stev74

Rather than starting a new thread I was wondering if this info is still correct and the best way to connect to android.

My obsey pc has died again and connecting to a tablet would be a good solution.

Looking at the price of the bt serial adapters is it better to buy skybt and are there any uk stockists?

Any current info would be good as Google is not helping much at the moment.

Yes everything is the same just follow the most recent info with regards not needing the null modem and you should be fine. There are UK stockists but since I bought mine they seem to have doubled in price worth a Google search though just in case or order from overseas.

BTW my setup is still working flawlessly after all this time.

Rather than starting a new thread I was wondering if this info is still correct and the best way to connect to android.

My obsey pc has died again and connecting to a tablet would be a good solution.

Looking at the price of the bt serial adapters is it better to buy skybt and are there any uk stockists?

Any current info would be good as Google is not helping much at the moment.

Only just read this thread - really interesting.

Probably a daft question, but I assume it's not possible to use this method or similar to get a GOTO to track a satellite during a visible pass?

Obviously you could get it to move the scope to where the satellite will be and then try manually tracking when it comes into the field of view, but it would be cool if the software could make the scope slew to match the satellite's apparent path across the sky!

Suspect that's a step too far though in terms of accuracy / real-time control required?,

Gav, yes you are right in assuming you can't track objects such as satellites or the ISS with Sky Safari unfortunately (as far as I know) although it will take to you to or slightly ahead of an object like that so you maybe able to track them manually from there. I do believe there are a couple of programs that will track satellites, the ISS and even aircraft but as far as I know they are only compatible with certain Meade or Celestron mounts and they also need to be connected to a laptop and although there is a basic free version you'd be paying a few hundred dollars for that capability.

Hi guys,

I had one of these which i got off ebay many years ago, can i use THIS? or must i use the suggested item from other post?

Yes that one should be fine, certainly worth trying as you only need the USB to RS232 once to change the Baude rate of your Bluetooth adapter to 9600bps (via a laptop or PC) and once it's set you don't need to change it again. 

I'd like to say a big thank you to Steve at FLO for customers service and a very kind donation!! 

I've been organising an BBC Stargazing Live partnered event at a local primary school over the last few months - as well as booking a mobile planetarium, asking members of my observing group (Central Scotland Observers Group) to bring along their telescopes, I thought an astronomy raffle with the top prize being a telescope would be a great way to promote our hobby and raise funds for the school.

I decided to order a Skywatcher Heritage 76 mini dobsonian as it is a perfect first scope for children at primary school age, unfortunately when I first went to order one (Jan 7th) they weren't in stock so I emailed FLO and Steve replied very quickly and told me the mini dobs were estimated to be due in soon hopefully in about 2 weeks. Steve answered all my emails promptly, gave regular updates on when the scope was due and as soon as FLO had them in stock I was emailed again and a member of my observing group placed the order as he'd offered to donate the scope through his business - it arrived a couple of days before the event and then took pride of place on the raffle table on the night.

I also enquired about the Astromedia model kits FLO sells as I thought those would also be ideal as runner up prizes as it's something the kids could build and also end up with a working telescope. Steve agreed that with some adult supervision the kits would be ideal - I'd told him the order was for a raffle and the money made would go to the school for science related resources for the kids so he very kindly offered to donated some of the kits free of charge!

I should have realised it would have been more than just couple of the smaller kits (which I would have been more than happy with!!) when I opened the box there was 5 kits, mostly the bigger ones!!

The evening was a great success and we even got nearly an hour of clear skies so everyone got to look through the scopes. Due to Steve's (FLO) generosity it meant that the raffle was even more popular so we took more money in on the night which made it possible to pay for an extra 30min session in the Glasgow Uni’s mobile planetarium for a further 25 kids and parents (100 in total got to see the planetarium show on the night) as well as raising funds for the school. The Headteacher has confirmed the money raised has been allocated to the primary 6 classes to add extra resources to compliment their ‘Space’ topic.

Steve 

I was using Sky safari at Kielder also. used it to find the comet with my C11. 

Yeah Sky Safari really shines when finding/observing transient near earth object and comets as most of the handsets don't have them included. 

I managed to starhop to ison at kielder but I think steve missed his chance ..... even with goto the clouds still get in the way now and then!!!!

Cheers

You're right, clouds and due to where my scope was set up (trees) I never got to see Ison through my own scope although I did through my mates 16" SW on the Sunday through a gap in the trees.... it was a pain to input the coordinates manually into his handset though. I did however see comet Lovejoy through my scope using Sky Safari and thought it was much more impressive to view as it was a lot brighter! 

