System enhances GoTo automated aiming

Carina Software at Macworld 2010 showed off several of its astronomy products geared for iPhones and Macs. The company offers SkyVoyager, a popular astronomy app for the iPhone, along with the SkyFi adapter that converts Wi-Fi signals into serial communication. Used together, the products allow users to easily control their GoTo-enabled telescope directly from the iPhone interface.

SkyVoyager is very similar to the more-popular Pocket Universe app, as both offer views of the sky and additional information for certain objects. Carina's app integrates a database with over 300,000 stars and 30,000 deep-sky objects, with the planet and moons rendered using NASA mission imagery.

The interface is slick and astronomy fans will find the extra info to be interesting. Thomas Mathis of Carina suggests much of the content is similar to what can be found in other sources such as Wikipedia, however the company makes sure all information is accurate before it is put in the database.

Although the app works with the iPhone and iPod touch, iPhone 3GS users will be able to take advantage of automatic orientation for the planetarium. Using information from the electronic compass and accelerometer, the app presents the correct sky-map for the direction and angle of the iPhone. To find Mars, for example, the app will show an arrow pointing in the direction the user needs to move. Holding the iPhone at arm length, the handset should block the view of the planet when the target is reached.

Many telescopes are now available with various forms of GoTo automatic aiming systems, such as Meade's AutoStar equipment. GoTo is now a common feature even among many low-priced amateur setups. Basic configurations typically provide a wired controller used to enter target information, while allowing users to connect a separate device via serial communication.

Several companies currently offer computer software that can control GoTo telescopes. If using a computer at night in the field is not an attractive option, SkyFi is a great alternative. The device consists of a small black box with a short RS-232 serial cable that connects to the GoTo controller. For setups requiring a telephone cable, the company also offers a simple adapter.

iPhone users can easily connect their iPhone to the SkyFi adapter before controlling the telescope. SkyVoyager shows the point in the sky where the telescope is supposed to be aiming. Choosing a reference point helps users dial-in the telescope alignment. After the target is selected, the GoTo system automatically directs the telescope to the object while the crosshairs follow on the virtual planetarium.

Although desktop software offers a greater depth of information and functionality, many casual enthusiasts may be more inclined to utilize the iPhone setup. SkyFi is battery powered, eliminating the need to have any external power source near the telescope. Range is said to extend well past 100 feet depending on conditions. The entire system appears to work very well, while maintaining a simplicity that many children could easily learn.

SkyVoyager 1.3 is currently available from the App Store for a limited-time price of $10. SkyFi 2.1 can be purchased directly from the company for $150, with shipping expected to begin sometime in March. SkyFi is compatible with SkyVoyager, Carina's range of desktop software for Mac and Windows, and software from third-party companies.

by MacNN Staff