PDA for push to's...

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Just wondering what the base requirements are for a PDA to run a program to get alt/az info for use with manual setting circles - as in what is the minimum model or processor that one would need?
I can't foresee using the PDA for any other purpose, so it perhaps could be a fairly basic model I guess. Any idea what would be a likely ballpark figure for such a model off Ebay or somewhere similar?

Next question is..what are some programs that I could run for this purpose? Is there any freeware similar to CDC or will I have to purchase some?

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

do a site search for IPAQ

[jase (Jason)]

I'm actually not aware of any "push-to" PDA software. Sure, there are plenty of "go-to" around such as TheSky pocket edition etc. Might be a little difficult to find "push-to" only. Simply look at some vendors sites to get the minimum specs for the PDA. You will probably want to load some catalogs etc I recommend you get something better than the minimum reqs.

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

COAA used to have an application that would give alt and az for dobs

http://www.coaa.co.uk/software_astronomy.htm

dont know if it will work on a PDA though

[spudrick]

I use a Ipaq PDA for this but you can use any form of PDA with software.
Below are some software web pages the 3rd one is all freeware and really good programs made to suit the PDA * Better hurry if you want to get the software i notice a statement on the site that he is closing it down very soon.

http://astro.isi.edu/pleiadatlas/ Palm OS
http://www.nomadelectronics.com/ Windows Mobile OS
http://www.interq.or.jp/taurus/roba/pocket/index.htm Windows Mobile OS

I used the PDA for the "push to" system on my dob with the full sized base setting circles and digital inclinometer. looking up the Alt/Az for the object on the PDA
Plenty of reasonable priced PDA`s on Ebay

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I have used PalmDSC on an old palm IIIx and it runs well. It will even work on older m100 types.

It makes life much easier if the palm has a real serial port.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll have to see what the budget will be, its not actually for me as I have a notebook instead.
Spudrick - thats the same setup its intended for - degree circles and a dig. inclinometer

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Any PDA will be able to run this javascript webpage so long as its browser supports javascript.

Have fun

[allan gould]

The best palm alt/az software is Planetarium by Andreas Hoeffer. and reasonably priced