computer v. manual

tj1 · Guest

I live in suburban Chicago so light pollution is an issue. I'm looking to purchase a "beginner's" type telescope. I get the impression, from reading some of the comments and articles on this site, that manual mounts are more difficult to use in light polluted areas such as mine. How hard is it to orient the telescope, in these conditions, with a manual mount. Is there a greater benefit with the lower end GoTo mounts?

Thanks,

Tom

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

A computer does make navigation easier for a beginner and most are relatively simple to get set up and aligned. This is the most practical option for a light polluted area, since learning to navigate manually is tough to do when you can't see a lot of guide stars. Meade and Celestron both make good computers. If you like computers and are technically inlcined, this is the way to go.

On the other hand, you can buy a bigger scope for your dollar with a manual scope, since you are not buying a computer. Learning to navigate the old fashioned way takes more initiative and effort and it is slower, but in many ways more enjoyable. It's the way I learned to navigate back in the days when there were no computers. It is also quite practical if you observe from a dark or mildly light polluted site.

I still navigate, manually, here in the Chicago suburbs, but I have decades of expereince and learning under dark skies to get me where I need to go. From a heavily light polluted site, though, I have to admit that manual navigation is asking a lot of a beginner. Besides, if you use a computer as a learning tool rather than a crutch, it can teach the location of many deep-sky objects and celestial navigation in general. I had a friend who learned this way and he now knows his way around the sky as well as anyone.
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Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks.

Using a computer as a learning tool v. a crutch is a good point. I have two questions.

1) Is it possible to "disable" the Meade and Celestron computer function and use the mount manually?

2) I realize this isn't the place for a full blown primer on the subject, but, assuming one can recognize some stars, how hard is it to navigate manually?
Let's say one wanted a closer look at Messier objects that are visible with binoculars, for example.

Tom

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

Yes, you can always disable a computer, but, depending on the mount, the scope may not balance correctly or lock down if the motors are not running. Some mounts allow you to run the motos independently of the computer, some do not.

Can't really answer that question, due to all the variables involved. You can always find some Messier objects, like M45 (Pleiades) with very little effort, but, others require much more work, especailly those found in parts of the sky somewhat barren of stars. Then it amounts to finding an unmarked turn on a dark road at night without lights. More of a hit and miss scenario, then, and, under light polluted skies, things get tougher still, since the objects will be much dimmer, when visible at all. Experience becomes a huge factor, here. Not trying to discourage you, but if you really want to learn the old fashioned way, you need to get out of the city.
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Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks.

That's good to know about the mounts.

I can certainly understand the value of learning the old-fashioned way--no dispute. I'm just trying to understand whether or not, by purchasing a computer mount, one can get the both of both worlds, so to speak.

More specific to my decision. I would like to get "out of the city" for a more meaningful experience. I'm looking for portability as well as value. Is is better to go with a computer mount v. a manual mount that frees up some dollars toward a larger aperture? I keep reading the buyer's guides but I'm still not sure.

Tom

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

As I said, yes, you can use a computerized telescope wiithout the computer and, yes, you can get a larger telescope for your dollar with a manual telescope, but finding a manual telescope with the portable mount you want may be a problem if you are on a tight budget. Just a matter of how much you want to wrestle with, getting a scope in and out of a car and get is setup and assembled when you arrive at your observing site. I have traveled with just about every telescope type there is.

Easiest and best traveler in a manual scope would be a short focal length refractor on an alt-az mount. Best traveler in a computerized scope is a refractor, Mak or SCT on a single arm or a fork mount. The computerized option will give you the biggest selection. Try the Celestron Nexstar 4SE
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