Manufacturer: Pierro Astro
Product number: Skycenter

EUR 189,90


incl. 19 % VAT (DE)  
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rating: 5.0 of 5
  • Details..
  • Technical data..
  • In the box..
What is the SkyCenter interface?
Controller for DC focus motors like JMI, SkyWatcher, Orion AccuFocus, and all other types of DC motors up to 2 A max.
Controller for stepper focus motors like Robofocus (with DB9), and virtually all other stepper motor focusers on the market, with 4, 5 or 6 wires (pin layouts described in the documentation) up to 2 A
EQMOD link management for the SkyWatcher and Orion mounts (EQ8, AZ-EQ6, AZ-EQ5, HEQ5, EQ6, Atlas, Sirius, etc ...)
Standard RS232 connection management for virtually any frame or other RS232 accessories market
3 power ports 9-18 V (12 V recommended): 1 input to power the interface, 2 output to feed your CCD camera or other equipment, for example
Optionally a control box for manual focusing (optional third key freely definable)
A computer link to PC USB port compatible with all recent Windows systems in 32 and 64 bit (7, 8, 8.1, 10 ...) and high-performance drivers, easy installation
ASCOM drivers for controlling focusing systems with stepper or DC motors, compatible with every astronomical focusing software
Mini focusing software "FineFocus" makes motorized focusing easy


What makes SkyCenter different from other interfaces?
A driver for all Windows versions, easy to install and highly functional
The use of RJ ports (telephone-type) - even more secure and simple to replace and maintain than the DB9 or other forms.
The very large number of options to choose from and the wide range of accessories that can be used with this interface.
The provision in the manual (in French) of all plans of different connectors to allow you to wire your own interface if needed.
Management of virtually all the types of motors without changing interface (DC, stepper of all types, Robofocus).
Controlling of motor acceleration and deceleration for "long-distance" of the eyepiece, favoring the engine torque.
PERMANENT saving of the motor position in the system to have a reproducible use of focus positions regardless of the approach, via the manual box or software (including in case of system crash or other unexpected events).
The PERMANENT saving the last movement made for application of backlash information (including in the event of system crash or other unexpected event).
The ability to fully configure the access mode to the motor (frequency, power, step or half-step, acceleration, etc ...)
Simplified configuration by the user: if you do not know the order of the pin of your stepper motor, follow our documentation and configure a different pin order in the pilot!
The possibility of making yourself a hand control for the interface
The possibility of updating the features simply by downloading new versions of ASCOM drivers: no need for firmware update or other difficulties
The possibility of reducing the speed of DC motors, and manage them in "Step simulated" to a very large precision
The connection EQMOD replacing EQ6-USB interfaces or USB Direct-HEQ5, saving a PC USB port
The RS232 to communicate with any device or mount RS232 (Celestron, Meade, Takahashi, iOptron, SkyWatcher, Vixen, Astro-physics, etc.)
An integrated USB cable to the box to avoid short circuits or wear of the USB port at the interface side. Replaceable cable if necessary by a shorter cable or just in case of trouble
A permanent service, and software written entirely by Pierro-Astro with the ability to add functionality or, if necessary, to correct "bugs" quickly
Simplification of cables: on one small device (128x68x28 mm), you have both the frame connection, motor cable, power sockets and one USB port
A single interface replaces the purchase of an interface for DC motors + an interface for stepper motors interface + RS232 interface + EQMOD interface - a significant saving.
The 3 standard type power ports 5.5 / 2.1 can prevent uncertain do-it-yourself work. On a single battery or AC power, you feed the interface, and from there you feed your mount and your digital camera or CCD camera.
(RS232 port and EQMOD cannot be used simultaneously)


Available options
Manual control box: not necessary, either with 2 buttons, allows the focus-in and focus-out functions, or with 3 buttons, the 3rd "function" button is configurable to use another function to choose in the driver.
The cables are 1 m length unless specified.
RS232 cables: we offer a wide range of RS232 adapter cables for most mounts, if you can not find your contact us!
Cables EQMOD / EQ-Direct: choose between one for EQ6 / NEQ6 / Atlas EQG (DB9) or one for EQ8, AZ-EQ6, AZ-EQ5, HEQ5, NEQ5 Goto, Goto NEQ3).
Motor Cables: we offer cables for JMI motors (3.5 mm audio jack type), for SkyWatcher and Orion motors (RJ9 4-pin), for Robofocus (DB9 female). We can also offer custom cables (please contact us)
Main power: you can opt for a mains adapter or a 3 m long vehicle power cable, according to your needs.
Additional cables (1 or 2 cables) to power your devices: choose one for 5.5/2.1 mm standard (+ center), for AZ-AZ-EQ5 and EQ6 mounts, or for the EQ8 mount. We can also provide custom power cables if necessary.
Free software download HERE


Important hints:
We sell version 1.1 of the SkyCenter with the following important changes:
now the LED won´t lit up at plug, but only at ASCOM link. User can light up or stop the LED inside the ASCOM driver
On EQMOD port, the pin 4 now has 3.3 V instead of nothing and then must NOT be wired to the HC port of the SW mount
on RS232 port, the pin 3 now has 3.3 V instead of nothing and then must NOT be wired to the RS232 port of the mount


Why a 3.3 V output?

In the near future, Pierre Astro will propose GPS modules that will directly plug to the RS232 or EQMOD port of the skycenter instead of mounts and at a very low price. Any other hardware that needs output power could also use it.

Download links
ASCOM drivers for SkyCenter: Please click here (external link)
Electronic Interface:manufactured in France
Dimensions:128 mm x 68 mm x 28 mm
Built-in USB cable:1.8 m USB 2.0, for avoiding short-circuit or wear
Windows driver:for all Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 32 and 64 bit
ASCOM driver:for DC motors and stepper motors with ASCOM Platform 6.1
Interfaces:EQMOD Link and RS232 (not simultaneously)
Manual:in French
Indication light:low brightness red LED (if connected with ASCOM)
Possible scope of delivery:Cables, power supplies and optional engines
Power supply:9 to 18 V, typical 12 V
Consumption:90 mA to 2 A, depending on motor or other devices
IP Standards:SkyCenter interface has no IPxx certification, so the case must be protected against water, moisture and dust.
Pierro Astro SkyCenter



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Reviews

Written by Jalal Abdallah
on 2016-08-31

"Very good product"