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SkyBT Loses Connection (Solution: New Batteries)

John648

September 22, 2018 22:29

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I am using SkyBT with an Orion Intelliscope 10i and SkySafari Pro (versions 5 & 6). I am able to make the connection, and use the system with good results. My problem is that disconnects keep happening. When I press the "Connect" button after a disconnect, the system comes up promptly, and I can resume operation. The alignment isn't lost when this happens. So, it is an annoyance, rather than a disaster.

I have made sure that the SkyBT, the Orion controller, and the smartphone all have strong batteries. I keep the smartphone on a wooden tray, less than a foot from the SkyBT, with no metal in between the units.

I have used two different types of Android smartphones, with no difference in results.

When I look at the SkyBT unit after a disconnect, it is powered down. I don't know if this is because the smartphone has already disconnected.

It seems that the disconnects happen when the scope hasn't been moved for 20 to 60 minutes. Could the SkyBT "time out" if there is no new input from the encoders?

Thank you for your help!

John

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4 comments

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  John648 September 22, 2018 22:32

  P.S. The message for the disconnect is: "Connection Failure  The telescope is not responding.  You have been disconnected.  Do you want to reconnect?"

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  Bill Tschumy September 24, 2018 14:11

  John,

  The SkyBT will power down if there was been no activity for a minute or so.  But while connected there should be continuous activity.  Are you saying that immediately after the disconnect, the SkyBT is off?  That certainly seems strange.

  When the disconnects happen,  is the phone sleeping?  I believe we stop all communication then and it wouldn't surprise me if the SkyBT sleeps as well.

  Maybe some others can comment if they have to keep the phone awake to prevent SkyBT from powering down.

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  John648 September 24, 2018 19:32

  Hi Bill,

  I think this may turn out to be a battery issue.  A few days ago I put a pair of "new" alkaline batteries into the SkyBT, and gave it an extended indoor test.  When the disconnect occurred, I checked the batteries, and founded them very low.  I think that the batteries were too old, or had some other problem.  

  So, I put in a pair of freshly recharged NiMh batteries, and had no disconnects.

  Last night, I had a good observing session, with no trouble.

  So, I will always put in freshly charged batteries before taking the scope out!

   

   

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  Bill Tschumy September 24, 2018 19:33

  John,

  Great to hear.  Thanks for letting us know.

  Bill