Ascom Driver

Universal Gx/Cx USB and Gx/Cx ETH camera drivers (models G0 to G4, C1 and C2) for ASCOM Platform v5/v6 Gx/Cx USB camera driver v5.6 for ASCOM Platform version 6, 32-bit version Updated: 20.4.2021. EQASCOM is a telescope driver that provides the astronomical 'brains' of the mount control system. It provides functions such as: Control of the mount using any ASCOM compliant planetarium software or client application Gotos/Slew at 0.144 resolution (depending on planetarium database accuracy and mount type).

MoonLite offers both Non ASCOM Software programs and a universal ASCOM driver to operate all MoonLite focusers and controllers.

MoonLite Stepper motor Software / operation instructions for the Mini V2 controller and DRO dual port display controller can be downloaded here: High Res Stepper Motor Combo 2015
MoonLite Mini V2 controller Quick Guide can be downloaded here: Mini V2 Quick Guide
MoonLite Software and Troubleshooting guide can be downloaded here: MoonLite Software download and troubleshooting guides
MoonLite Motor hardware options can be seen here: http://focuser.com/motorfocus.php
MoonLite Single Focuser V1.4 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for 'Manual' focus control using a PC. No ASCOM is required. It works with all MoonLite brand SINGLE PORT controllers such as the current Mini V2 controller, original Mini controller, and original DRO Display single port controller.
MoonLite Dual Focuser V2.2.0.0 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for 'Manual' focus control of 2 focusers using a PC. No ASCOM is required. It works with MoonLite's Dual port DRO display controller only. Please note, it will not work with two single port controllers.
MoonLite Dual Rotator V2.2.0.0 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for 'Manual' focus / rotator control of one focusers with both a focuser motor and rotator installed using a PC. No ASCOM is required. This software only works with MoonLite's Dual port DRO display controller.
MoonLite Stepper Motor Belt Rotator installation document can be downloaded here:
Stepper motor Belt Rotator
MoonLite Stepper Motor Belt Rotator hardware installation video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0WYadI2IDE&feature=youtu.be
MoonLite 32/64 bit universal ASCOM driver requires ASCOM Platform 6.0 and can be downloaded here:
MoonLite DRO Setup.zip
Our one driver works with all controllers and focuser configurations, Single port, Dual port, and Rotator.
TheSKYX Pro has a direct plug in for MoonLite Mini V2 controllers and Nitecrawler focusers.
See Daily Build to download.
How to configure the MoonLite ASCOM driver to run 2 separate focusers instead of a focuser with a rotator:Instructions
Setting up your MoonLite with FocusMax Online tutorial
All Moonlite controllers ( Mini V2, DRO Display, and NiteCrawler/ LiteCrawlers ) require a modern Uart driver to connect to the PC using the USB port. If you are using an older PC or it is not connecting, please download the lastest drivers from: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
MoonLite Driver for Linux - INDI is a cross-platform system designed for automation and control of astronomical instruments. INDI drivers are available for MoonLite Focusers. INDI supports autoguiding & autofocus and runs on multiple clients such as KStars, and Sky Charts. Read more about INDI and download the latest version directly from the INDI Web Site.
NiteCrawler
NiteCrawler focusers can be operated with ASCOM, Moonlite's Utility program, and the SKYX direct plug in.
MoonLite NiteCrawler Utility Program is a Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for operating the NiteCrawler 2 axis rotating worm drive focusers. No ASCOM is required to operate the focuser with this utility program. This program operates all 3 sizes of Nitecrawlers, WR25, WR30, and WR35 format.
NiteCrawler non ASCOM utility program - NC_Remote_1_1_14.zip (March 2017)
NiteCrawler and LiteCrawler ASCOM driver version 6.2.6939 ( works with all 3 NiteCrawler format sizes) updated 12-31-2018
TheSKYX Direct plug in. (See Daily Build on SB site) Works great !NiteCrawler Driver for Linux - INDI is a cross-platform system designed for automation and control of astronomical instruments. INDI drivers work with all 3 size Nitecrawler rotating focusers. INDI supports autoguiding & autofocus ,Rotation, and runs on multiple clients such as KStars, and Sky Charts. Read more about INDI and download the latest version directly from the INDI Web Site.Setting up your NiteCrawler with SGP
1) Select the 'NiteCrawler Focuser' and 'NiteCrawler Rotator' in the corresponding areas of the SGP Sequencer Window:
2) For Auto Focus you will likely need to increase your step size considerably because of the extremely fine resolution of the NiteCrawler. (previously this setup required 50 steps and is now at 1500). A more in depth discussion for determining auto focus parameters can be found here:http://mainsequencesoftware.com/Content/SGPHelp/SequenceGeneratorPro.html?UnderstandingAutoFocus.html
3) Next test the rotation direction of your setup. Moving from 0-30 degrees should cause the rotator to move clockwise as viewed from behind. If this is not the case reverse the direction inside of the ascom driver:
Videos:
For a look at the new NiteCrawler Focusers, see Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azcv1b6u3jo
For NiteCrawler / TAK refractor installation, See Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Ftg5Sjrqk

Telescope/Mount Drivers

ACL Telescope Controllers (6.0.1)

Installs a driver for telescope control systems that speak the Merlin Controls Astronomy Command Language. Please note that there is a specific driver for the COMSOFT PC-TCS control system below. Version 6.0.1 corrects a COM port setup bug, and has sources for building under Platform 6.

