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PART IX : CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER
9.1 Working with Astronomical Applications
9.2 PC Direct Mode
After the SynScan hand controller is initialized, it can communicate with a computer via the
RS-232C connection on its multi-purpose port. The computer must have a RS-232C serial
port; otherwise, a USB-to-Serial adapter is required. Connect the SynScan hand controller
and the serial port with the PC-Link cable (the RJ-12 to D-Sub 9 cable) which comes with the
telescope mount.
The most popular astronomical applications which can work with the SynScan hand controller
are:
• Planetarium Applications: Users can click on an object on the sky map to command the
telescope to point to the object.
• Autoguider Applications: Corrects minor tracking error dynamically for long exposure as-
trophotography.
Note: The SynScan hand controller cannot work with the above application when it is in the
following status:
• When checking GPS information (Section 12.2).
• During the PEC training process.
• When working in PC Direct mode (Section 9.2).
PC Direct Mode is a special mode for the SynScan hand controller to work with a PC. Under
this mode, the SynScan hand controller still uses the same hardware connection as described
in Section 9.1, but the SynScan hand controller becomes a repeater between the PC and the
motor controller in the telescope mount. The application running on the PC controls the motor
controller directly.
Currently, the PC direct mode is mainly used to update the motor controller’s rmware.
• Access the menu “Utility Func. \ PC Direct Mode” and press the ENTER key. The screen will
display “PC Direct Mode\Press ESC to exit”.
• Press and hold the ESC key more than 1 second to exit PC Direct Mode.
• Users can still use the direction keys to move the telescope mount.
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