Argo Navis

[Mystikal]

Can someone explain to me what this is?
I know it some sort of navigation software or something for your scope.

[gbeal]

Hi Mys,
go to http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/
The AN, is THE best system that you will get for finding your way about the heavens.
And, to cap it all off, it is run/owned by THE nicest of guys, Gary. He is a member here, but possibly too modest to blow his own trumpet.
The AN interfaces with a set of encoders on either your dob mount, or even a german equatorial, and helps you pin-point where you are pointing.
Next time you are at a star party I am sure you will see many of them. I have one, and it is fantastic. many other forum members have them.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Briefly, it is a dedicated hand-held computer that is connected to your telescope by encoding cables that measure how far you move the scope in RA and Dec (or altitude and azimuth). It then tells you how far you need to move the telescope in each direction to have it pointing to a celestial object that you have previously selected from its extensive onboard database (which you can edit). It is a PUSH TO system, as opposed to a GOTO system.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Brian

[g__day (Matthew)]

Saw it in operation on a 24" scope at Magellan Observatory last night - simply awesome!

[JimmyH155]

I have one on my 12 inch LB. I can vouch for its amazing accuracy. You just point to 2 stars that you know, click the button, point scope vertically up, click again and then hey presto you can go on a "tour " of the heavens. A couple of weeks ago I actually found more than 20 globular clusters that I never knew existed, and also the Tarantula nebula which the Argo Navis told me where it was. Then after over 1 hour observing, I told it to go to one of the guide stars (Formalhaut) and there it was spot on in the EP Yes very accurate AND made in Australia!!

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

Briefly, it is a dedicated hand-held computer that is connected to your telescope by encoding cables that measure how far you move the scope in RA and Dec (or altitude and azimuth). It then tells you how far you need to move the telescope in each direction to have it pointing to a celestial object that you have previously selected from its extensive onboard database (which you can edit). It is a PUSH TO system, as opposed to a GOTO system.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Brian

....and if you couple it with a Servo-cat, you have goto as well. The Wildcard Innovations website has the details.

One of the most impressive features is that you can customise your own tours, such as "all the galaxies brighter than magnitude 12 in the constellation of Leo". This means you can conduct some very specfic observing plans at the drop of a hat. Pretty awesome IMHO.

Argo Navis even has a Telescope Pointing Accuracy System (TPAS) which enables you to diagnose inherent pointing errors in your scope set-up, and then it will automatically recalculate pointing of the scope to take those errors into account. It also takes into account the affect of atmospheric refraction, so that the scope accurately points at targets closer to the horizon.

From all of my reading and discussions with others, there is nothing else even close on the market. Give Gary Kopff a call....he's one of the nicest blokes you could ever hope to meet.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

I particularly like the way you can use the excellent Astroplanner software to compile lists of >1000 objects (e.g. all the Hartung objects) and then export these to the Argo Navis via a serial cable. (A couple of times I have had it hooked up to my little 80mm refractor and I've felt like a maitre d', serving up DSO after DSO to everyone else with their GO-NOWHERE telescopes, pointing them out with my green laser finder.)

[circumpolar (Matt)]

Argo Navis uses digital encoders to monitor the telescope movements in both Altitude and Azimuth directions. Here is the encoder kit on my 12"LB.
These are sold seperately and are avalible for just about every scope out there. Don't forget to factor in this extra money outlay for these encoders $$$.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

What was the cost, fitted and going, for the AN system for those with the 12" LB?

[JimmyH155]

I bought mine about a year ago. From memory, I paid about $1100 for the whole box and dice. Very easy to install

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Cheers Jim

[snowyskiesau]

Not on an LB but for the AN unit, encoders and cables, it came in at just under $1100 delivered. This was 12 months ago.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

The Argo Navis system is "magic"...for those that are interested in push to or go to I (and others) would highly recommend these units...

The AN has helped me (a relative novice) find many interesting objects in a very short amount of observing time...For my "style" of viewing, I can't imagine not using one...

And best of all, the are a "local" product from an Australian company.

[gary]

Originally Posted by Mystikal

Can someone explain to me what this is?
I know it some sort of navigation software or something for your scope.

Hi Mystikal,

Thanks for the post and thanks for the many follow-ups by forum members,
many of them existing Argo Navis owners or those that have seen Argo Navis
in action, providing endorsements.

Originally Posted by gbeal

The AN, is THE best system that you will get for finding your way about the heavens.
And, to cap it all off, it is run/owned by THE nicest of guys, Gary. He is a member here, but possibly too modest to blow his own trumpet.

Thank you for the flattering comments. However, though I hardly think it will
be with the same virtuosity of a "Dizzy" Gillespie, I will indeed use
this as an opportunity to provide a follow-up with regards Argo Navis and
its creators, Wildcard Innovations.

The primary function of Argo Navis is that it allows you to locate and
identify objects. By installing a pair of optical encoders, one on each
of the two major axes of rotation of the mount, Argo Navis is able to
detect when the mount moves. Argo Navis can be used in conjunction with
nearly any mount type - Alt/Az (such as a Dob), GEM, Fork ... even a
binocular chair. If your mount happens to be an equatorial type and is
polar aligned, you can initialize the system with a one-star alignment.
If it is anything else, you perform a two-star alignment. After that,
Argo Navis 'knows' where the telescope is pointing.

