or wireless connections is simple. Just plug
them in and off you go. Likewise, upon selecting the correct telescope type
in your planetarium or planning software of choice, performing a remote GOTO
is only a mouse click away.

Feel free to email either Gary Myers at StellarCAT RXDesign@ssvecnet.com
or myself at Wildcard Innovations sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
and we would only be too happy to help.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[tims]

Thanks Gary

That was just the sort of info I was after - I guess there are quite a few planetarium programs out there which all do basically the same thing. One that I'm looking at is "eye and telescope" (reviewed at http://uncle-rods.blogspot.com/2009/...telescope.html).

If I've understood correctly, there are a couple of features that I like: such as it filters objects so that you have a list of things you can actually successfully see with your scope and the program also supplies (from it's database) images of the DSO you have selected.



cheers

Tim

ps I forgot to mention I've already ordered the AN/ServoCat system from Gary at StellaCat

These

Originally Posted by gary

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the post.

There are several planetarium programs that you can use to perform remote
GOTO's of an Argo Navis/ServoCAT combination.

The preferred wiring topology is to link the laptop/PC to the ServoCAT and
then to link the ServoCAT to the Argo Navis in the usual way. The Argo Navis
has a special catalog entry in its menu called FROM PLANETARIUM.
When you "park" Argo Navis in the "FROM PLANETARIUM" mode, the
special "FROM PLANETARIUM" object can have its RA/Dec position filled
from an outside source, in this case, from a PC/laptop via the ServoCAT.

There is a third party freely available set of drivers that some planetarium
programs support called ASCOM. One of the ASCOM drivers supports the
ServoCAT. Using a planetarium program in conjunction with one of these
drivers then allows one to click on an object on the screen and have
Argo Navis/ServoCAT perform a slew to it (i.e. 'GOTO').

Some planetarium programs natively support remote slews for the ServoCAT without
the need for the ASCOM set of drivers.

Popular choices include Megastar and TheSky.

In addition to planetarium programs, project planning packages such
as Astroplanner and SkyTools also support Argo Navis and ServoCAT.

When you order a ServoCAT it will come with the correct cable for interfacing between
it and the Argo Navis. It will also come with a cable for interfacing it to a serial
port on a PC or laptop. Many new laptops no longer come with a serial comms
port in which case you should also buy a USB Serial Adapter. We recommend
and stock the Keyspan USA-19HS.
See http://www.wildcard-innovations.com...._describe.html

Wireless solutions between the PC/laptop and the ServoCAT are also available.
StellarCAT make available the Wireless232 option which is manufactured
by Aerocomm.
See http://www.stellarcat.com/Pages/OApix5.html

Hooking up either the wired or wireless connections is simple. Just plug
them in and off you go. Likewise, upon selecting the correct telescope type
in your planetarium or planning software of choice, performing a remote GOTO
is only a mouse click away.

Feel free to email either Gary Myers at StellarCAT RXDesign@ssvecnet.com
or myself at Wildcard Innovations sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
and we would only be too happy to help.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au