kendg

I use astrotortilla. Seems to work OK as it downloads the relevant datafiles. Just make sure you download them before you go.

Looks really cool, but I don't think it would handle the snow load here

I've found that for what you are getting with APT and one of it's competitors (and I have and use both) they are very inexpensive. No reason not to pay to support the efforts.

Or just pick a object visible during the daytime.

+1 for stellarium

I use BYEOS to capture videos with my Canon 600D. Works pretty nicely.

You have just taken the first step down a very slippery slope. Enjoy the hobby

Enjoy it and have fun.

Looks like prices vary. Ball park, it looks like $1200 US isn't a bad price. Here is a link and the price is in Canadian $ https://www.all-startelescope.com/sales/product_info.php?cPath=58_124&products_id=164&currency=USD&currency=CAD

Here are 2 for 3d printing. I use the 1st one and haven't tried the second one. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1872841 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2784415

They are available. Maybe something like this. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0187AAYUK/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A9M8PF7TMJFVZ&psc=1

Hose clamps come to mind for me.

You don't need a laptop or desktop computer for Astrophotography BUT With no computer you lose plate solving, you limit yourself to DSLR (mainly) cameras you lose the ability to do sequences of exposures and/or targets and lots of other nice to be able to do things

Gotta love the swivel screen. Don't leave home without it ?

Using the sun 1) put a stick in the ground (.5 to 1m high) 2) make the point of the shadow from the stick 3) come back in an hour or so and mark the point of the shadow Connect the 2 points and you have an East/West line. Put the south legs of the tripod on this line and the north leg is right where it needs to be.