What kind of power supply do I need for the Sky-Watcher SynLink?
You will need a separate 12V DC power supply with a 5.5 x 2.1mm center-positive plug. The SynLink accepts an input of 3 to 7 A per jack. The two input jacks are wired in parallel; if your equipment draws a lot of power, you can plug in two 12V 7A supplies at once.
Can I use the SynLink Controller with a non-Sky-Watcher mount like an iOptron or Celestron?
Yes. The SynLink is a universal controller. It connects to Sky-Watcher and Celestron mounts via the included RJ serial port cable for a direct link. For most other modern mounts from brands like iOptron, Losmandy, and Vixen, you can connect and control them via a standard USB cable connected to one of the SynLink's six USB ports.
How do I get my images off the Sky-Watcher SynLink after a night of imaging?
You have two primary methods. You can connect a computer directly to the SynLink's USB 2.0 Type-C port to access its 64 GB internal storage like an external drive. Alternatively, you can plug a USB flash drive into one of the USB 3.0 ports, use the SynLink app's file manager to move your images to the external drive, and then safely eject it for transfer.
Does the SynLink support DSLR or mirrorless cameras?
Yes. The SynLink app provides control for most mainstream DSLR and mirrorless camera models from Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony. You connect the camera via its USB cable and can control exposure, ISO, and capture within the app's sequencing workflow. The manual recommends setting the camera to Bulb mode, RAW format, and disabling in-camera noise reduction for best results.
Can I control my telescope from inside my house with the SynLink?
Yes. By using the Wi-Fi "Station" (STA) mode, you can have the SynLink join your home Wi-Fi network. As long as your phone, tablet, or computer is on the same network, you can connect to the SynLink and have full control over your imaging session from anywhere within your network's range.
How does the SynLink handle an automated meridian flip?
Enable the meridian flip in the sequence (with re-centering on or off) and set a pause time. A negative value stops imaging before the meridian and flips and resumes after the same time past it; a positive value keeps imaging past the meridian until the offset is reached, then flips. Pausing also stops tracking and guiding, which resume automatically after the flip.
How would I set up the SynLink to record planetary video of Jupiter?
First, GOTO Jupiter using the app's object database. Switch to "Video" mode in the app. To increase the frame rate, enable the Region of Interest (ROI) tool and draw a small box around the planet. After fine-tuning focus, you can set a recording limit (by time or frame count) and begin capturing. The SynLink supports saving video as SER (+RAW) or AVI (+JPEG) formats.
Can the SynLink plan and shoot a mosaic?
Yes. The sequencer supports mosaic planning. You can either import a pre-planned mosaic CSV file from a framing simulator like SkyGuide or Telescopius, or use the SynLink app's built-in SkyMap feature. In the SkyMap, you can visually plan a multi-panel mosaic, adjusting the number of panels and overlap percentage. The sequencer will then automatically execute the GOTO, centering, and capture for each panel.
What are the two dew heater ports on the SynLink used for?
The two dew heater ports allow you to power and control two separate dew heater straps. The power output for each of the two ports is independently adjustable via a stepless slider within the SynLink app, allowing you to apply just enough power to prevent dew formation on your main optics and guide scope.
What is the purpose of the included Sky-Watcher Mount Serial Cable?
This cable connects the SynLink's RJ serial port directly to the hand controller port on compatible Sky-Watcher or Celestron mounts. This provides a robust, hard-wired connection for mount control as an alternative to using a USB cable.
How do I measure my focuser's backlash with the SynLink app?
Set Backlash to 0 in the focus settings and bring the focuser near focus on a monitored star. Move in one direction 1 to 2 steps at a time until the HFD rises and note the position. Move back the same number of steps; if the HFD does not change, the focuser is idling. Keep reversing one step at a time until the HFD steadily decreases and note that position. The difference is your backlash in steps (not used in the RMS algorithm).
What happens if a plate solve fails during the SynLink's polar alignment routine?
Test the exposure first with Tools > Solver so enough stars are captured. If the main camera's field is too narrow or solving is slow with a large sensor, switch to the guide camera or set an ROI crop. An accurate focal length entry also speeds solving.
