EQ5 Skyscan upgrade kit... connection to laptop?

[BG]

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[Kaptain Klevtsov]

Some don't work, talk to Andy at Astronomiser as he guarantees that the ones he sells will work OK.

Kaptain Klevtsov

[steppenwolf]

Definitely only buy a USB to Serial adapter from an Astronomy source - as KK says, not all USB to RS232 adapters were born equal and there will be much frustration if you get this purchase wrong!! Rother Valley Optics also supply one that WILL work.

[BG]

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[steppenwolf]

Nope, no problem at all .... oh, except for voltage levels, requirement for opto-isolators to protect each piece of equipment etc. etc. .....

The two pieces of equipment are not compatible unfortunately, the mount has been designed to work with the 'industry standard' RS232 interface which is a protocol that hs been around for years and years and which ideally requires + 12 volt and - 12 volt 'swings' on it's communication lines whereas a USB connection on a PC works to a different standard altogether with different voltage levels and so on.

So ......... an interface is required that converts the USB protocols to the protocols and voltages that the mount can accept and vice versa.

[BG]

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[steppenwolf]

To a point - it would actually be incorporated in the 'hood' surrounding RS232 9 pin connector.