Logging observations w/o computer

[gandoe]

All -

While I have seen the spate of recent announcements regarding ST4 Imaging, and am therefore anxiously anticipating the release of ST4 Visual Observing, I decided to become better acquainted with my copy of ST3.

In order to incorporate ST3 more seamlessly into my observing, and because I do NOT take my computer out when observing (since my old scopes are manually powered!), I wonder:
- is there a capability to use an Android tablet/phone, or possibly some other mobile device on the same network, to view observing maps and/or to take log notes
- have people found some other efficient way to print out observing sheets with star hop guides (ala Visual Sky Simulations) to more seamless gain the benefits of ST without using a Windows computer?


TIA
Ed

[theskyhound]

All -

While I have seen the spate of recent announcements regarding ST4 Imaging, and am therefore anxiously anticipating the release of ST4 Visual Observing, I decided to become better acquainted with my copy of ST3.

In order to incorporate ST3 more seamlessly into my observing, and because I do NOT take my computer out when observing (since my old scopes are manually powered!), I wonder:
- is there a capability to use an Android tablet/phone, or possibly some other mobile device on the same network, to view observing maps and/or to take log notes
- have people found some other efficient way to print out observing sheets with star hop guides (ala Visual Sky Simulations) to more seamless gain the benefits of ST without using a Windows computer?


TIA
Ed

Hi,

There are no phone apps. I briefly considered this some time ago, but when inexpensive Windows tablerts came along I no longer saw the need. It would take considerable time and effort, for what is a fairly small benefit.

Regarding the charts, I'm not sure what you are asking. I can say that sometimes when I observe with my Dob I print out finder charts for everything ahead of time. I use the chart to find the object then write my notes on the chart itself. The next day I add log entries, transcribing my notes. There are ways to streamline both processes:

1. I print charts from the Nightly Planner via a right-click in the check mark column, after checking off the objects I wish to observe.

2. When I enter the logs, I set up the "New Log Defaults" dialog with the settings for that night, such as the night,l location, scope, etc. Then I create my logs by right-clicking on the objects in the Nightly Planner and selecting "Create Quick Log Entry." This will open the log with most parts filled in. I just need to add the time and the notes.

[gandoe]

There are no phone apps. I briefly considered this some time ago, but when inexpensive Windows tablerts came along I no longer saw the need. It would take considerable time and effort, for what is a fairly small benefit.

Regarding the charts, I'm not sure what you are asking. I can say that sometimes when I observe with my Dob I print out finder charts for everything ahead of time. I use the chart to find the object then write my notes on the chart itself. The next day I add log entries, transcribing my notes. There are ways to streamline both processes:

1. I print charts from the Nightly Planner via a right-click in the check mark column, after checking off the objects I wish to observe.

2. When I enter the logs, I set up the "New Log Defaults" dialog with the settings for that night, such as the night,l location, scope, etc. Then I create my logs by right-clicking on the objects in the Nightly Planner and selecting "Create Quick Log Entry." This will open the log with most parts filled in. I just need to add the time and the notes.

[theskyhound]

Hello,

I'll take your suggestions into consideration.