SkySafari software

[old codger]

The latest issue of ''Astronomy Now'' details the SkySafari6 programme, and indicates it can be used for remote telescope control. Has anyone had experience of this programme ? I am interests in the possibility of using it to remotely control my iOptron MiniTower mount so that I can get accurate star alignment.

Keith (old codger)

[Fivel]

Hi Keith.

In order for anyone to help, please tell what equipment you will use for the remote control.

For example, many  have a computer at the scope and one at the remote location for control, such as a home office.

How far from the scope is the control computer? What connectivity will you have between the control computer and the scope setup?

In my case, I have a omputer (Mc Mini) at the scope and desktop computer (iMac) in my office.

The are about 370 feet apart and connected via a Cat5e cable. The SkySafari (or other similar app) is on the Mac Mini and, I use a remote desk (screen sharing) to control it from the iMac. The Mac Mini is connected to my scope via an Ethernet cable, but your Ioptron may be able to use a USB connection. 

The SkySafari setup to control the scope is not to difficult. Simulation Curriculum has some info online for that setup.

Best of luck.

Fivel

 

[cjdawson]

I have SkySafari Pro 6 which I use on with my Meade LX-90.

There are two ways that you can use this software to connect to the scope.    First is using a device life the SkyFi.  There's three versions, wired, wifi and bluetooth.   I have the Wifi one and it works great, just plug the SkyFi into the serial port of the scope and setup SkySafari and connect.

 

The second way is to use a program like WifiScope and connect via Ascom.   This depends on the driver that you are using as to whether it can deal with the commands or not.