Id like to know if DSCs are fairly straight-foward to install and calibrate. Any preferences of SkyCommander or Argo Navis? Would an Argo Navis be compatable with a Starmaster 12.5,or would aSky Commander be more straight-foward installing?Thanks again.
Digital setting circles
Started by dru, 12/07/2009 11:22PM
Posted 12/07/2009 11:22PM
Opening Post
Posted 12/08/2009 03:00AM
#1
Hi Andrew,
Yes, they are easy to setup and either one would work with your scope. Of course you will have to mount the encoders though.
Yes, they are easy to setup and either one would work with your scope. Of course you will have to mount the encoders though.
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
Posted 12/08/2009 03:13AM
#2
Between the two you mention I will put my vote in for the Argo.....as Floyd says either will work and neither is a difficult task if you prepare yourself properly but the Argo is king of DSC's in my opinion.
Andrew Gawel said:
Id like to know if DSCs are fairly straight-foward to install and calibrate. Any preferences of SkyCommander or Argo Navis? Would an Argo Navis be compatable with a Starmaster 12.5,or would aSky Commander be more straight-foward installing?Thanks again.
20" MidnighTelescopes f/5
8" f/16 Muffoletto Achro
Meade 6" AR6 f/8.0 Achro
Celestron C11
Parallax PI250 10" F/5 Newt
Vixen FL102S,NA140SS,R200SS
80mm Stellarvue Nighthawk with WO APOupgrade lens, 90mm f/16.67 Parallax Achro
LXD75/LX200, Mini-tower, GP-DX, CG5 ASGT, LXD650, GM-8, G11, GM-100, GM-150EX, GM-200 and a Gemini G40
4" portable AP convertable 44" or 70" pier
Stellarvue M7 Alt-Az, TSL7 Pier/Tripod
12.5" f/5 MidnighTelescopes DOB Swayze optics
Monroe GA
Posted 12/09/2009 09:16PM
#4
Andrew,
This is a good question. The Tangent devices (JMI, Televue, etc.) and Sky Commander both work off the same assumptions. The big ones are that the OTA and mount are mechanically and optically aligned. Also, as the OTA rotates about the mount it does so without variation (rotational wobble). So, if you are using a GEM or dob and your optics and mechanical alignment (and orthogonal) is solid, both types of DSC will work with the same level of performance of accuracy.
If you have some variance in the above, then as you move from your alignment stars you will find that your pointing accuracy will drop off.
As Greg mentions, the Argo Navis has the capability to do the same as the Tangent / Sky Commander, but also much more. The special advantage of the Argo Navis is its ability to take star sample positions and build a pointing model that takes into the account variations in the mechanical and optical system alignment. This process does take time to learn, but it is easy once you get the process.
So the AN can act like the simpler DSCs, or you can take advantage of the unique modeling feature and get very precise pointing across the entire sky. Finally, the AN can drive a goto system on a Dob.
Setup is the same no matter what you choose. The encoders need to be installed and working properly. Next, you need to tell the computer how many ticks the encoders generate and which way the mount moves. Finally, you need to tell the computer if you are using a Dob (alt / atz) or German Equatorial mount. You only need to do this once.
Clear skies,
Paul
This is a good question. The Tangent devices (JMI, Televue, etc.) and Sky Commander both work off the same assumptions. The big ones are that the OTA and mount are mechanically and optically aligned. Also, as the OTA rotates about the mount it does so without variation (rotational wobble). So, if you are using a GEM or dob and your optics and mechanical alignment (and orthogonal) is solid, both types of DSC will work with the same level of performance of accuracy.
If you have some variance in the above, then as you move from your alignment stars you will find that your pointing accuracy will drop off.
As Greg mentions, the Argo Navis has the capability to do the same as the Tangent / Sky Commander, but also much more. The special advantage of the Argo Navis is its ability to take star sample positions and build a pointing model that takes into the account variations in the mechanical and optical system alignment. This process does take time to learn, but it is easy once you get the process.
So the AN can act like the simpler DSCs, or you can take advantage of the unique modeling feature and get very precise pointing across the entire sky. Finally, the AN can drive a goto system on a Dob.
Setup is the same no matter what you choose. The encoders need to be installed and working properly. Next, you need to tell the computer how many ticks the encoders generate and which way the mount moves. Finally, you need to tell the computer if you are using a Dob (alt / atz) or German Equatorial mount. You only need to do this once.
Clear skies,
Paul
Funding Member
