Bluetooth Interface for Skywatcher EQ6 Telescope Mounts
Most of the new laptops have built-in Bluetooth radio. The olders can be easily upgraded with USB port Bluetooth modules. With Bluetooth connection we can control our telescope mount without wires. This bluetooth interface compatible with Skywatcher EQ6 and most likely even with the newer NEQ6 mounts. Just put this module into the handcontroller socket of the mount, and your mount will be ready to controlled wirelessly. The recommended software is the Ursa Minor Planetarium Program, but it can be used with other programs (e.g. Papywizard) as well. The operation with the Ursa Minor Planetarium program is similar to when the connection is made by wire.
The bluetooth interface can be easily connected to the handcontroller connector of the mount as shown in the image.
Here is how the LED on the panel will let you know the status of the interface:
Dark
The module is not powered. Please check the power connections of the mount!
Fast blinking (2Hz)
The module is not paired to any computer. In this case it doesn't accept connections, but it is ready to be discovered by a computer.
Slow blinking (1Hz)
The module is paired with a computer. It is ready to accept connections. If you press the reset button, the module will forget the pairing, and comes back to unpaired state (fast blinking).
Continuous lighting
Connection established with a computer. It indicates that a program (typically the Ursa Minor Skytour or Pro) built the connection to control the telescope.
Compatibility:
This Bluetooth interface can be ordered with different connectors to different telescope mounts:
Available on BACK ORDER only at the present!
The newer version with Canon EOS exposure control is available here:
http://www.365astronomy.com/bluetooth-interface-skywatcher-autotrackingmerlin-eos-control-p-1432.html
Image is for demonstration purposes only!
