Hi folks,

(Those wondering why we're talking about video cameras may
want to read this: http://www.projectpluto.com/webcam.htm ,
discussing a wild-eyed idea I had about a year ago to make
encoders obsolete by putting a camera alongside a telescope,
so that a computer could "see" where the telescope was pointed.
At the time, I had to shelve the idea for lack of a suitable camera.)

This sounds quite astonishing. I've not been able to check it
out yet, since Yahoogroups is giving me some grief about
attempting to sign in... but I've heard a bit from some occultation
folks about this, and it does appear that it may be just the
ticket to get my "crazy idea" to work. (Especially since I'd
be perfectly happy to take a slew of frames and average them.)

Regarding use of Guide on older machines: somebody else
may wish to chime in here. I know Guide does get frequent
use on such machines; people often upgrade to a new P-IV
screamer, and take the old '486 or Pentium out to the
backyard observatory. (Or invest in an older laptop that
they're more willing to risk to the rigors of field use.)

-- Bill