Feedback on this setup - Campervan based wifi observing

[AuldAlliance]

Ha all,

Can anyone advise if the following observing regime can be done at reasonable cost.  It's purely in my head at the moment and I'm not even sure if its possible!

1.  I own a Bongo camper van and usually drive to good observing spots in the highlands.

2.  On arrival I'd like to remove telescope from van.

3.  Setup and calibrate scope.

4.  Get back into my van and open my macbook.

5.  Using wifi, bluetooth or whatever I'd like to tell the scope what to look at and see the images in realtime on my computer screen.

At the moment I have a 10 inch manual dob but unfortunately due to poor eyesight I'm unable to get lots of benefit from it.  By eyes have flare and night adaption issues which means I can only really see well in bright areas when my pupils are constricted.  This isn't astigmatism related - its more complicated.  Viewing screen is fine however which has led me to conjure up the setup above.

Can it be done at reasonable cost and if so can anyone point me towards some suitable equipment.  I fully understand I may have to sell the dob to fund it.

kindest regards

[Mikea]

I don't know if it would work, but it sounds like it should and it's a great idea! 

[Stu]

It's certainly possibly, may not be cheap though!

Probably your best bet is to post the same or a similar question in the Video Astronomy forum. That is all about live viewing via sensitive cameras which is what you will need to do.

Good luck!

[laudropb]

Hello and welcome to the SGL. It all sounds very feasible, but it will be expensive.

[Flyingfuzz]

It's possible to adapt a standard HD web cam to replace the eyepiece, lots of how to on YouTube. The problem you will have is tracking as any image will quickly move out of FOV. 

[Pan Euro]

Tracking will definately be an issue. Also have a look in the Video Astronomy section for ideas on what can be done.