Telescope Reviews: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad

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budman1961
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 02/25/11

Loc: Springfield, MO

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5367239 - 08/13/12 08:15 PM

That looks like a fantastic device! I had the SkyFi adapter for ios, it worked well, but didnt really fot into my setup. This looks very promising, a real connectivity "Swiss Army Knife"!

Andy

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: stubeeef]
#5367253 - 08/13/12 08:25 PM

Quote:

Does the Nexus then, replace the need for an Argo Navis or Sky Commander if used with something like a servo cat? Where the skyfi would require the AN???

Yes, Nexus can be used with ServoCAT without a need for an extra DSC unit.

In that case however either two serial ports (in case of 1st generation and 2nd generation of ServoCAT, non-USB) or one serial port and the USB port (in case of 3rd generation of ServoCAT, USB) will be used for connection to ServoCAT to provide a full wireless GOTO functionality.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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stubeeef
journeyman

Reged: 08/06/12

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5367329 - 08/13/12 09:11 PM

I'm unable to tell what is being sold. (what is in the box)
If I choose a Servocat 3 jr, it doesn't include encoders. So does the Nexus come with, or option with encoders? if so are they how many K are they (not that I really know why more K is better

)
Where do you get, and how to install them outside of a Nexus kit?

Edited by stubeeef (08/13/12 09:40 PM)

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: stubeeef]
#5367563 - 08/13/12 11:32 PM

Nexus is supplied without encoders. The standard Nexus package includes:
1. Nexus unit with wall mounting plate.
2. Serial RJ12 to DB9 adapter cable.
3. DC 2.1mm to cigarette lighter plug adapter cable.
4. Printed User manual and setup guides.

There is a list of suppliers of encoders/encoder kits on our website: http://www.astrodevices.com/Links/Links.html

We can also supply additional cables for ServoCAT and encoders.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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JoeM101
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 04/09/12

Loc: 45.66086, -73.54702

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5367782 - 08/14/12 06:29 AM

Great setup, although a device like this has existed for a while now, David Ek's had a design out that was modified by Craig Combs which uses bluetooth to connect to your device, be it a laptop, iPad, iPhone Android or any device that supports bluetooth, I use mine with my laptop and Stellarium.. Ascom drivers available too

here is a pic of the unit i picked up a few months ago with my Nagler 2.5 next to it for size reference.

it sells for 120 US.

In closing, i just want to say, i think the Nexus looks like a great device also, don't mean to hijack the thread, just wanted to let you know that there are options. Craig sells these devices completed or you can build your own by getting the plans here

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: JoeM101]
#5367843 - 08/14/12 07:56 AM

Hello Joe,

I just wanted to point out a couple of things:

- Craig Combs' box does not work with Apple's iPhone/iPad/iPod touch
- David Ek's / Craig Combs' box cannot be used with ServoCAT

Best Regards,
Serge.

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JoeM101
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 04/09/12

Loc: 45.66086, -73.54702

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5368199 - 08/14/12 12:06 PM

Serge: got it... i stand corrected, i'll be looking at ordering one your Nexus devices soon. I'm currently designing a mount that i think your device will compliment greatly!

clear skies!

Edited by JoeM101 (08/14/12 12:09 PM)

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Doug D.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/23/05

Loc: Virginia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: JoeM101]
#5368271 - 08/14/12 12:37 PM

Glad to see this thread revived - not a whole lot to add that is new other than to say I'm still using my Nexus with my iPhone/iPad and SkySafari and I'm still happy. It is versatile, compact and just plain works well.

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jloweva
member

Reged: 01/09/12

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: swsantos]
#5590027 - 12/26/12 05:27 PM

Hi. Was just checking out the thread on the Nexus and saw your post. Quick question about the thrive and sky safari. Do you need to be connected to a home wifi network connected to the internet or 3G/4g for sky safari to work on it, or is it self contained. In other words, once I loaded SS on the thrive, does it need constant Internet connectivity to work.
Btw, how is your setup working six months later?
Thanks!

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swsantos
super member

Reged: 09/29/05

Loc: Rhode Island

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: jloweva]
#5590567 - 12/27/12 12:06 AM

I have the Astro Devices' BETI (not the Nexus) so I connect the Thrive directly and wirelessly by Bluetooth to BETI. It works flawlessly. There are no wifi, internet, or netowrk issues at all.

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: jloweva]
#5590643 - 12/27/12 01:23 AM

You do not need to be connected to any network (home WiFi or 3G/4G) in order to use an Android tablet or an iOS based device with Nexus and SkySafari Plus/Pro. Once you install SkySafari Plus/Pro on your tablet you are all set.

