Source of encoders for Argo Navis?

[chrisp9au]

The cost of 2 x US Digital S6 10,000 step encoders from the US works out at AU$220 plus huge shipping cost. :eyepop:

Does anyone have a source of equivalent encoders, preferably local?

Thanks, Chris

Please ignore this enquiry, I've decided to spend my money on eyepieces instead!

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Chris,
Have you looked at Wildcard Innovations encoders?
5,000 & 10,000 step available (plus other options)
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/encoder_10000_describe.html
10,000s are $120 each plus ~$20 ship

[AstroApprentice]

Plus Astrodevices sell them in kits for various mounts or separately:
https://www.astrodevices.com/shop/index.php?catalog/category/encoders/name/1

[gary]

Hi Chris,

Unfortunately the current weakness of the Aussie Dollar has made the
price of imports from the United States more expensive than in the past.

We stock the S2 10,000 steps but as required under Australian law have
to add 10% GST, so the best we can do at the moment is AUD261.80
a pair inc GST plus AUD11.90 Signature on Delivery Post inc GST to
Victoria.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[chrisp9au]

Thanks Gary, thanks Jason,

Yes I have looked at Wildcard and am aware of the pricing.
Also looking at some of the DIY kit options, but I will still need encoders.
I'll be making a decision in the next few days.

Chris

[chrisp9au]

I have been having a good think about the Argo Navis, and the encoders, and the cost, and have decided not to go ahead with it.

My analog setting circles work surprisingly well, when I take the trouble to carefully level my mount!
And it's only laziness on my part that I don't learn the night sky better and do some informed star hopping!

I would be better off spending money on quality eyepieces to enjoy a better view through my scope, which is what I am going to do.
After all we get the enjoyment from looking through the scope, not at the bits on the scope! Don't we?

[bojan]

Chris,

Did you ever considered David Ek's setting circles?
They can be built quite cheaply.

With encoders like this one (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Encoder-600P-R-Incremental-Rotary-Encoder-DC5-24V-Voltage-Power-Supply/173868471641?hash=item287b5e5559:g: ip0AAOSw7ihdhZSf) (using upgearing, easy to do with timing belts) and with cheap old laptop (running CdC with ASCOM driver) you can have good enough push-to system....
Another source of (free) incremental optical encoders are old printers.. but you gave to be prepared for lots of DIY fiddling...

[chrisp9au]

Hi Bojan, yes, I did have another look at David Ek's kit.
My DIY skills are restricted to a bench drill and an angle grinder, plus a coat of paint!
I'll use my analog setting circles and Sky Safari on my tablet for now.
The more I use them the more accurate they will become.
Cheers!

[Sparksinspace]

If you are somewhat electrically inclined, there is a great digital setting circles kit based of a development board. Its on cloudy nights. Here is the link. Its all fairly straightforward and fairly cheap

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/589521-37-dobsonian-dsc-for-diy-makers/

[chrisp9au]

Thanks Steve, this thread is a bit old now. I picked up an Argo Navis unit with the encoders for a bargain price a couple of weeks ago!
Cheers, Chris