2026-08-31, 10:56 PM
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
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
Clear skies,
Greg
Head Dude at Skyhound
Greg
Head Dude at Skyhound