Digital Indexing for Dobson Mounts

In my reading I’ve seen reference to “digital indexing” of dobson mounts, but can’t locate that reference or additional information. Can anyone help me with info on what this is exactly and where this kind of system can be purchased?

Background - I purchased my first scope in April of this year, an Orion XT6 (Dobson). I have just ordered my second, an Orion XT10 (Dobson). I’m an old fart getting into this hobby (addiction?) - 50yr old, mechanical engineer. Not interested in photography. Love the ease of use of the dobson mount. In reading, either in this forum or one of my books, I’ve come across the idea “digital indexing” for the dobson. That might not be the right term, as I can’t find the reference again. Again, any help in running this down, would be appreciated.

I have not seen reference to the term Digital Indexing.

Could it be that you are talking about Digital Setting Circles? The idea is that you have an electronic counter on each axis of rotation (altitude and azimuth). The readout of these sensors is sent to a computer (or handset). After you initialize the computer, it keeps track of where the scope is actually pointing. You can then use the computer by telling it what M or NGC (or whatever) object you want to find, then you push your dob, and the computer will tell you when you are pointing at the object of your search.

Is this what you are talking about?

Alex

Raleigh,

Since you seem to like the simplicity of the Dobsonian mount, you may not be wanting to get into the digital stuff yet. You might be able to find two larger protactors to mount on your altitude and azimuth axes. Then when the book says the thing you want to see is 2 degrees west and one degree north of Deneb, you can find Deneb, set your protractors to zero and move 2 degrees west and one degree north. There is probably an elegant term for the process I just described.

From a 51 year old fart to a 50 year old fart - regards!