BlueTooth and WIFi for scope Mounts Now tested with synscan hand controllers Pictures

[coldknights]

BlueTooth and WIFi for scope Mounts Now tested with synscan hand controllers Pictures

Hi Have Been making Bluetooth now for the Australian market Skywatcher/Merlin, Orion/Teletrack,( Celestron/Nexstar Gt Series plugs into the bottom of the Nexstar hand controller. ) Also Skywatcher "ALLVIEW" Mount.


Update the WiFi work with Nexstar and SynScan hand controllers and work with iPad and iPhone using StarSeek 3 Max Price T.B.A.

Also the bluetooth will be in a small box. some mounts I can can get the power that is required to power up the Bluetooth and some will come with a external battery pack 4 AA . These Bluetooth boxes will come with a bit of Velcro to stick the small box on to the mount....... so it will not catch on anything as the mount moves so it will not get caught up around the legs of the tripod.

Also make Terand Adaptors for to go between the Dynamic Perception mx2 Controller to Skywatcher/Merlin style Mount also the stop switches which a few people that are members of iceinspace use on there Stage Zero Dolly's .

Some of these Bluetooth modules can be used with papywizard the program , as well as a lot of astronomy programs to remotely turn the scope.

I have had these boards Manufactured in the USA !

Skywatcher SynScan Bluetooth are Ready Now ! ( Works with Stellarium ) Download for Free !

Celestron Nexstar Bluetooth are Ready Now ! (Works with Stellarium ) Download for Free

Skywatcher Merlin/Orion TeleTrack mount ( AZ Mount used for Panorama Picture Making ) like the mount in the pictures You don't use a hand controller use a laptop with Bluetooth running the PapyWizard program download it for free

AllView Skywatcher Allview mount Bluetooth Now Ready ! (Used For Making Panorama's ) Download PapyWizard For Free .


EQ5/AZ-EQ6/EQ8 // EQ6 Mounts single Bluetooth for 4 mounts a switch has been added ( FOR SELECTING BETWEEN MOUNTS )
Price TBA

A Youtube video is ready to Watch
http://youtu.be/sO333BG0THc
.

[iceman]

This is not a discussion thread. Ask questions or have discussions via PM or in the equipment/diy forum.

[coldknights]

Just a update I have now the EQ5/AZ-EQ6/EQ8/-EQ6 Bluetooth Protype board in just trying to source boxes to put them in.

Price on this module TBA

[coldknights]

Boxes turned up from the USA today just need the front panel to have a few holes cut 1 for the Rj12 and the other for the switch and drill 1hole for the led

This WiFi has been tested with Nexstar Celestron and Skywatcher synscan controllers and works on iPad and iPhone running the app Starseek max .

Hope to have these wifi units finished within 2 weeks.

Template Front panel made....... ready now to go to the laser cutter to cut all the front panels .

[coldknights]

Wi-Fi are kit format only you have to buy the Roving Networks module and plug it in .
I will provide the file to the buyers of this kit and you can send this file to the people you buy the Roving Network Rn-171 module from and ask them to upload it for you.
This keeps the cost of the kit down.

What is included in this kit is the Box takes 4 AA batteries (Not included)
1 Rs232 board so you can plug your roving networks board into.
1 Front panel with switch and is wired and soldered to the box which has a plug on it to connect to the Rs232 board also has been to the engraver to have the correct holes cut.
1 backing board from the engraver to Attach the Rs232 board to secure it in place with 1 metal screw 2 plastic screws and 4 plastic nuts.
Comes also with 2 cables 1 for SynScan hand controllers and the other for NexStar hand controllers

You Can control your telescope with your iphone or ipad.

Link to Roving Network below for the Rn-171 module

http://oceancontrols.com.au/SFR-210.html


Within 2 weeks we hope to have the EQ5/AZ-EQ6/EQ8//EQ6 Bluetooth boxes back will have a price soon as we get the boxes back.

[mrjw]

Hi Cathy I would like to order 1 Wi-Fi kit please .

I have ordered a Roving Networks RN-171 Board and will program it myself with this item from this ebay seller below.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/190749631291?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

You said you will send a file to the buyers of this module can you please explain what that file does .
:thumbsup:

[coldknights]

Hi Michael I have sent you a pm.

Ok the file contains the settings required for example name of the WiFi
can be changed to what ever name you want also what Ip address you want to use example 2.3.4.5 also the port number example 2000 and quite a lot of other setting as well.
You use a program like Tera Term

[mrjw]

Hi Cathy sorry for the late reply I have been busy this way,

I received the kit in the mail promptly thank you I was waiting on the RN-171 and the other part I ordered from eBay the USB to TTL RS232 com serial converter module
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-3V-5V-Optional-USB-to-TTL-UART-RS232-COM-Serial-Converter-Module-DTR-RTS-/190749631291?ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIB SA:AU:3160
so I could program the RN-171.

