[guide-user] SS2000/COAA/Encoders

James Ellis Jan 9, 2000

Hello all and happy christmas and new year if it has been celebrated in
your country.

My GPDX which I have been drooling over is now attached to my C5!!!
My first and last big purchase this year will now be either :
1. SS2000 from Vixen
2. A set of encoders + module
or
3. The COAA computer controller + motors

Each has their own dis/advantages -

SS2000 is a custom built system for all Vixen products like the GP, GPDX,
SP and clones like the CG5. Given what Vixen have done with the GPDX i
expect the SS2000 to work on the same level ie excellent and therefore
least worries?!?
It is quite expensive at least in Australia and sucks a lot of power - see
S&T nov 99.

2. Encoders can be used on the GPDX and I could rig them up to work on my
Big DOB.
Although no remote observing given that they don't move the telescope, I
have to. (which isn't that bad - the coldest it gets here at night is about
7 degrees C, it's the mozzies I'm worried about!)

3. COAA - a system designed by some poms in the Algarve which is
recommended to be used with Guide. Low cost vs Vixen (GBP 300) plus it is
made by astronomers.
Although I haven't seen anybody with this who uses it with Guide and I have
to buy the High Speed motors anyway from Vixen.

Does anyone have experience using any of these systems with Guide? All
correspondence via the usergroup is appreciated to help my decision making
and maybe others...

Of course when I do get one of these I will inform all of pluses and minuses.

Cheers

James

Ps I know it may have been written about somewhere but does anyone know how
to transfer Dance Observers Companion files to Guide? I mean occultations -
Planet/Star, Moon/Planet etc etc?? If at all possible??
I think that maybe Mr Kouda would be the best to answer this????

Cheers again.