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Problem connecting SkyBT to iOptron CEM25 via GoToNova #8408

Mike Repucci

September 08, 2017 19:31

Answered

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I assumed this combination would work.  However, SkySafari 5 Plus on Android complains: "SkySafari Plus can make a wireless connection to the scope, but the scope is not responding. Make sure the scope is powered on and connected correctly.  Also make sure you selected the correct scope type."  

It is indeed powered on and connected correctly (not sure how it can make a wireless connection to the scope, if that were not the case).

I selected scope type: "iOptron SmartEQ/ZEQ & 8407/8" and mount type: "Equatorial GoTo (German)"

Tablet and SkyBT are only a couple of feet apart.

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8 comments

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  Bill Tschumy September 08, 2017 19:36

  Mike,

  1. What serial cable are you using to go from the SkyBT to the mount?  Is it the correct type of cable?

  2. Did you star align the mount before trying to connect (you can do a fake one for testing).  I don't recall with iOptron but many mounts need to be star aligned before they will respond to external commands.

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  Mike Repucci September 08, 2017 19:50

  Thanks for responding Bill.

  I'm using the serial cable that came with the mount from iOptron and connects to one of the ports on the 8408  HC.  I had previously, successfully tested this with a serial-USB adapter and the iOptron Commander (Windows program); Commander connects and slews fine without doing anything special.... but iOptron Commander doesn't seem to support a COM connection via Bluetooth, so that is one reason why I'm trying SkySafari on Android.

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  Bill Tschumy September 08, 2017 19:58

  OK, then the serial cable is probably right.

  Did you star align?

  When you try to connect, do you see any change in the flashing lights on the SkyBT?

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  Mike Repucci September 08, 2017 20:16

  I did not do any star alignment... just set ZeroPosition.  If I don't need to do an alignment when hardwired (via the serial-USB adapter and remote app), why would that be necessary for the SkyBT adapter?  In any case, not sure how I can do a "fake" alignment.  The polar alignment is a very simple procedure with iOptron CEM25 whereby the HC tells me where to position Polaris (need to see it) in the reticle using the fine AZ and Alt manual mount controls. 

  In any case, the green light is flashing, (at about 2Hz), then slows to less than 1Hz), then goes solid when an amber led blinks (a few times), then the Connection Failure.

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  Bill Tschumy September 08, 2017 20:28

  OK, if you don't need to do the alignment with the computer then you probably don't need to with SkyBT.  I just can't keep in my head what mount needs what.

  If you see a change in the flashing then the app is talking to SkyBT.  Is "Set Time & Location" checked in the Telescope Setup settings?  If so try with it unchecked.

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  Mike Repucci September 08, 2017 21:15

  :) Does seem like it's trying; can't install the app on my cell phone to try it from there (without paying another fee).

  Yes, I've tried it checked and unchecked "Set Time & Location".

  Perhaps time to contact support?

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  Mike Repucci September 08, 2017 22:07

  Well, Kevin at iOptron suggested "iOptron CEM/iEQ Pro/AZ Mount Pro" as the "Scope Type".

  Apparently, this is the proper choice (with Mount Type "Equatorial GoTo".)   When I first tried, I actually had selected this choice, but must have selected the wrong Mount Type..  So, it's working now.

  Thanks for all your help!

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  Bill Tschumy September 09, 2017 17:58

  Glad you got it working.  The different firmware used by iOptron is as confusing to me as it is to you.  I thought since it used the 8408 HC you would use "iOptron SmartEQ/ZEQ & 8407/8".

   

  By the way, as long as you phone is using the same Google Play account as your tablet, you can download it to the phone for free.