Can you extend Supatrak handcontrol cable

[beamer3.6m]

I want to use the Supatrak from a distance longer than the current hand controller cable.

Can this be extended and if so how?

The reason is that I attach my PC via a webcam to the scope which I have in the garage, a few metres away. It would be easier if I could control the scope from that distance too.

I have found a way to auto focus from that distance its just the moving of the scope.

Cheers.

[lukebl]

Presumably you mean the cable from the mount to the Synscan handset? If so, the answer is yes. I have a 3m extension cable with mine, and it works fine. I think I used a simple network cable extension from Maplin.

[beamer3.6m]

Thanks, but is this the same for the supatrak handset, ie not goto.

[Psychobilly]

6 pin or 8 pin plug?

[Cornelius Varley]

The Supatrak uses a different cable to the Synscan handsets and the cable is fixed at the handset end. It is possible to control the Supatrak mount from a computer. There is this thread http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-discussion/128345-skywatcher-synscan-goto-question.html. The interface replaces the handset and can be linked to a USB/serial adaptor or a bluetooth serial dongle for wireless control. You could also try making an extension lead with a plug and socket (RJ11 I think) and a suitable length of cable.

Peter

[beamer3.6m]

I thought it might be 'fixed' to the handset so an extension would need to be between the handset current cable and the mount.

Does anyone know what type of cable and also the varies adapter/ends (RJxx) that would be required.

[Cornelius Varley]

The cable has 6 wires and the plug is 6P6C RJ12.

Peter

[Psychobilly]

If your looking for an extension make sure its not the RJ11 which uses the "same" plug with the two outer connections removed so only has 4 conductors...

Difference Between RJ11 and RJ12 | Difference Between | RJ11 vs RJ12

I entended a Meade autostar using one of these

http://www.maplin.co.uk/rj12-6p6c-coupler-24633

And a RJ12-RJ12 cable...