SkyWatcher Mount

AsTeRICS Configuration Suite

SkyWatcherMount

Component Type: Actuator (Subcategory: Others)

The SkyWatcher plugin can be used to control telescope mounts using the Nexstar 5 protocol, e.g. Skywatcher AllView, Skywatcher Merlin via Synscan hand control.

Screenshot: SkyWatcherMount plugin SkyWatcherMount plugin

Requirements

A Nexstar5 compatible telescope mount connected to the target computer via a serial connection

Input Port Description

  • speed [integer]: defines the movement speed of the mount (range: 0-9)
  • panPosition [integer]: defines the target position in steps for the pan axis for the goto command
  • tiltPosition [integer]: defines the target position in steps for the tilt axis for the goto command
  • endPointLeft [integer]: defines the maximum position the pan axis can move to the left
  • endPointRight [integer]: defines the maximum position the pan axis can move to the right
  • endPointUp [integer]: defines the maximum position the tilt axis can move up
  • endPointDown [integer]: defines the maximum position the tilt axis can move down

Output Port Description

  • posX [integer]: the actual position of the pan axis in steps
  • posY [integer]: the actual position of the tilt axis in steps

Event Listener Description

  • goLeft: moves the mount endless to the left
  • goRight: moves the mount endless to the right
  • goUp: moves the mount endless upwards
  • goDown: moves the mount endless downwards
  • stopPan: stops the movement of the pan axis
  • stopTilt: stops the movement of the tilt axis
  • stop: stops the movement of the pan and tilt axis
  • goToPanPosition: move the pan axis to the step position specified by the panPosition input port
  • goToTiltPosition: move the tilt axis to the step position specified by the tiltPosition input port
  • triggerOn: if the mount has a shutter for a digital camera, the shutter is set to 1
  • triggerOff: if the mount has a shutter for a digital camera, the shutter is set to 0
  • Properties

    • SerialPort [string]: The serial port of the mount, e.g. COM1
    • EndPointsActive [boolean]: defines if the movement boundaries set by the endpoints are active or not.