78 replies to this topic

[xrayvizhen]

SUMMARY: The Nexus II is an outstanding piece of equipment that allows anyone to use their Smartphone or tablet and see where their telescope is precisely pointed. It is an extremely cost effective and easy way for someone to add digital setting circles and a “Push-To” function to just about any telescope.

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[Tyson M]

I too just discovered Nexus and linking it with SS6 pro is the sole way I plan to use it, rather than toggle manually via Nexus device.

 

For alt az usage to find obscure targets on my observing lists, it is the perfect tool.

[Astro One]

http://Thank you for...n of my choice!

[Astro One]

Thanks for the informative review.  With this info I’ll proceed confidently to chose a dob and add the Nexus 11 on.

[HeavensAbove]

This confirmed my decision also.  Waiting on my 10" dob to arrive, and I figured I'd wait till it showed up before ordering the Nexus II.  Now im going to go ahead and order it now.

[Rungrandpa]

Just verifying - I need internet access to use? Thanks-

[Lentini]

Just verifying - I need internet access to use? Thanks-

No internet access required. The Nexus generates the wifi network for ipad or tablet or phone to connect to.

[markb]

Thanks for an efficient and eye-opening review.

 

I first seen the Nexus as a Rowan add-on, but am not a fan of dedicated keypads etc (longterm reliabilty), I would not have picked up on the Nexus II as an alternative without your review!

 

I want to put DSCs on my mounts and this opens some affordable avenues, thanks!

[BrettG]

I just got my Nexus II and encoder set for my AD10 last week - installed over the weekend, and gave it a quick whirl last night - LOVED it.  I am hopeful that it changes my observing habits.

[Notoriousnick]

Thanks for the heads-up! Just what I was looking for - I've ordered one for my 10" Dob.

[GoldSpider]

Thanks for the review!  This will definitely keep me on the lookout for a cheap second-hand dob.

[wotipka]

Newbie question here. Why not use a digital inclinometer sensor (like a dof sensor used in robotics) instead of encoding wheels.  Seems like this would be a one size fits all solution.  

[Starman1]

Newbie question here. Why not use a digital inclinometer sensor (like a dof sensor used in robotics) instead of encoding wheels.  Seems like this would be a one size fits all solution.  

A device like the Nexus II allows the use of a tablet or phone with star charts and information at your fingertips. 

10K encoders (basic, and not the highest tick count available today) are accurate to about 2' of arc, or 1/30 degree. 

About the best you could get from an inclinometer would be about a degree.  And, it would necessitate EXACT leveling of the scope, not usually done.

And a higher level of orthogonality than is found in most commercial scopes.

Encoders are simple and relatively rugged and have been used on scopes for many decades.  

 

A note for potential Nexus II users: the Nexus DSC also has WiFi capability.  It's currently out of production, though, to give it multi-lingual capability.

[JeffMartin]

I really like my Nexus II, but it was a hassle using it between my servocat and DS-Browser (which it required to set the alignment).  I came to hate using it all. I recently upgraded to the NexusDSC and it essentially saved an $8000 telescope for me.

[athornett]

I have one of the Next I devices - and it is great! I use it with my Half Hitch mount. So I would expect the Nexus II to be even better

[OIC]

Just ordered a Nexus II and encoders for my 8". Of course who knows when I'll receive them, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

[Starman1]

They're expected before the end of the month.
The Nexus DSC is delayed for a bit.

[tomb18]

Be aware for DIY that the manual has the pin outs for the DSC's reversed. In fact the picture is not correct at all. I am surprised he has not corrected it. 

[Starman1]

Note that the pin outs diagram is correct, but the RJ jack is upside down.

Serge will reverse it in the future so wire #1 will be on the right instead of the left.

Don

[tomb18]

Right. The jack is upside down. Since Serge never answers emails, only phones you, you are left on your own to figure that out until the time difference is suitable. I had to use a scope to determine the signals. It should be fixed so the next poor soul doesn't spend a couple of hours or days figuring it out. He never did call or answer after I mentioned on a thread that be never answers emails. I guess, he took that the wrong way.

[Titans7444]

I'm hoping that someone can answer my question regarding the nexus ii.

 

I have placed an order but I can't seem a straight forward answer.

 

Will the Nexus ii be able to function if I travel to the  middle of no where in the desert without wifi?

[Titans7444]

And I see they make 2 type of Endcoders, which one goes to my explorer scientific 12 inch. The one that cost $249 or the $289. Just need to make sure I order the correct one.

 

Thanks for any help.

[astrodevices]

I'm hoping that someone can answer my question regarding the nexus ii.

 

I have placed an order but I can't seem a straight forward answer.

 

Will the Nexus ii be able to function if I travel to the  middle of no where in the desert without wifi?

Nexus-II creates its own WiFi access point and a smartphone/tablet connects to that network. Yes, you can take Nexus-II anywhere (but not underwater) and it will function.

 

Best Regards,

Serge.

[astrodevices]

And I see they make 2 type of Endcoders, which one goes to my explorer scientific 12 inch. The one that cost $249 or the $289. Just need to make sure I order the correct one.

 

Thanks for any help.

Fo the 12" it might be better to go with the higher resolution azimuth encoder. If it was a 10" then it would not give you a lot of advantages.

 

Best Regards,

Serge.

[Titans7444]

Thank you Serge and Thank you Xrayvizhen for this amazing review.

 

This made my purchase decision much easier to make.