33
Appendix D. Use a PC to Control an iEQ75-GT Mount
The iEQ75-GT mount can be connected to a computer using supplied RS232 cable, if your PC is
equipped with a serial port. A RS232 to USB adapter is needed if your computer does not have a serial port,
like most of the laptops on the market today. Follow the adapter instructions to install the adapter driver.
When the communication between the mount and computer has been established, the mount can be
controlled via either ASCOM or RS485 protocol.
To control the mount via ASCOM protocol, you need:
1. Download and install ASCOM Platform from http://www.ascom-standards.org/
. Make sure you
PC meet the software requirement, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is
installed. Refer to the ascom-standards website for details.
2. Download and install latest iOptron Telescope ASCOM drive from iOptron website, click on
Support, select ASCOM Driver.
3. Planetarium software support ASCOM protocol. Follow software instructions to select the iOptron
Telescope.
Some companies have integrated iOptron’s products into their planetarium software, such as
Voyage and The Sky X Pro. Therefore, an ASCOM plug-in will not be needed. Most planetarium software
can be used to control iOptron’s product via ASCOM.