8 replies to this topic

[Greenie]

I have a Evolution 8 and have only used the hand control or SkySafari on iPad to control it. I have a laptop so can use CPWI if I want to learn it. What do you users use the most and recommend?  What are the pluses and minuses of each?  Thanks everyone. 

[Thrifty1]

Depends on what I am doing that night.

I only use CPWI if I’m guiding with PHD2 software and need a computer connection. Otherwise I’d use just the hand controller for casual observing of most targets.

If there is a special target like a comet not in the hand controller database, then I’d use Sky Safari with my iPad or iPhone.

[Noah4x4]

The “Pinch & Swipe” non-tactile feedback control of a tablet is much more difficult than mouse control, notably if looking through an eyepiece. But my overriding advice, think holistically and consider where you ultimately wish to be.

 

Via ASCOM, I now remote control camera (using SharpCap), Focuser (via SharpCap), Mount and Slew Control (via SharpCap/CWPI) from a PC over Windows Remote Desktop from indoors. However, there was a stage where I had a hopeless mixture of HC, Tablet and Laptop because I had failed to plan ahead to my ultimate destination. A Tablet can be incredibly limited due to the absence of IoS and Android software for cameras, focusers and other devices better supported by Windows/PC. 
 

Tablet control is feasible, but you tend to be locked into a single manufacturer’s products. ASCOM on a Windows PC  offers much better flexibility, and better integration of different third party devices, such as my outstandingly precise and fast motorized focuser that is far superior to (say) the Celestron equivalent. 

[mlord]

Using a smartphone or small tablet, it is relatively easy to add a red filter for the entire screen.  SkyPortal/SkySafari even has an imperfect one built-in to the software, though I prefer an external sheet of red filter material.

 

With a laptop, not nearly so easy.  So it will blind you, and anyone else nearby, making you VERY unpopular at Star Parties.  Seeing DSOs visually will become all but impossible.  So with a laptop, one normally also then goes the EAA route, rather than visual.

 

Cheers

Edited by mlord, 20 July 2024 - 06:56 AM.

[Notdarkenough]

Same with me. When I am observe visually, I choose the control device based on what targets I am looking for. DSOs require as dark an environment and sky for optimal viewing, so I use the hand control on my Evo 8HD. If I am observing planets, I actually prefer ambient lighting to keep my color vision engaged, so I use SkySafari. When imaging, I go remote and use an ASIAir or laptop from inside as appropriate. In the imaging scenario, I run CPWI as it works as the Celestron ASCOM driver. Sounds complicated, but it isn't.

[natty55555]

I have a Evolution 8 and have only used the hand control or SkySafari on iPad to control it. I have a laptop so can use CPWI if I want to learn it. What do you users use the most and recommend?  What are the pluses and minuses of each?  Thanks everyone. 

I use CPWI on a notebook via WIFI, nothing else. It works well with a good router.

CELESTRON NexStar 9.25" + ZVO ASI224MC

Image processing software - ASI Studio and PIPP.

Edited by natty55555, 21 July 2024 - 01:38 PM.

[Bobajob]

I use cpwi but have given up trying to get it to find my Celestron motor focuser, it just keeps saying focuser skipped. Sky portal finds the focus motor no problem but it’s worse than useless trying to focus with it , for now I’m uninstalling the Celestron focus motor and going back to manual focus.

i find it unbelievable that a Celestron dedicated program cannot find a Celestron dedicated motor and then Celestrons sky portal is abysmal for trying to focus .

[mlord]

"Focuser skipped" probably means you/someone has disabled CPWI use of the Focuser.  That's in the CPWI settings menu somewhere.

Edited by mlord, 29 July 2024 - 03:55 PM.

[mlord]

Celestrons sky portal is abysmal for trying to focus .

I used to think that until I figured out the user-interface for it.  One can rotate the virtual focus knob in SkyPortal..

 

That said, I really don't see any good use for the Focus Motor in a visual set-up.  For photography, yes, incredibly useful.