AMUSBMOUNT

Maximize the potential of your telescope mount with direct computer control.

While many amateur astronomers appreciate mounts like Skywatcher for their optimal balance of price and quality, the true potential of many mounts, across various brands, is unlocked when connected to a computer. Enhance your observational capabilities and precision with the USBMOUNT converter.

Usage Guide

Setting Up the Connection

• Computer Connection: Simply plug the USBMOUNT into your computer using a USB-C cable, like the one you might use for your smartphone. Upon a successful connection, the PC (pwr) LED will light up. For optimal performance, it’s best to use a high-quality cable.
• Mount Connection: The converter features an RJ45 connector. Use either the hand control cable or a direct Ethernet cable for the connection (ensure your mount supports an RJ45 connection - refer to the table below). Once connected, the MOUNT (pwr) LED will illuminate.

Attaching the Device

Attach using the provided 3M DualLock Reclosable Fastener. Before adhering, clean and degrease the surface. Once glued, press down firmly for some time.

For long-distance USBMOUNT (EQmod) operations, opt for a longer RJ45 cable on the telescope side. A standard, shielded ethernet cable is recommended. However, avoid USB cables longer than 5m to maintain reliability.

LED Alerts

The USBMOUNT features 4 LED indicators. The two red LEDs signal power in the adjacent connector, confirming a successful connection. The two orange LEDs monitor data transfer: TX indicates data flowing from the computer to the mount, while RX signals the opposite.

Driver Installation

Linux

USBMOUNT01 seamlessly integrates with modern Linux computers. No driver installation is needed – just connect the device and it appears as a serial port (e.g. /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyACM0). You can then operate the mount with your go-to control software, such as INDI combined with KStars.

Windows

After connecting, the converter appears as a COM port – check Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT) for the assigned number. To control the mount from ASCOM-compatible applications, install the EQMOD ASCOM driver and select this COM port in its settings. If no COM port appears, please contact us.

Stellarium

Enable the Telescope Control plugin in Stellarium and add a new telescope. On Windows, choose the ASCOM connection with the EQMOD driver; on Linux, connect through INDI with the EQMod Mount driver. Select the serial port assigned to USBMOUNT01.

KStars/INDI/Ekos

In the Ekos profile editor, select the EQMod Mount driver as the mount. Start INDI, open the Connection tab of the EQMod Mount driver in the INDI Control Panel, set the port to the one assigned to USBMOUNT01 and press Connect.

Compatibility

Note: This list might not cover all compatible mounts.