Seeking Assistance on Servo Cat and Argo Navis Configuration/Setup

Hardware & Software
1

Greetings,

I am seeking assistance with achieving proper setup/configuration of my Servo Cat Gen3 and Argo Navis system. All of the hardware is installed and the system functions however, after an alignment the go-to seems to have a mind of its own (using it in the ‘push-to’ mode is screwy as well as the numerical values run backwards). I’m hopeful that it’s a configuration parameter within the Argo Navis. I’ve reviewed the documentation buy I’m missing something I suppose.

Anyway, if there is someone in the club that is very familiar with the setup of the Servo Cat and Argo Navis system I would be more than willing to bring the scope to their location (I am in Duncan) and see what we can figure out. The scope is a 25" Obsession.

Thank you in advance!!

Clear Skies (eventually)

Bill L.

2

We have a Servo Cat Gen3 and use to use an Argo Navis system on the Club 30" telescope. We have since switched to a Nexus DSC.

I was looking at the Servo Cat Gen3 manual and on page 10 section 7.1 there are some settings that have to do with direction. In the Argo Navis manual page 16/17 has info about the encoder direction.

3

Greetings Dave,

Thank you for you response.

I will reference the pages you specified within Servo Cat and Argo manuals.

I have noted quite a few instances where folks have switched from the AN to the Nexus DSC’s. and I have considered it. If after referencing the manuals and no improvements are noted I believe I will also make the switch.

Thanks again,
Bill L.

1 Like
4

We have high precision encoders in the Club 30" telescope. We were having issues with the Azimuth encoder loosing connection. The guy that built it said it was a known issue with the Argo Navis system with high precision encoders. Not sure why he sold us that system if it was a known issue. That was why we switched to the Nexus DSC. Talked to several people at the Winter Star Party that used both systems. Both worked great on their telescopes. One guy said he likes the Argo Navis over the Nexus DSC. The Nexus DSC seems to work better on the 30" telescope. Still not very accurate, still think it could be something with the encoders.

5

Greetings Dave,
By High resolution encoders, are you referring to the 32K encoders? I’ve been wanting to give those a shot but haven’t come to grips as yet with the $500 price tag! I’m really hoping to get everything lined out on the 25" prior to Okie-Tex. Fingers crossed.

6

Yes the 32K encoders. I was doing a search and it looks like higher precision encoders don’t really make much of a difference in Dobs.

7

Interesting. I’ve also learned that the Argo can’t handle 32K encoders using only the internal battery and it has a limitation of 20K. Not that I would consider running the system on other than 12V external power. The Nexus however, seems to be able to handle 32K encoders and beyond. I’m seriously considering switching to the Nexus Pro regardless of whether I stay with the 10k’s or switch to the 32’s. It appears a bit more intuitive.
Thanks for sharing your findings. In the interim I’m still hoping a club member might respond that is familiar with the in’s and out’s of the Servo Cat/Argo system and is willing to take a look at my system.

Thanks Again.