432 replies to this topic

[LDW47]

So looking at Sam Wen's S30 images in the APP, the field of view is 1.2 x 2.1, and resolution 1080 x 1920. So maybe still using the 462 sensor.

 

Screenshot_20241004_194511_Chrome.jpg

Ever say something that you shouldn't when you don't know anything about, eh. Some call it speculation, some call it maybe and some call it ' B... ', those are the real serious astronomers that have been around for a while, have seen it all, lol.  PS:  Just asking, no offense intended, right.  PPS:  Who exactly is Sam Wen, eh ?

Edited by LDW47, 04 October 2024 - 02:28 PM.

[LDW47]

New S30 pictures and information available in the Community section of the Seestar app.  If you tap on some of the individual pictures, the resolution and image size is displayed.  The highest resolution shown is 1284x2778.

 

Don

The community gossip section but not their official site, lol.

[tarbat]

Who exactly is Sam Wen, eh ?

Founder and CEO of ZWO.

 

https://astronet.zwo...013128584323072

 

 

https://astronet.zwo...013128584323072

Edited by tarbat, 04 October 2024 - 03:34 PM.

[GSBass]

That would be something I would have deemed impossible for 30mm… I guess I’ll let the experts weigh in on that, since the quote accompanied a picture, perhaps he is just confused what the trapezium is

Founder and CEO of ZWO.

 

https://astronet.zwo...013128584323072

 

Screenshot_20241004_205846_Chrome.jpg

Edited by GSBass, 04 October 2024 - 03:20 PM.

[Digital Don]

So looking at Sam Wen's S30 images in the APP, the field of view is 1.2 x 2.1, and resolution 1080 x 1920. So maybe still using the 462 sensor.

 

I was thinking the very same thing but the diameter and focal length of the S30's lens are different so that's not necessarily the case.  I was hoping a new telescope would have a new sensor.

 

Don  

[tarbat]

That would be something I would have deemed impossible for 30mm…I guess I’ll let the experts weigh in on that, since the quote accompanied a picture, perhaps he is just confused what the trapezium is

Maybe?!

 

 

https://astronet.zwo...le/thread/97104

Edited by tarbat, 04 October 2024 - 04:40 PM.

[LDW47]

Founder and CEO of ZWO.

 

https://astronet.zwo...013128584323072

 

Screenshot_20241004_205846_Chrome.jpg

 

https://astronet.zwo...013128584323072

Now I wish I could Pre-order today, lol.

[LDW47]

That would be something I would have deemed impossible for 30mm… I guess I’ll let the experts weigh in on that, since the quote accompanied a picture, perhaps he is just confused what the trapezium 

 

That would be something I would have deemed impossible for 30mm… I guess I’ll let the experts weigh in on that, since the quote accompanied a picture, perhaps he is just confused what the trapezium is

If you think he doesn't know what the Trapezium is you are a bit more confused, lol. Ya think, really.  PS:  Maybe though he is just starting into astronomy, eh ?

[Digital Don]

Maybe?!

 

With just a little imagination you can see the 4 main stars in the Trapezium.   

 

Pretty darn good for a 30mm lens.

 

Don

[Digital Don]

Here's what I'm thinking so far based on what's been made available for the Seestar S30:  The S30's performance is pretty impressive given the aperture.  Its field of view is larger than the S50, but not as large as the Dwarf 3.

 

Based on the latter, it might be designed as an ultra-portable version of the S50 rather than a competitor to the Dwarf 3.  Also, almost everyone is guessing the price will be lower than the S50 and Dwarf 3.  If that is the case and the price is low enough, it might be almost irresistible to anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy.  Maybe just in time for Christmas too!

 

Don

[LDW47]

Here's what I'm thinking so far based on what's been made available for the Seestar S30:  The S30's performance is pretty impressive given the aperture.  Its field of view is larger than the S50, but not as large as the Dwarf 3.

 

Based on the latter, it might be designed as an ultra-portable version of the S50 rather than a competitor to the Dwarf 3.  Also, almost everyone is guessing the price will be lower than the S50 and Dwarf 3.  If that is the case and the price is low enough, it might be almost irresistible to anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy.  Maybe just in time for Christmas too!

