I purchased a new SkyWatcher EQ-AL5i and it uses WIFI and an app to connect to. I never imaged that there would not be a way to connect via ASCOM. Does anyone know how to connect to this mount. I know other SkyWatchers use EQMOD.
Thanks Walter
SkyWatcher EQ-AL5i
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Re: SkyWatcher EQ-AL5i
Hi Walter,
I don't have experience with this particular model, but the 'approved' way to connect Skywatcher mounts these days is to use the Skywatcher 'Synscan App' on the PC and the matching 'Synscan App ASCOM Driver'. The Synscan app handles the communication from the PC to the mount, and the ASCOM driver bridges the gap between SharpCap and the Synscan App running on the PC - at least that's how I understand it (my Skywatcher mount is a good, old-fashioned serial port connection...)
I think the downloads you will need will be
https://skywatcher.com/download/software/ascom-driver/
https://skywatcher.com/download/software/synscan-app/ (second one down)
If your mount has a USB port on it anywhere, that might also provide a connection to the PC, which may turn out to be more reliable and robust than the WIFI connection.
Hope this helps,
Robin
I don't have experience with this particular model, but the 'approved' way to connect Skywatcher mounts these days is to use the Skywatcher 'Synscan App' on the PC and the matching 'Synscan App ASCOM Driver'. The Synscan app handles the communication from the PC to the mount, and the ASCOM driver bridges the gap between SharpCap and the Synscan App running on the PC - at least that's how I understand it (my Skywatcher mount is a good, old-fashioned serial port connection...)
I think the downloads you will need will be
https://skywatcher.com/download/software/ascom-driver/
https://skywatcher.com/download/software/synscan-app/ (second one down)
If your mount has a USB port on it anywhere, that might also provide a connection to the PC, which may turn out to be more reliable and robust than the WIFI connection.
Hope this helps,
Robin