I followed the instructions you sent by email and programmed the RN-171 through the program
I downloaded for free off the internet (TeraTerm) configured the coms port to talk to the RN-171 through the USB to TTL RS232 Serial com Converter Module,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-3V-5V-Optional-USB-to-TTL-UART-RS232-COM-Serial-Converter-Module-DTR-RTS-/190749631291?ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIB SA:AU:3160


I followed the instructions programming the RN-171 saved the new perimeters and rebooted once back into program mode I typed (Get everything ) and I checked the perimeters and they all matched your file by email you sent.
I unplugged the RN-171 board from the USB to TTL RS232 Serial com Converter Module and plugged it into the kit you sent together and assembled as per the instructions.
With the lid on and all screws done up I put the 4 batteries in turned it on went to the wifi section of my iPad and there it was the name was there I tapped on the name up come the details and IP address I joined that network.
I then plugged the cable provided into the RS232 port of the SynScan hand controller and the other end into the wifi unit . ( I Done a 3 star Alignment on the NEQ6 First ) then went to My app I bought Starseek pro configured my telescope and location in the settings including the IP address and port number you provided and which was the ip number in the iPad wifi for the name of the wifi I connected too.
I hit done to save hit the picture of the telescope in starseek pro hit connect and it connected and showed me where the scope was and it was correct I then picked a target hit the goto button and it slewed to the target .
I found myself going from star to star and also the moon and Venus and the doing a search for different objects and trying that as well.
Well I have not been long doing astronomy but I might say that having this wifi you made and the iPad program has made it easier to learn the night sky all I do it tap on a star and hit the goto
I have learnt a lot more of the night sky and the star locations doing it this way (star hopping ) is a great way to learn the night sky.
Thank you.
Michael .
Western Australia

[coldknights]

Hi Michael I am glad you got the wifi kit put together we made it as easy as possible to construct.

So from now on all you need to do is Turn Your Neq6 on do your 2 or 3 star alignment then plug the cable between the SynScan hand controller RS232 port on the bottom of the SynScan hand controller to the wifi box,
turn your iPad or iPhone on and go to the wifi section turn the wifi Adaptor on it will be in the wifi section just tap on the name you programmed the wifi unit push the home button on the iPhone or iPad start your app starseek up tap the telescope icon at the bottom when the scope menu comes up hit connect and you are done.

Any questions Michael just let me know

YOUR:welcome:

[coldknights]

Hi all ,
Good news the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition turned up Today and after setting it up I purchased the SouthernStars Android version of SkySafari Pro set it up and connected to the Synscan Hand controller and now enjoying turning my telescope around with my Bluetooth Adaptor and SkySafari .

Setup instructions Below.

Hardware
=======
1. Turn on the RS232 Bluetooth Adaptor Made by us (it does not have to be connected to the RS232 port of the bottom of the SynScan Hand controller as yet)

1A ( in the New model plug it into the bottom of the hand controllers RS232 port and turn the mount on)

2. On the Android device (I use a samsung Galaxy note) open Setting and the select Bluetooth.

3. Click Search for Devices in the Bluetooth menu look for the BT module (It will have some name such as SynScan001 or some other name)

4. Click on the found device and enter 1234 when prompted for a pairing code. Your tablet should then connect to it.

5. Turn off the mount, if it is not already off. Connect the RS232 cable from the Bluetooth Adaptor to the bottom of the SynScan hand controllers RS232 port and turn the power on to the mount do your 2 star alignment
When it comes up with alignment successfull ... Next Stage !

5A for ( New Model ) 5. Turn on the mount, if it is not already on ! Connect the RS232 cable from the Bluetooth Adaptor to the bottom of the SynScan hand controllers RS232 port and turn the power on to the mount do your 2 star alignment
When it comes up with alignment successfull ... Next Stage !



Application
========
1. Download and install SkySafari Pro
2. Open the Settings in SkySafari and in the Telescope section click on Setup.
3. Select your Scope Type (mine is a Skywatcher SynScan ) and the Mount Type (mine is Alt-Az GoTo)
4. In the Communication Setting select Connect via Bluetooth and then return to the main screen
5. From the main SkySafari page select "Scope" at the bottom and click "Connect". After a few seconds it will connect and you can hear a ding if your sound is turned up and then you can test it by pressing the arrow buttons, or a Target and clicking the GoTo Button.
Enjoy !

A Big Thank you for the people that supported our products and will be Restocking in January 2014 .
Have a Safe and Happy Christmas to all ! ( Coldknights )

[jrhowie]

Received the unit and after properly sitting down to set it up, it all works fantastically! I use this with sky safari on Samsung Galaxy tab2 with my skywatcher AZ-EQ6 GT. After a quick set up, I can now use my tablet to control my Mount. Don't think this novelty will ever wear off.

Thanks guys!

[trackerau]

WOW! unit received within 24hrs of payment.

I already had sky safari plus on 10.1 Samsung Galaxy tab2 so followed the new instructions. Two minutes later perfect control over my NEQ6.

Quick "day time alignment" and on to the Sun for some picture taking :D

Now to try it on my Samsung Note 2 phone, then the HEQ5 ............

I should have had one of these units months ago.

Thanks Cathy, great work.

[rudyard]

Many thanks Cathy, device arrived within 24hrs and was very impressed with it and how easy it was to configure via bluetooth to both my laptop pc and the Nexstar mount. I used Stellarium and the only thing i had to change was the com1 port to com5 , which i believe is the usb port on the laptop used. Once that was done , connected and controlled easily via Stellarium on the laptop.
Thanks again, john -
Melbourne

[coldknights]

We will be getting more stock in as soon as the airports reopen in the USA .
Parcel on its way but delayed due to the snow.
Hope to have them back in stock with in 2 weeks will update soon as they arrive !

