0

What Telescope Control Software Options Are Available For iOS And macOS + Celestron C6-NGT + CG-5 Mount + Advanced Hand Control (Answer: Read On!)

David Childers

May 14, 2019 03:29

Answered

Follow

I am beginning the process of building my astronomy setup. I am researching the following questions I have a Celestron CG-5 with an Advanced GT Hand Control

1. Can I use SkyWire or SkyFi with this telescope?
2. I have bought SkySafari 6 Professional
3. I am a Mac user. I use an iPhone XSMax, iPad Pro 12.9” Generation 3, MacBook Pro, and a Mac Desktop as well.

What is the best setup to use this telescope and hardware to get 21st century control of this telescope.

1. What software?
2. What solution from Starry Night?
3. Are your platforms still being developed for current iOS and MacOS platforms?
4. I don’t find a lot of details of current development?
5. I am a technology buff so I would welcome the opportunity to test and do fresh reviews and how-tos for your solutions

Thanks in advance for your help and insights!

David Childers
770-616-4444
dbcnc1955@gmail.com

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

2 comments

• 1
  
  Keiron Smith May 17, 2019 17:53

  Hi David, 

  The baseline requirement for Celestron support in SkySafari 6 is Celestron firmware version 4.0 or higher, which is basically everything sold since 2008. 

  So, please check the firmware in your hand controller. 

  1. Can I use SkyWire or SkyFi with this telescope? Yes.
  2. I have bought SkySafari 6 Pro.  Great, for what OS?
  3. I am a Mac user. I use an iPhone XSMax, iPad Pro 12.9” Generation 3, MacBook Pro, and a Mac Desktop as well.

  What is the best setup to use this telescope and hardware to get 21st century control of this telescope.

  1. What software?  SkySafari 6 Pro on iOS + SkyFi 3 = rock solid wireless telescope control configuration.
  2. What solution from Starry Night?  Starry Night Pro 8 on macOS + SkyFi 3 = rock solid wireless telescope control configuration.
  3. Are your platforms still being developed for current iOS and MacOS platforms?  Absolutely.
  4. I don’t find a lot of details of current development?  SN8 was released the beginning of 2019.  SkySafari 6 was released for iOS, Android and macOS throughout 2018.
  5. I am a technology buff so I would welcome the opportunity to test and do fresh reviews and how-tos for your solutions.  Thanks!

   

• 0
  
  wtxnitz June 16, 2019 17:42

  Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS (2003), Skysafari 6 Pro and Skyfi (I have ver 1) work beautifully with both macOS and iOS, both iPhone and iPad. Using an iPad is really sweet!

  The iPhone works well as a hand controller. See the hint in another thread on how to set color filters on iOS..

   

  You'll be thrilled how much more observing you can do. E.G., start at Scorpio's tail with the Ptolemy cluster and walk your way up the Milky Way.

  Just be sure you check people are done at the eyepiece before you hit go. ;-)

   

  I've also run Celestron SE 6, SE 8 and Advanced VX mounts. 

  Enjoy!