Re: best goto type mount for SPC8?

From: Michael McCulloch (michaelm_at_nospam.invalid.net)
Date: 02/08/05 

Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 17:03:08 -0500

On Tue, 08 Feb 2005 11:44:14 GMT, "Roger Hamlett"
<rogerspamignored@ttelmah.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>Vixen also have their 'Sphinx' system, which is a
>nice 'gadget', but 'good in parts'. The motion basically, is good, but
>there is no software PEC correction.

True, it would be nice to have, but is not necessarily a necessity.
There are indications the tracking may be good enough without PEC for
short focal lengths (<1000mm) in Build 26.

Here's a single *unguided* 250 sec exposure I took this weekend:

http://gamesforone.com/stars/images/b33.jpg

Does the PEC really work on the lower cost Celestron and Meade mounts?

>Only recently, have they got the
>autoguiding to work (this is a charged for upgrade to the software).

$20. Not a serious cost issue here.

>The
>backlighting on the display, and the polar scope, are both too bright,
>with the latter improved a little on the latest software, but the former,
>and 'inherent' fault, in the technology chosen, and requiring the addition
>of a ND filter to dim the display to reasonable levels.

Overblown. The ND filter works ok and Build 26 now has a timer feature
whereby the display turns completely off after a user-adjustable time
period. If you use the ASCOM driver for remote control, the backlight
never even comes on.

> It has the
>feeling, that the basic mount was designed by astronomers, but the
>software, was 'farmed out' to a sub-contractor, who does not really
>understand what is needed.

Nah, it is just different than the Nexstar and Autostar hand paddles.
I am starting to really like my Sphinx now that the problems seemed to
be corrected. With the ASCOM driver, you can control it with any
ASCOM-compatible software program. I use SkyMap Pro. Plus the scope is
driven by ASCOM through an Ethernet port -- a step up for those that
use laptops for remote control.

Theoretically, you should be able to autoguide over the Ethernet port
using the PulseGuide commands available in ASCOM. I am currently
working on getting GuideDog setup to do so.

The Sphinx deserves a more serious look. 

---
Michael McCulloch