[Trojan]

Definitely interested in buying one of these for my Celestron CPC. Can you put me down on the waiting list for when these are back in stock?

[coldknights]

Allview and Merlin Mount Bluetooth Setup

( 1 ) You need to Assemble and level your tripod making sure you secure all locking bolts.

( 2 ) Attach the mount to the Tripod as per the instruction manual.

( 3 ) Make ready power in form of batteries to power the mount.

( 4 ) Attach the Skywatcher Allview or SkywatcherMerlin/Orion Teletrack Bluetooth to the port on the mount where you normally put the hand controller wire to the mount where it says HC...

( 5 ) Turn the mount's power switch on.

( 7 ) setup and pair your new Bluetooth adaptor to your pc's Bluetooth using the code 1234

( 7 ) Download and install PapyWizard on your Pc.

( 8 ) Start the PapyWizard program up and go to the hardware tab then down the bottom to the plugins tab,click on that,it will bring a separate box up called plugins drivers and communication.
On the plugins yaw,pitch,shutter should all be Merlin - Orion and the tab opposite that should be All Bluetooth for yaw,pitch,shutter.
Now click on the drivers tab then click on choose and select your Bluetooth from the Bluetooth chooser with the drop down arrow,your device will be papy-Merlin then click okay and okay again on the plugins box.Now click on the hardware tab,click on connect and at the bottom of the PapyWizard box programme you will see a brief connection started and it will disappear and now your 4 direction keys will be highlighted with a blue colour, press a direction key to test.
Your done!

Enjoy :)

[peterskye]

G'day,

I am trying to make sense of this thread, & consider whether purchasing one of these units is appropriate my future plans. I have a Skywatcher HEQ5 I would like to control remotely using either my Android tablet &/or phone, or, at times, my Windows 7 Netbook. Is this unit similar to, or a replacement for, the Orion Star Seek WiFi & it's equivalents. What is the full list of mounts/software/apps/platforms/operating systems that this works with?

I would also consider being able to establish an EQMOD platform for the future whilst still using this an advantage. Over what distances does this work? Is there a website or page that gives an overall & coherent picture of this device & it's capabilities/limitations?

I just find that trying to glean all of this information from such a piecemeal thread a bit frustrating, & I'm sure that others would be more interested also if they had a coherent picture of the full scope of the usefulness of this device.

Thanks,
Peter Skye

[coldknights]

Hi Peter.
Lets start with your Skywatcher HEQ5 mount if you want to control it with your Android tablet or Android phone you can do so with SkySafari and one of our SynScan Bluetooth Adaptors.

If you want to control it with a Windows Pc you can use the same SynScan Bluetooth Adaptor .

( programs it has been tested with for pc
The Sky 5 and x And Stellarium so far will work with others as well )...

Now works with Cartes du Ciel and Skytools 3 ( Ascom ) running the beta Ascom celestron driver.

And has been tested with a EQ8 with the Bluetooth connected to the SynScan Hand controller RS232 port ,there will be a new Ascom release soon.
We Tested it with Win 7 Pro 32 Bit and 64 Bit and Win 8.1 Pro 64 Bit.


If you want to control it with a mac you can use the same SynScan Bluetooth Adaptor .
( programs it has been tested with for mac Stellarium.

The Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor can be used instead of a orion starseek on the Android tablet or Android phone .


The Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor can not be used on a IPhone or Ipad as apple wont open the Bluetooth port to let this happen without going into apples policy.

List of mounts this Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor will work on.
any synscan hand controller AZ or EQ it plugs into the bottom of the synscan hand controller into the RS232 port.


The new 4 way Bluetooth Adaptor will be out soon and it is able to control the following 4 mounts (AZ_EQ6 ,EQ5,EQ8,EQ6) with EQMOD
windows platform and mac platform with EQMAC.

You can use EQMAC on a mac and STELLARIUM together .

You can use EQMOD on a pc with Stellarium together with Stellarium scope the sky 5 or the sky x.

A good safe distance to use the Bluetooth is 35 to 50 ft with no buildings to be a safe distance has been used at 80 ft turning the scope line of sight but 35 to 50 ft is the optimal distance.

There are many different models of Bluetooth Adaptors to fit different Types of scopes send a Private Message to us and we will do the best to answer your questions and requests to do different mounts like the Tah,Sytech and also AP1600GTO.

If Anyone has questions a private message is the best way to get answers and up to date Pricing.

Price for the Skywatcher Synscan ,Meade LX200GPS are $85.00 and the NexStar Bluetooth and Meade lx90 Adaptors and LX55/LX series are now $95.00

Picture below is of the Meade LX200GPS Bluetooth Adaptor weight 28g

Price of the Skywatcher Merlin /Orion Teletrack Bluetooth adaptor for Panorama $75.00 .

Price of the Skywatcher Allview Bluetooth Adaptor Panorama use with PapyWizard program
Price $75.00.

Postage within Australia $10.15 registered postage with Insurance .

Price for the 4 Way Bluetooth Adaptors TBA once the boxes are completed still waiting on them !

