DSC's with a Laptop

Hi,

I used to have a Pronto with Skytour. I liked the help from the computer and did not mind manual slewing. I am putting together a new scope after being without one for a couple of years. This time I am getting a Tak Sky 90 and will possibly put it on a TelePod head. It crossed my mind that I might want to set it up with DSC's again. TeleVue charges about 300$ for the computer alone. Is there a way of using software on my laptop with the DSC's via some sort of breakoutbox to accomplish this same task?

Maybe it would not save me much money but I am curious. I did try looking on the web but came up short.

Best,

Paul

If you have or can get the encoders and a cable "serial or most recently USB" to connect to your laptop it will work. There is no mystery, magic or special math required to build an astronomical computer, in fact all the algorithms and perimeters are already known. Why DSC units cost so much is anybodys guess. The encoders would be much more difficult to produce than the computer. 300$ for a DSC computer is shall we say, outrageous !

Here is a pretty good place for DIY instructions...

http://home.earthlink.net/~digicircles/dsc.html

If you have a Palm-based PDA, here's a link to a Palm DSC program:
http://www.astropalm.net/
It requires encoders, which can be purchased from:
http://www.usdigital.com/

Thanks guys. Those are some good links. I am also thinking of converting a Nexstar ST80 for it's GOTO mount. Now that's really cheap :-)

Best,

Paul