How do you setup iOptron CEM 70 to connect - Resolved

[gregbradley]

I use SkyX and I have an iOptron CEM70 which I am using for the first time.

Its not connecting to SkyX. Says device not found.


I select either Ascom or iOptron generic as there is no selecdtion for the CEM70.

Also I have plugged a USB 2 cable into the use in port. There are also 2 USB ports. I presume these are for filter wheel and camera?

Greg.

[gregbradley]

It was a specialised question so I now have solved it and wanted to post what it took in case someone else who uses SkyX wants to get it running.

1. First up you need to install the latest firmware. In my case the one upgrade upgraded both the mount and the hand controller. You use the downloaded Utility Upgrade software to do it.

This is all at iOptron.com/support.

2. Download the V3 X2 driver for Ascom and the Sky X from the same iOptron page. This should mean the SkyX should now work. Select that driver in the settings page of Sky X for telescope.

There was another download there to install a FTDI VCP driver. Its on the page that opens when you click on the mount model you have.

You also need to be running the latest Ascom version 6.6 SP1.

Now you should be all set. The mount will connect, track, slew in SkyX and the hand controller will work (mine did not until I upgraded the handcontroller firmware). You should be able to run your camera, guider etc on the same USB hub (mine would not until I upgraded the mount firmware).

So its the usual story, the software catches up later to the hardware.

Every time I get new gear its much the same. The drivers let you down.

There is something to be said for mature gear.

But the mount seems a winner once up and running and makes a lightweight (relatively) portable mount for my dark site so I can run 2 setups and make best use of my limited time there.

Greg.