|
|
|
|
Figure 212: ServoCAT and ServoCAT Jr. Track/GOTO. ã StellarCAT. |
|
The StellarCAT hardware permits “go to” functionality for Dobsonian-class telescopes.
|
|
|
|
Figure 212: ServoCAT and ServoCAT Jr. Track/GOTO. ã StellarCAT. |
|
TheSky can show the position of your telescope that uses the StellarCAT and StellarCAT Jr. control system, as well as issue slew commands to point the telescope to any object.
· StellarCAT or StellarCAT Jr. Track/GOTO system
· Sky Commander or Argo Navis DSC. (See the “ServoCAT Quick Start and Troubleshooting Guide” for details about setting up the Digital Setting Circle or DSC.)
TheSky must be configured correctly before it can communicate with the StellarCAT. Please consult the StellarCAT User’s Manual for details about setting up and configuring the system before attempting to connect it to TheSky.
1. Turn off the control system.
2. Using the appropriate cable, connect the serial port from the serial interface box to the computer’s USB to serial adaptor (or serial port).
3. Turn on the control system.
4. Select the Telescope Setup command from the Telescope menu.
5. Select Mount in the Imaging System list on the left side of the Imaging System Setup window.
6. Select the Choose command from the Mount Setup pop-up menu.
7. On the Choose Mount window, select your model telescope and click OK. If the exact model of your telescope is not listed, don’t worry; just select a similar model telescope. The underlying serial communication protocol is the same for similar models.
8. Click the Settings command on the Mount Setup pop-up menu and then select the correct COM port (Windows) or the correct Serial Device (Mac).
9. Click Close
10. Click Telescope > Connect.
TheSky will successfully establish communications with the StellarCAT, provided all of the following are true:
· The device is turned on and functioning.
· The DSC serial cable is wired correctly for bi-directional communications. See the ServoCAT User’s Manual for details about this cable.
· The ServoCAT serial cable is plugged into the correct serial communications port or USB to serial adaptor (PC side).
· The ServoCAT telescope cable is plugged into the RS232 port on back of the unit.
· The telescope cable is not plugged into a modem port (Windows).
· The COM port or USB to serial adaptor is functional and the software drivers are installed.
· The telescope interface cable (the one sold by Software Bisque) is using the DB9 end connector labeled “LX200” and not “BBox and Compatible”.
· Autostar/LX200 is selected as the Mount.
· The selected serial device (Mac) or COM port (Windows) is correct. Click Telescope > Telescope Setup > Mount Setup > Settings to check it.
If the all the above is correct, and TheSky will successfully communicate and control the telescope.