EQMod cables with a Adaptor for EQ6 will do 4 Different Sky-watcher mounts EQ5,AZEQ6,EQ8,EQ6 Approximate cable length 1.8m $50.00 .


"Coldknights"

[dragoncity]

Hi Cathy,
just a quick note to thank for your excellent BlueTooth Adaptor which I received 3 days after payment. Three Days is really fast for a Tasmanian Delivery !!

I was impressed with your rapid response to my initial query about what I required
to connect my Android Nexus 7 to the Sky Watcher AZ-EQ6GT mount.


I have just come in from a quick test session and can highly recommend the device
which I attached to my Sky Watcher AZ-EQ6GT mount in Alt-Az mode using a ASUS Nexus 7 tablet with Sky Safari Pro.

Setup was simplicity itself, taking about 5 minutes after reading your instructions.

I did some research on what devices are available and yours is very good value
being considerably less expensive and very low in weight. Being powered via the handset also removes the need for any batteries to maintain. Its so light that I simply let it hang from the bottom of the handset.

Having Sky Safari ( insert your choice of software/hardware here ) as the interface to the mount offers so much more flexibility than the regular handset interface as you can see where in the sky you might like to checkout by choosing targets from the Safari GUI screen. Sky Watcher's handset interface is so clumsy in comparison!
You can choose objects by pointing on the screen, select from saved lists, search by name, etc. An added advantage for beginning astronomers is that Safari can display a photo of the desired object so you can compare to what you see in the eyepiece. Its nice to be able to say -- I saw THAT last night !!

I highly recommend your BlueTooth Adapter.
Cheers,
Brett

[west_andrew]

Hi Cathy,

Quick note to say thanks. I initially ordered the Nexstar bluetooth adaptor as I wanted to drive the scope off a tablet - laptop weighing too much and not having enough power to go the night.

Setup was fast, SkySafari was already on my Samsung tablet, about 1 minute and I was away looking at the objects I could actually see from my backyard - I'm waiting for a neighbour to go on long service leave so I can removed his 50 metre bluegum!

About a month ago I got a new scope, a Meade LX200GPS and knew I needed one of these adaptors for it. Considering you didn't have that model, it only took you 2 days to make it - now that's what I call service.

Again setup time was about 1 minute.

Best reason for getting this, I can send so much more time looking through the scope rather than slewing to objects that are low in the horizon; obstructed by trees; or 180 degrees from where I am currently viewing. This has made the whole stargazing experience more enjoyable.

Cheers,
Andrew

[Inmykombi]

Dear Cathy and other IIS members,

I just plugged in this new wi-fi module to my LX200GPS and all works as intended.
So easy to set up and use.:thumbsup:

The level of service I received from Cathy was second to none.
Communication and product is first class.

I can now use this wi-fi module with my iPad mini and SkySafari and connect to my LX200GPS.
It has opened up a new world of observing for me.

Lets hope the weather is kind now I have added to my scope accessories.:D

Cheers.

geoffro.

[Asterix2020]

The service from Cathy was excellent with fast delivery. The bluetooth adapter worked great with Stellarium but would not work with ASCOM drivers. This was due to a problem with the ASCOM drivers that has now been fixed by the ASCOM team. The fixed ASCOM platform is not on the main ASCOM webpage at the moment but will be as soon as they confirm everything is working fine. But the beta driver they gave me is working fine. Thanks to Cathy for troubleshooting things from her end.

[andy47ca]

Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the fast delivery of the Bluetooth Adaptor. It arrived Friday shortly after delivery of my new EQ-AZ6 Mount. Setup on my Android tablet using SkySafari took less than 2 minutes thanks to your straightforward instructions. However, tonight was the first time I have had an opportunity to try it on the night sky. Needless to say it worked perfectly and the mount tracked accurately to all the objects I selected in SkySafari. Many thanks for an excellent product. It will certainly make the selection and viewing of objects much simpler and more fun.
Regards,
Andrew.

[jayhas]

Hi Cathy,

Thanks very much for accommodating my order for the Merlin Bluetooth adapter.

I was about to give up searching for it, especially after being assured many months ago by kolor that their Panogear bluetooth would be back in stock in two weeks. Till today it is still out of stock!

I sure was surprised the unit I ordered from you arrived in quick time to Malaysia. Unfortunately I was only able to test it a few days ago. It worked fine on the Merlin using PanoramaApp on my Galaxy Note 3. I hope to find time to do a full shoot soon. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again for your excellent service.

Cheers
jayhas

[Nastyacidnoise]

I can reiterate everything positive that's been said in this thread. It's a great little device. I'm really enjoying being able to control my NEQ6 pro mount with my Android phone, using the new SkySafari Pro 4 app. This little, affordable adapter allows me to control the mount with FAR more ease and versatility than the SynScan handset allows on its own. In conjunction with SkySafari or Stallarium it turns the SynScan handset (which in my opinion is pretty average) into probably one of the best control modules out there.

[RB]

A big thank you to Cathy.
My order arrived today, took just two days.
Looking forward to using it with my mounts as soon as possible.

Andrew

:thumbsup:

[julianh72]

Finally got my Bluetooth controller onto my Dad's LX90 8" last night, and it worked beautifully with SkySafari 4 Plus on my Nexus 7 tablet!

