ICEINSPACE
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04-05-2006, 05:19 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Peakhurst, NSW, Australia
Posts: 6
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Argo Navis, worth the purchase?
G'day Everyone!
I was contemplating furthering my range of toys, and have seriously considered a push-to computer for my dob. I have had my dob for over a year now and don't mind the hunt, but I suppose I feel I have much to learn about where objects are in the sky from this kind of computer (not really into the go-to).
I have read many a rave review about the Argo Navis, however I felt it would be wrong to take the plunge (they are pricey) without first consulting the estemmed forum folks.
Perhaps does someone have, had, or used an Argo Navis on a Dob mount? Open to recommendations on other dob push-to computer setups.
Cheers.
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04-05-2006, 05:56 PM
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Cloud dodger
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Hobart
Posts: 584
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Absolutely worth it.
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04-05-2006, 06:00 PM
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4000 post club member
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,900
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If you like DSO's , it is the single best investment one can make on their dobsonian.
When Iceman asked about DSC's thats what I told him and now that he has one, he wholeheartedly agrees.
You will see soooooo many more objects in a nights viewing with one.
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04-05-2006, 06:01 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 26,646
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The Argo Navis is superb.
I've seen it in use, have used it myself on other people's scopes and now have one myself.
I have yet to mount the unit to my mount because I don't have the encoders yet but it won't be long.
In my opinion you will not find a better Digital Telescope Computer on the market.
The newest version has a host of new features that make it stand out and it will give the DOB a whole new dimension of functionality.
Well worth it.
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04-05-2006, 06:09 PM
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4000 post club member
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,900
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On the surface it sounds expensive in comparison to the scope, but when you consider that for under 2k you will have a scope that can find and see everything that a 10" LX200 can (at about 5k cost) , its not so expensive after all.
Last edited by Starkler; 04-05-2006 at 06:32 PM.
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04-05-2006, 06:23 PM
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Lost in Namibia
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Albury NSW
Posts: 3,134
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Hi there Matty D
As soon as the Argo encoders are ready for the Lightbridge - that's what I'll be heading for  . I agree, I have seen them in action at SPS14 and see the value. In the interim - just getting to know the sky is keeping me busy.
Cheers Petra
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04-05-2006, 06:46 PM
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![[1ponders]'s Avatar](../vbiis/customavatars/avatar45_9.gif) |
Retired, damn no pension
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Obi Obi, Qld
Posts: 18,778
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I'm not using a dob but I have them on my Losmandy mount rather than the Gemini System that would normally go on a Losmandy mount. Worth every penny. Plus you are supporting a home grown industry. 
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04-05-2006, 06:55 PM
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IIS member 65
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mornington peninsula. Victoria.
Posts: 1,658
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In a word "YES"
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04-05-2006, 07:04 PM
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Sir Post a Lot!
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gosford, NSW, Australia
Posts: 36,799
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Yes, it's worth it. Any DSC is worth it, but ArgoNavis is the best. It has many more features and functions that the others don't, it's regularly updated, the support is 1st class (just check out their yahoo group), it's a locally designed and made product and Gary Kopff (and Mai Tran) are huge supporters of amateur astronomy in this country.
Gary is a member of this forum (member name "gary"), and while the guidelines say he can't talk sales speak on the forum, if you have any technical questions he's always more than willing to help you out.
I've got SkyCommander DSC's, and it was the best investment I've made for visual observing on my 10" dob. I'm planning to upgrade to ArgoNavis when I can afford it - it'll plug straight into my existing encoders.
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04-05-2006, 07:35 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Peakhurst, NSW, Australia
Posts: 6
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WOW! I only made that post before I left work and came home to find numerous replies! Thanks everyone for your input.
It's now on the list!
Ive read so much about how great it is, and knew that it was made locally.
Your replies have sealed it for me.
Now all i need to do is to get out there and use my scope more and more. (Ahh life!! Gets in the way). Anyway i'm off to check out the clear sky, hope the seeing is good.
Thanks again!
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04-05-2006, 08:05 PM
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He used to cut the grass.
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hobart
Posts: 1,235
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Summer nights are short. Winter nights are cold. Observing lists just keep getting longer...
A digital telescope computer is the best accessory you can buy.
The Argo Navis is the best digital telescope computer on the market.
(Keep repeating this mantra as you hand over the money.)
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04-05-2006, 08:06 PM
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Canon collector
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Taylors Lakes Melb
Posts: 1,965
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I'll throw in my 2 bobs worth.
An Argo Navis would be the one of the best investments you could make on your scope!!
If you go MODE IDENTIFY it tells you a detailed description of what your looking at, or if you need to find an object use MODE CATALOGUE.
Just two of many features. Or you can tour a constellation and find anything you want.
Very easy to set up and use and the service that Gary provides is spot on.
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04-05-2006, 10:03 PM
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Illuminating the Universe
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Bridgenorth, Tasmania
Posts: 77
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Hi MattyD, I fitted an Argo Navis to my 8" GS Dob 2 months ago and like the other replies have mentioned its a great device and has added a new dimension to my viewing. The support from Gary Kopff is amazing, he replies promptly to emails, and is helping me with a specially modified pivot bolt for the azimuth encoder due to having a 'lazy susan' bearing on my Dob. I suppose some of us should present some pictures of how we have mounted the unit on our Dob bases! Thoroughly recommended.
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04-05-2006, 10:29 PM
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Plays well with others!
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ridgefield CT USA
Posts: 3,535
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Double Ditto the positive comments...if you are serious about this hobby it is worth it...
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05-05-2006, 02:21 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: North Canterbury, NZ
Posts: 181
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I love my Argo Navis to bits.. the accuracy even with my bumpy un-modded dob base is just astounding, I'm certain I would have lost interest without it..
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05-05-2006, 03:21 PM
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He used to cut the grass.
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hobart
Posts: 1,235
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This is getting a bit ridiculous, people. Hasn't anyone got anything bad to say about the AN????
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05-05-2006, 03:22 PM
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Sir Post a Lot!
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gosford, NSW, Australia
Posts: 36,799
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I didn't win it at Lostock!
mumble mumble Rocket Boy mumble grumbe 
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05-05-2006, 03:43 PM
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~Dust bunny breeder~
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: The town of campbells
Posts: 12,359
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go for it... yeah hunting is great but there are times that i wish i had dsc 
lots of times actually
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05-05-2006, 03:47 PM
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Retired, damn no pension
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Obi Obi, Qld
Posts: 18,778
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I think this is enough discussion about AN. Gary has a big enough smile normally without all this gratuitous advertising of his product 
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05-05-2006, 04:01 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mt. Kuring-Gai
Posts: 5,999
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Thank you
We very much appreciate everyone's support.
Best Regards
Gary Kopff/Mai Tran
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
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