Star Adventurer 2i Polar Scope LED and Serial Data Solutions

Star Adventurer 2i Polar Scope LED and Serial Data Solutions

August 31, 2024

Introduction

The Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i polar scope illuminator device supplied is typically deemed inadequate.  In addition, there is very little documentation available regarding use of a computer serial data connection using the Skywatcher Mini Console software.  This document provides a proposed solution for these two options.

LED and Serial Data Circuits

Description

A 2 mA red LED is connected to a powered USB hub through a current limiting circuit to provide a dim red light source as shown above.  A multi-port USB hub is used to power the red LED light source and accommodate a serial data connection to a computer. 

Star Adventurer 2i showing added red LED polar scope illumination source

(LED may be attached with or without the declination bracket connected)

A portable 5 volt USB battery serves as a power source independent of computer serial port power.  This arrangement accommodates either a wireless or serial data connection to the Star Adventurer 2i star tracker.

Star Adventurer 2i showing portable USB battery and serial USB data connector

(Note the LED and 2i data connections to the USB hub)

Notes:

1.     A serial data connection may be established when connecting the USB hub data port to a computer USB port. 

2.     For wireless only operation, applying portable USB power may be used to power the Star Adventurer (with or without use of AA batteries).

3.     For added portable power reliability, install four AA batteries in the Star Adventurer 2i battery compartment.

4.     When connected to a computer USB port, a serial data COM port is assigned. 

5.     The Star Adventurer 2i APP mode must be selected for both wireless and serial data operation.

Using the Star Adventurer Mini Console

The Star Adventurer Mini Console software accommodates both wireless (WiFi) and serial data (USB) connections as described below.

1.     With a mini-USB connection to the Star Adventurer 2i, a USB connection (either directly or through a USB hub) to a Windows or Mac computer will automatically detect and assign a serial data connection when the correct drivers are installed.

2.     Use the Windows Device Manager to determine which COM port has been assigned

3.     For both wireless (WiFi) and serial data operation, the Star Adventurer 2i must be switched to the APP mode.

4.     For serial data operation, select the “Use Serial Port” option as shown above.

5.     Select the computer assigned COM port (Windows).

6.     In any of the Astrophotography modes, configure the camera SNAP and other settings.  Assign and save these settings to a profile name. 

7.     When any defined profile is RUN, the profile settings for all Astrophotography modes become the default settings until overridden with a different profile.

8.     Confirm a wireless or a serial data connection has been established by noting the lower left hand connection status indication.

Michael Wheeler

Haverhill, Massachusetts