Connecting a VIxen mount to NINA - Forums

Topic starter

Mar 27, 2025

I can't really decide whether this is a question for a Vixen area, an ASCOM query or best off here, so apologies if this is the wrong place but...

...I'm trying to connect my Vixen SXP2 mount to my PC. Currently, I connect the Star Book 10 controller to my ASIair's LAN port using a crossover cable. I've tried connecting it in a similar fashion on my PC, but I keep getting...

I've also tried connecting it to a powered USB3 port with an Ethernet to USB adapter. Same issue.

I've downloaded the driver from the Vixen website, the mount is listed in the dropdown menus and I've clicked the gear icon and input the mount's LAN address, but get this

Any clues?

Thanks!

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 27, 2025

Have you updated the Starbook controller?

jeffreycymmer

Mar 27, 2025

I've been using this driver and have not had a problem with it. StarBook TEN Setup_1231

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 27, 2025

andrea tasselli:
Have you updated the Starbook controller?

I’m on version 5.10. There is a version 5.20 but from what I can gather it only deals with comet orbits and I know of someone on Cloudy Nights whose controllers won’t connect to his ASIair on that version. It might be a complete coincidence but I haven’t (as yet) thought it worth the risk.

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 27, 2025

I've been using this driver and have not had a problem with it. StarBook TEN Setup_1231

Thanks. Is that the version number of the firmware?

Well Written Respectful

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 27, 2025

5.10 should be sufficient.

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 27, 2025

I’ve wondered if it was due to a lack of power but I’ve unplugged all the other devices and still nothing.

Maybe it’s the PC. I’ll try with my laptop tomorrow. After all, that’s the device I’d be using it with.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 27, 2025

What ASCOM platform are you using? 6.6 SP2 should do…

jeffreycymmer

Mar 27, 2025

Yes. Version 1.2.3.1

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

andrea tasselli:
What ASCOM platform are you using? 6.6 SP2 should do...

Platform 7.0 Update 2 it says. I think it's backwards compatible, but I could be wrong; I often am.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 28, 2025

It says 6.6 SP2. The Vixen web site, that is.

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

Yeah but I couldn’t find that version yesterday and assumed it more likely that Vixen just aren’t up to date with their information. I’ll see if I can find that version then. Good idea!

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

I've had a reply from Vixen, who say:

Please try the following configuration.

N.I.N.A : ver3. 1.2.9001

StarBookTEN : ver5.20

ASCOM Driver : ver1.2.8.1

ASCOM Platform : 6.6 SP2

Please see the following to find a cause of your problem.

1) Firmware version of your StarBookTEN

2) IP address on your StarBookTEN

In the "Initial Configuration" menu, choose "About LAN" to display the information screen. On the screen, IP address does not appear until a connection to LAN is completed, or if the LAN is disconnected. If connected, IP address "169.254.0.1 and so on" will be displayed. If different figures appear, you need to change the IP address to the same from the ASCOM driver.

I'll be googling those versions tonight.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 28, 2025

I'll be anxiously waiting for news, as I'd have to do it myself. Although, on a second thought, I can't see why 5.10 isn't good enough?

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

I doubt it'll make any difference, but this is a process of elimination I guess. My main hope it lying in connecting my laptop rather than my PC, and seeing if that works!

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

I take it back. It works!

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 28, 2025

So I'll have to upgrade to 5.20 too? I guess it doesn't hurt…

Piers Palmer

Topic starter

Mar 28, 2025

Have you tried without? It might just have been my laptop was more compatible than my desktop!

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 28, 2025

I'll give it a go and see what happens with 5.10. Worst case I'll upgrade.

Jure Menart

Mar 29, 2025

Hi,

I didn't have problems with 5.10 connecting to two PCs (Mele Quieter3C and Primalucelab Eagle 4).

Now for few months I am using new WiFi module and I am quite happy with it - 1 cable less is always good news

(tbh Android app for it sucks, but I don't use it anyway)

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