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How To Connect SkySafari 6 Pro To SkyWatcher SynScan HEQ5 Using A Direct USB Cable Connection On macOS? (Answer: Read On!)

 I have a new version Synscan controller (with USB port) on a skywatcher HEQ5 and wish to control it wired with a mac. I have not yet purchased Skysafari as I am waiting to see if and how it would connect to the synscan. I have read various posts including  SCC technical info that suggest that it can be done and refers me back to the home page "for details"! Some hopeful links end up as 404's. I just cannot find any "official" article that says how. All the posts I read including FAQs focus on wireless connections.

 To be clear, my question is not how to physically connect - I'll just use a regular USB cable between the synscan USB port and a USB port on the mac.

The fact that I cannot find anything on the company's own website describing this, concerns me. There isn't even a skysafari manual for OSX.  oh and if poss I'd like to avoid faffing about with drivers - surely that went out with the ark :) 

Many thanks

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14 comments

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi Denis, 

    The SS6 macOS user guide is here: 

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046808293-SkySafari-6-User-Manual-for-macOS

    When you have you USB-to-USB cable connected you should have an option in the SS6 Pro Telescope Panel to choose "USB" as the type of connection.

    Align your scope with the hand controller and then connect with SkySafari.

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    The SS6 User Guide is also available under the Help tab.

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    Thanks Keiron, but unfortunately when I click on the link it comes up with

    "You're not authorized to access this page"

    When you say "help tab". Help tab where?  If you mean its in the app, then that's not much use as I don't want to buy it until I read the manual. The manual is available online for IOS but I can't find it for OSX and as I mentioned I'm not authorised to use the link you provided.

    The image you provided ads to my doubts as it looks as if its a choice of two. Wifi or Ethernet. Not usb.

     

    Regards

    Denis

     

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    PS, Sorry for the big letters. Its just the way the cut/paste came out.

     

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    PPS  I found this on your main feature list page for OSX,   "You can also use our SkySafari software, running on a Mac OS X computer with Wi-Fi and a serial port, as a Wi-Fi-to-serial server. See Simulation Curriculum's web site at www.skysafariastronomy.com for more details."

    Again this implies I need wifi. But the link given is totally unhelpful. It's the home page!

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    The HTML version is attached here.

    If anyone wants to compile this HTML document into a PDF please do!  Reply here and we'll post the PDF for everyone.

    Thanks!

    Do these links work?

    And, as I said, the "USB" option will be available when you connect a USB cable.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dean

    The link to SS6 macOS Help Guide.zip does not work:

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360066834793/SS6_macOS_Help_Guide.zip

    The Firefox error is:

    The page isn’t redirecting properly

    An error occurred during a connection to support.simulationcurriculum.com.

    If I try to "Save link as ..." i get:

    The download cannot be saved because an unknown error occurred.

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    Yes, I get "too many redirects" on both links.

    Why is this so difficult?

    In mean time I have downloaded Stellarium and it works a dream.

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    I have tried with Safari, Chrome, Firefox, all on macOS, and I have no problem downloading the files.

     

    Try this DropBox link to the zip file <- Click Here!

     

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Stellarium is indeed a great program, and free!

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    The HTML documentation is not a lot of help to be honest. The only reference I found to connecting via USB, was on the scope_control file.  It states..

    If you've set up your scope connection using a USB-to-serial adapter, then SkySafari will use a wired serial connection for telescope communication.

    I'm not using a serial adapter. Its USB at both ends - using a standard (USB printer type cable) - though I'm guessing the HEQ5 mount might be using a built in serial to USB.

    I'm also a little dubious about the use of the phrase ...if you've set up your scope connection .... that could suggest there is more involved than just plugging in the USB cable.

    Anyway, can you guarantee that it will work straight off with OSX with a standard  USB cable?

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    The manual for your hand controller says yes it will work

    https://www.telescope.com/assets/product_files/instructions/IN_620_Rev_C_SynScan_Hand_Controller.pdf

    Connect the SynScan hand controller to the com- puter using either

    A) A USB Type A to Type B cable (sold separately) connecting the USB port on the hand controller to a USB port on the computer, or

    B) The RJ-12 to DB-9 serial cable supplied with your telescope or mount, connecting it from the serial port of the hand controller to a serial port on your computer (or more likely to the optional USB-to-serial adapter).

    I don't see any reason it is not going to work.  

    We can't issue refunds for macOS purchases through the Mac App Store so if you want a refund you will have to ask Apple for it.

    That said, if you decide to purchase SkySafari 6 Pro for macOS, and have trouble configuring your setup, please just reply here and we can all discuss.

    Thanks!

     

     

  • 0
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    Denis Taylor

    Thanks Keiron, 

    Yes I had seen that the controller connects to computer. I have done that with Stellarium without difficulty. I like SS6 on my mobile devices so it would make sense to use same on laptop to control scope.  (btwI realise that the vast majority of folks must be using wifi connections - there would be more on wired if that wasn't so, but I'm averse to wifi as i don't want any more bits of kit hanging on my mount than necessary and in my own experience wired is much more reliable and predictable)

    Connecting to a computer is only half the story, it has to be compatible with the software being used. As I'm up and running anyway with stellarium (I made a donation !) I'm going to hold off SS6 until I read of someone that has actually done it successfully.  

    In mean time thanks for chasing down and being so responsive.

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    You're welcome, Denis!  Enjoy and stay safe!

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