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So in a nutshell you can't use Skywatchers Wifi and Synscan app with IOS(1x) if using Sky Safari. Brilliant many thanks for the info

So does that mean ,on the AZGTI, Skywire gives you the "Serial" link that the Synscan App can use instead of a network connection - but you connect serial(RS232) Skywire into the Handset serial port and then connect the normal handset to mount cable. I.E. Wired not wireless ??????

https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/115007331587-Skywatcher-AZ-GTi-Synscan-on-iOS-with-skySafari-5-Pro I think the problem is Sky Watcher and SKY Safari are talking - bit of a mix up I think reading the above thread or maybe the Sky Watcher hits there own product and they are a bit miffed

Where you put it - always a good one. I dont know either but maybe Apple dont support ADHOC networks or UDP for "Security Reasons" - would be interested from purely a techie reason as the Skywatcher WIFI adapter gets its power from the mount !!!!!!! But I don't used Apples so no clue as it would have to present TTL UART circuits. Not seen any info anywhere on the HOW ???? Or it could be when using Sky Safari only as Itunes doesn't mention anything about 2 adapters

I think you will find that for some reason best known to Apple you need 2 Sky watcher Wifi adapters when using an Ipad and Sky Safari - Not done this myself but i am reliable informed by someone who tests these items out! Unless this is wrong now as something has changed! Plus I seem to remember ,must be 3yrs ago since last used an handset , but by pressing ESC ESC you could realign an object and so not have to start realignment again -Again 3yrs since last used so might be wrong. Clear Skies!

Oh I forgot Clear Skies

"With this script you end up with a usable system that will capture images and control most of the astro equipment on the market." - well so long as you don't use a DSLR for long exposures (> 20secs) and its a Canon (some work many don't). Indi project has made progress but with regards to Canon DSLR control its still very backward/inconsistent when compared to Windows/Apple. A pity really because Ascom/Eqmod (i.e. Microsoft ) are sill living in the stone age with serial interfaces on a single Microsoft PC- I use them before you moan or shout at me! Oh,suggestion, try using CDC(using Indi connection via CDC telescope set up) instead of KSTARS on Windows (no need for VM or 64bit) runs faster and the Indi interface is more logically laid out - you will still need Indiserver running on RPI3 to control CCD/Mount etc and you will still have the problems but you get them faster LOL Oh and watch out Ubuntu Mate 16.04 users on older laptops - it seems to cause over heating and then shuts itself down - problems with fan control it seems. I will climb back under my rock till next Xmas .

Excellent video containing very good points summarised very well - IMHO dont think there is anything else to say about the product.

I thought this thread was about the Unistella evscope and its "potential" ,not about being "Lord and mighty" and selfish comments on fellow Astronomers(or Non) who are learning their "trade". Its comments like this that put off "newbies" joining our hobby or threads. I for one didn't know about many objects outside the Moon/Plough etc when I first started and I admit that Planetarium software,Goto's ,Platesolving and learning have helped me expand my horizons into this vast subject. Just as reading threads by Martin Meredith,Dom etc promote ideas and encourage people to look further than he Moon and in different ways (e.g. EAA / Video Astro) So less of the swipes at less knowledgeable etc and promote the hobby by being a good ambassador. I think you are correct TSRobot - hang fire and hope.

Don't think they are doing it for the love of Astronomy(oh cynical me !). Again we shall see when he "final" version comes out. Will the Chinese kit manufacturers's respond before it comes out !

"but you still have to have something to replace it with or just be down until you get it fixed." - but that's the point - specialist hardware is harder(and more expensive) to replace or repair - e.g. Apple kit. In a word flexibility! Components you have "added" yourself ,usually means you can replace easily and quickly - even if they have not broken down but they may have just become obsolete - without having to replace all the kit(maybe) as its not "compatible" or some other excuse! Shirva(Davy) is right its the "Emperors new clothes" syndrome but hell its your money - hope it turns out great. Me I like to be one step behind "The best thing since slice bread" especially in tech. Clear Skies

IMHO As far as I know (read) they are only just brining a "prototype" out in November. What they have shown looks ,on paper, very good. However that's a sales pitch - I believe in hard facts (not sales and Marketing - hey the Titanic was unsinkable and Diesel cars are clean!) and perhaps some brave person on SGL purchasing one and giving us a proper "First Light" review. As you say is it just existing tech repackaged (i.e. normal commercially available) or something new time will tell. Things do tend to move quite fast in tech.

A beautiful piece of work - I did something similar but ditched the magnets as they were not accurate enough and had too many holes to drill accurately(No CNC ). With advice and help from Robert Brown ,AKA FocuserPro, I switched to light detection resistors(LDR's), led's(2) and only 6 holes(on a 5 filter wheel 1 row of 5 ,1 row of 1 for "home" ). The software auto seeks home and then auto seeks the number of filter wheels on power up - allowing for 3 to 9 filter wheels to be used. Nothing as beautifully made as your set up - good luck and clear skies.

