When using the optional USB connect dock, I understand that it provides the GPS location to the mount/handset.

If the sky scout is fixed onto the OTA using a piggyback adapter, does the USB connection mean a quick-align can be done using just the sky scout data?

i.e. the SS obviously knows which way the OTA is pointed, so should have no need to for the user to manually align an alt-az mount.

Very poor quality control … that is if it even works when I get it back.

"Midnight At The OPT Corral: Shootout Between The Celestron SkyScout and Meade MySKY" will appear here on UT on October 18 with no holds barred.

Whether you like the Clantons and McClaury's or preferred the stylings of the Earp's and Doc Holiday – you're going to get an honest answer as to how both of these pieces of equipment work for an average person, what can happen when you really use them…

And just who might still be around when the smoke clears.

I'm looking forward to a real comparison of the two models – i own them both. Although the mysky broke the same day and I am awaiting a replacement. Meade do not provide support on the mysky to anyone who doesn't have US address. There tech department said they couldn't help. This is just unacceptable.

Look for an upcoming review featuring the Celestron Sky Scout and a "shootout" with the competing brand!

Last year, I bit the bullet and bought a Celestron NexStar 6se and put the SkyScout on the shelf temporarily because the GoTo mount works so well. Now that they're coming out with the SkyScout Connect cable to ysnchronize location and time, I'm looking forward to gettign one of these. The list proce is much cheaper than the GPS plug in for the NexStar series, plus I'm told by a Celestron dealer that it will allow the scope to do more that just update location & time.

OK! so ya' wanna' know more about the Meade MySky, huh? believe me, i haven't forgotten… and i had a chance to look one over very carefully just this past weekend.

a review will be coming in the near future…

ow I just wished for darker skys…

Highly reccomended – initially the software seemed a bit slow in aquiring satalites – now with the updates it is much better..

It will be interesting to see an unbiased comparison. I really don't disbelive the major publications reviews, but they do have the major manufacturers as biiig advertisers.

A bit of clarification Tammy, you said you had been using the Sky Scout for eight months, if my memory is still working I think that was before the competitors unit had been released for sale, so you only had the Celestron unit to choose from, is that correct?

Thanks again to both

However, with the proper connections, it can be added to Celestron GoTo controllers (NexStar) or used with a bracket on any type of telescope as an aiming device – similar to a Telrad.

I would also be delighted to pace the competitor model because – believe it or not – I am very impartial to manufacturers. You will find equipment from A to Z in my toy box. When I choose to make a new (and substantial) investment that exists as similiar products between two leading manfacturers, I base my decision on which company's products have performed consistently for me over the years… Because I know it's going to get left in my car, stored improperly, dropped, mishandled and.. well… used! If I have things from company A which have withstood this test of time and things from company Z that have failed somewhere along the line in some major respect, I'll pass over the bells and whistles of company Z for A's durability.

(No offense to company Z, for I have major purchases from you as well that I enjoy, but have discovered a few critical flaws in the long run for what I use them for.)

If I had anything bad to say, it would be that I wish the SkyScout were a little bit more ergonomic… But at the same time I will also give the designers 100% credit for making something that can be dropped on the concrete by a 10 year-old and not even lose its GPS fix. Maybe functionality is better than form?

And yes, Anthony! You will like the fact that it can tell you precisely what star you've centered it on without encoders or blinding laptops. It's a wonderful starhopping aid for those of us who endure long periods of clouds and short term memory loss, eh? It sure is nice to be able to say: "Is that star Iota Cygni or Kappa Cygni? Cuz' they both look alike from down here!"

It doesn't hurt that Celestron is having a $100 rebate:
http://www.celestron.com/c2/promos_view.php?ID=27

Muchas gracias, Tammy.

Nice review. I, and maybe others, have wondered about the Sky Scout and the "competitor model", this review helps.

It would be nice if you could do an objective comparison with the "competitor model", since you have given a positive review of the Celestron unit they may be willing to loan you one of theirs. Who knows they might even donate one to the observatory if asked, they seem to be quite generous in their support of serious organizations and users

Thanks again