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Astronomy Shoppe ScopeCom User Manual

Wifi telescope control solutions
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(Including details for use with compatible astronomy software applications)
May 14, 2015
Features unique to the ScopeCOM WiFi module
• Unlike currently available WiFi and Bluetooth telescope control solutions, the
ScopeCOM module is compatible for use with both Apple and Android portable
Smartphones and Tablets.
• Most Android Smartphones and Tablets are unable to utilize the WiFi Ad Hoc mode to
establish a direct WiFi connection to a telescope mount. Similarly, Apple iPhone and
iPad devices do not support the Bluetooth SPP service which eliminates use of
Bluetooth devices supporting serial data connections for these devices. The
ScopeCOM product eliminates these device limitations and provides serial data
communications over a WiFi network supporting both Apple and Android portable
devices. The ScopeCOM WiFi adapter also supports WiFi connections using MAC
and Windows computers.
• The ScopeCOM module may be powered from any USB +5 volt power source
providing a minimum of 350 mA of continuous current capacity.
• The ScopeCOM module's WiFi network settings are configured for compatibility with
the popular Sky Safari iOS, Android and MAC computer apps.
• The ScopeCOM product may be supplied with either an internal or external 2.4 GHz
WiFi antenna.
Note: ScopeCOM does not support telescope mounts with USB serial interfaces.
User Information and Recommendations
Turning the ScopeCOM Module ON and OFF
To power the ScopeCOM module, apply +5 volt power to the module barrel power
jack. The ScopeCOM DC power connection uses a barrel
power most telescope mounts' (5.5mm O.D x 2.1mm ID) - type M connector.
Note:
The most convenient means to power the ScopeCOM module is using a Celestron
Power Tank or a similar portable battery product. See the following page for a
description of this powering suggestion.
type jack commonly used to
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Summary of Contents for Astronomy Shoppe ScopeCom

  • Page 1 • The ScopeCOM module’s WiFi network settings are configured for compatibility with the popular Sky Safari iOS, Android and MAC computer apps. • The ScopeCOM product may be supplied with either an internal or external 2.4 GHz WiFi antenna. Note: ScopeCOM does not support telescope mounts with USB serial interfaces.
  • Page 2 USB type A cable assembly. These cable assemblies barrel can be easily created or purchased from Amazon or other suppliers as shown below. Type M Barrel Power Plug USB Type A Connector USB to Barrel ScopeCOM Cable Assembly Page 2...
  • Page 3 The ScopeCOM module may be also be powered using a wide variety of USB power sources as shown below. Power USB +5 volt power Source USB power sources may include: • USB hub • USB power from an AC power brick •...
  • Page 4 Step 3. Attach the telescope mount DB9 (F) data connector or data cable assembly to the ScopeCOM DB9 (M) data connector. Do not attempt to use any mount data cable assembly that connects to a mount Hand Controller HBX jack (TTL data) or AUX port since these ports typically include mount DC power.
  • Page 5 Step 3. Attach the telescope mount DB9 (F) data connector or data cable assembly to the ScopeCOM DB9 (M) data connector. Do not attempt to use any mount data cable assembly that connects to a mount Hand Controller HBX jack (TTL data) or AUX port since these ports typically include mount DC power.
  • Page 6 The ScopeCOM module will power on when external power is applied. Apply power to the ScopeCOM module. Step 4. Access the MAC computer WiFi settings menu. Select and connect to the ScopeCOM WiFi network. Enter WiFi WPA Encryption Key: Entering the WiFi WPA encryption key should only have to be entered when establishing an initial connection using your MAC computer.
  • Page 7 The following pages describe the use of freeware virtual serial port software that may be used with some Windows planetarium applications that support telescope mount control capabilities, such as The Sky, C2A and Starry Nights programs. How to Use HW VSP3 Software to Create a Virtual Serial Port Introduction In order to extend wireless control to popular amateur astronomer telescope mounts using Windows planetarium software applications, it is necessary to create a virtual serial (COM)
  • Page 8 The recommended HW VSP3 settings are designed to support the Southern Stars, Orion Star Seek and ScopeCOM WiFi devices. Step 1. Once the initial installation process has completed, you will be brought to the first configuration page as shown below.
  • Page 9 The default login and password are: admin/admin. Step 4. Once logged in you will be able to enter the virtual serial port settings. Shown below are the recommended settings. These settings support the ScopeCOM, Southern Stars SkyFI, and the Orion Star Seek WiFi-Serial adapters.
  • Page 10 Select an available computer COM port. It is strongly recommended you select a COM port between COM 1 and COM 4 since some Windows programs only support COM 1 through COM 4 for telescope mount control. Note: If your current computer configuration does not include one of these available COM ports (assuming your astronomy Windows software does not offer additional COM port selections), you will need to reassign or delete an existing COM port in order to accommodate a COM 1 through COM 4 serial port for use by HW VSP3.
  • Page 11 Match the above settings, then click on the Save Settings to INI file icon. Step 6. Return to the Virtual Serial Port menu and click the Create COM icon. Wait a few seconds until you see the Delete COM icon highlighted. This completes the creation of a virtual serial port.
  • Page 12 The example below describes using a Windows computer running Software Bisque’s The Sky 6 planetarium software to wirelessly control a Celestron GPS (SE 6) telescope. This example uses the ScopeCOM WiFi module although similar WiFi-Serial adapters may also be used.
  • Page 13 Step 1. Connect the ScopeCOM module DB9 (M) data connector to the telescope mount base or hand controller RS232 DB9 (F) cable assembly. For those telescope mounts that contain a DB9 (F) connector on the mount base, you will need a standard DB9 (F) to DB9 (M) cable assembly.
  • Page 14 In the drop down menu, select the telescope mount type and desired options as shown above. Select the previously created and opened computer virtual COM port and the telescope mount Baud rate as shown above. The 9600 baud rate is the default baud rate for the majority of consumer grade telescope mounts and is the only serial data baud rate supported by most WiFi-Serial adapters without customized settings.
  • Page 15 In the Telescope/Link menu, click Establish to enable communications over the existing ScopeCOM WiFi link. Please carefully review both The Sky and ScopeCOM user documentation to ensure you fully understand all settings and controls. See the following Troubleshooting pages for assistance with WiFi connection issues.

  • Page 16: Troubleshooting

    Fortunately there’s an easy workaround should you encounter this annoying situation. The solution is to assign a static IP address in the ScopeCOM WiFi network settings. This WiFi configuration change only affects the ScopeCOM WiFi network connection and will remain in effect until changed.
  • Page 17 IP address. You may replace the last IP address number with any number from 2 to 9. This sets the ScopeCOM static IP address in the ScopeCOM subnet. Touch Next a few times until the Done key appears on the mini keyboard.