The Viewlex company pioneered planetarium automation technology beginning in the late 60's using a synchronized tape method devised for the Goto projector. "Canned" programs could be played by astronomically challenged school teachers to go along with a standardized curriculum. Apparently the system did not prove to be as reliable as advertised and Viewlex soon went out of business.  Ash Enterprises specializes in refurbishing these existing machines with completely modernized electronic controls, including an option to provide automation via a PC interface and software available from Sky-Skan, a world renowned planetarium support company.  The Wilderness Center's projector will be interface-ready but for the time being there are no plans to seek full automation of our programs.

Look at the links below for vintage ads from Sky and Telescope magazine found by Dave Ross and John Waechter. Use your browser's back button to return.

Projector1  55KB jpg

Projector 2  165KB jpg

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Last updated June 16, 2001 by Dave Ross