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Appendix D. Computer Control an SmartEQ Mount
The SmartEQ mount can be connected to a computer using a RS232 cable via hand controller serial
port. A RS232 to USB adapter (not included) is needed if your computer does not have a serial port, like
most of the laptops on the market today. Follow the adapter instructions to install the adapter driver. A RJ9
serial port to RS232 cable (not included) is also need to connect the RS232 port to the HC serial port.
Please refer to Appendix C for more information.
To control the mount via ASCOM protocol, you need:
• ASCOM Platform 6. Download and install it from http://www.ascom-standards.org.
• iOptron Telescope .NET ASCOM Drive. Download and install it from http://www.ioptron.com
,
under Support directory.
• Make sure you computer has Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or up I sinstalled.
• Buy/download planetarium software and install it.
When the communication between the hand controller and computer has been established by
following Step 1 and Step 2 of Appendix C, the mount can be controlled via ASCOM protocol.
Establish the ASCOM connection between the mount and the planetarium software:
As a general instruction, a freeware planetarium software, Cartes du Ciel, is used as an example.
Please refer to you own software manual for detailed operation.
1. Open Cartes du Ciel. Select Telescope settings in Telescope pull-down manual.
2. Select ASCOM as the telescope interface and click OK.
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