Dear James,

I do have both the encoders and the COAA device on my GP-mount. The
encoders are fine, but the mounting which I bought from JMI is not the
best. I has some backlash. Since I have the COAA controller (i have
been there last Eastern time and saw it working) it is much better. It
works really very well, but you will need a computer to run it (a 486
is enough). I think it also does not run with the new motors (MT2), but
it works fine with the old (MT1) one's. I have used it for CCD
beginners work and have up to now used the build in catalogs (which are
extendable). The combination with Guide I tried only once and it worked
very well. Hence, I believe if it is the money you want to spare I
would go for the COAA controller, otherwise for the SS2000 because this
one is much faster. The COAA only runs at the max speed of the old
motors which is about a few degrees per minute (and not per sec).
Hope that helps to make up your mind.

Best regards from cloudy Belgium.

Josch


james ellis <ejg-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/guide-user/?start=121

> 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.
>
>