New post
0

How To Make A USB-to-Serial Connection With SkySafari 6 Pro + Celestron 8 SE + macOS? (Answer: Install Correct USB-To-Serial Driver, Select "USBserial" From Telescope Type Drop Down Menu Options )

I bought skysafari6 plus plus because in the comparison chart it says"wired and wireless telescope control". I'm trying to control my c8se with sky safari 6 plus and my MacBook Pro with no luck. how do I connect them.

14 comments

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bill Tschumy

    You can connect wirelessly using something like our SkyFi adapter:

    http://www.skysafariastronomy.com/skyfi-3-professional-astronomy-telescope-control.html

    You can also connect via a cable.  If the Celestron hand controller has a USB-mini jack on the bottom then all you need is the appropriate serial cable.  If there is an RS-232 jack on the bottom (looks sort of like a phone jack), then you will need a USB-to-RS-232 adapter (KeySpan is recommended).  You will also need a Celestron serial cable if you don't have one.  We sell them on our store:

    https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/collections/accessories/products/telescope-serial-cable

    Please read through the Help on scope control for more information.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    I have all the cables and have been using nexremote on my pc to remotely run the Celestine with no problem. The cable and connection is good. With I hook up to MacBook Pro , nothing.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bill Tschumy

    Glenn,

    When you go to the Telescope > Setup  screen, do you see your USB-to-Serial adapter listed in the Connection dropdown menu?  You need to choose it from there.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    In my connection drop down all I have is 

    WiFi or Ethernet 

    bluetooth incoming port

     

    thats all

  • 0
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    I’ve tried them both 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    I got it!  

    Thanks

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bill Tschumy

    Great.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi Glenn,

    Did you finally connect by using a "USBserial" option in your Connection Type drop down menu?

    Thanks!

  • 1
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    I’d been using the cables on a pc with no problems. I just plug them together. 

    Couldnt figure out wh I had no connection with th3 mac. Btw it’s my first Mac. 

    When you mentioned the usb drop down I realized the Mac wasn’t seeing the serial adapter. Didn’t know that with the Mac I had to load a driver for it to be visible. 

    Loaded the driver and bingo, there usb was in the drop down list  

    your hind was what I needed  

    thanks

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Glenn Noonan

    Hint 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    An excellent result, Glenn!  Enjoy SkySafari on macOS!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Lance McKinzie

    Bill, my iPhone X connects to SkyFi 3 but SkyFi 3 cannot detect AstroPhysics Mach one goto. I’m using a USB A to RS232 Serial. Do I need Serial to Serial?

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bill Tschumy

    You cannot use a USB-toSerial cable with SkyFi.  Those all require drivers to work and you can't install drivers on the SkyFi.  You will need serial-to-serial.  You should check with AP for the correct cable to use.  A "generic" serial cable is unlikely to work.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Lance McKinzie

    Straight serial Cable from AP works perfectly.  Thank you sir.

Please sign in to leave a comment.