My All-IP Astro Setup: Mounts and Telescopes

From USB Chaos to Ethernet Bliss: My Observatory’s All-IP Upgrade!

Ever since I set up my observatory and started running it remotely, USB 2.0 connectivity has been a constant headache. We’re talking overly long cables, insufficient shielding, USB hubs not delivering enough power… basically, all the ingredients for completely random chaos. Thankfully, there’s a much more robust standard than USB: Ethernet!

One manufacturer has really shined in the astronomical observatory world: SILEX Technology. They offer fast USB-Ethernet adapters that are perfectly compatible with the gear we astrophotographers know and love.

My first Silex unit was an SX3000-GB model. Dedicated to controlling my mount via EQAscom, it completely solved all the connection loss issues I’d been having. Next, I ordered a second unit, also an SX-3000GB, for controlling my SX filter wheel and the Seletek Armadillo focuser. At that point, the only things left to migrate to an all-IP setup were the cameras… and the SX-DS-4000U2 finally provided the perfect solution!

But why use multiple Silex units when a single SX-DS-4000U2 equipped with a hub might suffice? Simply for convenience and organizational reasons. For instance, my EQDirect adapter lives at the base of the pier, while the filter wheel and focuser are up on the telescopes. This distributed setup just makes sense.

Now, everything in the observatory is rock-solid stable, and I no longer have to think about the startup order for the various pieces of equipment. It just works, every single time – it’s that simple!

UPDATE 2020: I no longer use SILEX units in the observatory. Modern USB 3.0 cables work perfectly and have simplified the installation even further.