Thanks Cathy!

[killswitch]

Got one of these BT adapters from Cathy last week for my AZ-EQ6.

Works fantastic with SkySafari and Stellarium. Instructions was simple and straightforward.

Thanks Cathy, great product and service.

[Logieberra]

A+++

Another happy Android user here!

Thanks Tex & Cathy, your mini white Bluetooth adapter, cabling and battery box for the Meade LX90 arrived. The unit works a treat with SkySafari 4 Pro. I can't get over how much smaller (and cooler) this Bluetooth unit is compared to that bulky, black Wifi unit offered Orion and others. Great service and a very well executed product. Keep up the good work guys! Logan.

[hikerbob]

I picked up my bluetooth adapter and cable earlier today. I've given it a shed test from two devices and driving both a HEQ5Pro and a Skywatcher 10" motorised Dob. Both connected and drove the scope easily. I've used both an early 10" Wi-fi Galaxy tablet and a Jiayu G4 phone to control each mount.

I'd sorted out bluetooth for eq-mod sometime back but wanted options for a simpler setup (no laptop) for sessions when I didn't want to set up table, laptop etc, also I was looking for a way to control the Dob from a tablet or phone.

I've also done a test with my Canon 550D connected to the tablet (via USB) at the same time as I connect to the Synscan. I'm using DSLR Controller on the tablet.

Switching from DSLR Controller to SkySafari Pro disconnects the camera (but it reconnects quickly enough when I switch back). SkySafari Pro holds it's connection. Eg it looks viable to use the tablet to do some imaging work (although I don't think I can use my guider without a PC).

Very happy so far, thanks Cathy.
Bob

[Logieberra]

Me again!

Android user.
SkySafari 4 Pro.
Astro-Physics GTO.
GTOCP3 controller.

Bluetooth unit works a treat with Astro-Physics mounts. Get one of these units!

Mine was a custom job by Tex. That unused, +6V (Pentax 6x7) 3.5mm mono output on the GTOCP3, that now powers my bluetooth unit perfectly. No need for a bulky, external power pack. No worrying about battery levels or charging. Constant power! All cables necessary to make this happen were fashioned by Tex and included in my order. Superb service! Couldn't be simpler!

I'm using the primary (upper serial port) connection on the GTOCP3, as Roland would recommend, but preliminary tests are showing the secondary (lower serial port) to work as well, which means you could, in theory, leave your AP hand controller plugged in. TBC.

[Craige]

Thanks Cathy!

Another happy user!

HEQ5 with WiFi adapter and my iPad1 running SkySafari Pro 3.8.5. Easy set up and worked a treat straight up.

Awesome :rofl:

[gpmlim]

Hi Cathy,
PM me the price + shipping for the Skywatcher Synscan Bluetooth adapter for a NEQ6 Pro Mount to be delivered to Postcode 11060 Penang, Malaysia. I would like to use it with SkySafari 4 Pro on my Android phone as well as on my Windows PC. Hope to hear from you soon.
Charles Lim

[gpmlim]

Thanks Cathy,
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my adapter arrived. Build and quality top notch! Your support excellent! Highly recommended.

Clear skies & good luck!

Charles Lim

[Virgs]

Hi Cathy, just wanted to thank you for your fast and friendly service with the purchase of the blue tooth and wireles adapters. They both work well and I am now controlling my meade through the wireless adapter with the ipad and the eq6 with the bluetooth and a galaxy tab.

They both work as advertised and your instructions are very clear - no problems with the set up at all. It is so nice not having any wires to get in the way and the tablets have far better battery life than my laptop.

Once again, thank you
Virgs

[netwolf]

Thanks Cathy a pure pleasure to deal with you, prompt and fast response and the best thing I like is you really take the time to see the big picture of what is needed and suggest the right solution even if not your own. Our community is lucky to have you.

[peterl]

Cathy.
Have just received your bluetooth adaptor to run my new Skywatcher
AZ EQ6 mount with my Samsung Galaxy note 10.1 214 tablet.
Plugged it in to synscan hand control.tablet found device ok. Entered
4 digit code. Ran 2 star alignment all ok.press connect in Sky safari pro
and all working well. 2 minutes to setup.
Recommend this unit.
many thanks
Peter Langdown.

[darrellx]

Hi All

Well, I also have to give this item a hugh endorsement.

Sometime ago I tried the GPUSB/EQmod path and never really had much success. Don't know why.

I have both an EQ5 and EQ6 mount with synscan hand controllers.

I saw this thread and placed an order and had the Adapter within 2 days. I did the daytime alignment, with a bit of guesswork. And wow! worked instantly. I couldn't wait til it was dark.

Stellarium and Cartes du Ciel were already loaded in preparation. Just followed the instructions (which were not difficult at all). From turning on the mount to slewing around the southern sky was about 5 minutes.

I wish I had this years ago.

Thanks very much to Cathy. Your service and communication is excellent.

Highly Highly recommended.

Darrell

[Godward]

Hi Cathy

Thank you for your very quick service.

