SynScan Pro app update adds support for AZ-EQ mount

The SynScan Pro app, a popular tool among astronomers using Sky-Watcher mounts, has recently been updated, introducing new functionalities aimed at enhancing the user experience. This latest update is particularly notable for adding support for AZ-EQ mounts, a feature eagerly anticipated by the community. The app continues to cater to both novice and experienced users through its two distinct variants: SynScan Pro and SynScan.

The SynScan Pro variant is designed for more advanced users, offering features that support equatorial mounts, which are commonly used in astrophotography. This version provides greater control and flexibility for users who need to align their mounts precisely with celestial objects, making it ideal for those involved in deep-sky imaging. The addition of AZ-EQ mount support in this update is a significant enhancement, as it allows for dual-mode operation - alt-azimuth and equatorial - broadening the app’s versatility.

SynScan Pro app update adds support for AZ-EQ mount

On the other hand, the standard SynScan app is tailored for novice users, focusing on alt-azimuth mounts, which are generally easier to set up and use. This version is perfect for amateur astronomers who want to get started with stargazing without needing the complex configurations that equatorial mounts require. The app simplifies the process of locating and tracking celestial objects, making it accessible for users who are still learning the ropes.

One of the key features of both SynScan variants is the ability to control Sky-Watcher mounts via Wi-Fi or USB. Users can connect to their mounts using a built-in Wi-Fi module or an external SynScan Wi-Fi dongle, allowing for wireless operation from their smartphones or tablets. This functionality offers a significant advantage for those who prefer a cable-free setup, enhancing portability and convenience during observation sessions.

In addition to its wireless capabilities, the SynScan Pro app integrates seamlessly with a range of third-party software, including ASCOM, Luminos, Sky Safari, StarSeek, Stellarium, and SkyTrack. These integrations provide users with a more comprehensive suite of tools for planning and executing their observation sessions. For instance, Stellarium offers a detailed star map, while Sky Safari provides extensive databases of celestial objects, all of which can be controlled directly through the SynScan Pro app.

The recent update also focuses on improving the overall user experience. The interface has been refined to be more intuitive, making it easier for users to navigate the various settings and options. This is especially beneficial for those who may be using the app in challenging outdoor conditions where quick adjustments are necessary. By adding support for AZ-EQ mounts, the app expands its functionality, making it more versatile and capable of meeting the diverse needs of the astronomy community.

SynScan Pro app version history

2.5.2  11 Aug 2024

• Auto home: support AZ-EQ mount that has home index.
• Newer mount AZ tracking: make it less likely to fail when using Bluetooth LE

2.4.31  11 Jun 2024

• Fix problem introduced in 2.4.27, where connection fails with mounts that don't support setting guide speed.

2.4.29  20 May 2024

• Updated user manual/ help page
• AutoHome: fix crash when communication error occurred
• PAE: ignore samples that cause conflict (leading to eg AZ tracking hang).
• When two samples conflict, the more recent one is kept.

2.4.27  24 Apr 2024

• Fix problem where after hibernate, data is immediately removed
• Advanced page: guide rate, dual encoder. Fix sync issue.
• Alignment compensation: fix data not saved if using default alignment but with non-default NP/CH
• Speed adjustment resolution ppm: update

2.4.18  10 Feb 2024

•  Fix app servers not starting

2.4.17  30 Jan 2024

• Handle keyboard hotkey F10, F11, +, - as described in user manual
• Speed Compensation ppm: adjusted display
• Location: input elevation
• Alignment stars: fix problem where there's very few stars for southern hemisphere EQ mount
• Night mode updates
• more

2.3.6  29 May 2023

• Fix: crash when displaying alignment star

2.3.5  28 May 2023

• Translation: add Polish
• PM Sharing: allow set remote port
• ASCOM: add missing `SetPark`
• Sync: remove old PAE implementation
• Fix: broken set polar scope light command

2.3.3  25 Apr 2023

• Shutter control fix
• iOS: use multicast entitlement
• Update UI for gamepad navigation
• Fix: communication fail if using BLE and set polar scope light brightness
• Fix: user object cannot enter value between -1 and 0
• Allow landscape (wide) UI
• more

2.2.0  21 Feb 2023

• Trail points tracking improvements

2.1.1  16 Dec 2022

• TrailPoints: improvement for when EQ mount flipping mode is not auto
• EQ axis 1: update to new convention (different from SynScan Hand Controller)
• ASCOM: Fix SlewToAltAzAsync crash

2.1.7  27 Nov 2022

• Support Bluetooth mount

1.19.0  27 May 2020

• Rearranged menu
• Added alignment sharing
• Added comet catalog
• 1.18.320 Feb 2020
• Fix display problem when iOS 13 dark mode is enabled

1.18.0  8 Feb 2020

• Supports controlling mount with Luminos app on a single iOS devices.
• Luminos is an award-winning, full-featured iOS planetarium app by Wobbleworks LLC.

1.17.1  30 Jul 2019

• Minor update

1.17.0  26 Jul 2019

• Added speed compensation
• Improved two-star, three-star, and polar alignment
• Fixed an issue involving autoguiding the dec axis
• Support Stellarium Telescope Server Protocol

1.161 6 Apr 2019

• Fixed alignment not accurate problem introduced in 1.15.0

1.15.0  5 Mar 2019

• Minor change

1.14.1  15 Jan 2019

• Fix problem where locking screen would interrupt connection.

1.13.1  9 Jan 2019

• Fix text truncation

1.13.0. 4 Jan 2019

• Show connect settings
• Renamed "Sync Encoder" to "Recover Alignment"
• Added Align with Sync for ASCOM

1.12.0  16 Nov 2018

• Handle Connect request from SSML

1.11.3  18 Oct 2018

• Fixed crash on iOS 10 and lower

1.11.2  12 Oct 2018

• Use a new format to save alignment data.
• Updated AZ tracking algorithm
• Fixed catalog error on Turkish iOS
• Improved connection error reporting
• Fixed a crash involving hibernate
• Allow setting SynScan Wi-Fi's 2.4G channel
• Sync encoder: made more accurate and allow performing on mount without aux encoder.
• Can output alignment data to third-party app