Hi steve,

I think I was camped next to you at kielder in november with my lightbridge.

I was really impressed with the wireles control you had set up and see it working using your phone and its great to see the detailed description of what is needed to get the system working.

its just a shame my lightbridge doesn't have the same option, although im currently fitting a pushto system which will be a reasonable compromise.

great thread by the way,

cheers

Yes that was me, nice to hear from you - it was a great weekend with incredibly dark skies!! 

Yeah once you get the Bluetooth setup and run Sky Safari to control your scope it makes an amazing difference to an observing session and it's so much more user friendly than a goto handset. Good luck with your pushto system - Sky Safari would still be a help with that as it has all the celestial coordinates of each object in it's database and as it's downloaded to your phone/tablet you don't need a phone signal unlike some of the other planetarium apps. It really is a great observing aid either way. 

Sorry folks I've managed to drop the ball so to speak on this thread (luckily others have picked it up!!  ), it's nice to see the tutorial I did has be useful to a few of you!! 

@Johno - Change it from M (Master) to S (Slave) on the front of the adapter as it needs to be in slave mode. Also you need to switch on Bluetooth on your Nexus 7 and then search for BT devices once it finds the BT adapter you need to enter the default code '1234' to pair the devices (you only need to do this once). Like Jamie I'm a bit confused as to what you mean by Skyfi box as you should only have - BT adapter to 9 Pin Male/Male to Null Modem (this looks like it's now optional as others have got it working without it) to RS232 Serial cable to RJ12 port on SynScan Hand controller.

@Jamie - I use this adapter to power the BT adapter now instead of the battery pack pictured in the tutorial, basically it'll work from any 12v battery that has a female cigarette connection built in or attached - it works a treat every time and it's cheap to buy. 

Yeah like I said I think I would of made a different choice had I known, a cheap version like you said astro, isnt that much of a job to collimate the things afterall

Sorry but the point is that it's collimated in the factory so you don't have to, FLO sell it and they don't sell the cheap collimators because you have to colimate them yourself, I have one of the Baader Mark III's and once I collimate the scope with the laser the star test is always perfect. Obviously if you are using a 2" and 1.25" adapter that uses thumb screws you will always have issues collimating but for visual I wouldn't worry too much as long as the star test is fairly good. I have a 2" Badder click lock adapter and an 1.25" Orion Self Centering adapter so each time I use the Badder laser it's perfectly centered, the other option is the Hotech because it comes with a self centering adapter built in but then you still have to use thumb screws on your eyepieces so the way I looked at it I was killing two birds with one stone if you know what I mean buying the adapters as well, the laser is definitely centred and my EP's are protected from thumbscrew marks .

have a look for "rolsom load straps" .that are a webbing strap Velcro fixing and a Handel built in to them .fitted then just below the finder bracket .good for carrying the ota and for moving the scope in use .I had 7of them but all . gone to other members S/Wales S G L wI'll post a pic when h

This is what I use, as well here's a link - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/rolson-adjustable-carrying-lifting-aid-strap-cushion-grip-/160896105020?pt=UK_Lifting_Moving_Equipment&hash=item257627ba3c

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RIP Patrick.

You inspired me when I was younger and countless others to look up, your enthusiasm and passion for astronomy has been boundless. I have tried to pass on your enthusiasm for the subject to my kids and many others when I've done outreach at their school, I hope you realised how many people you have inspired over the years..... thank you Sir.

Hi,

If someone could confirm that the bluetooth devices mentioned above work as expected (e.g. directional arrows move the scope, GOTO actually works) - with SW or Celestron hardware. I do realize that Southern Stars indicate they only support a few devices that are expensive (> £80 ) and hard to come by (http://www.southerns...pe_control.html). It seems the devices mentioned in this post are not supported?! However, it also seems that SW owners are a bit luckier than Celestron ones as it is possible the drivers are more forgiving. I cannot get the GOTO to do anything.

Hi rodrigol,

I can confirm that the BT device that I link to above does work as expected and was originally on the recommended devices on the Southern Stars website (USConverters Serial Bluetooth RS232 Adapter) that's why I bought one in the first place, for some reason it's now not.... strange.

I've only used the BT adapter with my Skywatcher though so I'm not saying that there might not be issues with other scope brands. Saying that the fact that you have connected to the scope through the BT adapter even if it's not working as expected is still a good thing as it might just mean you have a setting wrong.

