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Workflow When Using TheSkyX™ with the AP V2 Driver
1.
Be sure that you first install the current ASCOM Platform and AP V2 ASCOM Driver. Having all software and drivers
current is important in order to avoid connectivity issues.
a)
ASCOM Platform 6.4SP1 or newer - install first
https://ascom-standards.org/index.htm
Click on the download button and install the full down-
load. Once the download is complete you are done.
There are no settings to make.
b) Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver - install second
https://www.gralak.com/apdriver/
Detailed information regarding setting up the AP V2 ASCOM Driver are found on page 24. Please check the link
above frequently to ensure that you are using the current version of this driver. Important updates and bug-fixes are
made periodically to ensure that your mount functions safely.
Pro Tip:
Clicking on the “?” in the upper right corner of each window in all the screens found in both the AP V2
Driver and APCC will immediately jump you to that specific section of the Help Menu!
2. Open Setup Telescope in the AP V2 Driver and enter the required settings.
Reference the section entitled "Setting Up the Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver"
3. Install
TheSkyX™
and any other third-party software.
4. Go to Telescope in the menu bar and locate the Telescope Chooser in the drop-
down menu. Then select ASCOM Mount.
See image at right.
Important Note:
Do NOT select Astro-Physics from that list. These are
TheSkyX™
native drivers and NOT Astro-Physics drivers. They will NOT con-
nect through ASCOM and the AP V2 Driver, nor through APCC; consequently,
you will not be able to take full advantage of the functionality, precision and
safety that is available through our software.
5. Go back to the drop-down menu and select Settings. It will open the ASCOM
Telescope Chooser and you will select AstroPhysics GTO V2 Mount.
See image below right.
6. Once you select it you may be asked to click Properties. If you click Properties, you will be shown the AP V2 Driver’s
Setup Telescope window that you filled out earlier. You can review it if you wish. Then click OK once or twice and you
are done.
The Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver is a hub through which all third-party ASCOM compliant software can
be connected. Planetarium, camera control and focusing software, etc. can be connected to it and operated
simultaneously.
7. Polar align your mount using any of the methods outlined in the manual that
came with your mount. .
8. Power up the mount, and then start
TheSkyX™
. When
TheSkyX™
connects
to the mount, it will start the AP V2 Driver which initializes the mount.
9.
After finishing your night’s observing (or day’s solar observing), park the mount
to your chosen park position.
10. Disconnect and close the active software programs (the AP V2 Driver will
close automatically). Power down the mount.
Select
Choose
Select
ASCOM Mount
not
Astro-Physics
Select
Settings
