jon1000 Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Hi, still new to this and sorry for all the questions.I have a synscan goto 130p and bought the RS232 cable converter so I can plug my unit in to a usb port on my laptop, I would like to know some software I can use to contol my telescope. I have just downloaded stellarium form my laptop but not sure how to get it to work or if it will work with it. What software is best for this?thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikea Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Latest version of Stellarium will work without anything else. Just check that your pc has recognised the new converter and it should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squagnut Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 If you're not using Stellarium (it's not my favourite, but it is a simple all-in-one solution), you can download ASCOM software, which is an industry-standard interface between computer control software and telescope hardware. All software listed here is free, and isn't that much bother to install.You'll need the ASCOM platform - on this page, and a driver for your mount. SynScan mounts use a Celestron driver, so get that from this page. This software runs in the background ...... but you'll want some planetarium software to make it work. Cartes du Ciel is a pretty good one, from here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Latest version of Stellarium will work without anything else. Just check that your pc has recognised the new converter and it should be fine.How will I know if it recognised it? I just tried to get it to work and set it up in stellarium. in options i choose synscan ver 3.0 or later but it always says stopped.I pressed ctrl and 1 (the number of the telescope) but it still winn not move it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 If you're not using Stellarium (it's not my favourite, but it is a simple all-in-one solution), you can download ASCOM software, which is an industry-standard interface between computer control software and telescope hardware. All software listed here is free, and isn't that much bother to install.You'll need the ASCOM platform - on this page, and a driver for your mount. SynScan mounts use a Celestron driver, so get that from this page. This software runs in the background ...... but you'll want some planetarium software to make it work. Cartes du Ciel is a pretty good one, from here.Thank you for this, very much appriciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikea Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 How will I know if it recognised it? I just tried to get it to work and set it up in stellarium. in options i choose synscan ver 3.0 or later but it always says stopped.I pressed ctrl and 1 (the number of the telescope) but it still winn not move it.When you first plugged the USB cable into your pc did you get a "found new hardware" message? The adapter should show up in hardware manager (Start, Computer, System Properties, etc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 How will I know if it recognised it? I just tried to get it to work and set it up in stellarium. in options i choose synscan ver 3.0 or later but it always says stopped.I pressed ctrl and 1 (the number of the telescope) but it still winn not move it.Stellarium doesn't require the ASCOM platform to drive a mount, it has its own internl drivers or you can also select to use an external program such as Stellariumscope. Press F2 to go to the config options and then plugins. Select telescope control and press the run at startup button. Select configure and the Telescopes. Press ADD and then select "Stellarium directly through serial port" and "start/connect at startup". Change the com port number to the one windows has assigned your usb/serial adapter and select Skywatcher AZGOTO as your mount. Close down Stellarium and then restart, plug your mount into the computer.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Stellarium doesn't require the ASCOM platform to drive a mount, it has its own internl drivers or you can also select to use an external program such as Stellariumscope. Press F2 to go to the config options and then plugins. Select telescope control and press the run at startup button. Select configure and the Telescopes. Press ADD and then select "Stellarium directly through serial port" and "start/connect at startup". Change the com port number to the one windows has assigned your usb/serial adapter and select Skywatcher AZGOTO as your mount. Close down Stellarium and then restart, plug your mount into the computer.PeterHow do I know which port number was assigned? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 When you first plugged the USB cable into your pc did you get a "found new hardware" message? The adapter should show up in hardware manager (Start, Computer, System Properties, etc).yes, I think i just need to find the port number, any adeas on how to do this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Look under Device Manager. Then look under com / lpt ports. There should be a device listed in that section for your adapter.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil McRae Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 I use Stellarium, Stellarium Scope, the latest ASCOM drivers and EQMOD as well as the Keyspan software for the USB to serial adappter. If you are still having problems you can PM me.Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Still no luck, the cable will not get recognised. I guess it's not compatible with windows 7. I will try on my mac and if it works I know it's not a cable problem. The only problem would be that my mac is inside the house so would be pretty useless when it needs to be outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave750t Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 plug your mount into the computer.Plug the SynScan handset into the computer, don't try to connect the mount directly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Plug the SynScan handset into the computer, don't try to connect the mount directly.I missed that, typing too quickly and switching back and forth from Stellarium and internet. The handset should be plugged into the mount and the cable from the computer into the correct socket in the handset.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 That's what I did mate, i just don't think the wire is comparable with windows 7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemihaggis Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 it works with windows 7 just fine , have you downloaded the proper driver for the rs32 > usb converter ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 it works with windows 7 just fine , have you downloaded the proper driver for the rs32 > usb converter ? I will take a look now, just so you know, I bought the rs to USB cable from eBay for about £4, will that be the problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemihaggis Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 you might need a more expensive rs> usb with prolific drivers , ?? possibly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I will take a look now, just so you know, I bought the rs to USB cable from eBay for about £4, will that be the problem?Have yopu checked under Device Manager that the serial/usb adapter is present in the com port / lpt section ?Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildwood Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I bought a cheap converter from Amazon for £2.97 from a firm called Obozzo. I also run Windows 7. In the comments there is one mans explanation of how he configured this to run with windows 7 including a link to the file. I've followed his instructions and mine is recognised by Windows. If you think that this may help it is worth checking it out. Send me a PM if you need further help and I will check my laptop for the link if you do require it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Have yopu checked under Device Manager that the serial/usb adapter is present in the com port / lpt section ?PeterYeah it is there but error says code 10 can not start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Uninstall the device and then let windows find it again. When windows ask for the driver let it search for one on the internet, it may then find the driver.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mallorcasaint Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 It is often the case that a cheap USB/Serial will not work eeven if you use the Prolific drivers. It is to do with the circuit in the adaptor. The best idea is to buy the cable from Astronomiser Astronomiser - Automated Astronomy and AstroImaging Solutions Setial to USB convertor. This will work every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon1000 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Thanks for all the help on this, I got so much going on at the minute I just have not got enough time to do everything, I will get around to trying some of the suggestions. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil McRae Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 if it is any help to you I bought a Keyspan USB to Serial adapter and it works on my Vista and Windows 7 machines.Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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