9
MODE and select
SYNC, then press ENTER. The next object should
then be more accurately centered.
If
SYNC makes things worse, you may have been aiming at the
wrong object. Just turn off Sky Wizard and align again from scratch.
4. computer interface
rs232 computer interface
Sky Wizard may be connected to your per-
sonal computer with a serial cable. This
allows you to use software such as “TheSky”
from Software Bisque or other compatible
software programs. This interface operates
independently from the normal functions. The
system responds to requests from your com-
puter and provides the encoder angles. The
software is responsible for transforming the
encoder angles into celestial coordinates.
rs232 connections
A 6-position modular connector is used for RS232 interface. There are
a few computer accessories that have a compatible cable. The inter-
face cable is available separately. The cable used only 3 pins of the
6-position modular connector. Be careful to check the quality of a crimp
when low cost crimpers are used. Make sure all the pins are down
before inserting into the instrument, as this can damage the wires of
the connector.
Wire Signal
DB25 DB9
yellow TX
2
2
green RX
3
3
red gnd
7
5
black
+9 to 12
nc
nc
You can make your own, only 3 wires used; TX, RX, ground. You will have
to check your computer manual for the connections on that end of the
cable. The TX pin at the computer must connect to the RX pin on the Sky
Wizard. The RX pin at the computer must connect to the TX pin on the Sky
Wizard. The ground (gnd) pin is connected straight across. The communi-
cation is at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity. The transmitter
depends on the personal computer providing a mark state, -5 to -12 volts,
when idle.
rs232 commands
The serial data RS232 signals are provided in the simplest form. There are
only 3 wires that transmit, receive, and ground. A 6-position modular con-
nector is used. It will be easier if the colors are connected as indicated. Be
careful that the connectors at both ends of the modular wire are con-
nected straight-through, not crossed. The connection is most easily made
by using a modular to D-connector adapter available at electronic stores.
If it does not talk to your computer, try reversing the TX and RX wires.
The serial communication is very simple. Set up the computer to oper-
ate at 9600 baud, no parity, 1 stop bits. The instrument responds to
only two commands. These commands are each just one letter. “Q” is
a query, the instrument responds with the position of the telescope as
a pair of signed integers which correspond to the encoder positions.
“P” is a diagnostic check which has 3 digits. The correct response is
“001” which corresponds to zero encoder errors and voltage level on.
You may test this operation using a terminal program.
command: “Q”
response data:
azimuth
altitude
format:
+00000<tab>
+00000<cr>
example:
+01234
-00123
The “P” command provides a three digit status number, first digit is number
of altitude encoder errors, second is the number of azimuth encoder errors,
third is 0 for low battery and 1 for ok battery.
command: “P”
response
data:
format:
000
<cr>
example:
021
5. catalog listings
Messier catalog Database
Cat#
Name
RA h m.m Dec ° '
Size
Mag Const Description
M001 Crab Nebula
05 34.5
+22 01
6
8.4
Tau
nebula
M002
21 33.5
-00 49
12.9
6.5
Aqr
globular cluster
highly resolved
M003
13 42.2
+28 23
16.2
6.4
CVn globular cluster
highly resolved
M004
16 23.6
-26 32
26.3
5.9
Sco globular cluster
highly resolved
M005
15 18.6
+02 05
17.4
5.8
Ser
globular cluster
highly resolved
M006 Butterfly Cluster
17 40.1
-32 13
15
4.2
Sco open cluster rich
M007
17 53.9
-34 49
80
3.3
Sco open cluster
bright scattered
M008 Lagoon Nebula
18 03.8
-24 23
90
5.8
Sgr
nebula with dust
and cluster
M009
17 19.2
-18 31
9.3
7.9
Oph globular cluster
mottle
M010
16 57.1
-04 06
15.1
6.6
Oph globular cluster
highly resolved
M011 Wild Duck Cluster 18 51.1
-06 16
14
5.8
Sct
open cluster
dense
M012
16 47.2
-01 57
14.5
6.6
Oph globular cluster
highly resolved
M013 Great Hercules
16 41.7
+36 28
16.6
5.9
Her
globular cluster
Cluster
highly resolved
M014
17 37.6
-03 15
11.7
7.6
Oph globular cluster
M015
21 30.0
+12 10
12.3
6.4
Peg globular cluster
highly resolved
M016 Eagle Nebula
18 18.8
-13 47
35
6.0
Ser
nebula with dust
and cluster
M017 Swan Nebula
18 20.8
-16 11
46
6.0
Sgr
nebula
M018
18 19.9
-17 08
9
6.9
Sgr
open cluster
bright scattered
M019
17 02.6
-26 16
13.5
7.2
Oph globular cluster
M020 Trifid Nebula
18 02.3
-23 02
29
6.3
Sgr
nebula with dust
M021
18 04.6
-22 30
13
5.9
Sgr
open cluster rich
M022
18 36.4
-23 54
24
5.1
Sgr
globular cluster
highly resolved
M023
17 56.8
-19 01
27
5.5
Sgr
open cluster
dense
M024
18 18.4
-18 25
5
11p Sgr
open cluster
dense
M025
18 31.6
-19 15
32
4.6
Sgr
open cluster
bright scattered
M026
18 45.2
-09 24
15
8.0
Sct
open cluster rich
gnd
RX
TX
