SkyFi III Wireless Scope Control
**US Shipping Only**
Overview
SkyFi III is our WiFi-to-Serial/USB adapter, designed for wireless telescope control. If you have a computer-controlled GoTo telescope, SkyFi III can use the WiFi capabilities built into your computer and your iOS or Android device to point your telescope in the sky. SkyFi III is the only WiFi device on the market specifically designed for telescope control, and it now includes a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to 12 hours of field use!
SkyFi III includes both USB and serial ports - this means that it can control the latest USB-only telescopes from Meade/Celestron as well as other telescopes with RS-232 serial interfaces.
What's included
SkyFi III is very compact, barely larger than an iPhone. It can be easily attached to your telescope's mount or tripod; a Velcro belt is included for that purpose.
SkyFi III has a micro USB connector for external power. It can be powered or charged from a standard 5V USB port on your computer. The package includes a micro USB power adapter that accepts worldwide AC current (100-240V, 50-60 Hz). Outside of North America a plug adaptor (not included) will be necessary. You can also power SkyFi III from a car battery using a "cigarette lighter" micro USB adapter (not included).
See "Package Options" below for possible additions at discounted rates.
How it works
Once powered on, SkyFi III creates its own 802.11 wireless network. By default, this is an open wireless network called "SkyFi", but you can rename and secure it later on. Join this network from your mobile device, laptop, or other computer, and - voila! - you're ready to use SkyFi III. As long as your computer or mobile device gets its IP address by DHCP, no additional network configuration is required.
Use your existing telescope serial cable and plug directly into SkyFi III - you don't need to buy (or build!) another. If you don't have one yet, here it is below:
Finally, you'll also need a telescope control application running on your computer or mobile device. SkyFi III works seamlessly with our SkySafari apps for iOS and Android devices, our SkySafari software running on Mac OS X, and our Starry Night software on Mac and via Virtual Serial Port on Windows.
Telescope Compatibility
SkyFi III can wirelessly enable almost any telescope with a standard USB or RS-232 serial interface. For example, models that work with SkyFi III include:
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The baseline requirement for Celestron support in SkySafari 4/5/6 is Celestron firmware version 4.0 or higher, which is basically everything sold since 2008. This excludes the older Nexstar GT series, the original Celestron Nexstar series and the Celestron Ultima 2000. Note, the GT hand controllers can possibly be replaced with newer versions that will then work with SkySafari 4/5/6. Consult a Celestron dealer for more information
Some Meade ETX models (60/80) ship with the Autostar #494 controller. To make SkyFi III work with these scopes, you need to replace the #494 Autostar controller (which does not have a serial port) with the #497 Autostar (which does). Contact Meade to upgrade your controller.
The only models that do not work with SkyFi III are those that have neither USB nor RS-232 serial ports. Such models include:
- Vixen mounts with StarBook controllers
The Vixen StarBook controller uses an ethernet interface, which is also physically incompatible with SkyFi III. However, you can use an Apple AirPort Express (or other wireless router) to control the StarBook from our SkySafari iPhone app. This document from Vixen explains how. You also need to configure SkySafari to communicate with the StarBook controller at 169.254.1.1 on port 80.
Temperature Considerations
There is abundant literature on how the performance of Lithium Ion batteries decreases with temperatures that can be researched, but in general, Lithium-Ion batteries do not have a horrible performance penalty in the cold (unlike NiCad). We estimate roughly 70% performance in freezing conditions.
Normal operating temperature range is 0° to 40° Celsius.
Very Important: Do not to charge a Li-ion battery when it is very cold. This can damage them.
Express freight orders must be received by 1 pm CST to ensure timely delivery
Warranty
Simulation Curriculum offers a 1-year limited warranty on all SkyFi III units purchased directly from us or an authorized reseller.
Starry Night Requirements:
Windows 10 or higher / Macintosh OS X 10.10 or higher. 1GHz or higher processor, 1 GB RAM and 12 GB of hard disk space. 128 MB OpenGL 1.4 capable graphics card.
