Hubble Optics iSkyHub-B Instructions Manual

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1. Assembly and Installation................................................................................................2

1.1 iSkyHub-B.................................................................................................................2

1.2 AZM Encoder Installation.........................................................................................5

1.3 External ALT Encoder Installation............................................................................8

1.4 Mounting the iSkyHub-B when the internal inclinometer is used..........................15

2. Configuration of iSkyHub-B.........................................................................................18

2.1 Bluetooth Configuration on Android.......................................................................22

2.2 Bluetooth Configuration on Windows.....................................................................22

2.3 Installation of USB serial Driver on Windows........................................................25

2.4 Installation of USB serial Driver on Mac Book and Linux systems.......................28

3. Installation of EK ASCOM driver.................................................................................28

4. Stellarium.......................................................................................................................28

4.1 Installation of Stellarium.........................................................................................28

4.2 Configuration of StellariumScopeWD....................................................................33

5. Cartes du Ciel................................................................................................................37

6. SkySafari for Android....................................................................................................43

7. Used with the Equatorial Platform................................................................................49

8. Specification..................................................................................................................49

9. Limited Warranty...........................................................................................................52

Appendix A: FAQ and Troubleshooting...........................................................................53

It supports USB to MS Windows XP/Vista/7/8 and MacOS (Mac Book).

It supports Bluetooth connection to MS Windows and Android devices.

Thanks to David Ek's wonderful DSC ASCOM driver, you can now enjoy numerous

wonderful Windows based planetarium software such as TheSky 5/6, Starry Night Pro,

Sky Map Pro, MegaStar, Earth-Centered Universe, and Cartes du Ciel, Stellarium, and

etc., with iSkyHub-B.

However, we can only provide very limited technical support for all these very powerful

but sophisticated third party software. So this function is provided "AS IS".

iSkyHub-B Instruction

REV 2.1

Hubble Optics

12-01-2016

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Summary of Contents for Hubble Optics iSkyHub-B

