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+--- Thread: ST4 observing list to Argo Navis? (/showthread.php?tid=3482)
ST4 observing list to Argo Navis? - Jreck - 2026-08-29
Seems like there should be an export option to create a file of an observing list that I can transfer to an Argo Navis user catalog using the Argonaut software but I can't find it. I would like to use ST4 to create lists but use Argo Navis to supply push-to instructions, instead of SkyTools. I find that the light from my laptop impairs my dark adaptation and find the cable between the laptop and telescope annoying.
Does such an option exist?
Jon
RE: ST4 observing list to Argo Navis? - theskyhound - 2026-08-31
Hello Jon,
Yes, you can do exactly what you want.
SkyTools talks to the Argo Navis natively (no ASCOM required). The trick is to use the Real Time tool. Among other things, it handles all communication with other devices, such as the Argo Navis. Using the Real Time tool you can upload an observing list into the unit as a user catalog, and it doesn't need to be done at night or at the scope.
1. Build the list in the Nightly Planner as usual.
2. Connect the Argo Navis to the PC and connect to it in Real Time.
3. Upload the list to the unit. If you only want part of the list, check off the entries you want first and transfer just those via a right-click in the check mark column.
4. Disconnect. Take the scope out, align, and use MODE CATALOG on the Argo Navis to step through the objects. One click of the dial past GUIDE advances to the next object in the catalog.
Entries are sorted lexicographically in the unit, so if you want them in a particular observing order, sort the list in SkyTools the way you want it (optimum viewing time works well) before the upload and use the numbered prefix option so the ordering is preserved. You can also upload a
RE: ST4 observing list to Argo Navis? - Jreck - 2026-09-01
(2026-08-31, 10:56 PM)theskyhound Wrote: Hello Jon,
Yes, you can do exactly what you want.
SkyTools talks to the Argo Navis natively (no ASCOM required). The trick is to use the Real Time tool. Among other things, it handles all communication with other devices, such as the Argo Navis. Using the Real Time tool you can upload an observing list into the unit as a user catalog, and it doesn't need to be done at night or at the scope.
1. Build the list in the Nightly Planner as usual.
2. Connect the Argo Navis to the PC and connect to it in Real Time.
3. Upload the list to the unit. If you only want part of the list, check off the entries you want first and transfer just those via a right-click in the check mark column.
4. Disconnect. Take the scope out, align, and use MODE CATALOG on the Argo Navis to step through the objects. One click of the dial past GUIDE advances to the next object in the catalog.
Entries are sorted lexicographically in the unit, so if you want them in a particular observing order, sort the list in SkyTools the way you want it (optimum viewing time works well) before the upload and use the numbered prefix option so the ordering is preserved. You can also upload a
Thank you, Greg. That's exciting to discover! I tried it and it seems to be just what I need. Question: your response appears to have been truncated... you mention that I can also upload something else but that is where your message gets cut.
- Jon
RE: ST4 observing list to Argo Navis? - theskyhound - 2026-09-01
I must have been interrupted... Oh, I know what I was going to say: once you connect via Real Time, you can switch to the Nightly Planner, and create an Observing Plan there if that's your thing. You can upload that to your Argo Navis too, via the Transfer to Telescope menu item(s).
In fact, in the Argo Navis case, its best to connect via Real Time then switch to the Nightly Planner for uploading anyhow.