24 replies to this topic

[jimb1001]

After reading about the SkyScout I thought it might be an interesting gadget to own. But so many seemed to have problems with it I wasn't sure.
So, I bought one used at a price where I wouldn't feel to bad if I had problems and it arrived today.
I took it into my back yard after reading the manual and inserting fresh batteries. The interface is really simple, easy to understand and use.
I turned it on and it took about a minute to get a GPS lock. So far so good.
I pointed it at Capella and did an "Identify", results were almost instantaneous, Capella on top of the display.
Went from there to the four corners of Orion, bam, bam, bam, bam, everything right there.
Then I did a "Locate" on Jupiter and followed the arrows right to it. Back to a locate on Capella and, again, right there. Then to Formalhaut and Aldabaran.
Perhaps I'm just lucky but this thing worked exactly as advertised with no "drama" at all. I then came back inside, did the update and got the latest rev on it with no problems at all.
If you've been on the fence because of so many reported issues, here's one data point where everything worked exactly as it should.

[Don Trinko]

Since you just got it used I'm guessing I'm the guy who sold it to you. I'm glad it seems to be working for you.
I think in some cases that being to close to metal objects is the problem. I need to try my other one someplace other than my back yard. Have Fun, glad you like it ; Don T.

[jimb1001]

When I saw your name here I figured you'd see my post.
Yes, it worked fine first time. So well I bought the connect cable for my Nexstar 6SE and my CG5 GT.
While its not so much trouble to input the time and date and I don't yet see the benefit of using the Sky Scout over the Nexstar HC, it will be interesting to see how it all works together.
Thanks,

[Don Trinko]

Great! I have not played with mine much. It's cold out side.
I'm glad to hear of your success. they are an interesting piece of equipment. Don T.

[Jawaid I. Abbasi]

Sorry to jump but SkyScout is an excellent instrument to locate, identify or even as DSC system.

I am mainly using as DSC system and the result is 100% accurate.

Check Review on SKYSCOUT .(go into review section) I also posted some photograph here.

[jimb1001]

Nice review and thanks for posting it.

I have one question: mine runs off two AA batteries and you mention a 9v. Typo?

[Jawaid I. Abbasi]

Nice review and thanks for posting it.

I have one question: mine runs off two AA batteries and you mention a 9v. Typo?

Yep. It was a typo. It runs on 'AA' but I use Lithium batteries which is MUCH longer. The rechargeable batteries does not work at least in my system unless I would love to use it.
Thanks for comments on my review and if you like to drop yours then feel free to do it.

[Vondragonnoggin]

Not sure about problems, but mine has been working flawlessly for a year now. very sensitive to large metal objects(cars, metal sheds. etc), but other than that, it's fine.

[dmgriff]

The ss has worked for me as an additional tool in conjunction with my planisphere and deep map 600 as a location device. I do not have a complaint with the skyscout and its performance....

Good viewing,

Dave

[jimbo216]

My SS works well except when it says it is detecting a metal
object. Then it is off by quite a bit. I have to turn off/on to re-acquire the satellites to reorient properly. Kind of odd since an automobile GPS uses the same satellites and it is usually close to a big piece of metal -- the engine.
Maybe they are more sensitive ...

Jim

[DavidD]

I think the magnetic interference is more due to the tilt/gravity detection. Your car doesn't care what angle it's pointing, just position and direction.

David

[Phil Wheeler]

My SS works well except when it says it is detecting a metal
object. Then it is off by quite a bit. I have to turn off/on to re-acquire the satellites to reorient properly. Kind of odd since an automobile GPS uses the same satellites and it is usually close to a big piece of metal -- the engine.
Maybe they are more sensitive ...

GPS just gives position and time. And in your car that's all your really need. GPS will also give direction if you are moving -- but using the SkyScout you are not moving.

The directional sensors are affected by magnetic fields and large chunks of ferromagnetic material.

I've found that when I get that indicator, I simply have to move to a different location, sometimes only a few feet away and all is good again. I've found no need to turn the unit off and back on, only to move and press the Back or some other button.

I'm very pleased with how well mine works. Sort of a hard-to-justify "gadget" but a fun one, and not all that expensive; "hard to justify" because I see so few stars in my LP home area that it's easy to know them all! But I am looking forward to using it on my next visit to a darker location like the desert or mountains.

[BoriSpider]

I've taken mine out viewing in the backyard and darksite
but still haven't used it then. To busy w/ scope, bino's, or looking through other peoples scopes:)

[jimbo216]

[quote name="DavidD"]I think the magnetic interference is more due to the tilt/gravity detection. Your car doesn't care what angle it's pointing, just position and direction.

David [/qu

I noticed tonight that when I have the target button on the
right side, it is more accurate than when it is on top. I had no magnetic problems. Perhaps this is related to the tilt/gravity detection you spoke of.

Jim

[csa/montana]

Been reading about the SkyScout here, and think that it will be my next "goodie" purchase!

[Jawaid I. Abbasi]

Carol, You will LOVE it. I use regularly with my Binocular setup and 12" Dobsonian.

[csa/montana]

Thank you! It really looks like something I'd enjoy on my 16" dob!

[RonUwood]

Sky Scout + Binos + Planisphere is what got my family started in stargazing. It was nice to actually confirm what we thought we were looking at.

Ron

[Chazb]

It is something I may look to buy in the future if the price is right.

[jrw11]

Bought the SkyScout when it first came out. It is a fantastic instrument. The only prblem I had. And it was my fault. Kept the batteries in too long once. And, had to clean the corrosion on one contact.

[jeffyen]

Oh my goodness, I just got my SS from Amazon... what a phenomenal piece of work... The firmware is now 3.2.16, Aug 5 2010.

[BigC]

Did you try a SkyScout on your dob?

I have just bought a new,store demo SS on ebay and plan to use it with my Z10 as a push-to .Someone else mentioned using a telrad riser to avoid metal interference.The Z10 is a big metal pipe!

[iceblaze]

When I had my SkyScout I found that it was great in the city, but when I went to high elevation (~8280ft @ Mt. Pinos) it could never sync with all of the satellites. Suffice to say I immediately sold the SkyScout after that disappointing experience. Kept the OTA though!

[BigC]

My elevation is one-tenth of that;no wonder I always feel so low....

Weather turning cold here and I find it less fun to observe when nose and fingers numb;was down to 40F at 8PM and 32F at 9AM.

[Kiwi Nick]

Got my sky scout when they first came out, paid a chunk for it but have never looked back.
i own a lot of kit but nothing gets used as much as the good old SS.
Never run any updates (probably because I lost the CD that came with it fairly early on and haven't got around to chasing up another one), never had any problems with it that couldn't be solved by something as easy as turning the machine off then on again, or moving away from big metal objects.
It's a no brainer, anyone can use it from little kids to grand parents, it can be passed around after dark at a BBQ and everyone catches on really quickly how to use it and the voice over is a bit of fun.
I've dragged mine around the world twice looking at the stars from both hemispheres and many different countries.
It came in handy in New Zealand when I was home visiting the family, the dark skies were so dark (after being in central London, UK) and so many stars so bright inmagnitude that I got a bit lost so I whipped out the SS and it sorted me out immediately.
15 countries in both hemispheres ands the little beastie has never missed a beat.
Not too bad on the batteries either but I pull mine out everytime after viewing is finished.
It it is always the first piece of kit I pull out on a starry night, and often the last at the end of a session. At the end of the session it lets me know what is going to be coming up over the horizon for the next month, which always keeps it exciting with something to look forward to as the seasons roll around.
For me it is an awesome toy and money very well spent.