Astronomy Shoppe ScopeCom User manual

Page 1
(Including details for use with compatible astronomy software applications)
May 14, 2015
Features unique to the ScopeCOM WiFi module
•Unlike currently available WiFi and Bluetooth telescope control solutions, the
ScopeCOM module is compatible for use with both Apple and Android portable
Smartphones and Tablets.
•Most Android Smartphones and Tablets are unable to utilize the WiFi Ad Hoc mode to
establish a direct WiFi connection to a telescope mount. Similarly, Apple iPhone and
iPad devices do not support the Bluetooth SPP service which eliminates use of
Bluetooth devices supporting serial data connections for these devices. The
ScopeCOM product eliminates these device limitations and provides serial data
communications over a WiFi network supporting both Apple and Android portable
devices. The ScopeCOM WiFi adapter also supports WiFi connections using MAC
and Windows computers.
•The ScopeCOM module may be powered from any USB +5 volt power source
providing a minimum of 350 mA of continuous current capacity.
•The ScopeCOM module’s WiFi network settings are configured for compatibility with
the popular Sky Safari iOS, Android and MAC computer apps.
•The ScopeCOM product may be supplied with either an internal or external 2.4 GHz
WiFi antenna.
Note: ScopeCOM does not support telescope mounts with USB serial interfaces.
User Information and Recommendations
Turning the ScopeCOM Module ON and OFF
To power the ScopeCOM module, apply +5 volt power to the module barrel power
jack. The ScopeCOM DC power connection uses a barrel type jack commonly used to
power most telescope mounts’ (5.5mm O.D x 2.1mm ID) - type M connector.
Note:
The most convenient means to power the ScopeCOM module is using a Celestron
Power Tank or a similar portable battery product. See the following page for a
description of this powering suggestion.

Page 2
Note: The powering method shown above uses a 5.5mm O.D x 2.1mm ID plug (type M)
barrel power plug to a standard USB type A cable assembly. These cable assemblies
can be easily created or purchased from Amazon or other suppliers as shown below.
USB to Barrel ScopeCOM Cable Assembly
ScopeCOM
USB Power
Data Connection
12 Volt Mount Power
Barrel Power Plug
DB9 (M) Connector
Barrel Power Jack
USB Type A Connector Type M Barrel Power Plug

Page 3
The ScopeCOM module may be also be powered using a wide variety of USB power sources
as shown below.
USB power sources may include:
•USBhub
•USB power from an AC power brick
•ComputerUSBport
•Celestron portable power tank with USB power outlet
•Generic portable battery pack with USB cigarette lighter jack power adapter
•Automobile cigarette lighter with USB cigarette jack power adapter similar to the one
shown below.
USB Cigarette Lighter power adapter
Establishing a WiFi Serial Data Connection to an Apple or Android
Portable Device
Step 1. Power and position the telescope mount per the manufacturer’s instructions. Note
that most amateur astronomer telescope systems require alignment prior to establishing
GoTo telescope control. This includes inputting the location, date and time unless the
telescope includes on-board GPS capabilities.
Step 2. Execute the Apple or Android astronomy app, e.g., the Southern Stars Sky Safari
app providing telescope control.
USB
Power
Source
USB +5 volt power

Page 4
Step 3. Attach the telescope mount DB9 (F) data connector or data cable assembly to the
ScopeCOM DB9 (M) data connector. Do not attempt to use any mount data cable assembly
that connects to a mount Hand Controller HBX jack (TTL data) or AUX port since these ports
typically include mount DC power. For those telescope mounts that contain a DB9 (F)
connector on the mount base, you will need a standard DB9 (F) to DB9 (M) cable assembly.
The ScopeCOM module will power on when external power is applied. Apply power to the
ScopeCOM module.
Step 4. Access the Apple or Android device WiFi settings menu. Select and connect to the
ScopeCOM WiFi network. Note that access to the Internet is not included in this connection.
Enter WiFi WPA Encryption Key: Entering the WiFi WPA encryption key should only have
to be entered when establishing an initial connection with a new Smartphone or tablet. The
WPA security key is 12345678. Thereafter, your Smartphone or tablet will remember this
key.
Note: Once a connection is established to the ScopeCOM generated WiFi network,
ScopeCOM assigns the portable device an IP address. This places the ScopeCOM module
and the portable device on the same IP network.
Example Connection using the Southern Stars Sky Safari app
Step 5. Deselect the Auto-Detect SkyFi and the Set Time and Location options. Overwrite
the SkyFi name and enter the ScopeCOM module IP address of 10.0.0.1. The ScopeCOM
IP port (4030) is also configured to match the Sky Safari default IP port value of 4030.

