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How Come SkySafari 7 Pro Connects To SkyFi's Network But The Scope Is Not Responding? (Answer: Get A Data Transmitting USB Cable - Read On!)

Robbin Conner

November 21, 2023 19:22

Answered

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On both equatorial (CGX-L) and alt-az (CPC1100) Celestron mounts with the usb hand controller I am running into the following issue:

When I try to connect to the mount I get the error saying that "SkySafari 7 Pro can make a wireless network connection to SkyFi, but the scope is not responding."

With the same SkySafari settings and an older hand control with the "telephone" jack in the bottom of the hand controller I connect without issue using the CGX-L mount.  I have attached screenshots below of the basic settings I am using with the CGX-L and the newer hand control in case it is useful.

Thank you!

 

 

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16 comments

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  Keiron Smith November 22, 2023 17:13

  Robbin, 

  You need to ensure your USB cable can transmit data.  Not all USB cables are made equal.

  Get Your Data Transfer USB-A-To-USB-Mini Cable For Celestron USB Mounts Here (Amazon Link Inside)

  The error message says SkyFi is receiving the data, but it is not being received by the mount.

  More than likely, the issue is the USB cable.

  Thanks!

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  Robbin Conner November 22, 2023 19:34

  Thanks Keiron.  Sorry I should have mentioned that I saw that post prior to opening this current post and actually bought that exact USB cable from Amazon with somewhat high hopes.  Unfortunately I obtained the same result with that cable.  In addition, today I again updated my mount and hand controller using the USB cable included in the original pictures so I can confirm it is suitable for data.  Just to be sure, again today, I tried to connect with the red cable but still obtained the result that although the SkyFi network could be found and joined the scope was not responding.

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  Keiron Smith November 22, 2023 20:21

  The mount is pre-aligned with the hand controller BEFORE trying to connect with SkySafari + SkyFi 3?

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  Robbin Conner November 22, 2023 23:16

  Yes.  In the setup pictured I used "Last Align" and the hand control indicated that the scope was aligned.  But in most of my attempts I have been outside and have always aligned the scope first before trying to connect with SkySafari and SkyFi.  Using all the same steps and an old hand controller and connecting from the DB9 pin connections in the SkyFi model to the telephone style jack in the hand controller (with the mount pictured above) everything works well.

  Thanks Keiron and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  Keiron Smith November 23, 2023 15:10

  With the same SkySafari settings and an older hand control with the "telephone" jack in the bottom of the hand controller I connect without issue using the CGX-L mount.

  How about the older hand controller and the alt-az (CPC1100)?  Does it also work?

  

  In SkyFi Settings Web Page > What is the firmware version?

  Thanks!

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  Keiron Smith November 23, 2023 15:11

  Please also try a completely new alignment before connecting, you can fake align indoors.

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  Robbin Conner November 23, 2023 17:50

  The firmware is 1.3.4.  I have used several alignments outside (including last night) with the same result but just to be sure did a fake solar system alignment inside just now but no better.  Same error message.  I will need to update the software in the hand control to make it an alt az controller (it is older so we will see :-).  Thanks again for all the help so far.

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  Keiron Smith November 23, 2023 18:05

  If the hand controller has a USB port it should have the latest firmware, or at least a firmware that supports USB data transfer.

  I suggest also trying another USB data transfer cable.

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  Robbin Conner November 23, 2023 19:18

  Well I did manage to switch the hand controller software for the controller with the DB9->telephone jack to the CPC mount.  And again this works fine no issues.  After fake aligning on Venus (Solar System object) SkySafari connected and showed Venus as the current target.  I have tried 3 different USB cables, all tested using data transfer and one of them the exact model used in the post you sent, i.e. the red one from Amazon.  I know the hand controllers support data transfer with these cables as I have hooked them up to Celestron's firmware manager (CFM) etc. I wonder if somehow I damaged (or there is otherwise a problem with) the USB-A connection on the SKY-Fi board since clearly the Sky-FI functions fine in terms of providing a wireless network and works well in terms of passing commands properly to both types of Celestron mounts when communicating through the db9 port; in addition SkySafari communicates properly through the Sky-Fi once the connection to the scope is made.

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  Robbin Conner December 16, 2023 22:22

  Hi Keiron,

  I assume you also have run out of ideas?

  Best,

  Robbin

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  Keiron Smith December 18, 2023 18:43

  Robbin, 

  I think your conclusion is probably correct.  Either the SkyFi is not sending the data from the USB-A port - or the hand controller is not receiving the data from its USB-Mini port.

  You could attach a log file.  See Help > Email log file.

  First try to make the connection, then send the log file.

  When did you buy the SkyFi 3?

   

   

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  Robbin Conner December 18, 2023 21:57

  Thanks Keiron.  I am pretty sure the handcontroller can receive data since I have updated the software with Celestron's program without issue, connecting through that port to my two different laptops..  I can't remember when I bought this SkyFi3 but I think it was about 5 years ago--I am sure out of warranty at this point.  I think I will buy another one to try and I guess maybe return it if for some reason I can't get it to connect through the USB port either.  Really appreciate your quick responses.

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  Keiron Smith December 19, 2023 01:18

  Unfortunately, we no longer manufacture SkyFi 3, there are no more units for sale.

  I would suggest at this point considering a Celestron WiFi module.

  You can align your mount using SkySafari + Celestron WiFi - the integration between app and wifi is very good.

  Thanks!

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  Robbin Conner December 19, 2023 02:59

  Oh sorry to hear that.  I had been using the Sky-Fi with my Obsession/Argo Navis--since the db-9 pins work there as well, but would like to get a backup.  Also at this point unfortunately (at least I think) Celestron has not written the code for SkySafari to utilize directly the commands required for the Star Sense Auto Guider (i.e. things like polar alignment etc.).  They do have that code in CPWI which can connect through their SkyPortal but I prefer the SkySafari interface. The Celestron module also has some strange limitations on specifying which side of the sky you should use to start the alignment which according to Celestron technical support they are not planing to update if you are using SkyPortal's more limited version of SkySafari software, which does include recognition of the auto guider.  I will try though and see how far I can get using the SkyPortal interface with the AutoGuider and then trying to connect with SkySafari.  Thanks again Keiron for all the help especially for a discontinued product!!

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  Keiron Smith December 19, 2023 15:59

  As all the major scope brands, like Celestron, released their own versions of "SkyFi" the market for our product has become too small to sustain the continued development and manufacturing of SkyFi units.  It is unfortunate, but the reality of a fast evolving tech space.

  FYI, it is not possible to align with SkyPortal and then switch to SkySafari.  The alignment model is saved in the app, not the hand controller.

   

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  Robbin Conner December 19, 2023 16:43

  Thanks for explanation Kerion that certainly makes sense both on the production front and the location of the alignment model.  I will keep hoping for a Celestron update to Sky Safari to include full SSAG support at some point.  My New Moon telescope has a Nexus controller with built in Wi-Fi which I guess is now more of an advantage over Argo Navis although I am sure with enough work (and cabling) a connection can eventually be made to work with a blue tooth stick or maybe another form of local wi-fi controller.  I think I will probably just switch and add another Nexus controller if it comes to that at some point. Certainly appreciate the help and how good SkySafari is! 

  Thanks again.