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What Can I Do If SkyBT Is Unavailable? (Answer: Get SkyFi 3, It Works On Both iOS and Android, Has A Rechargeable Battery)

I see you have the device on backorder, and it's currently unavailable on Amazon. I was going Io give it a good review on Cloudy Nithts, but I hesitate to recommend it to people if they can't get it. When will it be available again?

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5 comments

  • Avatar
    Matthew Hjelle Official comment

    Hi Terry,

    Unfortunately, our manufacturing partner is slow to provide some necessary components which causes all too frequent backorder situations. The unit itself is also becoming a bit obsolete in comparison to options like the SkyFi III that offer better durability/range/security/flexibility/compatibility.  It's possible SkyBT won't be offered for sale too much longer.

    Learn more about SkyFi III here:  https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/products/skyfi-iii-wireless-scope-control

    Thanks,

  • 0
    Avatar
    Woody

    Terry,

    Even if they've discontinued the SkyBT, the original RN-270M (Roving Networks) is still available from online sources.  It's the same device, but without the SkyBT label.  It's also called the "Firefly."  They made it for Simulation Curriculum.  I have one of each.  They're identical.\

    The "M" version has a male DB-9 connector.  There's also a "F" version which you probably don't want.

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Terry Barker

    Thanks, that's very useful. I had no idea.

  • 0
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    Steven Marty

    Yes, thanks for the information.  I just ordered one to have a backup.

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    Avatar
    Woody

    I find Matt's comment that the SkyFi-III has greater range amusing.  That's the exact opposite of my experience.  And I have many more connection drop problems with the Sky-Fi-III than with my SkyBT/RN-270 Bluetooth devices.  And it seems that as WiFi control for mounts increases, more and more users are having interference/lock-out problems at large astronomy events (such as Grand Canyon Star Party) because there's such a limited number of WiFi channels available.  And finally, until Simulation Curriculum solves the SkySafari/Celestron Wi-Fi/StarSense auto-align problem (way over a year now and it's still not working despite the latest "fix"), the SkyBT/RN-270 Bluetooth mount control route is by far the "best" solution for my systems.  I have a SkyFi-III but rarely use it.  Fortunately all my StarSense systems still have the old RS-232 ports in their hand-controls.  If I had the newer ones with USB, I'd be forced to use SkyFi-III.

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