 

Don

The other thing to keep in mind is that a company like ZWO is not going to design / build / put out a unit that is not going to perform up there with the rest of the smart scopes. Why would they, their reputation is on the line, so maybe we should expect more than many other types of smart scopers are praying will happen, right. It might even cost a bit more but if you get more in size and performance its 2+2=4 every time, eh. Lets just wait and see, it will be a great piece of gear that will open some squeezed tight eyes, lol.  PS:  There are a lot of skeptics every where you look in this world, thats what makes it so satisfying, lol !

Edited by LDW47, 05 October 2024 - 05:57 AM.

[Regulus 1.36]

The product seems intriguing, and I am eager for its availability for purchase. Previously, I donated 114 Star Blasters to the local libraries in my county before the release of the S50 and regretted that decision. 

 

Perhaps it's time for a redo.

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Edited by Regulus 1.36, 05 October 2024 - 06:51 AM.

[LDW47]

The product seems intriguing, and I am eager for its availability for purchase. Previously, I donated 114 Star Blasters to the local libraries in my county before the release of the S50 and regretted that decision. 

 

Perhaps it's time for a redo.

You / we learn the nite skies with a telescope and a copy of NightWatch not a smart scope even if it is a SeeStar. You did the right thing !  

[GSBass]

That was actually a nice little scope, I’m sure they were enjoyed by many and probably will continue to be used long after these robots fail

The product seems intriguing, and I am eager for its availability for purchase. Previously, I donated 114 Star Blasters to the local libraries in my county before the release of the S50 and regretted that decision. 

 

Perhaps it's time for a redo.

[Regulus 1.36]

You / we learn the nite skies with a telescope and a copy of NightWatch not a smart scope even if it is a SeeStar. You did the right thing !  

Indeed, my sole critique of smart scopes is the lack of substantial learning involved. Once one has captured a plethora of images, what remains? Hence, I advocate for the practice of EAA, as it more closely resembles visual astronomy while trying to recommend a book or two. 

 

Smart scopes are establishing themselves as a staple, and we are the stewards of this hobby. 

Edited by Regulus 1.36, 05 October 2024 - 07:41 AM.

[Regulus 1.36]

That was actually a nice little scope, I’m sure they were enjoyed by many and probably will continue to be used long after these robots fail

We will see; however, Orion is out of business.

[LDW47]

Indeed, my sole critique of smart scopes is the lack of substantial learning involved. Once one has captured a plethora of images, what remains? Hence, I advocate for the practice of EAA, as it more closely resembles visual astronomy while trying to recommend a book or two. 

 

Smart scopes are establishing themselves as a staple, and we are the stewards of this hobby. 

I can't envision learning to Star Hop with a smart scope even if it is a piece of EAA gear like the SeeStar. Not to the extent that I and many others have, its part of long term astronomy that many, literally robots, will never learn, eh. That book and the Backyard Astronomers Guide are the guru's of the learning curve, unfortunately one of their authors / writers is now amoungst the stars. RIP !  PS:  To this day I still reference them, in many ways !

Edited by LDW47, 05 October 2024 - 08:31 AM.

[vw195]

Indeed, my sole critique of smart scopes is the lack of substantial learning involved. Once one has captured a plethora of images, what remains? Hence, I advocate for the practice of EAA, as it more closely resembles visual astronomy while trying to recommend a book or two. 

 

Smart scopes are establishing themselves as a staple, and we are the stewards of this hobby. 

It is similar to GPS in that one no longer needs to read a map.

 

The plus outweighs the negative in that these smart scopes can see so much further, and galaxies and clusters are no longer blobs that one has to use Hubble pics to get a decent idea of what they look like. 

[Regulus 1.36]

It is similar to GPS in that one no longer needs to read a map.

 

The plus outweighs the negative in that these smart scopes can see so much further, and galaxies and clusters are no longer blobs that one has to use Hubble pics to get a decent idea of what they look like. 

And that's why I own two. We should talk more about this in a different thread as it's off from the main topic. 

[LDW47]

It is similar to GPS in that one no longer needs to read a map.

