Planetarium software for mac & EQ6

[Andy01]

Hi folks,

This may well have come up before, but I'm curious who's using what software package to successfully bypass their hand controllers and drive their Synscan mounts from mac laptops?

Seems there's options including Sky Safari, Starry Night, Equinox Pro and Stellarium, (but Stellarium seems too hard to sync).

Also, which RS232 - DB9 cable actually works, and where can I get one?

Appreciate your help.

Cheers

Andy

[04Stefan07]

Hi Andy.

I have a Mac myself and maybe I can help you with the RS232-DB9 cable. For a while I was looking for one and finally found one which worked with Mac. In the end I didn't need it and sold it here a while ago.

It was a USB to Serial adapter (Brand, Keyspan). They are a bit pricey but it did work on my machine. Then you will need another adapter on the other end.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Keyspan-Usa-19hs-High-Speed-Usb-Serial-Adapter-usa19hs-/390672412551?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af5e3ef87&_uhb=1

[Andy01]

Hi Stefan,

Thanks for your reply, cool - Actually by chance I already have one of these exact same units!

Any idea what kind of adapter it uses at the other end and where I can get one? Also, did you actually get it working at all?

Cheers

Andy

[04Stefan07]

I have one of these that I used:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Celestron-RS-232-Cable-for-NexStar-CGE-Mounts-93920-/111202960342?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19e43683d6&_uhb=1

Yeah I got it working through Stalarium. It detected my telescope and it moved wherever I pointed it. The alignment was out but I was just testing communication between the scope and computer.

[Andy01]

Oh cool thanks - can I assume that you plugged this into the handset in PC direct mode?

Cheers
AC

[Andy01]

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this as a viable solution for mac users, I'm amazed - it actually works! :)
(on a bench test at least, have yet to try it under a clear sky).

Sky Safari Plus on the macbook connects to the base of the EQ6 Synscan handset via this usb - serial adapter http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=3914


Set up SkySafari:
Connection: 'Keyspan1'
Scope type: Skywatcher SynScan
Mount type: Equatorial GoTo (German)


Looks like a great piece of planetarium/scope control software for the Mac and it's only $20! :thumbsup:

Now if only the skies would clear again...

Cheers

Andy