![]() ![]() To date, two of his images have been selected for NASA Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD).ĭylan explains that ASCOM is like a mediator between the different hardware and software you use in astronomy that allows them to talk to each other. He is also a member of Team Celestron, where he also contributes. But I love the explanation by Dylan O’Donnell.ĭylan has a Master’s in Information Technology, and NASA and ESA are just some astronomy concerns that have featured his astrophotography. Trying to explain what ASCOM means is hard. So, it is good to know what it is.ĪSCOM is an open initiative to provide a standard interface for the different equipment used in astronomy (including telescope mounts, focusers, and imaging devices) in a Microsoft Windows environment. Plus, you may find the term later on when pursuing the astronomy hobby. ![]() But it is a part of connecting the computer with a telescope. You don’t have to know about ASCOM if you are a beginner. It is used to connect a variety of telescope equipment to different software. What is ASCOM?ĪSCOM is an abbreviation for Astronomy Common Object Model. Still, it took too long before telescope manufacturers started making those upgraded hand controllers. Instead, it is RS-232 to serial port cable. But the problem is that the cable provided is not USB. In my experience, if you have this type of port on your hand control, you will get the cable in the package with the telescope (and sometimes and adapter module). The older models of hand controllers only have RS-232 ports (landline-type connectors). You have to buy the cable separately, and you’ll find different types of connections, as below RS-232 to serial port cable These are:ĭetermining the cable you’ll need can be problematic because cables to connect the computer with the hand control are usually not provided in the telescope package when you buy it. You may also like: Are GoTo Telescopes Worth It? (My Real Experience) What cable do you need to connect a computer with a telescopeĭepending on the type of your telescope, there are three types of cables for connecting your telescope to a computer. The telescope mount will have a hand controller, which you have to connect to your computer. You can’t go wrong with the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope. If you’re looking for the best telescope for the money, Dobsonians are highly recommended. I recommend two GoTo telescopes – Celestron NexStar 130 SLT computerized telescope and the SkyWatcher 130P GoTo telescope. We need a telescope on a computerized mount with a GoTo system. TelescopeĪnd the last thing we need is, of course, a telescope. The Stellarium astronomical software is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. Stellarium is well-made, as it shows a realistic real-time sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. It is a free open-source planetarium for your computer that is very easy to use. If you want to get professional-quality views of celestial bodies without breaking the bank, you should go for Stellarium. There are different programs out there, ranging from basic to specialized options for specific telescopes. ![]() Next, you need to find the right astronomy software. If you use a very old laptop, the whole process can be slow, frustrating, and discouraging, and we don’t want that. You don’t need a powerful system to do this, but I prefer a faster laptop for smooth work. While you can connect your telescope to a desktop computer, a laptop is preferable so that you can easily take it outside with the telescope. Needless to say, to connect a telescope to a computer, you will need a computer. ![]() To connect a telescope to a computer, you need three things: What do you need to connect a telescope to a computer? Takeaway – Connect your telescope to a computer for convenient skywatching.Free software you can use to connect and control your telescope.Can you control your telescope remotely?.Cable the telescope and computer together Steps to connect a telescope to a computer.What cable do you need to connect a computer with a telescope.What do you need to connect a telescope to a computer?. ![]()
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