I have tested the bluetooth attachment with my setup and it works perfectly. It only took about 30 sec to setup and connect. I can now run my Canon DSLR via wifi, and my EQ6 mount via bluetooth. 100% cable free :))))

For those interested my setup is.
Skywatcher EQ6 Pro
Bluetooth Attachment
SkySafari
Macbook Pro 10.9

Regards

Will

[Othey]

Hi all,

I just received my Bluetooth adaptor from Cathy it took less than 2 minutes to set up.

The level of service Cathy provides is above and beyond.

[Astroboy71]

Thanks Cathy, just wanted to thank you for your fast and friendly service with the purchase of the blue tooth adapter. It works great and I am now controlling my CPC1100 through the wireless adapter plugged into the Nexstar+ hand controller with SkySafari 4 plus on my Galaxy tab3.

It is very easy to setup and your instructions are very clear - no problems with the set up at all. It's great not having any wires to get in the way and the tablet has a far longer battery life than my laptop.

Once again, thank you
Carl

:)

[julianh72]

Just to add to the list of compatible devices / software:

Cathy has made me Bluetooth adapters for a Meade LX90 and a Celestron Nexstar SLT. Both work beautifully using SkySafari 4 Plus running on a Nexus 4 and a Nexus 7-2013.

I recently bought a Toshiba Encore Windows 8.1 tablet, and the Celestron Bluetooth controller works beautifully with Cartes du Ciel and the Ascom Celestron drivers. I haven't tested the Meade LX90 with the Toshiba yet, but I have no reason to think there would be any problems, as every other combination has worked perfectly.

A very happy customer!

[Weird1]

Hi all,
this morning I received my Bluetooth adaptor (really good looking unit) from Cathy, unpacked it and set up in under 5 minutes. It works a treat with Skysafari 4 Pro on my Android tablet, could not be happier. What a brilliant bit of kit. Anyone thinking of getting one of these will not be sorry. Well worth the money.
Keith :thumbsup:

[Wombat]

Hello Everyone,
Received my bluetooth device for tablet to neq6 mount yesterday. Had it up and running in just a few minutes, a great piece of gear.
Cathy (Coldnights) has done a fantastic job with this.
Need some cloud free nights now.
If anyone is thinking of buying this device, do so, you won't regret it.
Just need bluetooth or wifi guiding now.
Great job Cathy,
Regards,
Wayne

[slipsons]

Hi Everyone,
Got my Bluetooth device this week
Works great
Anyone that has connected a Bluetooth device before will have no problems using this one
Stellarium controls my EQ6 like a charm
Change the hand controller to "PC Direct" and you can use any Ascom controlled app.
Loaded Skysafari 4 plus on my Android, it's working just as good
Very happy with the Bluetooth adaptor

[wskiscope]

Hi Cathy.
Received my bluetooth adaptor for a skywatcher 10" goto dob. Easy installation on Bauhn 10" android tablet using skysafari and assus laptop using stellarium .Now it is a lot more convenient to explore the nightsky. Excellent product.

Regards Frank

[axle01]

Just ordered one of these Bluetooth thingys for my AX-EQ6GT about midday and just got confirmation it has already been posted, pretty good service if you ask me.

Alan

[axle01]

Arrived safe and sound, thank you Cathy.

Alan

[keni]

Mine arrived safe and sound last Thursday.
Setup was straight forward.
I have it running my SW AZ-EQ6 using my Nexus 7 or Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
I'm using Sky Safari 4 Plus.
*** Make sure the handset has latest firmware or like me you could experience weird intermittent issues at first ***
Thanks Cathy for a great product.

Ken.

[coldknights]

Hi Ken,
That's good it arrived safe and sound to you with Australia Post !

Yes it is a good idea to have your hand controllers firmware updated with the latest version.

Good to see you have it working with SkySafari 4 with your Android Nexus
tablet and Samsung tablet.

Enjoy using your :astron: Cable free !.

[Flugel88]

Thank you cathy,
my Bluetooth unit works perfect with my EQ6 Pro using EQMOD and stellarium.
Took me a little while to work out that stellarium scope program was needed to run stellarium with mount but i soon had it running very well.
Ifound the xbox remote control function works very well too with eqmod too.

Thanks for the great product and fast postage :)

[Willow127mm]

Hi Cathy could you please organize a bluetooth set up for my celestron nexstar slt goto 127mm and please send me the bank details also do you have any pictures and how long will it take to arrive in WA? cheers Brad

[arharoon]

Finally got the chance to use it. All works great. Can control my lx-90 with my ipad now. Cable 1 was fine.

Thanks again.

Haroon

[coldknights]

Good to see the wifi unit Arrived and up and running with your Meade LX90 and with your Ipad running SkySafari 4 pro !:thumbsup:

[Willow127mm]

Thanks for getting my Celestron 127mm SLT GOTO up and going Cathy and thanks for going above and beyond with all your advice and help I would recommend anyone looking to gain control of their scope remotely give you a buzz as Im sure they will be more than satisfied with the product, price, service and more.
Once again Cathy I cant thank you enough for all your help.
Good luck with all and I will certainly be contacting you when I upgrade my gear.
Cheers Brad(Very happy customer)
P.S the Sky safari works great on my Samsung TAB 4.:thanx:

[coldknights]

Instructions for Wifi unit assisted By (Rob James)


SYNSCAN Wi-Fi Setup V1

1. Set up the scope
• Do a 2 or 3 star alignment as normal
• leave turned on – but don’t need to select anything special on menu..

