Using the Skywatcher SynScan handset

[Cjg]

I'm probably being dim here, but is there a quick way to navigate through the various options on these handsets?

For example, if I want to send the scope to a known star, lets say Castor, I'm currently scrolling through all the stars that begin with the letter A and then B, one at a time....is there a shortcut that lets me jump to known stars that begin with the letter C?

Thanks

Chris

[Voliton]

If there is, I can't find it. Synscan is arguably the most primative HC software among the big three. This is one of the reasons many go to PC direct and/or EGMOD - much more sophisticated interface.

BTW have you tried the PAE function? I find it greatly enhances pointing accuracy - centering stars in a 12mm crosshair ep.

Regards, Gary

[Cjg]

Thanks Gary,

Have read about the PAE function, but not used it - I observe from a couple of sites, and so have to change the lat / long each time.

Think PAE works per session and only between sessions if you keep the mount in the same place?

Cheers

Chris

[Spikey]

I'll try with mine next time I set it up, but I thought you could use the number keys in the same manner as a phone whilst texting and it will jump to that letter. Could be wrong though.

[Starlight 1]

If I remember right I have seen it somewere that you can put in more then just one PAE in the handset.

[Voliton]

Up to 83 PAE syncs can be entered. These are available as long as the mount is parked before shutdown and, of course, has not been moved. There is another Utility " Clear PAE data". I'm not sure if PAEs are removed automatically but I think not.

Spikey, That works, sort of, for the object catalogs where the IDs are numeric. Does,t work for named objects or stars etc.

Regards, Gary

[Cjg]

Thanks for the help everyone, my mount moves to a different spot each time, but PAE could be useful in session - I'll just have to remember to clear the data.

Chris

[cabby]

Just plug mine into the computer and use the telescope function on Stellarium to guide it.

[daaveyboy]

does any body know on what setting with the synscan hand set you can change from just a few relevant stars to the full list of stars for doing a 2 star alignment,at the moment I can only get less than half of the full list please see attachment with the ones marked that I can get.

stars.bmp

[dwc]

I think what you are looking for is:

Setup

-> Alignment Stars

- -> Adv. filter

[itmo]

or double stars, down a few times and castor is probably there.  

[jambouk]

The PAE data is cleared every time you do a new star alignment; it will only be saved between observing sessions if you park the scope before shutting down; you need to make sure you are using a very accurate clock when setting up the time next time you boot the handset, and use the same device preferably as you used the first time... I suspect it will be easier just to do a new alignment and PAE for a new observing session unless you have a very stable and rigid set up.

I've never found an easier way to search the hand set for named stars; that was one of my suggestions on the 'how could it be improved' thread.

James

[bodtwo]

This is something i'm looking at getting, is it really that bad using the SynScan?

[jambouk]

I think the synscan handset is very easy to use and it does most of the things I want it to do, but my use is very simplistic, I don't do any fancy imaging (playing still with planetary imaging). There are aspects which aren't clear at first use, but you soon get the hang of it.

It's fine.

James

[m37]

Synscan is very easy to use (if a bit bug prone at times). scrolling through a whole list can be a bit of a pain at times but in the context of the life of the solar system it's not too long!!!