Connecting EQ6 Pro to Laptop?

[Matty P (Matt)]

The EQ6 will be mounted in an observatory soon and I want to be able to control the EQ6 through the laptop. I'm hoping that there is an easy and simply way to do this without purchasing loads of cables etc...

I was wondering what I need to do this.

Thanks in advance.

[Terry B]

EQMOD is the easiest option. You just need a serial cable and the adaptor from shoestring astronomy.

[Tandum (Robin)]

I'm pretty sure the latest version of handset software has a direct connect option in utilities, so a USB --> Serial adapter from the laptop will give you direct control through the handset if you have a 9pin to RJ11 cable to go from the adapter to the handset. I think that 9pin to RJ11 cable comes with the mount, but the RJ plug is cheap **** and will break within a month of use The spring tab breaks off so it won't stay in the socket.

If this all all plugs together, you can still use eqmod through it without throwing money at America.

[AlexN]

I use the RS232 -> RJ11 lead that came with my EQ6 Pro... and thats ALL i use...

plug it in, open the sky 6, click telescope setup, select celestron nexstar 5i, (make sure its on the correct com port and set to 9600 baud rate) click establish connection, find my target in The Sky6, right click it and select 'slew'....

**mount buzzes to the target in the background...

Simple as that...

[AlexN]

oh, its worth noting that I can do all of that from in my living room on my desktop pc, using windows RDP (remote desktop protocol)....

With the right selection of items from shoestring astronomy, I wouldnt have to go outside at all

FCUSB - to focus.
DSUSB - DSLR control
GPUSB - Autoguide

[acropolite (Phil)]

oh, its worth noting that I can do all of that from in my living room on my desktop pc, using windows RDP (remote desktop protocol)....

It's also worth noting that the RD server is only available on XP pro.

[AlexN]

my lappy and desktop are both vista ultimate, rdp works fine.

[iceman (Mike)]

Is that only available on the EQ6 Pro (with the newer skyscan) or does it work on the old 2.05 controller as well?

[AlexN]

Im not sure Mike, I guess you'd have to give it a fly.. Mine is Synscan V3.2

I guess it would work exactly the same provided the older mount/skyscan had a RS232 to Rj11 cable for connecting the computer to the hand controller.

[ozstockman (Mike)]

Hi Matt,

if you don't want cables and want to go wireless you can use Bluetooth to serial adapter. It costs $120 with rechargeable battery and around $70 if you find a way to supply power to it. There should be some way to do it.
If your laptop has built in Bluetooth this adapter the only thing you'll need, if it doesn't you can buy a bluetooth dongle for extra $10-15.

When used with EQMOD and without a mount hand controller you will aslo need an EQDIR module by shoestring($35) or you can connect this adapter to the hand controller using a cable supplied with your mount and use direct PC mode.

I'm using the first combination(w/o HC) with EQMOD and a rechargeable bluetooth to serial adapter for 6 months and it works fine for me.

You can find these adapters being made by different companies and they're also sold on ebay. I'm using Aircable SERIAL3X made by aircable.net

cheers,

Mike