2. Connect the Wi-Fi unit
• Ensure batteries are inserted and the unit is turned on
• Then, and only then, connect the cable to the spare port on the bottom of the hand controller. Connecting before turning on can lead to data corruption .

3. Setup iPad
• Go to settings, Wi-Fi
• Connect to the Wi-Fi signal from unit in settings WIFISCOPE4
• Enter the supplied password e.g. telescopeNNNN

4. Initial Setup of Skysafari Pro
• Start Skysafari Pro
• Go to settings, telescope setup
• Choose:
Scope type SYNSCAN
Mount Type (of your mount) Alt-Az or Equatorial German
Click settings to return to previous screen
• Go to settings, communications settings
o Auto-Detect Ski-Fi must be off
o IP address is 1.2.3.4
o Port Address is 2000
o Select “Done”

5. Subsequent Use of Skysafari Pro
• Tap the connect button at bottom of the screen
o Display will show where scope is pointed and sound a ding
o Tapping a target and then selecting “Go-To” will cause the scope to slew to the target

6. Power Down of Scope and Wi-Fi.
• First disconnect the Wi-Fi unit, then turn off
• Then power down the scope as normal – typically park, turn off and disconnect power

Thank you Rob for taking the time to Assist in the correct installation !!:thanx:

[skullmurphy]

Hi Cathy

Just a note to say thanks for the 2 day delivery of the bluetooth adapter....

With a medical condition that my husband has he now has next to no patience and gets very angry when things dont work the way they should or if he has to follow complicated instructions, forget it.

We have an Orion XX14g Skyquest 14" truss goto AltAz Telescope

Your little unit was very simple to install and setup on both my Android Galaxy TAB 3 8" using Skysafari 4 Pro as well as on our Windows 7 Pro 64bit based Lenovo E531 Thinkpad Laptop using both Stellarium and his favourite Astronomy software Guide 9 from Project Pluto.

The little adaptor plugged into the bottom of the Synscan hand controller and we just let it hang there by its short tail without using the velcro pad you supplied.

The 2 pages with concise instructions you supplied for Android and Windows use were easy for me to follow and we were moving to Messier objects and Saturn without wires within a minute or so after the Synscan controller standard 2 star alignment procedure.

Overall excellent performance and great service from you via private messaging has made this purchase as trouble free for a lot less dollars than other bluetooth and wifi alternatives from other sources. My husband has the hint of a smile at times now.

Thanks again

Happy wife of Skull :thanx:

[skullmurphy]

Hi Cathy,

As I said on an earlier post I am more than happy with your Bluetooth Adapter and I just have a couple of queries concerning our setup (Orion XX14g AltAz with Synscan controller), Ascom drivers for this setup and Cartes u Ciel Planetarium software and Skysafari 4 Pro.

We use the Astroplanner V2 software to put together observation lists for the nights observing on Windows which can be emailed to the Android Skysafari program and note that it can be setup to work in concert with the planetarium software Cartes du Ciel 3.0.

You have stated that Cartes du Ciel 3.0 works with your Bluetooth Adapter.

Astroplanner has a native driver for our mount and now has an Ascom driver setup as well. Cartes du Ciel only works with Ascom drivers so do you know if I would need to use Ascom for both programs simultaneously ? On the Ascom site they state that the main platform doesnt support Synta mounts.

Finally as Skysafari has an alignment button on the telescope control interface can this be used instead of the Synscan controller alignment routine while using your adaptor.

I hope I have made sense and if not I wont be offended if you correct me....

Happy wife of skull :)

[coldknights]

Hi Cartes du Ciel works with our SynScan Bluetooth Adaptor it uses a Celestron driver within Ascom in pc Direct mode on the SynScan hand controller .

With SkySafari 4 Pro once you have done your alignment with the Synscan hand controller ....you can then use the SkySafari align button to refine the alignment.


Looks like Astroplanner works with Bluetooth , wifi or cable rs232 ....We used the SkyWatcher setting and worked ..

So in conclusion the Bluetooth adaptor works with sky safari on Android ,and on pc AstroPlanner,skytools,Stellarium,Th e Sky 5, The Sky X Pro,Cartes Du Ciel,and many many more .....

[paulsartory]

Cathy,

Interface received and tested ok.

I actually put a BT interface together using a module from Jaycar. It cost twice the price as yours and was a real pain to get it connected.

Yours worked first time and (so far) every time.

Thanks again
Paul

[Brycepj]

hi Cathy
can you please provide a price for your product to suit orion xtg10 dob using synscan controller.my intention is to use my iPad 2 with sky safari pro 4.
Delivery will need to be to Melbourne.
please include your banking details etc.
Regards
Peter

[batman]

Thanks Cathy

Bluetooth interface arrive & works well on my Sky Watcher Goto Dobsonian
with SynScan using Sellarium, work first go on Windows 7 laptop but took a bit to get it working on my XP laptop, I think that may have been bluetooth setting issues in XP rather the problems with the bluetooth interface.

