What sort of camera cable?

[gazza2736]

So I've just bought my D5500, dusted off my Celestron 8se, affixed a piggyback mount and had new data cable in hand when I realised  the cable was for downloading picts to the computer and not for control of the camera functions such as exposure etc...yep dopey me I hadn't thought this one through had I?

 

As far as i can see from these forums a special cable is required to be run from the computer usb to the camera's accessory port.

If this is correct where can i obtain such a cable and what is the cost?  Have spent hours looking on ebay and missing out on beer time.

 

Secondly can you point me to instructions with regards to interfacing with my Celestron.  I presume I will need a usb to serial cable to plug into the aux port on the scope?  Is there problems running 2 usb devices?

 

Sorry for all the questions but I haven't bought Backyard Nikon yet.  Am very eager to give it a go.

 

Many thanks,

 

Gary

[s3igell]

The Nikon D5500, like most modern DSLRs, connects to a Laptop via a Single Cable.  This Cable is a "UC-E6" - standard USB2 Male-A on Computer End and USB2 Male Mini-8pin on Camera End.  These cables are available on Amazon and eBay and most Big Box Stores.

 

In fact, it is the SAME Cable that is used for either Controlling the Camera's Functions or Downloading Images.

 

There is also an HDMI Port near the SD Card, which is useful to output Stills or Video directly to a TV/LCD.

And there is a combined Wired Remote / Intervalometer / GPS Port.

Neither of these can be used to Connect your DSLR to a Laptop for Camera Control.

[s3igell]

Secondly can you point me to instructions with regards to interfacing with my Celestron.  I presume I will need a usb to serial cable to plug into the aux port on the scope?  Is there problems running 2 usb devices?

 

Connecting a Celestron Mount - ANY Celestron Mount - to a Laptop is "an Adventure".  One does need a USB-to Serial Cable Converter, as well as a special Serial Cable to connect that Converter to either the Hand Controller base or to replace that Hand Controller.  Then for any ability to "connect" the Mount to BYN (BYE/BYN does Not have any true Mount Control Functionality) will require several pieces of ASCOM Software.

 

Overall, it is best if you find and follow a couple of Online Tutorials - Video or Textual - to plan and execute that link-up.