It will tell you your current RA/Dec but more commonly you will want to
dial up an object from its database of nearly 30,000 in-built objects.
The Argo Navis display will then GUIDE you to the object. It shows two
angles and direction pairs, one pair for each axis of the scope. You
then manually push the scope using your own muscle power (what John
Dobson refers to as 'yoghurt' power'). As you push the scope, the angles
are continually updating in real time. This then allows you to 'zero-in'
on the target. Once both angles read 0.0, you look through the eyepiece
and there is your object.

Many prefer PUSHTO over GOTO because of its fast, reliable and quiet
operation. Having said that, Argo Navis can also work in conjunction
with a couple of third party motor controller units to provide full
motorized GOTO operation, including the ServoCAT by Stellarcat and the
Sitech controller by Sidereal Technologies. These particular controllers
are very popular on large aperture Dobsonians and there are an
increasing number of equatorial mount users deploying them as well.

With a push of a button, Argo Navis will also provide a wealth of
information about the object you are looking at. For example, it can
often tell you the major and minor dimensions of a galaxy, its magnitude
and surface brightness and even its Hubble morphology.

You can also work in an inverse mode whereby you point to an object and
Argo Navis will tell you what it is. One of the most popular features is
the Tour mode that allows you to tour objects of choice in regions of
the sky you select.

Though the unit is completely standalone (runs off a set of AA cells),
you can also interface it to a PC/laptop/PDA and download your own
observing lists as well as the orbital elements of comets, satellites
and asteroids. It will communicate with every known planetarium program
and allow you to have a tracking cursor showing the FOV of where your
scope is currently pointing. The system uses FLASH memory and we provide
free firmware upgrades.

Online pricing is always available here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/purchase.html

A system for something like a Guang Sheng Dob is around A$917 inc. GST
delivered anywhere in Australia. For something like a LightBridge, about
$97 more.

Finally, Argo Navis is designed and manufactured right here in Sydney,
Australia and exported the world over. When it was released, U.S. Sky &
Telescope awarded it as one of its "Hot Products" of the year.

Wildcard Innovations play an active part in helping promote amateur
astronomy. We regularly donate Argo Navis units at some major star
parties including the IceInSpace 2006 and 2007 AstroCamps held at
Lostock, where we were present. We are active enthusiasts ourselves
and appear here on IceInSpace on a regular basis.

Wildcard Innovations itself was founded in 1996. In March 2003, the
Astronomical Society of New South Wales bestowed their highest award to
Wildcard's founders, myself and Mai Tran, when they presented us with
the McNiven Medal for 'Contributions to Amateur Astronomy'. Receiving this
particular award from our peers is something that we will be humbled by for
the rest of our lives.


Best Regards

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

[gel]

every time i email wildcard with a querie i dont get any replies, im talking big bucks and nada in response-do they really care?

[gary]

Originally Posted by gel

every time i email wildcard with a querie i dont get any replies, im talking big bucks and nada in response-do they really care?

Hi Graeme,

Thanks for the post.

We have received two emails from you to date.
One arrived on 3rd Feb 2006 whilst we were closed for a 2 week recess.
I responded shortly after whilst we were on the road and followed-up again
on 15th Feb 2006 when the office re-opened by asking a question, but did
not hear back from you in any case. I will forward you the response of the 15th Feb
by email now.

We received a second email from you only yesterday at 7:44PM and you
can anticipate a response to that today.

Thanks for the post.

Best Regards

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

[Dave47tuc (David)]

The greatest gadget so to speak you can buy for your scope.
I know many people who have the Argo Navis DSC. From big scopes like the 18” Obsession to my little scope!!
Just a wonderfull product. Well done to Gary and all his team.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by gel

every time i email wildcard with a querie i dont get any replies, im talking big bucks and nada in response-do they really care?

gel:
I'm sure this is an isolated case, and as Gary pointed out, they were closed for two weeks and he had responded since then.

I have always received a reply to all my emails, the same day, sometimes within minutes of sending !!!
And in my case we're not talking about big bucks !!!
I won my Argo Navis at IISAC 2006 lucky door prize !!

Wildcard have always sponsored our forum and you'll find many satisfied customers on here.
I'm sure you'll be one of them too.

Gary and Mai (his wife) are the nicest people you could ever meet and attend our Kulnura meetings regularly.

Needless to say they produce a drop dead gorgeous piece of astro gear to boot !!!

EDIT: oh and by the way, here's a recent thread regarding what's been happening near where Gary lives

[gary]

Originally Posted by Dave47tuc

The greatest gadget so to speak you can buy for your scope.
I know many people who have the Argo Navis DSC. From big scopes like the 18” Obsession to my little scope!!
Just a wonderfull product. Well done to Gary and all his team.

Thanks Dave,

We appreciate your kind comments.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.

[duncan]

this argo navis thing must be damn good i'll have to look into it after i get my 12"dob.