Hi,
My first post. I have been enjoying astronomy for a couple of years, with myself and the kids, and ready to move to remote control of one or both telescopes I currently own. I plan to upgrade them but for the moment this is what I have.
I realise the advice I am asking for is for two different mounts. I appreciate therefore, that it will be different and also the same, so I thought I would ask for both at the same time. Aplogies!
Celestron SLT127
Nexstar controller with serial port in the bottom, i dont know which model controller...
AUX port on side of the mount
SLT 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
Meade LXD55
Autostar controller, with serial port in the bottom - not sure which one, i think it is 497
AUX port on side of the mount
8" (200mm) Schmidt Newtonian Reflector
Computer
Ah i need to buy one....so that may be a factor in the answers below (i.e what to buy!)
I would like to connect them (either/or) to a computer just to have some fun with. I would like to control the mounts if I can, and would also like to fit a webcam for viewing, Basically so I have a fully remote scope which I can set up in the garden and then retire inside. I realise that it is only really suitable for the moon and planets, but thats ok for now. This will work well in the colder months (i.e jan/feb) with the kids, who have so far really enjoy it, but not missing the wow factor. I think being able to take some footage and maybe stack/compile some images will bring that (bigger scopes too one day!)
My starting questions are
Should I have a crack at getting them operationally remotely, or should I really start with newer mounts?
What is better - bluetooth or WIFI? I realise that 232 is still at the heart of it?
That said are RS232 cables the way to go and I forget about trying to use bluetooth or WIFI
I think I can use the AUX to control the SLT, even with no hand controller, but that this will not work on the LXD55, and that must have a working hand controller
In terms of the computer, i guess this will depend on the answers. Do i search out a RS232 computer, or will the USB to RS232 work without too much hassle.
Any particular operating system (i.e Win 10?)
Software.....something for the webcam, and of course some astronomy software....!
If it all seems reasonable, then what is the easiest starting point? I am an engineer, and I can do fiddly things, but it is all a little new to me in terms of the technology. So im not sure I want to jump straight into a full blown homebrew build unless that is the only way for reliability.
Any experience or advice, I am all ears. I am based in Cornwall, UK, so any links to things that are a proven path to work (to buy) then go for it!
P.S
Long term I would like a 12 - 14" scope for other objects for now, I figure its better to maximise what I have.
P.P.S
Ideally i would run both mounts, maybe not at the same time, but maybe.....I have two kids and they both want a go plus me, at the same time!