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+--- Thread: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? (/showthread.php?tid=1789)
Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - dw_Skyhound - 2020-08-02
Hello,
If I am correct, Skytools - Real Time Observing edition - has the ability to control a motorized mount?
If that is correct, is it compatible with mounts that are controlled via EQMOD?
I understand EQMOD is being used to PC control the Orion EQ-G equatorial motorized mounts.
Thanks,
dw
RE: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - obrazell - 2020-08-03
I believe that SkyTools uses the ASCOM interface (https://www.ascom-standards.org/) to control telescopes so as long as there is an ASCOM driver for your mount then yes it would control the telescope.
Owen
RE: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - ledge1962 - 2020-08-05
It does use the Ascom Interface and I can vouch for ST4 working flawlessly with the GOTO AltAz mounts. This is true for both Orion and Sky Watcher mounts. Even my 5yo grandson can control the scope with ST4
There is also a topic on the site for wireless control if you search for it.
RE: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - dw_Skyhound - 2020-08-12
(2020-08-05, 04:58 AM)ledge1962 Wrote: It does use the Ascom Interface and I can vouch for ST4 working flawlessly with the GOTO AltAz mounts. This is true for both Orion and Sky Watcher mounts. Even my 5yo grandson can control the scope with ST4
There is also a topic on the site for wireless control if you search for it.
I'm curious about your reference to ST4.
I recently picked up a used Orion EQ-G equatorial mount which has an ST4 port.
But it is my understanding that the speed of the EQ-G mount when controlled by ST4 is limited to 1 or 1.5 sidereal speed.
The previous owner of this EQ-G lost the hand controller.
And at first I thought perhaps I could build a super easy controller to plug into the ST4 port.
But if it only moves at 1 or 1.5 sidereal speed - that would be kind of useless.
I'm curious what load capacity your ALT/AZ mount can handle?
I'd love to trade the EQ-G mount for an ALT/AZ mount that could handle an 8" newtonian tube.
RE: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - obrazell - 2020-08-12
ST4 in this case stands for the old SBIG ST4 guider that became the standard for guiding layout. Nothing to do with ST4 the program. It is unlikely that the ST4 port can take a hand controller as it was purely designed for guiding long exposure images not for GOTO or anytihng liek that.
RE: Skytools - real time observing w/EQMOD? - Askmeoffersmadhu - 2020-08-12
Hello,
Yaa, It is compatible with mounts that are controlled via EQMOD because i already did this!!
Thanks,
Madhu