Page 5
Consult the Sky Safari or compatible Orion Star Seek user documentation for additional app
features and operation details.
Step 6. After you have configured the Sky Safari app for your telescope mount type and
associated settings, connect to the telescope mount over the ScopeCOM WiFi connection.
Establishing a WiFi Serial Data Connection using an Apple MAC Computer
running the Sky Safari app
Step 1. Power and position the telescope mount per the manufacturer’s instructions. Note
that most amateur astronomer telescope systems require alignment prior to establishing
GoTo telescope control. This includes inputting the location, date and time unless the
telescope includes on-board GPS capabilities.
Step 2. Execute the Sky Safari MAC app providing telescope control.
Step 3. Attach the telescope mount DB9 (F) data connector or data cable assembly to the
ScopeCOM DB9 (M) data connector. Do not attempt to use any mount data cable assembly
that connects to a mount Hand Controller HBX jack (TTL data) or AUX port since these ports
typically include mount DC power. For those telescope mounts that contain a DB9 (F)
connector on the mount base, you will need a standard DB9 (F) to DB9 (M) cable assembly.

Page 6
The ScopeCOM module will power on when external power is applied. Apply power to the
ScopeCOM module.
Step 4. Access the MAC computer WiFi settings menu. Select and connect to the
ScopeCOM WiFi network.
Enter WiFi WPA Encryption Key: Entering the WiFi WPA encryption key should only have
to be entered when establishing an initial connection using your MAC computer. The WPA
security key is 12345678. Select the Remember this network box so the computer will
remember this key. Click the Join icon to join the ScopeCON network.
Note: Once a network connection is established to the ScopeCOM generated WiFi network,
ScopeCOM assigns the MAC computer an IP address. This places the ScopeCOM module
and the MAC computer on the same IP network.
Step 5. After you have configured the Sky Safari app for your telescope mount type and
associated settings, connect to the telescope mount over the ScopeCOM WiFi connection.
The Apple MAC Sky Safari application setup and use is nearly identical to the Sky Safari
Apple iOS and Android apps. Refer to the Sky Safari user documentation for additional
configuration and operation details.
Note: In cases where a laptop or desktop computer contains both wired (Ethernet) and
wireless (WiFi) network adapters, it is possible to access the Internet while also connected to
the ScopeCOM WiFi network. This may offer some advantages such as determining your
location, obtaining accurate time and date information, etc.

Page 7
The following pages describe the use of freeware virtual serial port software that may be
used with some Windows planetarium applications that support telescope mount control
capabilities, such as The Sky, C2A and Starry Nights programs.
How to Use HW VSP3 Software to Create a Virtual Serial Port
Introduction
In order to extend wireless control to popular amateur astronomer telescope mounts using
Windows planetarium software applications, it is necessary to create a virtual serial (COM)
port. From the Windows software perspective, a virtual serial port looks and operates exactly
like a physical computer COM port except it allows the Windows application serial data to be
transported over a wireless link, i.e., a WiFi Infrastructure (Access Point) or Ad Hoc (direct)
network connection.
There are a number of free and paid virtual serial port software packages available
supporting most Windows operating systems. This document describes the use of the HW
VSP3 virtual port software for use with some Windows planetarium applications such as The
Sky, C2A and Starry Nights programs. The latest version of this software supports Windows
OS versions from XP to Windows 8.
HW VSP3 Software
The HW VSP3 software is provided by the HW Group as freeware so long as their license
terms are met. You can download their HW VSP 3 (single) virtual serial port software from
this link http://www.hw-group.com/products/hw_vsp/index_en.html#download
Select the Windows Singleport version 3.1.2 download link as shown below.