If you can answer a few questions hopefully we can get your issue sorted.

Have you tried it with the CPC yet and is it working with full goto or are you having the same issue?

Are you going through your normal goto alignment with the SLT until you get 'alignment successful' before you try and connect the BT adapter and Sky Safari?

On Sky Safari what scope and mount settings are you using?

Worst case, although I don't have a Celestron scope my mate has one - 127 Mak on a Alt/Az goto mount so if we still can't get it sorted I can try out the setup on his scope to see if I get similar issue.

Cheers

Hey mate

Nice job, looks good there...

Hi Martin,

Sorry just noticed your reply..... thanks, yeah it did take a while but I've now got your old dob working wirelessly, the scope really has given me some amazing views and now the GoTo is so much more user friendly using Sky Safari!!

With the darker skies pretty much here hopefully I get a chance to get out more with it - if I'm heading out locally I'll give you a shout sometime mate.

Cheers

Ok as promised here's a list of the hardware that you will need and some info on how to control your telescope wirelessly with Bluetooth from the Android version of Sky Safari.

Hardware links

Bluetooth Adapter - http://www.ebay.co.u...dd#ht_756wt_932

USB to RS232 - http://www.amazon.co...ils_o06_s00_i00

RS232 Serial Null Modem Adapter - http://www.amazon.co...ils_o00_s00_i00

9 Pin Male/Male Serial RS232 Gender Changer Adapter - http://www.amazon.co...ils_o01_s00_i00

RS232 Serial Cable - I don't have a link for this as I used the SW RS232 cable that came with the scope (although I think FLO and other dealers sell these separately if you don't have one).

Software Links

Sky Safari plus or pro for your Android device (mobile/tablet) - http://www.southerns...roid/index.html

Hyper Terminal - This program was already on my older XP laptop, if you have an older computer just search in programs and you should find it. It wasn't on my Vista PC and I don't believe it's on Win7 either.

Alternatives to Hyper Terminal if you don't have it already - http://www.usconvert...id=15&chapter=0

In the Tools and Diagnostics Software section on the above link you will find downloads for Tera Term and Putty which are Terminal software alternatives.

Instructions

First connect the Bluetooth adapter to your PC with the USB to RS232 cable and open Hyper Terminal (or alternative software) set the baud rate on HT to 19200bps so it can can 'talk' to the BT adapter as that's its default baud rate. Then change the baud rate of the BT adapter to 9600bps, you can then disconnect and change the baud rate on HT to 9600bps and reconnect to check if you have been successful.

This You tube vid will talk you through the process -

Next you need to connect all the hardware and switch on the BT adapter -

BT adapter to 9 Pin Male/Male to Null Modem to RS232 Serial cable to RJ12 port on SynScan Hand control. Here's a couple of pics (sorry not great quality) so you can see it all connected up, it's all held on with velcro. Notice the flashing lights on the BT adapter I plan on covering them with some black electrical tape before I go to any star parties as they are quite bright in the dark!!

Untitled by stev74, on Flickr

Untitled by stev74, on Flickr

Then switch on the hand controller and go through your usual set up - location, time etc and alignment procedure until you get a 'successful alignment'.

On your Android device switch on Bluetooth load Sky Safari Plus or Pro select - setting > telescope set up > Equipment Selection > set for your own equipment, for me it's SkyWatcher SynScan and Alt-Azimuth GoTo > Connect via Bluetooth.

Come out of the settings and select - scope > Connect and after 30 secs or so you should here a ping and your android device will say connected. The first time you get it working it's a great feeling and it really is very easy to use out in the field!!

Hopefully this info has been of some help, feel free to post any questions or PM me for more details.

Cheers

Hello,Steve

How do you think about this RS232 bluetooth Serial adapter? The price is around 26usd/pcs

http://szraybo.en.al...al_adaptor.html

Have you useing this adapter before?

Regards

Steven

Hi Steven,

I haven't used the adapter that you have linked to but it does look very similar to the one I bought, the most important thing that you need to do is change the baud rate from the adapter default setting which is 19200bps to 9600bps so it can then 'talk' to the SkySafari app.

You will also need a few other bits of hardware to make it possible as well, all of which I bought from either Ebay or Amazon in the UK but I'm sure you would be able to source them locally.

I will post a full write up with all the info I have in the thread as soon as I can for everyone.

No, it does not, works just as well with Android.

