4 replies to this topic

[Falcondriver]

Hi everyone,

After getting some feedback from others on this forum, I've decided to mount (yet to be determined) OTA on the AM5N mount.  Love this mount - my only question is are any of you able to successfully interface with SkySafari?  Will I need the ASIAIR module for anything?  SkySafari allows polar alignment and the use of the guidance scope, but I'm a little uncertain as to whether I need the ASIAIR module for this, or if it's recommended.  I get the general function of the ASIAIR module, it just seems like there's some overlap in functionality between it and SkySafari.  I'm trying to see if I'm going to have issues with two programs fighting each other for control of the scope or if I can separate duties, so-to-speak.  For instance, using ASAIR to set up and guide the scope, but using SkySafari to navigate?  

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

[ShinySteelRobot]

Regarding polar alignment, what is your goal? Do you want to get an approximate polar alignment for visual observation? Or do you want a more precise alignment for astrophotography?

 

If you want an approximate alignment, you can roughly align your mount using this technique: https://youtu.be/5D_n6ZtsZ4o?t=492

It's been years since I used SkySafari, but after a rough alignment, I think you can look through the eyepiece, slew around to a few stars, and "sync" on them to improve the app's understanding of where the scope is pointing.

 

The advantage of using the ASIAir is that you can plate-solve to find polar north using the ASIAir App via its "All Sky Polar Alignment" feature. ASPA requires a camera, so setting up is more of a hassle. It's probably not required for visual-only. But if your goal is to do astrophotography, you'll need a camera setup anyway.

 

Hopefully, someone else can comment on any software conflicts between SkySafari and the ASIAir App; I've never tried that.

Edited by ShinySteelRobot, 30 April 2025 - 07:03 PM.

[Celerondon]

Hi everyone,

After getting some feedback from others on this forum, I've decided to mount (yet to be determined) OTA on the AM5N mount.  Love this mount - my only question is are any of you able to successfully interface with SkySafari?  Will I need the ASIAIR module for anything?  SkySafari allows polar alignment and the use of the guidance scope, but I'm a little uncertain as to whether I need the ASIAIR module for this, or if it's recommended.  I get the general function of the ASIAIR module, it just seems like there's some overlap in functionality between it and SkySafari.  I'm trying to see if I'm going to have issues with two programs fighting each other for control of the scope or if I can separate duties, so-to-speak.  For instance, using ASAIR to set up and guide the scope, but using SkySafari to navigate?  

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, it is possible to link a mobile device running SkySafari to an AM series mount. This wireless connection will allow you to control the mount. However, I think that you are wrong about polar alignment and guide scope “usage” being features of the excellent SkySafari app.  There is a bit of overlap between the ASIAIR app and SkySafari but remember that the ASIAIR is an integrated hardware/software package whereas SkySafari is merely a great, full-featured sky atlas program with built-telescope control functionality.  As ShinySteelRobot mentioned, the ability to plate solve is a key advantage of the ASIAIR. 

 

Although SkySafari seems to be guide scope aware, as far as I know it cannot perform plate solving, polar alignment, or autoguiding. 
 

Don

 

Regarding polar alignment, what is your goal? Do you want to get an approximate polar alignment for visual observation? Or do you want a more precise alignment for astrophotography?

 

If you want an approximate alignment, you can roughly align your mount using this technique: https://youtu.be/5D_n6ZtsZ4o?t=492

It's been years since I used SkySafari, but after a rough alignment, I think you can look through the eyepiece, slew around to a few stars, and "sync" on them to improve the app's understanding of where the scope is pointing.

 

The advantage of using the ASIAir is that you can plate-solve to find polar north using the ASIAir App via its "All Sky Polar Alignment" feature. ASPA requires a camera, so setting up is more of a hassle. It's probably not required for visual-only. But if your goal is to do astrophotography, you'll need a camera setup anyway.

 

Hopefully, someone else can comment on any software conflicts between SkySafari and the ASIAir App; I've never tried that.

[Falcondriver]

Regarding polar alignment, what is your goal? Do you want to get an approximate polar alignment for visual observation? Or do you want a more precise alignment for astrophotography?

 

If you want an approximate alignment, you can roughly align your mount using this technique: https://youtu.be/5D_n6ZtsZ4o?t=492

It's been years since I used SkySafari, but after a rough alignment, I think you can look through the eyepiece, slew around to a few stars, and "sync" on them to improve the app's understanding of where the scope is pointing.

 

The advantage of using the ASIAir is that you can plate-solve to find polar north using the ASIAir App via its "All Sky Polar Alignment" feature. ASPA requires a camera, so setting up is more of a hassle. It's probably not required for visual-only. But if your goal is to do astrophotography, you'll need a camera setup anyway.

 

Hopefully, someone else can comment on any software conflicts between SkySafari and the ASIAir App; I've never tried that.

My objective would be to have precise alignment so that IF I want to do AP in conjunction with some visual obersvation, I can do that without worrying about sub-par results due to lousy alignment.  I do have a support notice out to Pegasus regarding this, which I will pass along in their EAA thread if I get a response.

Thank you for the response.

[Falcondriver]

Yes, it is possible to link a mobile device running SkySafari to an AM series mount. This wireless connection will allow you to control the mount. However, I think that you are wrong about polar alignment and guide scope “usage” being features of the excellent SkySafari app.  There is a bit of overlap between the ASIAIR app and SkySafari but remember that the ASIAIR is an integrated hardware/software package whereas SkySafari is merely a great, full-featured sky atlas program with built-telescope control functionality.  As ShinySteelRobot mentioned, the ability to plate solve is a key advantage of the ASIAIR. 

 

Although SkySafari seems to be guide scope aware, as far as I know it cannot perform plate solving, polar alignment, or autoguiding. 
 

Don

Thanks Don - appreciate the feedback!