Page 8
Installation and Configuration
Installation of the HW VSP3 software is straightforward and normally should not encounter
any difficulties. Follow the step-by-step procedures outlined below. For best results use the
recommended settings below unless you have special networking requirements. The
recommended HW VSP3 settings are designed to support the Southern Stars, Orion Star
Seek and ScopeCOM WiFi devices.
Step 1. Once the initial installation process has completed, you will be brought to the first
configuration page as shown below.
Download Link

Page 9
For simplest, trouble free operation, select the Standalone Application. Click Next to
continue.
Step 2. You will then be presented with the main settings dialog menu as shown on the
following page.
Step 3. You must initially login to access the virtual serial port settings. Click on the Login
icon and accept the default login. The default login and password are: admin/admin.
Step 4. Once logged in you will be able to enter the virtual serial port settings. Shown below
are the recommended settings. These settings support the ScopeCOM, Southern Stars
SkyFI, and the Orion Star Seek WiFi-Serial adapters.
Login

Page 10
Select an available computer COM port. It is strongly recommended you select a COM port
between COM 1 and COM 4 since some Windows programs only support COM 1 through
COM 4 for telescope mount control.
Note: If your current computer configuration does not include one of these available COM
ports (assuming your astronomy Windows software does not offer additional COM port
selections), you will need to reassign or delete an existing COM port in order to
accommodate a COM 1 through COM 4 serial port for use by HW VSP3.
Enter or select the following values:
•Select an available COM port
•Enter the IP Address 10.0.0.1
•EnterthePortnumber4030
•De-select the External NVT Commands Port box
Do not yet click on the Create COM icon.
Step 5. Select the Settings menu tab. Shown below are the recommended settings.

Page 11
Match the above settings, then click on the Save Settings to INI file icon.
Step 6. Return to the Virtual Serial Port menu and click the Create COM icon. Wait a few
seconds until you see the Delete COM icon highlighted. This completes the creation of a
virtual serial port.

Page 12
The above steps will have created a computer virtual COM port for use in establishing
wireless control of a telescope mount. With these recommended settings you will need to
start the HW VSP3 application to open a previously created virtual COM port each time the
computer is booted. You may also close an opened virtual COM port at any time by opening
the HW VSP3 minimized shortcut in the taskbar and clicking on the Close COM icon. You
can view a created and open virtual COM port by accessing the Windows Device Manager
as shown below.
This completes the HW VSP3 installation and configuration using the above recommended
settings. See the following pages for an example of how to use a virtual COM port for
telescope control.
Using ScopeCOM on Windows Computers
The example below describes using a Windows computer running Software Bisque’s The
Sky 6 planetarium software to wirelessly control a Celestron GPS (SE 6) telescope. This
example uses the ScopeCOM WiFi module although similar WiFi-Serial adapters may also
be used.
WiFi-to-Serial RS-232 cable
GoTo Mount
Computer w/WiFi NIC
Notes:
1. For planetarium astronomy applications that only support serial data COM ports
for telescope mount control, a virtual COM port is required.
2. A virtual COM port “maps” the applications serial data into IP packets which are
subsequently “unmapped” in the WiFi-to-Serial interface.
3. The RS-232 serial data at the GoTo telescope mount appears precisely the same
as wired RS-232 serial data connected directly between a computer and a telescope
mount.
HW VSP3 COM Port

