ASCOM Interface - Can Anyone Help?

[John Wiggins]

I've recently purchased a Skywatcher Explorer 200 with a EQ5 mount, I know
it is possible to add dual axis drives for this mount but I was wondering if
there is any way to interface these drives to make use of the ASCOM standard
used by products such as Starry Night Pro. It might be asking a lot to find
a set of drives and an interface to do this but the £1000 for a special
mount seems a lot of money.

Or is there any other drives that can be controlled by a computer by
entering DEC & RA co-ordinates.

[Adam]

John

You do not need ASCOM to drive a scope via
planetarium software. ASCOM is a attempt to
integrate automated telescope control with CCD
imaging and dome motion and ......etc.

Check out
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/
these guys are motorising mounts using readily
available Meade motors and Autostar. I believe
that Autostar can be linked to a computer so that
planetarium programmes can be used to guide a
scope.

This might be a way forward for you.

Adam

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"John Wiggins" <skid@skid.evesham.net> wrote in
message
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....
200 with a EQ5 mount, I know
mount but I was wondering if
make use of the ASCOM standard
might be asking a lot to find
the £1000 for a special
controlled by a computer by