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(Including details for use with compatible astronomy software applications) 

 
May 14, 2015 
 

Features unique to the ScopeCOM WiFi module 

 

  Unlike currently available WiFi and Bluetooth telescope control solutions, the 

ScopeCOM module is compatible for use with both Apple and Android portable 
Smartphones and Tablets. 

  Most Android Smartphones and Tablets are unable to utilize the WiFi Ad Hoc mode to 

establish a direct WiFi connection to a telescope mount.  Similarly, Apple iPhone and 
iPad devices do not support the Bluetooth SPP service which eliminates use of 
Bluetooth devices supporting serial data connections for these devices. The 
ScopeCOM product eliminates these device limitations and provides serial data 
communications over a WiFi network supporting both Apple and Android portable 
devices.  The ScopeCOM WiFi adapter also supports WiFi connections using MAC 
and Windows computers. 

  The ScopeCOM module may be powered from any USB +5 volt power source 

providing a minimum of 350 mA of continuous current capacity. 

  The ScopeCOM module’s WiFi network settings are configured for compatibility with 

the popular Sky Safari iOS, Android and MAC computer apps. 

  The ScopeCOM product may be supplied with either an internal or external 2.4 GHz 

WiFi antenna. 

 

Note:

  ScopeCOM does not support telescope mounts with USB serial interfaces.   

 
 

User Information and Recommendations 

 

Turning the ScopeCOM Module ON and OFF 

To power the ScopeCOM module, apply +5 volt power to the module barrel power 
jack.  The ScopeCOM DC power connection uses a barrel

 type jack commonly used to 

power most telescope mounts’ (5.5mm O.D x 2.1mm ID) 

- type M

 connector.  

 

 
Note:  

 

The most convenient means to power the ScopeCOM module is using a Celestron 
Power Tank or a similar portable battery product.  See the following page for a 
description of this powering suggestion. 

Summary of Contents for ScopeCom

Page 1: ...WiFi adapter also supports WiFi connections using MAC and Windows computers The ScopeCOM module may be powered from any USB 5 volt power source providing a minimum of 350 mA of continuous current cap...

Page 2: ...B type A cable assembly These cable assemblies can be easily created or purchased from Amazon or other suppliers as shown below USB to Barrel ScopeCOM Cable Assembly ScopeCOM USB Power Data Connection...

Page 3: ...r to the one shown below USB Cigarette Lighter power adapter Establishing a WiFi Serial Data Connection to an Apple or Android Portable Device Step 1 Power and position the telescope mount per the man...

Page 4: ...at access to the Internet is not included in this connection Enter WiFi WPA Encryption Key Entering the WiFi WPA encryption key should only have to be entered when establishing an initial connection w...

Page 5: ...amateur astronomer telescope systems require alignment prior to establishing GoTo telescope control This includes inputting the location date and time unless the telescope includes on board GPS capab...

Page 6: ...COM assigns the MAC computer an IP address This places the ScopeCOM module and the MAC computer on the same IP network Step 5 After you have configured the Sky Safari app for your telescope mount type...

Page 7: ...pplication serial data to be transported over a wireless link i e a WiFi Infrastructure Access Point or Ad Hoc direct network connection There are a number of free and paid virtual serial port softwar...

Page 8: ...res outlined below For best results use the recommended settings below unless you have special networking requirements The recommended HW VSP3 settings are designed to support the Southern Stars Orion...

Page 9: ...ep 3 You must initially login to access the virtual serial port settings Click on the Login icon and accept the default login The default login and password are admin admin Step 4 Once logged in you w...

Page 10: ...suming your astronomy Windows software does not offer additional COM port selections you will need to reassign or delete an existing COM port in order to accommodate a COM 1 through COM 4 serial port...

Page 11: ...click on the Save Settings to INI file icon Step 6 Return to the Virtual Serial Port menu and click the Create COM icon Wait a few seconds until you see the Delete COM icon highlighted This completes...

Page 12: ...of how to use a virtual COM port for telescope control Using ScopeCOM on Windows Computers The example below describes using a Windows computer running Software Bisque s The Sky 6 planetarium softwar...

Page 13: ...network ScopeCOM assigns the Windows computer wireless adapter an IP address This places the ScopeCOM module and the Windows computer on the same IP network Step 2 Power and position the telescope mo...

Page 14: ...cope mount Baud rate as shown above The 9600 baud rate is the default baud rate for the majority of consumer grade telescope mounts and is the only serial data baud rate supported by most WiFi Serial...

Page 15: ...th The Sky and ScopeCOM user documentation to ensure you fully understand all settings and controls See the following Troubleshooting pages for assistance with WiFi connection issues Clear skies The A...

Page 16: ...on change only affects the ScopeCOM WiFi network connection and will remain in effect until changed Step by Step Procedure to modify ScopeCOM WiFi network connection settings Step 1 First connect to t...

Page 17: ...ork configuration menu then press the Save icon This completes the modification of the ScopeCOM WiFi network settings and should avoid further WiFi connection issues Note Assigning a static IP address...

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