Page 1: Table Of Contents
1. Assembly and Installation....................2 1.1 iSkyHub-B.........................2 1.2 AZM Encoder Installation..................5 1.3 External ALT Encoder Installation................8 1.4 Mounting the iSkyHub-B when the internal inclinometer is used......15 2. Configuration of iSkyHub-B..................18 2.1 Bluetooth Configuration on Android...............22 2.2 Bluetooth Configuration on Windows..............22 2.3 Installation of USB serial Driver on Windows............25 2.4 Installation of USB serial Driver on Mac Book and Linux systems.......28...
Page 2: Assembly And Installation
1. Assembly and Installation 1.1 iSkyHub-B The iSkyHub-B Receiver is shipped as a Kit. You need to install the CPU board into the case. Note that you should only open the iSkyHub-B by loosing the 4 screws on the bottom of the iSkyHub-B when needed.
Page 3 Loose these screws on the bottom of the iSkyHub-B to open the case when needed...
Page 4 A: RJ45 Encoder Jack B: USB port C: 7-12VDC connector, center positive...
Page 5: Azm Encoder Installation
A: Bluetooth Status LED B: Data Communication Status LED C: Information LED D: Power Status LED 1.2 AZM Encoder Installation Install the 1” diameter brass Azm encoder housing onto the center holes of the three stainless steel Azimuth spoke arms as shown below using a M6 x10 hex screw. Do not tighten them completely yet.
Page 6 Install the three stainless steel Azimuth spoke arms to the inner Azm bearing ring with three M6 screws. The encoder housing should be precisely placed at the Azm bearing center by making sure the scale readings on all three AZ spoke arms are exactly the same at the edge of the Azm inner bearing.
Page 7 The AZM encoder pivoting arm is restricted by the plastic wrapped M6 screws The plastic wrapped M6 pivoting screw...
Page 8: External Alt Encoder Installation
1.3 External ALT Encoder Installation This step is not needed if the internal inclinometer is used. Install the 1” diameter brass AZ encoder housing into the one of center holes of the ALT encoder holder bracket as shown below using a M6 x10 hex screw. A: for UL14 B: for UL16 C: for UL18...
Page 11 Bolt the ALT encoder holder to the mirror box with the M6 knob screws Install the Azm encoder&arm assembly by carefully inserting the encoder shaft into the center hole of the brass encoder housing. Adjust the depth so the threaded shank of the encoder does not touch the housing.
Page 13 Adjust the ALT encoder bracket position to make sure the encoder is centered at the ALT bearing axis. Here is how to verify that the ALT encoder is perfectly centered: Once the encoder is perfectly centered to the ALT axis, then set the mirror box to zenith, 45 degree, and then 90 degree orientations;...
Page 14 Mirror Box at 45 degree Mirror Box close to 90 degree...
Page 15: Mounting The Iskyhub-B When The Internal Inclinometer Is Used
1.4 Mounting the iSkyHub-B when the internal inclinometer is used. If you use an external encoder, then you can mount the iSkyHub-B any way you want. However, you will need to follow this section if the internal inclinometer is used.
Page 16 Right Mounting Orientation WRONG Mounting Orientation...
Page 17 Right Mounting Orientation WRONG Mounting Orientation...
Page 18: Configuration Of Iskyhub-B
Note that you should make every effort to make sure that the ground board is leveled and the iSkyHub-B is mounted to the system in such way that the bottom (and top) surface of the iSkyHub-B unit is always vertical to the ground.
Page 19 If your laptop or Android device has a built-in Bluetooth capability (or with an external USB Bluetooth Dongle Adapter for Windows Laptop); then you can connect your device to iSkyHub-B over Bluetooth; which is the default setting when shipped. A 7-12VDC power supply is required for iSkyHub-B to operate in Bluetooth mode.
Page 20 Jumper setting to use the internal ALT inclinometer (default)
Page 21 Jumper setting to use the external ALT encoder Jumper Setting to use Bluetooth interface(Default) iSkyHub-B Jumper Setting to use the USB interface.
Page 22: Bluetooth Configuration On Android
Please refer the manual of your Android devices for Bluetooth configuration on your device. 2.2 Bluetooth Configuration on Windows You can connect the iSkyHub-B to your Windows system via the Bluetooth wireless connection. Please refer the manual of your Windows platforms for the detailed instructions.
Page 23 Then Click the “Add” button to search the iSkyHub-B. You should be able to find a device named iSkyHub-B.
Page 24 Use 1234 as the passkey, and then press “Next” button. You should see something like:...
Page 25: Installation Of Usb Serial Driver On Windows
You will use the outgoing port, COM8 in this case, to communicate with iSkyHub-B. 2.3 Installation of USB serial Driver on Windows You can also connect the iSkyHub-B to your Windows system via the USB port. When you connect the iSkyHub-B to your system, Windows should initiate the driver installation process (if you haven't used the computer with a iSkyHub-B before).
Page 26  The new hardware wizard will appear again. Go through the same steps and select the same options and location to search. This time, a "USB Serial Port" will be found. Once the USB driver is installed, you will need to find COM part associated with the USB interface.
Page 27 Then click Ports (COM & LPT), you should see the USB serial port in your system (e.g., COM6 in the following system, as an example):...
Page 28: Installation Of Usb Serial Driver On Mac Book And Linux Systems