Page 13
Step 1. Connect the ScopeCOM module DB9 (M) data connector to the telescope mount
base or hand controller RS232 DB9 (F) cable assembly. For those telescope mounts that
contain a DB9 (F) connector on the mount base, you will need a standard DB9 (F) to DB9 (M)
cable assembly. Apply power to the ScopeCOM module. The ScopeCOM module will then
create a WiFi network named ScopeCOM.
Enter WiFi WPA Encryption Key: Entering the WiFi WPA encryption key should only have
to be entered when establishing an initial connection using your Windows computer. The
WPA security key is 12345678. Use the Windows Network and .Sharing menu to save this
network profile.
Note: Once a connection is established to the ScopeCOM generated WiFi network,
ScopeCOM assigns the Windows computer wireless adapter an IP address. This places the
ScopeCOM module and the Windows computer on the same IP network
Step 2. Power and position the telescope mount per the manufacturer’s instructions. Note
that most amateur astronomer telescope systems require alignment prior to establishing
GoTo telescope control.
Step 3. If you configured the HW VSP3 settings as shown above, you may now start the HW
VSP3 application. In the Standalone version you must start the HW VSP3 software each
time the computer is booted (or use the Startup menu). The HW VSP3 application will then
open the previously configured COM port and minimize to the task bar.
Step 4. Start The Sky Windows application.
Step 5. Access the Windows Network and Sharing menu or similar Windows WiFi network
settings menu and connect to the ScopeCOM WiFi network.
Step 6. Open The Sky Telescope menu as shown below.

Page 14
In the drop down menu, select the telescope mount type and desired options as shown
above.
Select the previously created and opened computer virtual COM port and the telescope
mount Baud rate as shown above. The 9600 baud rate is the default baud rate for the
majority of consumer grade telescope mounts and is the only serial data baud rate supported
by most WiFi-Serial adapters without customized settings.
Step 7. Assuming all settings are correct, you may now establish a wireless connection to
your telescope mount as shown on the following page.

Page 15
In the Telescope/Link menu, click Establish to enable communications over the existing
ScopeCOM WiFi link.
Please carefully review both The Sky and ScopeCOM user documentation to ensure you
fully understand all settings and controls.
See the following Troubleshooting pages for assistance with WiFi connection issues.
Clear skies….
The Astronomy-Shoppe
Tony Costanzo
www.astronomy-shoppe.com
603-382-0836
Version 1.04 – created by M. Wheeler, Astronomy-Shoppe technical consultant

Page 16
Troubleshooting
May 14, 2015
Some Android devices occasionally refuse to accept the ScopeCOM assigned DHCP
address. A few Samsung tablets, depending on their current firmware version, have been
known to exhibit this problem. Fortunately there’s an easy workaround should you encounter
this annoying situation.
The solution is to assign a static IP address in the ScopeCOM WiFi network settings. This
WiFi configuration change only affects the ScopeCOM WiFi network connection and will
remain in effect until changed.
Step-by-Step Procedure to modify ScopeCOM WiFi network connection settings.
Step 1. First, connect to the ScopeCOM network by touching the ScopeCOM SSID icon in
the WiFi settings menu.
Step 2. Once you are connected to the ScopeCOM network, touch and hold the ScopeCOM
WiFi SSID icon in the device WiFi settings menu. The following menu will appear.
Step 3. Select the Show password and Show advanced options boxes. Enter the
ScopeCOM security key 12345678 and touch the Next key on the keyboard. The following
menu will appear.

Page 17
Step 4. Place the cursor at the end of the displayed IP address value. Use the displayed
mini keyboard to backspace and delete the last digit of the IP address. You may replace the
last IP address number with any number from 2 to 9. This sets the ScopeCOM static IP
address in the ScopeCOM subnet. Touch Next a few times until the Done key appears on
the mini keyboard. Press Done to exit the Modify network configuration menu, then press the
Save icon.
This completes the modification of the ScopeCOM WiFi network settings and should avoid
further WiFi connection issues.
Note: Assigning a static IP address also speeds up the WiFi connection process. Be certain
you don’t assign the same static IP address to different Android devices that will be used to
access the ScopeCOM network.
If you find the above procedure confusing, there are several web sites that outline this
procedure. Simply Google “how to configure android DHCP settings”. Apparently this
problem is well known.
Michael Wheeler
Haverhill, Massachusetts