From: "Christoph Bosshard" <chboss@hispeed.ch>

Date: October 17, 2008 3:38:11 AM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: OT - Well perhaps

Hi Ray 

There is some options out there.

Basically you will need a new controller for your mount that allows

Goto. One solution is a Do it yourself project from Germany. It will

allow you to interface your mount using LX200 commands from your

favorite desktop planetarium.

Here is the link:

http://littlefoot.rajiva.de/littlefoot/indexs.html

regards

Chris

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Ray Byrne <ray@...> wrote:

On 13 Oct 2008, at 15:09, Jeff Phillips wrote:

IF I understand correctly, the problem is that you don't have  

encoders on your current mount. Starry Night Pro or Equinox could  

drive it, but they don't have a mechanism to know where the mount  

is pointed, or how far it has moved during a slew.

Yes this was my confusion. My mate is an IT guy and very bright but I  

don't think he understood that my mount is totally "Dumb"

You've indirectly hit upon a sore spot for me. I'd like to see a  

standard emerge for a semi-smart mount: One with motors and  

encoders, but no electronics. You could then use your own  

electronics to drive it.

Oh well looks like it's either star hopping or £400

ATB

Ray Byrne

in4media | graphic and website DESIGN

T: 01793 435704

W: http://www.in4media.co.uk