This kit consists of a control unit and set of drives: direct drive for RA axis and complete set for replacing a standard drive of the DEC axis with a «worm» drive.
In SimpleDream EQ2 there are modes of operation for both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
SimpleDreamEQ2 mount control system designed to automate an equatorial mounts of SkyWatcher EQ2, ORION EQ2 and their analogs. SimpleDreamEQ2 compatible with Meade Polaris mounts. It can be used in a «stand-alone mode» or «control mode» (from PC or mobile device).
SimpleDreamEQ2 «Micro GoTo» feature allow to find a space objects automatically, quickly and accurately and follow them with different speeds. With the «Guide» feature you can create astro photos with large exposures. Built-in WiFi access point allow wireless control of the mount from planetary software that works on Windows, Android or iOS.
SimpleDreamEQ2 speed modes:
- tracking speeds – «star», «lunar» and «solar»
- adjusting/guidance speeds – x10, x30, x60 from solar speed
- guiding correction speeds – x0.5, x0.75, x1.0 from stellar speed
- guidance speed in «Micro GoTo» mode – x60 from stellar speed
In «Micro GoTo» mode mount control system can work with any astronomy software (Windows OS) that supports ASCOM platform: Stellarium, Cartes de Ciel, StarCalc and others. ASCOM platform and Meade Generic LX200 telescope driver should be installed on the PC first. For the Android and iOS in «Micro GoTo» mode SimpleDreamEQ2 works with SkySafari, OrionStarSeek, and other software. Meade Classic LX200 telescope should be selected.
In «Guide» mode mount control system can work with astrophotography software: MaximDL, Guidemaster, HDGuiding and others. ASCOM platform and GuideDream driver should be installed on the PC first. ST-4 port of the mount control system should be connected to GuideDream and the unit itself (not included in this kit) should be connected to PC with USB cable.
Variety of platforms, drivers and applications with what SimpleDreamEQ2 can work creates a user comfortable conditions depending on the tasks assigned. For example, for astronomy photography laptop or PC is used to search, target and guide the object during exposure. Such options has mostly the Windows software. But for visual astronomy application it will be more comfotrable to control the mount with smartphone or tablet.
IMPORTANT:
For reliable and long-term engine operation, clamping of worm screws to gears must have a slight backlash. In the absence of this backlash, the worm screws will be strongly pressed against the gears which can lead to missing the steps and even engine failure!
After installing the drive on the declination axis, the standard brake screw of this axis must be in the released state during the operation of the mount. Otherwise, the declination axis drive motor may be damaged.
Before turning on please revise User Guide attentively!
Characteristics:
- Mount type: equatorial
- Type of stepper motor: bipolar
- Power supply requirements: 12 V, 2 A, 5.5mm 2.1mm plug
- The center pin of the power connector is positive
- Interface type – WiFi
Packages contains:
- SimpleDreamEQ2 equatorial mount control unit
- Stepper motor unit for RA axis – 1 pcs
- Stepper motor unit for DEC axis – 1 pcs
- Clamp for mounting the motor unit to the DEC axis – 1pcs
- Adjusting screw – 1 pcs
- Hexagon wrench – 3 pcs
For full SimpleDreamEQ2 description and installation instructions please check the SimpleDreamEQ2 User Guide.
Documentation, drivers and applications
In order to improve the quality of the product, the manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design and equipment without notifying users.
Economy worldwide shipping – $20,98
Shipment within 5-7 business days after payment day.
Kevin589 (verified owner) –
I bought Simple Dream for my meade EQ2 mount. Install was a very simple process. had some problem setting up the goto function though. I updated the bridge driver to VCOM V4.0.6.1. This driver works better than the one one the cd supplied. I tried different programs to control the mount, the only one that works and works great is SkySafari 6. it costs 14.99 usd. well worth the price. I’m going to get the Guide dream ST4 next. to add to the system.