Starlight Xpress SXV-M7 - Manual (Page 19)

Handbook for SXV-M7 Issue 1 June 2004
19
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The accessory ports
The SXV-M7 is provided with two ports for use with accessories. The Autoguider
output port is a 6 way RJ11 socket, which is compatible with the standard autoguider
input of most telescope mounts. It provides 4 active-low opto-isolator outputs and a
common return line, capable of sinking a minimum of 5mA per output. This socket
may be used for telescope control if the SXV-M7 is employed as an autoguider, but is
primarily intended to be the control output for the optional add-on autoguider camera
head, available for use with the SXV-M7.
The high density parallel port socket provides both control and power for the add-on
autoguider, but also includes a pair of serial ports for use with other devices.
Using the built-in serial ports
The SXV-M7 incorporates two fast serial ports for use with external accessories. The
ports are available on 5 pins of the 18 way connector that is provided for the
autoguider and may be accessed by plugging in a ‘serial port divider box’. The divider
box and cables are available as an accessory and may be chained in series with the
autoguider cable, when the guider is in use, or may be used on its own.
The two serial connections are in the form of standard RS232 PC style plugs and
provide TX, RX and Ground connections at RS232 levels. Access is via commands
sent through the USB connection and, at the time of writing, is limited to any serial
controls that are provided by the SXV software. It is expected that many more
functions will be added as the software is upgraded.
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STAR 2000
The SXV-M7 may be used with our patented self-guiding system ‘STAR 2000’. This
can greatly ease the process of recording long exposure deep-sky images.