Is it worth converting my 12" DOB to GO TO?Posted By Alex McConahay |
There are basically three levels:
Starhopping: This uses no electronic assistance. Get yourself a good star chart, a Telrad, and maybe a good finder scope. This is what you are using now.
Digital Setting Circles: This uses an encoder on your azimuth and altitude bearings that connect to a handheld computer (which, in turn can be connected to a laptop iif you really wnat to do so, but it is not necessary). You initialize the system by pointing the scope at a star (or two) and telling the system where it is pointing. From that point on, you select a target, and the handheld computer uses led signals (generally numbers of degrees and arrows for direction) to tell you where to push your telescope. WHen you hit "0, 0" on the led indicators, you are on the target. This is not a goto system (see next). It costs anywhere from $300 to I don't know--maybe $500 dollars.
GOTO systems: These have Digital Setting Circles connected to a set of motors. You initialize the system about the same as a Digital Setting Circle system by pointing and identifying one or two stars. THen you tell it where you want to go, and press a button--and it goes there. These are substantially more expensive. They are also very rare (but not unheard of) on Dobs.
A very good compromise for somebody who does not want to delay using his or her scope until he or she has learned the sky is to take the middle route--the Digital Setting Circles.
Hope this helps.
Alex
Starhopping: This uses no electronic assistance. Get yourself a good star chart, a Telrad, and maybe a good finder scope. This is what you are using now.
Digital Setting Circles: This uses an encoder on your azimuth and altitude bearings that connect to a handheld computer (which, in turn can be connected to a laptop iif you really wnat to do so, but it is not necessary). You initialize the system by pointing the scope at a star (or two) and telling the system where it is pointing. From that point on, you select a target, and the handheld computer uses led signals (generally numbers of degrees and arrows for direction) to tell you where to push your telescope. WHen you hit "0, 0" on the led indicators, you are on the target. This is not a goto system (see next). It costs anywhere from $300 to I don't know--maybe $500 dollars.
GOTO systems: These have Digital Setting Circles connected to a set of motors. You initialize the system about the same as a Digital Setting Circle system by pointing and identifying one or two stars. THen you tell it where you want to go, and press a button--and it goes there. These are substantially more expensive. They are also very rare (but not unheard of) on Dobs.
A very good compromise for somebody who does not want to delay using his or her scope until he or she has learned the sky is to take the middle route--the Digital Setting Circles.
Hope this helps.
Alex
