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SkySafari Pro | iOptron Mount Compatibility

iOptron compatibility with SkySafari is outlined below.  You will need either SkySafari 5 Plus or Pro.

  • iOptron SmartStar / MiniTower - these use the 8401A and 8402 controllers.  We don't support 8401G.  Also iOptron has abandoned these controllers.  Also see note below (*)
  • iOptron iEQ45 with 8406 controller - yes, these are supported.  For this mount, the RS-232 port is on the mount base, not the 8406 controller.
  • iOptron 8407 / 8408 contollers - yes, these are supported.  These go with the iOptron iEQ30/45, and ZEQ25 mounts.  RS-232 port is on the controller itself.

(*) The 8401/2 have a firmware bug which prevents the "Align" command from working with these controllers.  Also they stop tracking (sidereal motion) when you press the directional east/north/south/west arrows.  iOptron knows about this but is not addressing the problem since these controllers are obsolete.  These problems are not present in newer iOptron models - 8407/8408 support Align, and continue sidereal tracking after east/west/north/south buttons are released.

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5 comments

  • 0
    Avatar
    Gizmo

    Hello Keith,

    In one of your similar threads that refers to Skyfi

    "SkyFi + iOptron scope compatibility list"

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/articles/231541167-SkyFi-iOptron-scope-compatibility-list

     

    you posted:

    "

    User reporting:
     
    SkySafari 5+ works perfectly with Ioptron AZ Mount Pro.

    "

     

    Does this mean you need the skifi device?

    Or do you mean Sky Safari 5+ works with the built in wifi of the AZ Mount Pro?

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bill Tschumy

    Gizmo,

    I don't think we've ever tested on the built-in Wi-Fi for the AZ mount.  I wasn't even aware that it had built-in Wi-Fi.  It is effectively impossible for us to test on all the new mounts coming out and we have to rely on user reports.  Maybe Keiron knows if the user was using SkyFi or the built-in Wi-Fi.

    Bill

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi Gizmo,

    I have asked the other user who reported success with SS5 + iOptron AZ Mount Pro to reply here.  

    Thanks for your patience.

    Good idea, Bill!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Rick Jenkins

    Yes, SS5+ will work with the mount no other device needed. Very easy setup.

  • 0
    Avatar
    wtxnitz

    I just started using my iOptron Cube Pro with my MacBook Pro 2016 Touch Bar. The Cube has the 8401 controller.

    I am able to connect SS Pro 5 either through USB from the Mac to the hand controller or using SkyFi USB, connected via USB to the h.c.

    I've also controlled the Cube through SkyFi and iOS, on an iPhone 7.

    There is no built-in wireless on the Cube Pro. iOptron has their own SkiFi external module. (SkyFi clone?)

    On the comment about the 8401 dropping track when the slew buttons are pressed. I have not seen that in either sidereal or solar track mode. I have the Cube on an equatorial wedge, running in EQ mode. Maybe that's tne difference. But I have also run in Alt/Az and not noticed any issues. The HC is running version 90701w. The only issue I've seen is at high rates, the slew has an annoying "coast" after button release. Makes fine touches impossible.

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