Cable Confusion

[SteveNickolls]

Hi, I have a Skywatcher Merlin mount using ‘Synscan AZ’. I would like to connect this mount up to my laptop running Win XP 32-bit O/S and control the mount using Stellarium. The kit came with a RJ11 to Serial cable to connect the handset (mine is version 3.08) to a computer serial port. Alas my laptop does not have a serial port and I am getting confused over the right cable I need to connect between the computer and the handset. I am also really confused as to whether, even with the right cable, I would need any additional software to allow communication with Stellarium.

I would really appreciate a layman’s guide to what cable and any additional software I would need to do this.

Thanks in advance.

Steve.

[Pyrodave]

Hi Steve the cable you need is a usb to serial adaptor http://www.amazon.co...erial converter

if you search youtube there are tutorials that show you how to do it here is one

Hope this helps

[SteveNickolls]

Hi Dave, Thank you so much for this, I was getting all confused over the right cable etc :-) I will order one tonight. Unfortunately the Youtube link doesn't appear - could I trouble you for a url? Best wishes, Steve

[Pyrodave]

Thats strange it appears as a video on my screen probably easier if you type "connecting telescope to stellarium" in the search window on youtube there are quite a few

[Pyrodave]

Another thought this new cable should allow you to upgtade the synscan firmware on your handset

[SteveNickolls]

Thanks again Dave. Have ordered the cable and watched two videos. Will see how things go in a couple of days. Cheers, Steve

[SteveNickolls]

Hi and thanks Dave, I have been able to do a dry run using Stellarium to control my mount using the cable you pointed me to. It feels so empowering! Just need those dark clear skies now to have a proper go. Thanks once more.

Cheers,

Steve

[Pyrodave]

Hi Steve

no probs glad you got it sorted