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SiTech | Fails to Communicate With SkyFi 3 (Answer: We Need Further Testing)

I recently purchased an Hubble Optics 18” DOB with a SiTech Controller. I then purchased a SkyFi 3 and SkySafari 5 Pro. I couldn’t get it to communicate with the SiTech Controller I would get an error message “ SkySafari can communicate however ,Telescope is not responding. Ensure Telescope Power is turned on”.

I sent the SkyFi 3 unit back to “High Point Scientific” where I purchased the unit, and they sent me a 2nd SkyFi 3. I tried the unit with the SiTech and again it didn’t work with the same error message. I then tried the SkyFi 3 unit with a friends Celestron SE6 and it worked and I was able to use SkySafari.

I contacted Hubble Optics and they had me send the Cable, SiTech Controller and SkyFi 3 unit. They tested my SiTech Controller with their old SkyFi unit and my controller worked fine. They then tested my SkyFi 3 unit with their SiTech Controller and it did not work. Is there a communication issue with new SkyFi 3 units and SiTech Controllers? Is there anything I can try?

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8 comments

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    Samuel shachaf

    Hello

    I have the same issue with SkyFi 3 and SiTech controller.

    I also have a SiTech 2 and communication is fine.

    Sam

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Apologies, I erred in my reply. 

    But, just to confirm, as far as we know SkyFi 3 works with SiTech.  Tim Debenedictis tested it with a SiTech mount.

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    Samuel shachaf

    Hello Keiron
    I have an Argo Navis and Skyfi 3 indeed works flawlessly when connected between SiTech controller and Argo Navis.
    But the reason I have the Argo Navis is to perform a two star alignment.
    What you suggest for the Skyfi 3 to communicate flawlessly with SiTech controller, is that one should purchase an Argo Navis in addition to Skyfi 3.
    ???

    Best regards

    Sam

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    Bill Tschumy

    Sam,

    No, we are not suggesting you need to use an Argo Navis with the SiTech.  

    I guess we will have to get a SiTech unit from Hubble Optics and test this.  We know this has worked in the past.  Possibly something has changed in the SiTech firmware or something has changed in our firmware.

    I will contact Hubble Optics and see if we can make progress on this.  Sorry for the grief.

  • 0
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    Samuel shachaf

    Hello Bill

    Thank you for your reply.

    I wish you success.Your success is our success.

    I know your opinion on "two star alignment".

    Is there any chance you reconsider it and include this feature in SkySafari ?

    Best regards

    Sam

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    Samuel shachaf

    Two star alignment for GoTo of course

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    Bill Tschumy

    We have always said that for GoTo, we will assume the alignment is done before connecting.  Some mounts won't even connect before being aligned (you did try aligning the SiTech first, right?).  We only implement the multi-star alignment ourselves if it is a PushTo mount.  This is unlikely to change anytime soon.

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    Izar21093

    I have had the following problem:

    SkyFi lll, SiTec SC-1 controller with motors, SkySafari 5+ and Skysafari 6 Pro, iPad Air; connection problem.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Sky Safari 5+ and SS 6 pro, SkyFi lll  plugged in to the serial port on the SC-1;( Siderial Technology-1 controller)

    Turn on SC-1

    Turn on SkyFi

    Connect PC to SkyFi :WiFi connection appears to work

    turn on either SkySafari 5+ or  SS6-Pro

    connect SS to SkyFi : connection is made. Upon tapping either the SS screen directional arrows or the hand-pad (SidealTechnology) directional buttons the connection   is immediately disconnected. 

    I have tried this with 2 Apple iPads and one Android tablet. Same response each time.

    Connection is made until either a screen (SS 5/6) or hand-pad (SiTech) directional button is pushed; Immediate disconnect.

    Because it happens on both Apple and Android devices It would seem to be a software/firmware problem.

    Can you help?

    BG

     

     

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