Also this site http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/ligcon.html#c1 At least you tried. Where's an optician when you want one. I notice on CN that there was also talk on why no competitive alternatives to Hyperstar are around - seems a guy at Starizona (who sell Hyperstar) owns the patent to the idea (Dont know if he bought it from Celestron Faster idea or his is different enough to be allowed a patent. I was once told by a good teacher "don't be a sheep but always question what everyone assumes to be true even though 99/100 times they will be right and you will be ridiculed - the 1/100 will be worth it". Again Don thanks for the time you've spent on this subject.

Thanks for trying !

Go for the Obsys - I made my own using an old scaffolding tower , tin shed, corr sheets and OSB3 - now takes me 10mins to set up , roll off the roof and off I go - best investment I ever made. Also at the same time extended my wired Ethernet so all now remote (AND WARM ). Now saving for better scope or Hyperstar or camera or this and that (list endless ) but still having fun ! Perhaps someone will convert the Funstar with a corrective lens to help the SA but cheaper than the Hyperstar - or the pound will go mad and jump to £1 to $2.40 and HM R & C wont look at my "gift" from my American cousin in CA

I did say that it wouldn't be "Hyperstar quality" - but what would you expect for $99 - As you say we will see when people like Don ,experienced with Hyperstar,reports back.

I know a number of you post on CN and I have read the details there about this alternative Hyperstar (cost vs quality) called the "Funstar" . install https://www.revolutionimager.com/collections/products/products/funstar-sct-adapter link to CN discussion https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/573637-inexpensive-alternative-to-fastar/ I appreciate the "quality" of the images would be far worse but could this be useful to EAA without spending mega bucks ? I am assuming the Lodestar would be usable in the Funstar ? I will certainly keep an eye on the feed back !

You must not do the change yourself - I am a great believer in "you made it , it doesn't work , you fix it" - I am partly dismayed at the way this UK company is behaving. The customer always comes first and there should have been no quibble just a "we will send you another straight away - sir". Sorry but the "here's how to fix it" approach is a sign of a lazy company - How about doing some QA testing or changing your QA as it clearly isn't working as 2 people (at least) have had the same problem. Sorry for the rant but this kind of attitude by a UK(or any other country) company does make my blood boil. Starlight Express these gentleman are advertising your product (I presume for free) by using them and Starlight should recognise this else they will be history - Sort it Starlight Xpress Ltd - I will now climb back under my rock - thank you.

And of course the Lodestar x2 is cheaper - you could have a colour (sorry Color :-) ) and a mono for nearly the same price!IMHO The other point is the software updates - they come thick and fast from PAul81 - not sure the update frequency of the Atik but then they have other models to support.

I am going to get shot at for saying this but whatever ! IMHO There are Astronomers who use photographer to gain further knowledge of the sky(For me that's EAA / Video astronomy) and Photographers( Artists even) who use Astronomy for beautiful pictures. I just find it sad that it seems to me that the latter are missing a great deal and although EAA video's are not art gallery stuff they show the wonders of space in minutes not hours which for me is why I do astronomy. Plus being able to see images appear as in EAA,IMO,is fascinating and exciting (Sad eh!). There are a few I admit that are lucky enough to be able to do both either by skill,their location or both etc - PS not me. Maybe people should look more closely at what they are aiming for before jumping into something but there again there's no harm in trying I guess - except to the "pocket". OK throw your stones . Jorman at least you tried it and good luck and clear skies for the future.

You have made a man very happy - didn't get my Flying Scotchman but you pinned the guide - A very big thank you

Hello Mr/Mrs nice ,wonderful, hard working moderators any chance this can be "pinned" so that it stays at the top of the forum? Not being sarcastic just trying to ask nicely as my mum said ask nicely and you might get what you want - never did get the Hornby Flying Scotsman.

Erm Moderators - isn't it time that VA had some sub folders marked for Guides,Tips etc UNDER VA. I know some exist else where but it would be nice to get to it quickly in the area of interest VA'a are most interested in. It would be a shame to loose this user manual amongst all the other waffling(albeit very good waffling).

If I was Lodestar marketing I would be giving Paul(LL fame) free loan camera's before they get released so that he could be ready for there release. I would also by paying him a retainer. Reason ,I would imagine, that a lot of sales of the Lodestar and future family are/could be based on Paul's work alone. The camera(s) maybe good but its the software that make them come alive. Think I am right in saying his mount is in for fixing - maybe as a gesture Lodestar could pay for that too . Otherwise they are missing an opportunity to out gun other manufactures - IMHO I do not even own a Lodestar - yet!