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SkySafari + SkyBT + LX200 Classic | Error Message: SkySafari Can Make A Wireless Connection To Scope But Scope Is Not Responding.

 
Stevencal64 Yesterday at 11:19

I'm running Sky Safari on Android using your blue tooth adapter, plug adapter, and serial wire for an LX 200 Classic. I've only used this a handful of times and now I'm receiving the above error message. I can pair the blue tooth adapter to my phone, but for some reason the scope isn't being recognized. It did work in the past until now.

All batteries have been changed, all setting are correct within the program. It's set for bluetooth, LX200 classic, and is paired with my Android phone. I would like to return the BT until, adapter, and RS232 serial wire for testing because I it's been used only about 4-5 times since purchased.

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12 comments

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    Bill Tschumy

    Did you star align the LX-200 before trying to connect?  I believe that mount won't respond until after it has been star aligned.

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    Stevencal64

    Yes, I performed a star mock alignment from my table without any results. I'm running Sky Safari 4 and using an Android phone version 4.12. It worked just when when I first purchased the BT adapt and serial wire. Now...nothing. The green light keeps timing out and the error message keeps appearing.

     

    Steve

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    Bill Tschumy

    It is possible that the SkyBT or the cable has become defective, but I think it is somewhat unlikely.  My guess is something has changed on the phone.

    Try this:  When we connect to the SkyBT, we ask Android for a list of Bluetooth serial devices and choose the first on on the list to try to talk to.  This almost always works because it is unusual for people to have other Bluetooth serial devices they pair with.  However, it is possible to explicitly choose the device.

    In the Telescope Setup settings, tap the "Connect via Bluetooth" when it is already selected.  This should bring up a bluetooth picker.  Choose the SkyBT from the list.  It should have a name that starts with "Firefly".  Then try connecting and see if that works.

     

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    Stevencal64

    Sorry but I've had it paired since the start. When pairing I'm asked for the pass code of 1234 which is accepted and then paired.

     

    I have an idea ( rather had ). I have an Ipad with Sky safari installed on it as well. but I like using the phone better because of it's small size. So what I'll is remove the BT and plug in the SkyFi and then connect the Ipad to the network. I'll see if I can control the scope from the Ipad. If all works, then I know it's not the scope or the serial wire/adapter and most likely the BT unit.

     

    BTW, are there two separate serial adapters for BT and Wifi? I ask because I noticed something odd. The two screws which are used to tighten in the male/female fall short with the BT adapter and therefore cannot be tightened.. But when I plugged in the Sky FI the screws are the correct length and can be tightened. But if I remember, the RS232 serial wire and adapter are the same for both, and it's only the BT and Sky Fi which are selected as your choice of connection. The serial adapter plug and wire were purchased from SkySafari

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    Bill Tschumy

    Steve,

    Yes, using the SkyFi would be a good way to verify the mount and cable are good.  Great idea.

    Yes, the cable screws do seem to be a bit short to attach to the SkyBT.  There doesn't seem to be a standard for this attachment and I often see this with other cables (non-astronomical) as well.  Fortunately the pins are normally a tight enough fit that I've never had a problem with it falling out.  You can put a rubber band around the cable/SkyBT connection to make it more secure if desired.

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    Stevencal64

    OK....I guess this is a good news and bad news posting. The bad news first, no question it's the BT adapter. Good news, it works perfectly with SkiFi

     

    EDIT:

    Actually there is one more thing I can try I just thought of. Should have done this first actually. I'll uninstall and reinstall the program on my phone. Maybe something became corrupted.

     

     

    Thank you for your help,

     

    Steve

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    Stevencal64

    please remove

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    Stevencal64

    Bill,

     

    I reinstalled the program without any luck. Same exact error message.

    If you can please contact me through email.

     

    stevencal64@aol.com

     

    Thank You

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    Bill Tschumy

    Steve,

    Did you ever try my suggestion to explicitly choose the SkyBT by tapping the "Connect via Bluetooth" option when it is already selected?

    Also, you are trying to connect from an Android device, right?  

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    Stevencal64

    Bill:

     

    I just tried it. After selecting the circled where the yellow dot will appear, I then proceed to tap the "select bluetooth" words. It then brings be back to my phone setting showing me that I am already paired with the device. Then in the program the "select bluetooth" menu option changes a bit showing me it's connected to the firefly network right underneath "select Bluetooth". Something worth noting. I believe the green light is flashing much faster that it did when it worked correctly. It's supposed to flash like 1 time a second. but it's more like 2-3.

     

    Oh..Yes it's Androind. the specs are in the above postings.

     

    Sorry, I think all options have been exhausted, unless you have anything others. Is there anything that can be done? Order number 4411.

     

    Again, thank you very much for not making me wait days or weeks for a response. Very nice of you,

     

    Steve

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    Bill Tschumy

    "Then in the program the "select bluetooth" menu option changes a bit showing me it's connected to the firefly network right underneath "select Bluetooth"."

    That only indicates it will try to talk to that specific device (which you have chosen).  It does not mean it has connected.

    The green light flashes about 2 times per second.  When you try to connect you should see a yellow light flash next to the green light.  Once connected, the green light stays on and the yellow light flashes as data is being sent.

    I will email you directly about sending me the device for testing.  If it is defective we will replace it if it is still under warranty,

     

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    Stevencal64

    No doubt a problem with the BT. because I never get 2 separate lights. I just get the flashing green which times out and the error message. At no time do I see the green remain solid and yellow flashing.

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