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ETX90 SkySafari 6 Error "Command Failure: The scope can't slew to the target coordinates because they are invalid" (Answer: Works In SkySafari 7 Pro)

I've connected SkySafari 6 Plus (iPad Pro) via wireless to a new SkyFi that is connected to the ETX90 via an AutoStar #497.   After the initial set-up with AutoStar including completing an Align operation, I try to issue a GoTo Command, and I get an error in SkySafari:

"Command Failure: The scope can't slew to the target coordinates because they are invalid"

If I select a star and try to go to it, I get the same error.    It's also the same if I use the Align function on SkySafari.   So basically, it sounds like there is some kind of protocol error between SkySafari and the ETX90.

Any ideas?

- Dave.

 

13 comments

  • -1
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi David, 

    Please confirm the following:

    1. App and version number
    2. OS version number
    3. Scope make and model
    4. Hand controller firmware version number
    5. WiFi hardware (i.e. SkyFi 2 or Sky Fi 3)
    6. Confirm WiFi network connection via mobile device
    7. Serial cables
    8. SkySafari Scope Type setting
    9. Alignment type process via hand controller

    Thanks!

  • 1
    Avatar
    David King

    Thank you for your response / questions.  Here are the answers to each.

    1. App and version number: SkySafari 6 Plus
    2. OS version number: iOS 13.7 on iPhone XR
    3. Scope make and model. Meade ETX-90. (2001 model)
    4. Hand controller firmware version number AutoStar 497 v2 software
    5. WiFi hardware (i.e. SkyFi 2 or Sky Fi 3). SkyFi 3
    6. Confirm WiFi network connection via mobile device Yes 10.0.0.1 works fine
    7. Serial cables ETX-90 to Autostar 497 cable as supplied; Autstar 497 to SkiFi3 using an RS232 connector as supplied with SkyWire (previous purchase)
    8. SkySafari Scope Type setting Meade ETX 60-125 Equatorial GoTo (Fork)
    9. Alignment type process via hand controller Easy Align Polar mount, so polar setting
  • -1
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    For your previous purchase, using SkyWire, were you using SkyWire with this same ETX90 scope?  Did SkyWire work successfully?

  • 1
    Avatar
    David King

    Yes thanks. It worked fine. It was to a 30 pin iPhone connector, and I’ve updated the iPhone so can’t use it anymore.
    - Dave.

  • 1
    Avatar
    David King

    ... and everything else was the same - telescope, AutoStar etc.

  • -1
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Do you still have that old iPhone?  If so, try with that iPhone...

    1. Using SkyWire then, if it works...
    2. Using SkyFi 3

    What happens?

  • 1
    Avatar
    David King

    It’s long gone. So that’s not an option for investigation unfortunately.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Martinnewbold Mn

    David I have exactly the ame problem

    I dont think it will work I have a screen problem on my 497 but if you connect Meade Autostar though 505 cable mine works  I had same connection issues on Android initally with my LX90 Kierion said he will not support Meade so suggest you go else where unless he changes his mind. Connection over Wifi is still a bit odd if you stand to close .  There is no train implemented for Meade and Kerion will not add one according to his post when it just needs a GPS co-ordinate to be sent . I think this is why none of it works

    Martin

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Celestron has paid for the development costs associated with their special WiFi alignment operations.  That is why Celestron WiFi is supported in that special way.

    SkySafari + SkyFi 3 works perfectly with all Meade telescopes when the Meade mount is aligned via the hand controller first.

    This is also how SkySafari works with almost every other mount on the market.

    Meade is supported fully, as it always has been.  

    Martin, if your Meade hand controller is broken then you need to get another one.

    Sorry.

  • 0
    Avatar
    David King

    Hi Keiron,

    Thank you for the confirmation that it is fully supported - that's great, and thanks in advance.    My Autostar controller is working fine, but the issue described in my first post is not yet resolved.  Please can you let me know what can be done to fix this and how I can access the full support that is available.

    best regards,

    Dave.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Dave, 

    Check to see if you have any slew limits set in the hand controller.

    Confirm your time & location in SkySafari match that in the mount.  You should probably turn on the "Set Time & Location" option in the Telescope Setup settings.  This will cause SkySafari to tell the mount you time & location when you connect.

    Also try a different alignment option; i.e. using 2 stars if possible.

    Thx.

  • 0
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    David King

    Pleased to report that this now work with SkySafari 7.  No other changes made, but SkySafari 7 seems to have explicit support for SkyFi 3 with ETX.

    - Dave.

     

  • 1
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    An excellent result, Dave!

    Thank you for upgrading to SS7 - Clear skies and stay safe!

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