Thanks Again Graeme :thumbsup:

[Woodlands]

Not everything in astronomy is as easy as this to install and use. It took 36 hours from placing the order to having a working bluetooth controlled mount (AZ EQ6-GT). Only 10 minutes of that time was spent reading the very clear instructions and configuring a few software applications to control the mount. Piece of cake.

The vendor answered all my questions clearly and in a very friendly manner usually within minutes of me asking. The only thing I can think of to complain about is forgetting to order a clear night to put this baby through its paces in the field.

I am very happy here, these things can cost a lot more....

[pkclarke]

I have celestron nexstar 4 se and want wifi or Bluetooth control from either ipad or android phone. How, where can I buy device and cost please? Thanks Paul

[coldknights]

Different mounts Different Adaptors


Lets start with your Skywatcher HEQ5 mount if you want to control it with your Android tablet or Android phone you can do so with SkySafari and one of our SynScan Bluetooth Adaptors.

If you want to control it with a Windows Pc or Mac you can use the same SynScan Bluetooth Adaptor .......

( programs it has been tested with for pc ). .....

The Sky version 5 and The Sky Version X And Stellarium ,Guide 9 from project Pluto so far will work with other programs as well

Now works with Cartes du Ciel and Skytools 3 ( Ascom ) running the Ascom celestron driver.

And has been tested with a EQ8 with the Bluetooth connected to the SynScan Hand controller RS232 port
We Tested it with Win 7 Pro 32 Bit and 64 Bit and Win 8.1 Pro 64 Bit.


If you want to control it with a mac you can use the same SynScan Bluetooth Adaptor .
( programs it has been tested with Stellarium for Mac ..

The Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor can be used on the Android tablet or Android phone .


The Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor can not be used on a IPhone or Ipad as apple will not open the Bluetooth port to let this happen without going into apples policy but our wifi unit works fine with the iPad or iPhone !!!!

List of mounts this Synscan Bluetooth Adaptor will work on.
any synscan hand controller AZ or EQ it plugs into the bottom of the synscan hand controller into the RS232 port !


The new 4 way Bluetooth Adaptor will be out soon and it is able to control the following 4 mounts (AZ_EQ6 ,EQ5,EQ8,EQ6) with EQMOD
windows platform and mac platform with EQMAC. (Delayed from box maker)....

You can use EQMAC on a mac and STELLARIUM together works fine !

You can use EQMOD on a pc with Stellarium together with Stellarium scope the sky 5 or the sky x.

A good safe distance to use the Bluetooth is 35 to 50 ft with no buildings to be a safe distance has been used at 80 ft turning the scope line of sight but 35 to 50 ft is the optimal distance.

There are many different models of Bluetooth Adaptors to fit different Types of scopes send a Private Message to us and we will do the best to answer your questions and requests to do different mounts like the Tah,Sytech and also AP1600GTO.

If Anyone has questions a private message is the best way to get answers and up to date Pricing.

Price for the Skywatcher Synscan ,Meade LX200GPS are $85.00 .

The Nexstar Bluetooth and Meade lx90 Adaptors and LX55/LX series are now not made so instead of the old design they are now in new boxes and a picture of them can been seen pictured with a red and blue LED 's Price is $130 .



Picture below is of the Meade LX200GPS Bluetooth Adaptor weight 28g

Price of the Skywatcher Merlin /Orion Teletrack Bluetooth adaptor for Panorama $75.00 Also can be used with Virtuoso a App from the google Play-store and in conjunction with SkySafari 4 Pro that way you do not have to use a hand controller !!!!!

Price of the Skywatcher Allview Bluetooth Adaptor Panorama use with PapyWizard program
Price $75.00 this Bluetooth Adaptor Also can be used with Virtuoso a App from the google Play-store and in conjunction with SkySafari 4 Pro that way you do not have to use a hand controller !!!!!

Postage within Australia $10.15 registered postage with Insurance .

Price for the 4 Way Bluetooth Adaptors TBA once the boxes are completed still waiting on them to be done and waiting !!


EQMod cables with a Adaptor for EQ6 will do 4 Different Sky-watcher mounts EQ5,AZEQ6,EQ8,EQ6 Approximate cable length 1.8m $50.00 .

26/05/2014 "NEW BT Arrived" picture of the black box has a red light and a blue light red for power and flashing blue turns solid blue when connected ...Put 4 batteries in it and will last easy 24 hrs with 2500Mah batteries.

Will do Almost every mount with the correct cable ( Cables for mounts made by Request ! )
Even Losmandy Gemini 1 and 2 are now supported !

Price $130.00 comes with 2 cables (Skywatcher SynScan & Celestron NexStar) plus delivery $10.15 Registered Post within Australia ( Black box )

New 4 way EQMod Bluetooth Adaptor pictures of the Protype below

can do EQ5,EQ8,AZ-EQ6,FLICK THE SWITCH EQ6 !! Waiting on the boxes to be finished



If you have any Questions at all please send us a PM .

"Coldknights"

IN THE CASE OF THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR NOT GOING TOO GOOD AT THE MOMENT HAS INPACKED ON THE PRICE SO WILL GET BACK TO MAKING MORE ONCE THE AUSSIE DOLLAR GETS BETTER WHICH I HOPE WILL BE IN A MONTH OR 2 FROM TODAY 25 FEB 2015