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Re: Laptops in the field (was Re: (IAAC) Re: Uranometria)



I use a laptop in the field with several programs.  I know at least one of
them can turn the entire pc screen red to cut down on brightness.  Without
looking, I believe that one is skymap pro 7.

Mark


----- Original Message -----
From: Jeffrey D. Gortatowsky <jgortatows@aol.com>
To: <netastrocatalog-announce@atmob.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2001 7:15 PM
Subject: Laptops in the field (was Re: (IAAC) Re: Uranometria)


> > I must admit, however, that I've never attempted to use a
> > PC in the field.  It seems to me that the amount of light emitted by the
> > screen - even in red-mode - would preclude full dark adaptation.  After
> all,
> <snip>
> > I'd certainly be interested in hearing about anyone's experiences using
> > PC's/laptops in the field.
> >
> > Clear skies,
> > Don
>
> Hi Don!
>
> I place several layers of rubylith over the screen. I don't think my dark
> adaptation is hurt anymore than by a red flashlight of sufficient
brilliance
> to illuminate your chart. But you may be right. I have not done an
> 'experiment'.
>
> My laptop will run on it's own battery for at least 2 hours (4 if I take
out
> the CD and buy a 2nd internal battery). I also use a heavy 34amp/hr
> "jumpstart" like device with a small built-in inverter ($79). It'll go all
> night and recharge from the truck or an AC outlet. Or I can run it
literally
> for nights at a time on a heavy deep cycle and the inverter. I have such a
> beast as well for multi-night star parties. I use a soft sided cooler that
> acts as a case for it as well as all the cables and inverter. So I never
> forget any items needed. The computer (and SkyMap Pro) can flip, mirror,
> scale, rotate, filter, add stars, remove stars, add objects, remove them,
> identify objects, and find fields of view dare I say faster than one can
> find the right chart in U2000 or MSA 2000. Plus it can give me instant
> positions of asteroids, trans-Neptunian objects like Pluto, comets, and
> more. No waiting for another night to compare fields of view.
>
> Oh and one other item I should mention, I normally observe out at my
club's
> site where power is available. :)
>
> Obviously I am true believer. :) I love the printed atlas, and as I said,
> _always_ take U2000 with me "just in case". Funny, I have, and don't use,
> GOTO on both my EQ mounts. I like the computer as my atlas, but not as my
> telescope. Weird.
>
> Clear, dark, and quiet skies,
> Jeff
>
>
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>

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