iPad/Androids tablet to control mount?

[Garnimoa]

Is this possible?
Can I go into the field with say a HEQ5, and control it using my iPad? (or Android..eek).

I know this is possible with a PC laptop, but to be able to touch a star on your tablet and have your telescope slew into position would be awesome, hey!!

So if anyone knows of something or if you want a project to work on, such as building an app for this, you have my customer support, plus many others I would imagine would love you too.

Cheers and clear skies
G-)

[bojan]

ONstep project is like this
http://www.stellarjourney.com/index.php?r=site/equipment_onstep

However, I personally prefer stand-alone systems - less various multi-tasking hardware = less distraction = the better.

[pluto]

There was a member on here producing bluetooth modules to allow an Android tab/phone to control Skywatcher mounts using Sky Safari.

The thread says "withdrawn" but I guess you could PM them and ask if they're still doing them:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=108338&page=4


Also typing "control skywatcher mount ipad" into Google gets lots of results ;)

[04Stefan07]

I PM'd them but later found out they are long gone which is a shame. Would liked to have purchased one of the adapters!

[bojan]

Bluetooth adapter is not a problem, see below (one of possibilities)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RS232-Bluetooth-Serial-Adapter-Communication-Master-Slave-2-Modes-with-5v-usb-/171122655289?hash=item27d7b48039:m: mJcINV4MOY7YcgodbqSUZBA
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-HC-05-6-Pin-Wireless-Bluetooth-RF-Transceiver-Module-Serial-For-Arduino-DG-/172044890223?hash=item280eacb06f:g: nccAAOSwUdlWgp~~

Serial port goes into mount (via shoestring or whatever).
However, I found out that BT adapter for Arduino (above) may have some issues - it presents itself to the system as tw oports, one for TX, another for RX.. which is not right.
But it works as link for OnStep and SkySafari according to others.

Sky Safari runs on android.. buy it is not free.
Unfortunately, CdC doesn't, and Stellarium (which does) doesn't have scope interface.

[MattT]

Is it possible? You bet...it's called Skyfi. Look up Southern Stars Skyfi.

It's all there. Control your scope with your computer/ iPad.

If you have a commercial mount no problems it's easy.

As I have my own DIY mounts I have encoders that show me on an iPad where I am, via Nexus or Argo Navis. The last two work with muscle power applied to the scope.

Do a search for Argo Navis and Nexus.

Matt

[bojan]

Another option is WiFi to serial adapter:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR12.TR C2.A0.H0.XWiFi+serial+.TRS0&_nkw=WiFi+serial+&_sacat=0
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESP8266-Serial-Module-WIFI-Wireless-Transceiver-DIY-Send-Receive-LWIP-AP-STA-A-/262311514805?hash=item3d12fc12b5:g: vWsAAOSwAodWFUv7

or even better (simpler):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-433Mhz-HC-12-SI4463-Wireless-Serial-Port-Module-1000m-Replace-Bluetooth-/201414971707?hash=item2ee544913b:g: ejQAAOSw3xJVWUhz

[killswitch]

Coldknights made the best BT adapter. It just plugs into the Synscan handset and off you go with your tablet or laptop.

It really opened up the skies for me. Inputting catalogue numbers on the handset at night is quite tedious.

[Garnimoa]

Really appreciate the replies. Sorry I'm slow getting back to you all as I am fighting off a nasty flu, that has knocked me for six 🤕

[JimsShed]

I tried a bluetooth dongle on my SW mount so I could connect to my laptop, then a serial cable to laptop because I found the Bluetooth solution unreliable and fiddly. Note: those BT dongles can't talk to an iPad. Then I got jack of the laptop because of cables and poking around for keys in the dark and dew and blindingly bright dialog boxes popping up and the need for a table and chair real close to reach the mount.
Serenity final prevailed when I bought an Orion Starseek (rebadged Skyfi) and the SkySafari app for my iPad. It just works, and the app is brilliant. It really does take your visual sessions to a whole new complementary, and enjoyable level. The whole package is so flexible I still have full functional use of the mount's controller whilst connected, although for me, I don't touch the controller and do all slewing from the iPad.

[Logieberra]

He's gone AWOL... We can't get a hold of him? :(

[Garnimoa]

Hey Jim,
will this work for an HEQ5 mount with an ST-4 port?

[JimsShed]

I know it will work with any Skywatcher goto mount with a V3 or V4 hand controller. The unit plugs into the extra port on the bottom of the hand controller, not the ST4 port. I have two mounts one with the V3 controller, and the other with V4. Works flawlessly on both.

[inertia8]

I've just enabled this using my android phone and Sky Safari.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=143703

Please note, I've yet to be able to test the goto functionality but I don't anticipate any issues (slew and rate control work fine).