- MEADE AUTOSTAR III MAC OS
- MEADE AUTOSTAR III SERIAL
- MEADE AUTOSTAR III UPGRADE
- MEADE AUTOSTAR III SERIES
The Vixen StarBook controller uses an ethernet interface, which is also physically incompatible with SkyFi III.
MEADE AUTOSTAR III SERIAL
The only models that do not work with SkyFi III are those that have neither USB nor RS-232 serial ports.
MEADE AUTOSTAR III UPGRADE
Contact Meade to upgrade your controller. To make SkyFi III work with these scopes, you need to replace the #494 Autostar controller (which does not have a serial port) with the #497 Autostar (which does). Some Meade ETX models (60/80) ship with the Autostar #494 controller.
Consult a Celestron dealer for more information Note, the GT hand controllers can possibly be replaced with newer versions that will then work with SkySafari 4/5/6.
MEADE AUTOSTAR III SERIES
This excludes the older Nexstar GT series, the original Celestron Nexstar series and the Celestron Ultima 2000. The baseline requirement for Celestron support in SkySafari 4/5/6 is Celestron firmware version 4.0 or higher, which is basically everything sold since 2008. For example, models that work with SkyFi III include:
SkyFi III can wirelessly enable almost any telescope with a standard USB or RS-232 serial interface.
MEADE AUTOSTAR III MAC OS
SkyFi III works seamlessly with our SkySafari apps for iOS and Android devices, our SkySafari software running on Mac OS X, and our Starry Night software on Mac and via Virtual Serial Port on Windows. Use your existing telescope serial cable and plug directly into SkyFi III - you don't need to buy (or build!) another. If you don't already have one for your telescope, see here for our selection.įinally, you'll also need a telescope control application running on your computer or mobile device. Join this network from your mobile device, laptop, or other computer, and - voila! - you're ready to use SkyFi III. As long as your computer or mobile device gets its IP address by DHCP, no additional network configuration is required. By default, this is an open wireless network called "SkyFi", but you can rename and secure it later on. Once powered on, SkyFi III creates its own 802.11 wireless network. You will likely need to purchase a telescope connection cable as well if you have a serial connection on the bottom of your hand controller: See "Package Options" below for possible additions at discounted rates. Outside of North America a plug adaptor (not included) will be necessary. You can also power SkyFi III from a car battery using a "cigarette lighter" micro USB adapter (not included). The package includes a micro USB power adapter that accepts worldwide AC current (100-240V, 50-60 Hz). It can be powered or charged from a standard 5V USB port on your computer. SkyFi III has a micro USB connector for external power. It can be easily attached to your telescope's mount or tripod a Velcro belt is included for that purpose. SkyFi III is very compact, barely larger than an iPhone. SkyFi III includes both USB and serial ports - this means that it can control the latest USB-only telescopes from Meade/Celestron as well as other telescopes with RS-232 serial interfaces. SkyFi III is the only WiFi device on the market specifically designed for telescope control, and it now includes a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to 12 hours of field use! If you have a computer-controlled GoTo telescope, SkyFi III can use the WiFi capabilities built into your computer and your iOS or Android device to point your telescope in the sky. SkyFi III is our WiFi-to-Serial/USB adapter, designed for wireless telescope control.
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