whats this for

[drylander (Peter)]

A while ago I bought an Aust. Geo goto Mak for when we are travelling and have enjoyed using it in some nice dark places mainly for the mon and planets. I can't find any mention in the manual of what the Aux plug is used for. Does anyone know?
Pete

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Can you post a photo ? of the whole scope and port , thanks .
Brian.

[julianh72 (Julian)]

If it's similar to a Celestron mount, you probably use if for auto-guiding and / or controlling the telescope over a serial connection from a PC, and possibly also for upgrading the motor drive firmware.

[drylander (Peter)]

Thanks Julian I'll see if I can get a cable and try it out
Pete

[julianh72 (Julian)]

Originally Posted by drylander

Thanks Julian I'll see if I can get a cable and try it out
Pete

You'll need to do some research to make sure you get a cable with the right plugs at each end, and the correct wiring - you could fry your mount and / or your computer if you connect the wrong terminals across.

The Celestron part is #93920 (and you can buy cheap clones on eBay
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_o...cable&_sacat=0 ) , but I don't know if this will work with the Australian Geographic mount.

Note also that most modern laptops don't have a serial port, so you also need a USB-to-Serial adapter (which you can also buy cheap on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_f...fLoc=2&_sop=15 ) to work with modern laptops etc.

[drylander (Peter)]

thanks again. I have an old xp laptop which is nearly gone so if it fries the laptop it won't be a major drama ....and I'll know not to do that. But first I will do the research to play safe. I might try the makers but don't know if I can find their email system.
Pete