Remotely controlling SkyWatcher mounts with PLAY

PrimaLuceLab has recently released a comprehensive guide on how to remotely control SkyWatcher equatorial or alt-azimuth (alt-azi) mounts using their PLAY astrophotography software. This detailed tutorial is designed to assist astrophotographers in connecting their SkyWatcher mounts to a Windows computer, enhancing their remote control capabilities through the use of ASCOM drivers.

PrimaLuceLab's latest guide: Remotely controlling SkyWatcher mounts with PLAY

To successfully control your SkyWatcher mount remotely using PLAY, several prerequisites must be met. Users need to ensure that their system is running the ASCOM Platform version 6.6 or higher. Additionally, they must possess at least one of the following accessories: the ESATTO focuser, SESTO SENSO 2 focusing motor, GIOTTO flat field generator, or ALTO telescope cover motor.

The tutorial emphasizes the importance of using the SkyWatcher “SynScan Pro App for Windows 10/11,” which replicates the hand controller on a computer. This setup allows for direct USB connection from the SkyWatcher mount to the computer without needing the physical hand controller. The necessary software includes the ASCOM Platform, SynScan Pro App, and the ASCOM Driver for SynScan App. These can be downloaded from the SkyWatcher and ASCOM websites.

PrimaLuceLab provides a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth connection. Here’s a summary of the essential steps:

• Install ASCOM Platform 6.6 or higher: Ensure your computer is equipped with the correct version of the ASCOM Platform, downloadable from the ASCOM standards website.
• Install SynScan Pro App: Download and install the latest version of the SynScan Pro App for Windows 10/11 from the SkyWatcher website.
• Install ASCOM Driver for SynScan App: This driver is crucial for the connection between the SynScan Pro App and the PLAY software.
• Level and Position the Mount: Make sure your mount’s tripod is level. Depending on whether you use the mount in equatorial or alt-azimuth mode, position the mount correctly. For equatorial mode, polar alignment is required, while for alt-azimuth mode, the telescope should point towards the North or South direction based on your latitude.
• Connect USB Cable: Link your SkyWatcher mount to the computer using a USB cable. If the mount lacks a USB port, the SynScan hand controller must be used as an interface.
   

How to remotely control your SkyWatcher equatorial or alt-azi mount with PLAY

After establishing the physical connection, users need to configure the SynScan Pro App. The app settings must be adjusted to match the type of mount being used (EQ for equatorial or AZ for alt-azimuth). The app should be set to the correct COM port, which the computer assigns when the mount is connected.

Once the SynScan Pro App is configured and connected, users should launch the PLAY software. Within PLAY, the mount type and driver must be selected, and the option to search for devices during connection should be disabled. Latitude and longitude values for the telescope’s location are then entered.

With the setup complete, users can control their SkyWatcher mounts remotely via PLAY. The software’s PLANETARIUM tab provides a sky chart and manual controls for moving the telescope, along with an object selector for choosing targets from the included database. This feature allows for precise and convenient control during astrophotography sessions.

After completing a capture session, users should disconnect the mount from PLAY and close the connection in the SynScan Pro App.

PrimaLuceLab’s guide offers a valuable resource for astrophotographers seeking to enhance their remote control capabilities with SkyWatcher mounts, ensuring an efficient and user-friendly experience.