Advanced LX-200 Driver (Generic, not for Meade scopes)

Installs a driver that uses a subset of the LX-200 protocol. Use this driver with mounts that purport to use the LX-200 protocol like FS2, Picastro etc...

Ascom 2X Mount Adaptor (Paramount, etc., 6.1) for TheSky X (external link)

This is supplied by Software Bisque and is available from the Downloads section of the Software Bisque site, the file is called Ascom 2X Mount Adaptor Setup.exe

Installs a driver that connects to Software Bisque's TheSky X/6/5 Astronomy Software and makes it look like a standard ASCOM telescope. This allows ASCOM-based astronomy software to use TheSky (including TPOINT and ProTrack) as a smart telescope controller.It is required for the Paramount mounts, and may be used with TheSky controlling any other of its supported telescope types, or via its built-in outbound ASCOM support, and then using ASCOM telescope drivers. This driver provides Telescope V3 support, 100% conformance, and compatibility with TheSky X (10.2.0 or later).

Astro-Physics GTO - Factory Supplied Driver and Software

This is the installer for the Astro-Physics factory-supported driver for all Astro-Physics telescope models. Please go to the Astro-Physics Software Updates web page for their driver and associated software.

AstroShop Omegon EQ500X Equatorial Mounts

This is the installer for the Omegon Mount EQ-500X sold by Astroshop.eu. Omegon mounts are a collection of Alt-Az and Equatorial mounts for visual observation and astrophotography. The Conformance report is part of the release. The mounts and driver pass with two errors related to coordinates granularity (1 arcsec minimum).

Celestron Unified (6.1.7350, Feb 2020) Telescope & Focuser

Installs a driver for all computerized Celestron telescopes, now including the new Celestron Focuser. NOTE: Focuser moves are prevented if the focuser is not calibrated. Calibrate the Focuser before anything else! Also this driver does its best to compensate for the extra time needed for final approach in slews but which is not reported via the Celestron controller. This driver has passed the Conformance Checker tests. See the help file and release notes(!), installed as part of the driver, for a full description.

This driver does NOT support Synta mounts. Use the Sky-Watcher drivers listed below.

Digital Setting Circles (David Ek, external link)

This ASCOM driver allows the use of a variety of commercial and homebrew passive encoder-based digital setting circles systems with any Windows software that supports the ASCOM standard. This driver works with either alt-az mounts (like a dobsonian) or equatorial mounts. Equatorial mounts do not need to be accurately polar-aligned (although an accurate polar alignment will likely lead to a more satisfying observing experience). The button leads to David's web site for this driver as well as other info on DSCs.

Explore Scientific PMC-Eight Mount Controller Driver

This is the link for the PMC-Eight Mount Controller to download the PMC-Eight Software Development Kit. This kit includes the ASCOM-Standards driver and other information needed to develop applications for the controller. This version of the driver has passed the Conformance Checker (report included in SDK). Please contact Explore Scientific for more information.

EQMOD Project (external link)

With the EQMOD ASCOM driver, the user will be able to control the Modded EQ mount using any ASCOM based astronomy software at 0.144 arcsecond resolution. This is an ongoing project, so be sure to check the site for updates.

Gemini Telescope .NET (1.0.75, April 2020)

Installs a driver for mounts controlled by René Görlich's Gemini Astronomical Telescope Positioning System. This latest version (2020) addresses compatibility with ASCOM Alpaca and also makes some needed changes for soon to be released firmware (stay tuned for this upcoming firmware release). Current firmware required!

Generic LX-200 (5.0.1)

Installs a driver that uses a small subset of the LX-200 protocol. Features are limited, and end-of-slew detection may be unreliable (requires adjustment of encoder resolution). Use this driver with mounts that purport to use the LX-200 protocol. Be prepared for limitations and problems. Simple applications (such as planetarium slewing) are more likely to work than demanding automation applications.