Nexus creates its own WiFi Access Point that any Android based (WiFi enabled) device (or iOS based device or a PC or a Mac) can connect to.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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zawijava
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 10/06/07

Loc: Wells, Maine 04090

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5633521 - 01/20/13 04:38 PM

Serge and others,

I'm interested in using a AstroDevices Nexus with a Nexus 7 [Google 7" Tablet] and SkySafari [for Android] on my Astro-Physics 400 QMD mount. Can you tell me if the encoder cables come with the Nexus? Also, I operate my mount and accessories via a 17 AH 12v battery with cig lighter sockets. Can I operate the Nexus via 12v? Is a cig lighter cord supplied with the Nexus? thanks! -Tim

Quote:

You do not need to be connected to any network (home WiFi or 3G/4G) in order to use an Android tablet or an iOS based device with Nexus and SkySafari Plus/Pro. Once you install SkySafari Plus/Pro on your tablet you are all set.

Nexus creates its own WiFi Access Point that any Android based (WiFi enabled) device (or iOS based device or a PC or a Mac) can connect to.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: zawijava]
#5634427 - 01/21/13 07:25 AM

Hello Tim,

Nexus is supplied with a cigarette lighter adapter and you can power Nexus from 9 to 25V DC.

The encoders cable is not included but can be supplied at extra cost ($10) .

Also, you will need SkySafari Plus or SkySafari Pro as basic version does not support any telescope interface.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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zawijava
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 10/06/07

Loc: Wells, Maine 04090

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5634544 - 01/21/13 09:20 AM

Thanks for the quick reply Serge! Another question regarding Firmware Updates. I assume any updates are done via the USB Port on the Nexus? Can updates be accomplished via a Mac? thanks, -Tim

...I think I just answered my own question upon closer review of your website....looks like a yes I believe.

Quote:

Hello Tim,

Nexus is supplied with a cigarette lighter adapter and you can power Nexus from 9 to 25V DC.

The encoders cable is not included but can be supplied at extra cost ($10) .

Also, you will need SkySafari Plus or SkySafari Pro as basic version does not support any telescope interface.

Best Regards,
Serge.

Edited by zawijava (01/21/13 09:24 AM)

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad [Re: zawijava]
#5635068 - 01/21/13 02:19 PM

Hello Tim,

You are welcome.

Firmware updates are done using a USB flash drive - it just needs to be formatted as FAT32. So, yes, you can use a Mac.

Best regards,
Serge.

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LateViewer
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/17/05

Loc: Manhattan

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5847928 - 05/08/13 02:45 PM

Great thread. I was not aware of the Nexus system. I am still a bit confused about encoders and whose would work best an an Obsession like Dob.

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: LateViewer]
#5848526 - 05/08/13 07:26 PM

The most popular choice for encoders is to use optical 10000 steps per revolution encoders from US Digital:
http://www.usdigital.com/products/encoders/incremental/rotary/shaft/S6 .
Some people use AMT102/AMT103 capacitive encoders (hollow shaft, 8192 steps per revolution) available from http://www.digikey.com. AMT102/AMT103 require a bit of work to install them as they were designed to be mounted on motors.

Best regards,
Serge.

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Daud
sage

Reged: 08/05/06

Loc: AZ, Scottsdale

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5875358 - 05/21/13 09:18 AM

Serge,

what other specifications for the S6 encoders on the page you pointed to ?

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astrodevices
Vendor-Astro Devices

Reged: 10/26/07

Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: Daud]
#5875373 - 05/21/13 09:29 AM

The specifications for the S6 encoders are as follows:
1. CPR (counts per revolution) - multiply by 4 to get the number of quadrature steps per revolution.
2. Shaft diameter - most people use 1/4".
3. Index - one of the pins has the index signal - one pulse per revolution, not used by most DSCs.
4. Output - most (if not 100%) DSCs need 'single ended'.
5. Torque - does not really matter which one.

In other words for 10000 steps S6 encoders the part number is S6-2500-250-NE-S-D.

Best Regards,
Serge.

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Defenderdan
journeyman

Reged: 05/20/13

Re: AstroDevices Nexus WiFi DSC, Half Hitch and iPad new

[Re: astrodevices]
#5878585 - 05/22/13 05:12 PM

Thanks for this thread! Are there any other write-ups about installing encoders, specifically for a fork drive on a Meade 10" SCT.

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