Installing ASCOM Telescope Drivers- This is an astronomy software that controls most of the astronomy devices. The next generation of the ASCOM Platform provides compatibility with Windows 7's enhanced security and 64-bit systems, greatly expanded support for.NET languages, some new device interfaces, and even more support for both drivers and astronomy applications.
- The driver is a telescope 'hub', meaning multiple ASCOM client applications can connect simultaneously. The old driver only allowed a single client application thus requiring the use of the POTH driver. The new driver does not require POTH.
ASCOM is a third party platform that provides an interface to various telescopes and other devices. SkyTools Real Time Telescope Contol requires ASCOM to interface with all but the Argo Navis and Sky Commander devices.
To use ASCOM,
Download and install the latest ASCOM platform. If you already have and older version of ASCOM installed on your device, uninstall it before installing the latest.
Next download and install the ASCOM device drivers that you require. Direct link to ASCOM telescope divers.
The driver is a telescope 'hub', meaning multiple ASCOM client applications can connect simultaneously. The old driver only allowed a single client application thus requiring the use of the POTH driver. The new driver does not require POTH. 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). ASCOM is a many-to-many and language-independent architecture, supported by most astronomy devices which connect to Windows and now Linux and MacOS computers. The diagram below shows how ASCOM differs from traditional astronomy instrument control architectures. This architecture applies to both Windows/COM and cross-platform Alpaca technologies.
ASCOM supports Tangent-based DSCs such as the Celestron Advanced Astromaster, David Chandler Co. Deep Space Navigator, Discovery Digital Setting Circles, Grecner Navigator, JMI NGCMAX, Lumicon Sky Vector, Mountain Instruments Star Pilot, Orion Sky Wizard 3, and TeleVue Sky Tour, as well as BBox, Ouranos, MicroGuider III and V, and other similar units.
Ascom Driver Download
ASCOM Support
Ascom Driver Install
ASCOM 5 or greater is required for SkyTools, as well as the latest driver for your mount. If you receive an error when you connect to ASCOM, or to your telescope, the issue is most likely related to your ASCOM installation. Pay special attention to driver requirements with respect to the firmware version you are using. It is also important to properly set all of the correct driver properties via the ASCOM telescope chooser. If you still receive an error, try connecting via the ASCOM POTH hub.