GS Server (July 2020) for Sky-Watcher and Orion Mounts

This is a server with its own graphical interface that provides an ASCOM Telescope interface as well as a Synta Protocol for Sky-Watcher and Orion mounts: EQ8, EQ8-R, HDX110, AZ-EQ5GT, Sirius Pro AZ/EQ-G, AZ-EQ6GT, Orion Atlas Pro AZ/EQ-G, EQ6-R PRO, NEQ6, HEQ5, EQ5, EQ4, AzGTi.

iOptron CEM60 and iEQ45 Pro

Installs a driver for the iOptron CEM60 and iEQ45 Pro mounts. This driver has been supplied by the manufacturer and has passed all conformance tests (report here).

Ascom Driver

LittleFoot Controller (1.0.0)

Driver for the LittleFoot Controller Project, specifically the LittleFoot Classic. For more info see Astronomie & Elektronik (a German/English forum).

Meade Autostar/Audiostar Project (October 2019) <- TRY THIS FIRST

Link to a new 'Meade Generic' driver for the Meade Autostar/Audiostar controlled Meade telescopes. This driver project is listed in hopes that the author can get feedback and work out any remaining issues. This driver has been created after discovering that the 'Meade LX200 Classic and Autostar #494, #495, and #497 (combined telescope/focuser, 5.0.4)' driver listed below does not implement enough features to allow the telescope to be properly operated remotely.The driver can be installed alongside any other driver (including the 'universal' one listed below). See the driver project website for details.

Meade Universal Driver Project (June 2014)

Link to a driver that recognizes new Meade telescopes (LX850 and LX600), some earlier LX200GPS telescopes, and telescopes that recognize basic Meade Commands (e.g., LX200 Classic, Centurion). Provides position readout, slews, side of pier (where appropriate), and pulse guiding among its basic capabilities. It has passed Conformance Checking for the LX850 and the LX600 and has been run with a number of other Meade telescopes. While not complete functionality (e.g., missing tracking control, focus control, slew rate selection), this is the first iteration of a driver that is intended provide replacement capabilities for all existing Meade drivers. Please Note: This driver reports that it cannot control tracking (on/off) so it may not be suitable for automation applications.

Meade LX200 Classic and Autostar #494, #495, and #497 (combined telescope/focuser, 5.0.4, May 2013)

Installs a driver for the original Meade LX200 ('classic') telescope mounts (including the 16'), as well as Meade telescopes that use the Autostar I (#494, #495 and #497) controllers, such as the ETX and DS series. This driver provides both telescope and focuser interfaces each of which may be used by separate programs. Do not use this with the LX200GPS, LX200R or the RCX400. V5.0.4 corrects installer and driver version mismatches only, no logic in the driver has changed since 2008.

Meade LX200GPS and LX200R (combined telescope/focuser, 5.0.0, Jan 2008)

Installs a driver for the Meade LX200GPS and LX200R telescope mounts. This driver provides both telescope and focuser interfaces each of which may be used by separate programs. Do not use this with the LX200 Classic or the Autostar I (#495/#497) controllers. It has been reported that this driver also works with the RCX400 except it doesn't allow access to its unique features.

Meade MaxMount (1.0.0, March 2012)

Installs a driver for the Meade MaxMount and MAX 20' ACF telescope mount.

PC-TCS (combined telescope/focuser/dome 5.0.1)

Installs a driver for the COMSOFT PC-TCS telescope control systems. This driver provides combined telescope, focuser, and dome interfaces each of which may be used by separate programs.

Ascom Driver For Zwo Camera

ServoCAT (5.2.1, external link)

Driver for the StellarCAT ServoCAT telescope control system. Latest firmware is recommended but will run with old firmware (backwards compatible) with reduced features. The author provides a self-contained installer.

Sky Commander (2.1.0, external link)

Driver for the Sky Commander digital setting circle (DSC) device. The author provides a self-contained installer.

Sky-Watcher SynScan Physical Hand Controller and SynScan App (separate drivers)

These drivers is for all mounts that use the Synta Sky-Watcher SynScan controller, including those provided by Orion etc. It should work with both AltAz and GEM mounts. The SynScan Hand Controller V3/V4 version must be 3.38 or 4.38 or later to get full functionality but limited functionality should be available for all HC versions. In addition a separate driver is available for the SynScan App, a virtual version of the Sky-Watcher SynScan hand controller.

Takahashi Temma (5.0.26, external link)

Driver for the Takahashi Temma mounts. This is a full-featured driver that provides not only ASCOM standard driver functions, but also user access to many of the Temma's special features.

Ascom Driver Update

Vixen SkySensor 2000 (6.1.7)

Installs a driver for the Vixen SkySensor 2000 telescope control system. This version corrects the installer so it can be installed on Platform 5 and 6 (and later). The driver has also passed the Conformance Checker tests (see this report). NOTE: This driver provides limited support for the IDEA GoToStar system.

Ascom Driver For Theskyx

Vixen Sphinx (external link)

Driver for the Vixen Sphinx mounts.