Would it be possible svelo for you to elaborate on that statment please?

I am only going on the advice from Southerns Stars own website -

Unfortunately, Google has chosen to disable support for Ad Hoc WiFi networks, such as generated by our SkyFi wireless adapter, by default in the standard Android OS. You can enable Ad Hoc WiFi network support on your Android device, but you'll have to root the device to do it. Alternately, you can join both SkyFi and your Android device to an infrastructure WiFi network, such as provided by a typical home router - but then you'll need to carry that router with you, and find a way to power it, when you go to your remote observing site.

So do you carry around a home router with you or have you rooted an Ad Hoc device?

The other point would be you are still looking at about £100 for the Southern Star WiFi dongle where as a Bluetooth adapter is about £25?

As I still have more questions than answers any further advice from yourself or anyone else would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Thanks Jamie, I'll see if I can find the Yahoo group.

Cheers

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Thanks for the update Rob, would it be possible to post links to what you have had to buy please?

Also some info on why you need each part would be amazing, obviously we all know we need the Bluetooth adapter but not everyone will know about the other bits.

Thanks

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Hi guyz, I have just bought Sky Safari pro for my samsung galaxy tab 10.1 and have also bought this bluetooth adapter below, will let you know if I can get it to work with my CPC 800.

Wish me luck

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

Good luck!!

Please let us now how you get on, it would be great if that adapter works......

I had looked at similar items but I wasn't sure if they would attach to the scopes GoTo or whether they would need another adapter as well.

Is this suitable?

SkyFi Wireless Telescope Control System - Telescopes UK: Telescopes & Telescope Accessories in your only London shop

Thanks for the info Astroegg but unfortunately the SkyFi only works with Sky Safari and Apple products like iPads.

I was hoping someone could shed some more light on this statement on the Sky Safari website -

How about telescope control?

Yes! SkySafari for Android supports telescope control, both via Wi-Fi and bluetooth. Unfortunately, Google has chosen to disable support for Ad Hoc WiFi networks, such as generated by our SkyFi wireless adapter, by default in the standard Android OS. You can enable Ad Hoc WiFi network support on your Android device, but you'll have to root the device to do it. Alternately, you can join both SkyFi and your Android device to an infrastructure WiFi network, such as provided by a typical home router - but then you'll need to carry that router with you, and find a way to power it, when you go to your remote observing site.

As a result, we've also decided to offer telescope control in SkySafari for Android via bluetooth. This is something that isn't possible with iOS devices due to Apple restrictions. Initially, SkySafari for Android will support the Starry Night BlueStar bluetooth serial adapter. We can't offer support for every third-party bluetooth serial adapter on the market, but we've programmed SkySafari to use standard Bluetooth Android interfaces, so most should work. If you can configure your bluetooth adapter to control your telescope from a Mac or PC, it will probably work with SkySafari for Android. But we are not going to "officially" support this, or help you troubleshoot it, unless it's a BlueStar, and you already successfully used it with a Mac or PC.

We may offer our own bluetooth serial adapter for Android devices in the future, but this is not yet 100% certain.

I have recently bought a 300P GoTo Dob and I'm finding the handset a bit of a pain to use, it's not very user friendly. So I'm thinking of buying Sky Safari plus or pro and using a bluetooth adapter to control the scope from my android phone (HTC Desire HD).

Can anyone recommend a bluetooth adapter that will work?

It appears that you can use any adapter that works with a PC to control your scope but as I've not tried that either, I'm not sure exactly what I need. So if anyone can give me a link to a reasonably priced adapter and/or any further info that would be great.

Cheers

I ordered a webcam adapter in the early hours of Friday and it arrived on Saturday morning, it also includeded a free eyepiece cap (while stocks last).

Hassle free and quick service, thanks again to the team at FLO.

I got the Maplins case too, great value. I cut the foam so the EP's are long ways then added half the foam back in. I think some of the EP sets you buy have them standing on end which means you can get more in. It just doesn't look as good though!!

I've just added a UHC Filter and a Variable Polarizing Moon Filter (top right). 5 EP's all bought secondhand (half price), red LED torch and red LED headlight. The gap on the left did have the SW barlow that came with my scope which I've sold. Hoping to replace it with a better one when funds permit and maybe squeeze in an ortho or two for planetary viewing.

I pretty much have everything I need in one box and I'm quite happy with my first upgrade of EP's. Still, looking at some of the other boxes, maybe that's what my 2nd or 3rd upgrade will look like!!