Astro-Physics is delighted to offer products from Future Technology Devices International Ltd., and Icron Technologies that provide connectivity between our GTO mounts and today’s PC's and laptops which rarely have genuine serial ports any more. Let us start out by stating emphatically that we are NOT a computer company. We are not the Microsoft® Help Desk, and we cannot make any guarantee that we can solve any and all issues that may arise as you try to communicate with your mount via an external computer. That being said, however, we have found these products to be reliable, easy to set up and configure, and an excellent value. The Future Technology Devices International and Icron units work well with Windows® machines and with MacOS® systems, and they all offer superior customer support. Furthermore, there is even support for the LINUX® operating system for the Icron USB Ranger® products.
The USB to Serial conversion device by Future Technology Devices International is backward compatible and fully upgradeable. We strongly advise that you check the Future Technology Devices International Ltd website often for the latest in driver updates to ensure continued high performance and top level compatibility.
The Icron USB Ranger is the latest in a long line of USB devices designed to overcome the 5 meter limitation of conventional USB. Think of it as the ultimate USB extension cord that can provide up to 100 meters of separation with no loss in speed or performance!
Some of the text below is taken directly or mostly from the Future Technology Devices International and Icron websites, and is obviously geared toward the general public.
USB to Serial Adapter (USB1PFTDI)
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This is the easiest way to connect a single serial device to a USB port on your PC. The USB1PFTDI is FTDI's premium USB to RS232 adapter. It uses the same fully-supported, state-of-the-art FTDI driver that is used in our CP4 control box, which makes it both convenient and compatible. |
The electronics are housed in an attractive glossy white enclosure with blue, side-lit LED TX and RX traffic indicators. A matching white 10 cm USB cable uses gold plated USB and DE9 connectors for oxidation-free connections. The USB1PFTDI uses an enhanced RS232 level converter and is capable of communication rates up to 1M Baud. It is RoHS compliant and is CE and FCC approved. It is the only USB to serial adapter that we know of with an operation range down to -20° C. Very Important: The driver must be installed before the adapter is plugged into your computer! Stay current. |
Icron Ranger® 2304 USB 2.0 Extender - Four-Port (USBIEXT4P-2304)
The USB 2.0 Ranger® 2304 is a four port USB 2.0 high speed extension solution, enabling USB 2.0 connections at up to 480Mbps over 100m/330ft of Cat 5e (or better) cabling, without the need of additional software drivers. A true plug-and-play solution, the Ranger 2304 is compatible with all leading operating systems, and supports all USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1 peripherals such as flash drives, keyboards, mice, webcams and interactive whiteboards across a dedicated Cat 5e connection. |
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Note that the remote unit requires power for proper operation (included AC power adapter is 24 volt DC output). Astro-Physics stocks units with the North American standard power adapter. UK, European and Australian adapters are available by special order and may require a small surcharge. Icron USB Ranger® 2304 Data Sheet (PDF) USB Ranger 2304 System Includes:
More distantly remote observatories (over 100 yards/330 feet from the controlling computer) will generally require a computer or IP addressable server in the remote observatory itself, and a high speed internet connection for communication with your home computer. Such solutions are beyond the scope of Astro-Physics to supply or support.
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15 Foot Straight-through, RoHS-compliant Serial Cable (CABSER15)
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This page was last modified:
December 9, 2018
Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847