2 replies to this topic

[aljunoone]

Is there a scope similar the Sky Watcher127 Maksutov Virtuoso Tabletop with the simple plate solving go-to feature  like the Seestar 50. (not the Celestron Starsense.) No alignment on stars. You just level the tripod and calibrate the compass.

Edited by aljunoone, 04 August 2024 - 10:05 PM.

[vidrazor]

Plate solving is the answer, for both polar alignment and target location.

[luxo II]

Is there a scope similar the Sky Watcher127 Maksutov Virtuoso Tabletop with the simple plate solving go-to feature 

No. Synta will sell you a mount with a 1980's Synscan handset and hasn't adopted the modern technology (ie plate-solving).

 

If you want this sort of rig:

 

1. buy the smallest harmonic mount from ZWO (AM3) and put that on a small tripod;

2. buy the Sky Watcher127 Maksutov with Vixen dovetail to go on said mount;

3. buy a small guide scope (eg ZWO 30mm f/4) and guide camera (ZWO AIS120MM Mini); and

4. buy a ZWO ASIAir to operate it, including the plate-solving bit.

 

And this assumes you have an iPhone/iPad/Android to drive it, via the ASI app, and a battery to power it all. And few cables.

 

All-up expensive compared to a Seestar, but then it has 2.5X  the aperture and you can use the scope visually, or put any camera you like on the back for imaging (an ASI533 would be suitable).

 

Now I suggest you can see why:

 

- the Seestar is built to come in well under this as an all-in-one package, that does simple imaging (no visual use) and is not user configurable (zero choice of optics. mount, electronics or camera);

- why (given its price point) the Seestar is quite limited optically, and photographically (the camera);

- hence the pics from a Seestar are fine as "happy snaps", but won't win any awards;

- why the simple camera trackers don't cut it, either,

- there is a significant level of complexity - and cost - to produce a consumer product that does both visual and imaging, allows choice of OTA, and also allows a choice of camera.

 

I'm a little surprised someone hasn't dismembered a Seestar and hacked its guts to use larger scope, mount and better camera.

 

Conversely I'd say there may be a market opportunity for a small rig that does this at a better price point, but no-one has cracked it yet. I'd expect ZWO will be the first, not Synta.

Edited by luxo II, 04 August 2024 - 10:42 PM.