My use of the Celestron StarSense Accessory got me thinking about the SkyProdigy 130 for a light weight portable scope with auto align capability for RVA. The alignment camera is integrated into the SkyProdigy mount instead of attached to the scope (like is done with the SSA), so it also makes it easy to use with different scopes. Initially, I saw posts indicating you cannot connect to the SkyProdigy hand controller serial port to control it from your phone or laptop, which would rule out RVA use, and that it did not use the same camera as the SSA. Then I found out all new SkyProdigy telescopes would start shipping using the same internal camera and hand controller as the SSA. If the SkyProdigy hand controller uses version 1.06 or higher, it is the newer model.
So I ordered one, but received a SkyProdigy from a vender’s stock that was not one of the new ones (The hand controller version and build date were old). They accepted a full return with no problems. I then ordered a SkyProdigy 130 from a vendor who was out of stock, which guaranteed I would get a new one from Celestron. I received it and verified the version and found it is the same hand controller and internal camera as the StarSense accessory. I even tried using my SSA hand controller on the SkyProdigy and it worked just fine.
So I set up the SkyProdigy outside and found it was just what I was looking for as a portable auto align scope for RVA! Its hand controller works fine wirelessly with SkyFi and SkySafari on my phone. It also works with Starry Night using serial to USB to my laptop inside. I did perform a camera calibration which slightly improved the pointing accuracy (even though it came pre-calibrated). I found I could use my Mallincam Micro camera without a focal reducer and get good results since the 130mm is a F5 scope, providing a nice field of view and shorter exposure time (I have to use a focal reducer on my C8 to convert from F10 to F5 for better RVA use).
If you are thinking of buying a new telescope and mount to use for Remote Video Astronomy, I recommend beginning with the SkyProdigy 130 for the following reasons:
1. It is lightweight and easy to set up
2. The 130 is a fast (F5) 5.1” scope suitable for Video Astronomy
3. The F5 scope provides a good field of view with the Mallincam Micro without having to use a focal reducer
4. It has auto align functionality built in, which really simplifies and reduces RVA setup time
5. It can be computer controlled remotely
6. Its Newtonian open design adapts quickly to the outside temperature
7. The alignment camera is built into the mount (not on the scope)
The SkyProdigy is an entry level Alt-Az mount, so you do have to be patient for a few seconds after slewing to an object while its tracking overcomes any backlash, thus eliminating star trails. Due to the length of the 130 scope, your maximum altitude slew limit is 70 degrees. But that is a similar limitation with my SE Alt-Az mount. I have a Celestron C5 that weighs about the same as the 130. I found I can use my C5 on the SkyProdigy mount with no slew limitations. It can point straight up even with a video camera in place! So if you decide to spend more and get the SkyProdigy 6, it should likewise not have any slewing limits (You will want to use a focal reducer with it though).
A couple more suggestions. The SkyProdigy always tries to slew to the same three points for its alignments if there are no obstructions, so learn which direction is best to point your SkyProdigy when starting an auto align. Using a rechargeable PowerTank (or similar) battery with a long power cord eliminates the need to purchase batteries, and the longer power cord really helps.
So I ordered one, but received a SkyProdigy from a vender’s stock that was not one of the new ones (The hand controller version and build date were old). They accepted a full return with no problems. I then ordered a SkyProdigy 130 from a vendor who was out of stock, which guaranteed I would get a new one from Celestron. I received it and verified the version and found it is the same hand controller and internal camera as the StarSense accessory. I even tried using my SSA hand controller on the SkyProdigy and it worked just fine.
So I set up the SkyProdigy outside and found it was just what I was looking for as a portable auto align scope for RVA! Its hand controller works fine wirelessly with SkyFi and SkySafari on my phone. It also works with Starry Night using serial to USB to my laptop inside. I did perform a camera calibration which slightly improved the pointing accuracy (even though it came pre-calibrated). I found I could use my Mallincam Micro camera without a focal reducer and get good results since the 130mm is a F5 scope, providing a nice field of view and shorter exposure time (I have to use a focal reducer on my C8 to convert from F10 to F5 for better RVA use).
If you are thinking of buying a new telescope and mount to use for Remote Video Astronomy, I recommend beginning with the SkyProdigy 130 for the following reasons:
1. It is lightweight and easy to set up
2. The 130 is a fast (F5) 5.1” scope suitable for Video Astronomy
3. The F5 scope provides a good field of view with the Mallincam Micro without having to use a focal reducer
4. It has auto align functionality built in, which really simplifies and reduces RVA setup time
5. It can be computer controlled remotely
6. Its Newtonian open design adapts quickly to the outside temperature
7. The alignment camera is built into the mount (not on the scope)
The SkyProdigy is an entry level Alt-Az mount, so you do have to be patient for a few seconds after slewing to an object while its tracking overcomes any backlash, thus eliminating star trails. Due to the length of the 130 scope, your maximum altitude slew limit is 70 degrees. But that is a similar limitation with my SE Alt-Az mount. I have a Celestron C5 that weighs about the same as the 130. I found I can use my C5 on the SkyProdigy mount with no slew limitations. It can point straight up even with a video camera in place! So if you decide to spend more and get the SkyProdigy 6, it should likewise not have any slewing limits (You will want to use a focal reducer with it though).
A couple more suggestions. The SkyProdigy always tries to slew to the same three points for its alignments if there are no obstructions, so learn which direction is best to point your SkyProdigy when starting an auto align. Using a rechargeable PowerTank (or similar) battery with a long power cord eliminates the need to purchase batteries, and the longer power cord really helps.
RSS Feed