A dream come true? New SkyScout Goto technology

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:16 am

Licensed by Celestron. First device to be available in Jan 2006. I'll definitely get one!

http://www.yamcon.com/technology.html

ariefm71 · Post by **ariefm71** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:55 am

i guess this is usable in mersing only as i don't think we have problem identifying planets and bright stars under singapore sky :-)

the good news is, this same technology could be enhanced to replace and eliminate DSCs altogether (no encoders and wires required, much neater than DSC).

Arief

kingkong · Post by **kingkong** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:17 pm

By combining data from 3-axis sensors measuring the magnetic and gravitational fields of the Earth, along with GPS and a substantial celestial database, SkyScout Technology enables a hand held device to accurately identify and/or locate nearly every object in the sky visible to the naked eye.
Put simply, the device knows where you are on Earth, the precise angle at which you are holding it, and exactly what celestial object is in its direct path at the time and day of the year you are using it. It also works in reverse, helping you locate an object using directional arrows inside its viewer.

if i understand it correctly, this should enable a "self-homing" EQ polar alignment system which let one put down a scope, takes the gps coordinates, get the time & date, measure the tilt and level of the mount, and the current RA & DEC setting and give indication to the user to adjust the mount until it's polar aligned, all without visual reference.
or am i missing the point?
the articles don't say what magnification the hand-held device would have, but can someone venture a rough estimate on the accuracy of such a device considering accuracy of available sensors and gps?
for e.g. ignoring mechanical characteristic of a mount, would it be good enough to allow imaging without drift alignment

Post by **weixing** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:58 pm

Hi,
IMHO, this is basically another form of DSC. Instead of using encoder, it use a gyro sensor, digital compass and a GPS receiver. About the accuracy, my guess it should be around 1 degree.

Have a nice day.

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:10 am

More info now! http://www.celestron.com/skyscout/

Cheers!

wucheeyiun · Post by **wucheeyiun** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:56 am

Wow, this the the finder of the future....Just have to find a way to mount this on my scope

Bergkamp_ · Post by **Bergkamp_** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:33 pm

hmm means no need a goto mount.. yet u can know wat u are pointing at.. :roll:

Post by **weixing** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 1:49 pm

Hi,
IMHO, this device is not to replace a GOTO or a DSC, the accuracy will not be as high as a GOTO or DSC... it main usage will be an educational tools.

Have a nice day.

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 6:29 pm

It is great to be a 1x "hi-tech" finder

Anat

ariefm71 · Post by **ariefm71** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:51 pm

The product is out, but looking at the specs, is not very useable. Only 10 M objects!
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=7824&tb=1