Has anyone controlled a SkySensor2000-PC using The SkyX?

[g__day]

Hi all,

I'm considering migrating from the Sky 6 PE to the SkyX PE later this year and wanted to confirm all the gear would work. Reading the 400+ page manual states that the SkyX can control a Vixen http controlled (read starbook) telescope, but there are no explicit instructions documented anywhere I have found describing how to control a SS2K-PC controlled version.

I've rasied a query on the Bisque forums - plenty of views but no answers yet. http://www.bisque.com/sc/forums/t/14865.aspx

The Bisque site states explicitly that all SS2K controllers can be managed by The SkyX - http://www.bisque.com/help/theskyx%20pro%20info/welcome.htm#optional_add_ons.htm - but it does not state:

1. How - specifically which drivers to use (go native, ASCOM X2 or something else) and
2. Whether these drivers allow all telescope initialisation functions (set date, time, slew rates, park, high accuracy pointing modes etc) to be accessed

Does anyone know the answer to these two questions?

Many thanks,

Matthew

[g__day]

Another question - can anyone with the SkyX look to see if its drivers do contain a SkySensor2000-PC that Bisque forgot to document.

I'm a bit puzzled why they are slow to respond to my two questions given they document their software will do what I ask - they just don't say how!

[Bassnut]

mm

[g__day]

Fred,

Thanks for that - it looks rather ominous, I guess the SS2K-PC is viewed as an "Other" controller - maybe an LX200 type unit or has a fun driver X2.

I'm miffed that SB clearly document it can be controlled but 1) don't (yet) document how and 2) have not answered (yet) a direct question asking what's required and if this gives any limitations.

I'll wait a few more days then bump my post or ask them to move it to pre-sales and consider responding.

Thanks, Matthew

[g__day]

Well several days on, Software Bisque has answered every question raised in the SkyX PE forums - bar mine! A user (Terry) has posted that he thinks you can get (an unknown amount of functionality) working by selecting a generic Meade mount that supports LX200 protocol.

I am aware that the SS2k-PC can emulate a LX200 (and prefers that protocol over the COM1 port if the driver writers don't know what they are doing). But to me saying all versions of the SS2K-PC are supported, not documenting how (nor any limitations) nor responding to an explicit query to confirm what's been done and how is pretty telling.

Somehow SB always seems to rub me the wrong way along the lines of over promise and under deliver. Maybe it's just me...

[g__day]

So a few responses have come back now, finally including SB!

1. The SS2K-PC has it's own native control mode, as well as the ability to emulate a Celestron Ultima or Meade LX200; SB have chosen the LX200 mode emulator to claim it supports the SS2K (kinda like hobbling a Ferrari down to a Datsun - but I can see it would do all basic functions).

2. It appears high precision pointing mode is selectable

3. It appears that there are three driver choices - i) LX200, ii) X2 -> ASCOM SS2K or iii) X2 -> ASCOM LX200

Still querying which driver is better...

4. Still awaiting SB's feedback on whether each of the above options allows all Telescope Initialisation functions enabled with each of the above driver choices

5. Still awaiting Bob Denny's feedback on whether SS2K driver offers more functionality than the LX200 driver!

[g__day]

An update, Dan confirms for Qu 4. i) is a yes ii) and iii) he simply just doesn't know!