LX10 KORNER




•Introduction
•Skyguider
•Z88
•Optical Encoders
•Hardware
•Schematic
•Notes



Last updated:

 DIGITAL SETTING CIRCLES PROJECT

Skyguider

I have named the device "Skyguider". The setup comprises of the following components:

  • Cambridge Computer Z88 laptop computer
  • Interface box
  • Telescope mounted LED and connection box
  • 2x 8192 resolution opitical encoders

The DSC that I'm building should have the following features, some not seen on commercial DSCs:

  • RA and Dec coordinates displayed and constellation being pointed at
  • Altitude and azimuth coordinates displayed
  • Library of all Messier objects
  • Library of all Caldwell objects
  • Library of all NGC objects
  • Library of all IC objects
  • Library of variable stars which have a minimum magnitude of 14
  • Library of double stars
  • Library of bright stars with special subset of alignment stars
  • Calculate the position of the Planets
  • Display Jupiter's moons
  • Display moon phase
  • Display Saturn's rings
  • Calculate the postion of asteroids and comets with a data download facility for up to date orbital elements
  • Find filters (e.g. magnitude, size, seeing difficulties, etc)
  • Find aids - 4 LEDs on the telescope mount prompt which way the user needs to turn the telescope to point it at a chosen object. A beeper sounds when near the object.
  • Separation distance calculator
  • Setup an observation schedule prior to time at the telescope and allow the user to step through it and find each object in turn. Also allows the user to store notes
  • Retains history of objects found
  • Allows user to define the local horizon so that the computer can announce whether an object is in view or being obscured
  • Gives rise, transit and setting times of an object and telescope's current coordinates
  • Accounts for atmospheric abberation
  • Equatorial and Alt-Az mount setup
  • 1 or 2 star alignment and synchronisation to known found objects
  • Allows connection to encoders of resolutions 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16384, 32768 and 65536
  • RS232 serial interface to connect to a PC for data down/upload and to drive sky mapping software, such as SkyMap Pro 5, using the LX200 protocol
  • Countdown timer for photography exposure times