IOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide

iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide

Connect a CEM26/GEM28 mount to a Computer

A CEM26/GEM28 mount can be connected to a computer via USB port, or a built-in Wi-Fi. A USB2.0 cable is needed to make the connection work if connected to a computer USB port.
Connect to a Windows computer is via ASCOM Platform (please refer to http://www.ascom-standards.org for detailed info.) The software/firmware needed:

  • Windows 7 /8.1 /10 with .NET (dotNET) Framework 4.8 installed;
  • Latest ASCOM Platform. Download and install it from http://www.ascom-standards.org
    iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide
  • iOptron Commander and ASCOM Driver Installer 6.3 or later. Download and install it from iOptron CEM26 or GEM28 product page. CEM26/GEM28 uses Commander V6.X.
    graphical user interface, text, application, email
  • After installation, you should see an icon like this on your computer desktop, or your designated folder:
    a close up of a device
  • Latest mount firmware

Connect a mount to a computer via USB
Plug USB B plug of a USB cable into the USB port on a 8409 hand controller as shown below. Plug the USB A plug into any available USB port of the computer.
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide
Click on Windows Device Manager to find the assigned COM port for the USB connection. Here the port # is COM4.

    • iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guideportable Devices
    • iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guidepots (COM&LPT)
      • iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guideintel(R) Active Mangement Technology – SOL(COM)
    • iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guideprint queues

Click on iOptron Commander for CEM120/CEM70 a close up of a device open: An iOptron Commander Connection Setting window will
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide

Select “RS-232/USB Port” with “Auto Detection”, or click on the RS-232/USB Port pull down menu to select a COM port manually. Here it is COM4 as shown below.
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide

Click OK to connect. 

Connect a mount to a computer via Wi-Fi

The mount Wi-Fi SSID is in a form of HBX8409-XXXXXX. Turn the mount power on. Click on the Wi-Fi sign located on right bottom corner of your computer to bring up Wi-Fi network menu.
graphical user interface, application
Select the CEM26/GEM28 Wi-Fi network, here is HBX8409_AB4746. Click to connect to it.
graphical user interface

Click on iOptron Commander for CEM120/CEM7 An iOptron Commander Connection Setting window will open. Select “Wi-Fi/Ethernet” and choose “CEM70G/CEM26/GEM28 Built-in/StarFi” from pull down menu. Click OK.
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide

A Device Information window will show.
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide
Check Mount Panel to bring up the iOptron Commander 6.xx Mount Panel.
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide
Now you can control the mount via iOptron Commander, or connect your favorite planetarium software and select “iOptron CEM120/70/26/GEM28 Mount” for software configuration
graphical user interface, text, application, email
Other OS control
For a MacOS, it depends on if the planetarium software has an iOptron CEM70/CEM120 driver, either embedded or plug-in. You may also use an .INDI driver developed by third party.
If you are using planetary software from a SmartPhone/Tablet, such as SkySafari 6 Pro, please use the following mount and Wi-Fi settings:
a screenshot of a cell phone
Error Message
iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer Installation Guide
If you see this error message, please check the following:

  1.  Correct iOptron Commander is installed and used, especially you have multiple iOptron mounts;
  2. Firmware is up to date;
  3. Connection between mount and computer is established. Check Device Manager by plug and unplug the USB cable to observe the COM port changes to determine which one if from mount;
  4. Delete all COM port from other devices. Power cycle the mount and computer. Then plug in the mount first and try again.

Documents / Resources

iOptron Driver Installer Mount to Computer [pdf] Installation Guide
Driver Installer Mount to Computer, CEM26, GEM28

References

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