controlling your mont via a computer?

[lesbehrens]

hi. i know people can control their mounts via their laptop. i am wondering how do i do that?
i have read a few threads on here about it but i am a little confused. i have a eq6 pro. how do i control it via my laptop.
thanks
Les

[wasyoungonce]

While I don't have an EQ6..I believe EQMOD (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/)is essential reading for you.

Basically you can do away with the handset and run the mount using EQ direct (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/eqdirect2.htm) and any ASCOM planetarium program via computer and more. You can build or buy the EQ direct interface, see the linked page.

EQMOD is an excellent collection of knowledge and software. There is also a yahoo user group (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/).

Good luck, lots of reading!;)

[marki]

Go to the ASCOM site and download the latest platform (5.5) and also download the celestron drivers (Synta have put the EQ series driver in that package). Install both on your computer then hook up the cable you got with the mount to the handset (you will need a serial to usb adaptor if your computer does not have a serial port).

The rest is straight forward. In the program you intend to use to drive the scope go to scope connect and choose ascom as the driver. Under the driver properties tab, scroll down until you see "skywatcher" choose that and close the window. Then simply press the connect scope button and you are away. This is the best way if you are going to use a planetarium like starry night etc. If you want to take pics go for the EQmode program as it offers far more control over the mount.

Mark

[acropolite]

From memory the pinout for the connecting cable is shown in the manual. IIS member Karl van Louwersen has written up a how to for control of the eq series with Stellarium here. (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-581-0-0-1-0.html)