Computerized Object Locator for hardin 8"?

Im looking for a push to system (object locator) for my 8" hardin dob...using sky charts is a bit annoying for those deep space objects..especially here where i live in the burbs (south florida). is the orion intelliscope locator only for the orion scopes? Can anyone recommend a cheap push to locator? looking to spend under $150 bucks =)
Thanks!!

mike selz said:

Im looking for a push to system (object locator) for my 8" hardin dob...using sky charts is a bit annoying for those deep space objects..especially here where i live in the burbs (south florida). is the orion intelliscope locator only for the orion scopes? Can anyone recommend a cheap push to locator? looking to spend under $150 bucks =)
Thanks!!

What you want is a set of Digital Setting Circles (aka: "DSCs"). For this price, you'll want to go used. My recommendation? Sky Commander or Argo Navis.

mike selz said:

Im looking for a push to system (object locator) for my 8" hardin dob...using sky charts is a bit annoying for those deep space objects..especially here where i live in the burbs (south florida). is the orion intelliscope locator only for the orion scopes? Can anyone recommend a cheap push to locator? looking to spend under $150 bucks =)
Thanks!!

Mike: I have never used this so I cannot recommend it but it is an interesting product and within your price range.

http://www.astrogimmicks.com/

As far as I can tell it is a combination of a digital level which provides you with an accurate altitude reading along with a digital compass to provide the azimuth. It needs to be used in combination with a computer or handheld that can provide you with the current alt-az data and you would be set.

I would work for me since I use Planetarium for the Palm as well as PleiadAtlas for my star charts. I have been tempted to give it a try but I do have a digital level that seems to be accurate to maybe 0.2 degrees but being a starhopper at heart, I am plenty happy with a telrad and a magnifying finder.

Jon

An alternative would be PalmDSC with a Dave Ek interface box. If you already have a Palm-type PDA you're halfway there. If not, they can be found used for very reasonable prices. I bought one for only $10 that just needed a new battery (~$30). The interface box has to be assembled, so you do need some soldering skills. Plus you'll need the encoders and related gears, which will be your biggest expense. PalmDSC is a free download.

More detail can be found on the Yahoo PalmAstro forum http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Palmastro/
You can find appropriate links on that forum site or just Google PalmDSC and Dave Ek.

Jim

Here's my "poor man's" DSC:

PalmIIIxe with free Astro Info 3.0: http://astroinfo.sourceforge.net/

Digital inclinometer: http://www.tiltmeter.com/DIGITALMODEL.html (magnetized so you can mount on tube behind spotting scope.)

Electronic vehicle compass V550: I understand this model has been discontinued, but some store may still have it or you can find a similar model to mount on the front of your Dobsonian mount. You will have to add 180° to the display. This one is lighted and has alarms.

Center your view on Polaris, then calibrate the inclinomter and compass. I had to shim my compass slightly to "calibrate" it. The inclinomter has a zero function. I first zeroed it on the mount base, then checked it on the scope. It will probably be off less than a degree. You can adjust it by zeroing it on the mount base by shimming it with some thick paper. You should be able to get it right-on, at least with a low power EP. I got mine right-on with a 10.5mm EP.

See attached photos

I also use this site to plan my observing session: http://tonightssky.com/MainPage.php

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