NON-Rotorcraft Post, Participate in citizen space science

[barnstorm2]

One of my non-flying hobbies is astronomy.

If anyone cares, I use a 16" Dob Starfinder with an Android tab as a Push-to electronic finder. I also have 2 solar scopes a PST and a heliostat (88foot long-focus Heliograph).

One of my favorite iPad app makers is sponsoring a satellite launch and is currently taking donations to make this a citizen science project.

You can find out more here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...aunched-by-you

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[Master Roda]

I have a 12" Dob Starfinder. I don't like the manual control so it has some dust on it. Do you know of a good electronic augment for it?
I want a solar scope, but the one I want isn't cheap: http://www.meade.com/product_pages/c...o/coronado.php

[barnstorm2]

Originally Posted by Master Roda

I have a 12" Dob Starfinder. I don't like the manual control so it has some dust on it. Do you know of a good electronic augment for it?
I want a solar scope, but the one I want isn't cheap: http://www.meade.com/product_pages/c...o/coronado.php

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tablet ($150), SkEye App (Virtual DSC) and used a RAM Mount to attach to my starfinder.

http://lavadip.com/skeye/

It took some getting used to (don't give up) but now I am very proficient at finding DSOs with it. I hardly use my Telrad at all except to do the initial alignment of SkEye.

You have GOOD Taste in Solar scopes!!

That is pricey but I would get one in a second if I could afford it. I LOVE my PST and I use it all the time. It is amazing to see the sun in H-Alpha.

You can pick up a used PST for about $500.

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[Master Roda]

Sweet! Thanks for the link. I guess I can use my phone (Droid) for this.

[barnstorm2]

Originally Posted by Master Roda

Sweet! Thanks for the link. I guess I can use my phone (Droid) for this.

Yes, possibly.

I had to go through 4 devices before I found one with an accurate magnometer.

Here is a review I did:

http://www.astronomyforum.net/astron...post1057505792

You need a good solid mount, need to make sure you make good alignments and have a device with a good GPS and magnometer.

[Master Roda]

I got the app, but I think you're right. It's a bit jittery, but doable. I'll test it out this weekend (my phone) and if I don't like it I'll get the Galaxy.

It seems to work like google sky, but I like it better.

It looks like you've done all of the legwork for me! Thanks Tim

[barnstorm2]

Originally Posted by Master Roda

I got the app, but I think you're right. It's a bit jittery, but doable. I'll test it out this weekend (my phone) and if I don't like it I'll get the Galaxy.

It seems to work like google sky, but I like it better.

It looks like you've done all of the legwork for me! Thanks Tim

I got frustrated with it at first but after I had it securely mounted and I spent two night practicing doing alignments I now find it almost indispensable.

Velcro did NOT work for me, it needs a very secure mount.

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[Master Roda]

I won't use Velcro...I promise I'm reading the PDF (tutorial) and i think once I get it calibrated, it'll work just fine.

Hey, where can I get those binocs I see on your Starfinder? I like 'em.

[barnstorm2]

Originally Posted by Master Roda

Hey, where can I get those binocs I see on your Starfinder? I like 'em.

Siebert Optics. He has a top-notch reputation for quality work at reasonable prices.

However, don't expect anything fast, expect a few weeks for delivery.

The EP's are Explore Scientific 20mm's.

You don't get stereo vision but the brain loves to see the heavens through both eyes.

Once you go Binocs you won't go back

http://www.siebertoptics.com/

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[Master Roda]

Originally Posted by barnstorm2

Once you go Binocs you won't go back

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I figured you'd say that.....now I HAVE to order them
Thanks again.