 

The plus outweighs the negative in that these smart scopes can see so much further, and galaxies and clusters are no longer blobs that one has to use Hubble pics to get a decent idea of what they look like. 

I am a very experienced bushman, 60+ years, of northern Ontario / Quebec, I use some top line Garmin gps's with the built in electronic compasses / altimeters and I always, always carry a topographical map and conventional compass as a backup and reference when in conditions where you can't literally see 10 ft. in front of you. And on the map I have placed my travelling grid line references / co ordinates as a back up check. I never ever rely strictly on a gps and there are very good, from experience, reasons that I don't.  PS:  And you have to compass calibrate them the same as you do a SeeStar.

Edited by LDW47, 05 October 2024 - 08:45 AM.

[GSBass]

It’s kind of up to the user but my smart scopes have made me much more aware of both target location and target information, perhaps because I have to be so aware of my obstructions when planning , I consult sky safari constantly, I look up my targets to see what I should be seeing vs what I’m actually getting and I participate in many more forums than I did before having a smart scope.

It is similar to GPS in that one no longer needs to read a map.

 

The plus outweighs the negative in that these smart scopes can see so much further, and galaxies and clusters are no longer blobs that one has to use Hubble pics to get a decent idea of what they look like. 

[NC Startrekker]

I can't envision learning to Star Hop with a smart scope even if it is a piece of EAA gear like the SeeStar. Not to the extent that I and many others have, its part of long term astronomy that many, literally robots, will never learn, eh. That book and the Backyard Astronomers Guide are the guru's of the learning curve, unfortunately one of their authors / writers is now amoungst the stars. RIP !  PS:  To this day I still reference them, in many ways !

I suspect that the typical person who checks a telescope out from their local library has very little interest in learning to star hop. Heck, many of the enthusiastic newbies joining astronomy clubs these days have minimal interest in learning to star hop. Users of library loaners are by and large parents of school age children who simply want to see and show their kids a few of the more obvious night sky showpieces. But, I do agree with you in that I don’t think the current smart telescopes are going to satisfy that end. Their list of showpieces is likely to center around the moon and the planets. Neither are the fortes of any smart telescope that would be a likely candidate for a library loaner. So, in that respect, a conventional telescope is probably the better choice. 

[Regulus 1.36]

It’s kind of up to the user but my smart scopes have made me much more aware of both target location and target information, perhaps because I have to be so aware of my obstructions when planning , I consult sky safari constantly, I look up my targets to see what I should be seeing vs what I’m actually getting and I participate in many more forums than I did before having a smart scope.

These are two excellent features from the previous S50 update that I hope will be included in the S30: the ability to add direct coordinates and to set parameters in tonight's observations.

 

One would assume that their software and app are quite similar, if not identical.

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Edited by Regulus 1.36, 05 October 2024 - 09:32 AM.

[LDW47]

I suspect that the typical person who checks a telescope out from their local library has very little interest in learning to star hop. Heck, many of the enthusiastic newbies joining astronomy clubs these days have minimal interest in learning to star hop. Users of library loaners are by and large parents of school age children who simply want to see and show their kids a few of the more obvious night sky showpieces. But, I do agree with you in that I don’t think the current smart telescopes are going to satisfy that end. Their list of showpieces is likely to center around the moon and the planets. Neither are the fortes of any smart telescope that would be a likely candidate for a library loaner. So, in that respect, a conventional telescope is probably the better choice. 

I am talking astronomy learning ie conventional telescopes vs smart scopes, how they are used relating to the locating of dso's in those dark nite skys. Not necessarily from a library lending point of view but from a younger age, the younger the better and my point is a smart scope will never be thee tool to teach star hopping like a telescope before EAA. Just a point of view from both ends of this stick, thats it, thats all.

[LDW47]

These are two excellent features from the previous S50 update that I hope will be included in the S30: the ability to add direct coordinates and to set parameters in tonight's observations.

 

One would assume that their software and app are quite similar, if not identical.

I am assuming better, why not its a new machine, maybe for a different purpose, eh.

Edited by LDW47, 05 October 2024 - 09:46 AM.