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How to Hook a Telescope to a Computer

Connect a telescope to a USB-equipped computer and use Internet and computer software to enhance the star-gazing process. Benefits of connecting the two devices include recording star and planet locations, using online software to pinpoint objects of interest and sharing your telescope views to a worldwide audience via live-time webcams or social media websites. Unless you have your telescope mounted directly next to your computer, you need a long USB cable to run to the telescope.

Things You'll Need

Computer with USB hub
USB RS-232 adapter

Instructions

- 1
  Plug the RS-232 USB adapter into the computer and then into the USB extension cable. Plug the end of the cable into the USB hub on the telescope.
- 2
  Download any required software for your telescope brand and model. This is done much like installing printer drivers. For example, Celestron telescopes make the driver available online or with the included DVD in the RS-232 adapter.
- 3
  Install the software onto the computer hard-drive and test the connection between the telescope and computer. Some telescopes use a serial connection versus a USB for the telescope end connection. Use the serial RS-232-to-USB cable if your telescope is so equipped.

Astronomy