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Computerized Spotting Scopes?

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garrettmw View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote garrettmw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Computerized Spotting Scopes?
    Posted: November/21/2021 at 06:08
I'm in the market for a computerized/remote controlled spotting scope, but for all my Googling and Amazoning, I've come up dry. Seems there's no shortage of computerized telescopes, but I have yet to find a single digital spotting scope. Specifically, I mean a scope whose zoom, focus, and position can be controlled either by remote control or by software.

Are these a thing? Or are motorized telescopes my only option? If the latter, are telescopes a decent option for the field? Or does the lack of control over power and focus render them impractical for anything closer than say, a moon?

Thanks
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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2021 at 07:29
No there are no computer and remotely controlled spotting scopes and I doubt that there will be any soon because people who use them actually want to be there (most of the time).. 
Computerized telescopes are not sufficiently rugged for the field. I have seen a few simple, high quality telescopes used by birders, probably not waterproof.
Your description of intended use and function is performed by high tech surveillance cameras like those used by military and police. 
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garrettmw View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote garrettmw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2021 at 09:12
Originally posted by anweis anweis wrote:

No there are no computer and remotely controlled spotting scopes and I doubt that there will be any soon because people who use them actually want to be there (most of the time).. 
Computerized telescopes are not sufficiently rugged for the field. I have seen a few simple, high quality telescopes used by birders, probably not waterproof.
Your description of intended use and function is performed by high tech surveillance cameras like those used by military and police. 


I'm not interested in "remote" as in I want to control it remotely from another location. I just mean I want the ability to control it with a remote control as opposed to with my hands. I feel like tapping a button is a heck of a lot more precise than swiveling the thing with my hands. And at the range, I wouldn't have to change positions to adjust it. I could just tappy tap while in prone position and go right back to shooting.

Yeah I had somebody in another forum recommend the camera thing as well, but for my purposes I don't think it'd fit the bill. Like you said, not very portable or rugged, and I imagine the zoom feature is minimal, and image quality reduced compared to a good scope.
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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2021 at 12:00
get a shooting budy to serve as spotter. 
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garrettmw View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote garrettmw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2021 at 12:22
Originally posted by anweis anweis wrote:

get a shooting budy to serve as spotter. 


so helpful.
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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2021 at 13:34
Get a shooting budy to serve as spotter because for target shooting a motorized electronic spotting scope will not make any difference. The sccope would be focused and pointed at the target and you would have to look at it anyway and "break position".
They do make cameras that are good for that, with a display screen next to you, they make cameras that can attach in place or on top of the eyepiece of a spotting scope,  and they make electronic target reading/screen display systems like the ones used at the Olympic games. I used one many years ago on a 300 meter range and I had a screen next to me. I was impressed, but I still prefer a spotter partner, if for no other reason, to poke fun at each other. 
Either way, remote control electronic focus spotting scope is not the answer for what you mention, and, frankly, a solution for a problem that dies not exist. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2021 at 14:16
The range I use has a computerized (viewing tablet and acoustic target ) system for targets from 100 to 1000 yards that is quite good.  It automatically calculates group size and position from dead center.  I've physically measured the groups and distances and can find no measurable difference.  The tablet takes a little getting used to... matter of minutes...  Faster than a "spotter" and accurate.  If you have large misses, you might exceed the acoustic FOV of the reference system, but I've not experienced that.  The tablet is small enough to allow for the use you describe and is clear and well focused.  
I'm actually soon going to set this system up for my range on my property.  
A spotter can provide "ego realignment...positive and negative... that the electronic system does not.  
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
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