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Controlling a NexStar Wirelessly with Bluetooth®
Conventionally, all NexStars are controlled by a PC via a serial cable that plugs into the socket of the hand control. Serial control lines required are transmit (Rx), receive (Tx) and ground, in other words, no flow control just data exchange, the simpliest, but least robust form of serial control. One of the various profiles supported by Bluetooth is the serial port (RS232C) profile by which means a scope can be controlled wirelessly. A Pocket PC equipped with Bluetooth provides maximum mobility whilst minimizing parts count and weight for the trip to the observation site.
Bluetooth Serial Module
Used for the test: Free2Move Bluetooth Serial Module F2M01 (www.free2move.se) and a short connection cable (4P/4C modular plug for the hand control and a male sub 9 plug for the BT module). Only three wires are required, Rx and Tx (to be crossed) and ground. The Free2Move serial BT module requires user provided external stablized +5V DC supply (caution: the DC plug tip is ground in Europe). A plug with one meter cable is included with the shipment. Cost: 80 British Pounds online shopping. Compared with what one spends for eyepieces, star diagonals, etc, this part realizing wireless scope control is good value for money.
Desktop/Notebook/Laptop PC
Used for test: Fujitsu FMV C20WB/M desktop running XP Home Edition
The BT-module comes with a highly comprehensive Windows configuration utility for once setting the serial protocol. The required configuration is best explained by this screen snap. The configuration (9600,N,8,1 for NexStar scopes) is written to and stored in the module in that it can be removed and attached to the scope. Most likely the PC will not have an RS232C port. In that case a USB to Serial adapter cable will do a good job. The author uses Elecom's UC-SGT cable (JAN code F4953103133716) without any problems.
Pocket PC with built-in Bluetooth Connectivity
Used for test: HP iPAQ h2210 and hx4700
Built-in means less parts, but you can as well use a compatible Bluetooth CF or SD type. The Bluetooth function must include a serial port profile to be suited for controlling a scope. The iPAQ Pocket PCs assign COM port 8 to their serial Bluetooth link.
Serial BT Module Supplier
Free2Move in Sweden provide amazingly fast technical support, officially within 24 hours of contact but always much faster. Their answers are complete and friendly.
Trademark
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, INC.
Conventionally, all NexStars are controlled by a PC via a serial cable that plugs into the socket of the hand control. Serial control lines required are transmit (Rx), receive (Tx) and ground, in other words, no flow control just data exchange, the simpliest, but least robust form of serial control. One of the various profiles supported by Bluetooth is the serial port (RS232C) profile by which means a scope can be controlled wirelessly. A Pocket PC equipped with Bluetooth provides maximum mobility whilst minimizing parts count and weight for the trip to the observation site.
Used for the test: Free2Move Bluetooth Serial Module F2M01 (www.free2move.se) and a short connection cable (4P/4C modular plug for the hand control and a male sub 9 plug for the BT module). Only three wires are required, Rx and Tx (to be crossed) and ground. The Free2Move serial BT module requires user provided external stablized +5V DC supply (caution: the DC plug tip is ground in Europe). A plug with one meter cable is included with the shipment. Cost: 80 British Pounds online shopping. Compared with what one spends for eyepieces, star diagonals, etc, this part realizing wireless scope control is good value for money.
Desktop/Notebook/Laptop PC
Used for test: Fujitsu FMV C20WB/M desktop running XP Home Edition
The BT-module comes with a highly comprehensive Windows configuration utility for once setting the serial protocol. The required configuration is best explained by this screen snap. The configuration (9600,N,8,1 for NexStar scopes) is written to and stored in the module in that it can be removed and attached to the scope. Most likely the PC will not have an RS232C port. In that case a USB to Serial adapter cable will do a good job. The author uses Elecom's UC-SGT cable (JAN code F4953103133716) without any problems.
Pocket PC with built-in Bluetooth Connectivity
Used for test: HP iPAQ h2210 and hx4700
Built-in means less parts, but you can as well use a compatible Bluetooth CF or SD type. The Bluetooth function must include a serial port profile to be suited for controlling a scope. The iPAQ Pocket PCs assign COM port 8 to their serial Bluetooth link.
Serial BT Module Supplier
Free2Move in Sweden provide amazingly fast technical support, officially within 24 hours of contact but always much faster. Their answers are complete and friendly.
Trademark
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, INC.