No driver is needed for the MacOS or Linux system 3. Installation of EK ASCOM driver. If you want use iSkyHub-B with your Windows system, then you must install the ASCOM driver regardless of which interface, Bluetooth or USB interface, will be used.
Page 29 Then click Plugins.
Page 30 Then choose Telescope Control, and then click “configure” button.
Page 31 Then choose “Telescope” tab, and then click “Add” button to add a telescope. Then, add the following information in the Telescope windows: you must choose “External software or a remote computer”...
Page 32 Then click “Connect” button, the Status should become “Connected”. Please install StellariumScopeWD first before connecting to your Scope.
Page 33: Configuration Of Stellariumscopewd
4.2 Configuration of StellariumScopeWD You will need StellariumScopeWD (by Scott of ByteArts and Welsh Dragon Computing) to use Stellarium with iSkyHub-B. Please download and install StellariumScope from http://www.welshdragoncomputing.ca/index.php? option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=31&Itemid=39 Please use the latest version (We have only tested 2013.1.21.62), and follow the mini installation instruction outlined there.
Page 34 Serial Port: COM6 (as an example) Then, click “Connect” button, and follow the procedure prompted on the screens:...
Page 36 Once you complete the alignment procedure, you are ready to use Stellarium with your iSkyHub-B!
Page 37: Cartes Du Ciel
5. Cartes du Ciel Cartes du Ciel requires the ASCOM platform in order to work with iSkyHub-B. You need to install the ASCOM platform and EK DSC ASCOM driver as outlined in section...
Page 38 Then download and install the latest Cartes du Ciel (3.8 at this time). After you start Cartes du Ciel, choose “Telescope settings…” from the Telescope menu and then click on “ASCOM” on the “Telescope” tab.
Page 39 Next, select “Control panel…” from the Telescope menu. The Control panel will appear:...
Page 40 In this window, you should click the Select button to access the ASCOM Telescope Chooser to choose “Tangent-Compatible Digital Setting Circle”.
Page 41 Then click the “Properties” button, and set the following options to: Interface Type: Dave EK’s Digital Setting Circles. RA/Azimuth Ticks/Rev: 8192 DEC/Altitude Ticks/Rev: 10000 (8192, if the 8192 PPR external encoder is used) Reverse the encoder count for the Azimuth Serial Port: COM6 (an example) Then, click “Connect”...
Page 43: Skysafari For Android
Here is the online Sky Safari Manual: http://www.southernstars.com/support/manual/index.html First that you need make sure that your Android device has the built in Bluetooth support. Go to the System Setting menu of your device to turn on the Bluetooth, then try to find and pair with iSkyHub-B.
Page 44 After you have installed the Sky Safari on your Android device. You need to change the Settings of the Sky Safari. Open the Sky Safari Setting menu, and open the Telescope Setup sub menu.
Page 45 Change the Scope Type to: Basic Encoder System Change the Communication Settings to “Connect via Bluetooth”...
Page 46 In the Mount Type sub menu, choose Alt-Azimuth Fork for Hubble UL. However, if your scope is not a Dobsonian, you will need to change it to other appropriate type. Then enter the encoder resolution as -8192 for RA/Aam and +8192 Dec/Alt (external encoder), or +10000 Dec/Alt if the inclinometer is used.
Page 47 External AZM encoder & The Internal ALT inclinometer...
Page 48 External AZM & ALT encoders Then back to the main screen of the Sky Safari and press “Connect”, you should hear a “Ding” after a little while and the scope icon should appear. Now your scope ha been connected to Sky Safari, and your ready to do Alignment. You should do a single star alignment, and then optionally a two star alignment.
Page 49: Used With The Equatorial Platform
There is no need to do star alignment again after each platform reset. If you use the iSkyHub-B with the Sky Safari, you should choose "ALT AZ Push To", not the "ALT AZ Push To on Equ Platform".
Page 50 9VDC (6 x AA) external battery box is included. It also works with an internal 9V battery. Battery is not included. The iSkyHub-B Bluetooh interface is pre-configured with the following parameters: Device Name: iSkyHub-B PassKey: 1234 Baud Rate: 9600 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity...
Page 51 #10: AZM encoder bracket installation screws (M6 X 16), QTY:3 #11: External 9VDC Power Cage, QTY:1 #12: External 9VDC Power Cable , QTY:2 #13: Power Extension Cable, QTY:2 #14: The iSkyHub-B mounting base Encoder Y Cable Pin Out: Encoder Connections G: Black, Ground...
Page 52: Limited Warranty
Encoder Dimensions: 9. Limited Warranty Optel Engineering Group Inc. (Hubble Optics), Seller, warrants to the original purchaser only, that goods sold will be free of material defects in design, materials and workmanship for a period of 6 months following the date of shipment by Seller to Buyer. Seller will repair or replace, or refund the purchase price as to, goods that do not conform to the foregoing warranty, provided the cause of the nonconformity does not arise from or relate to modification, misuse, or abuse by the customer, and provided a warranty claim.
Page 53: Appendix A: Faq And Troubleshooting
Does iSkyHub-B work with iPad, iPod, iPhone, or MacBook? A. Sorry, but No. iSkyHub-B does not work with any Apply device. In theory, with an USB-Wifi converter, the iSkyHub-B will work with an Apply device, however, this is not supported.

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