You can connect a USB or serial telescope to your laptop computer.
A telescope opens the universe to your eyes. No longer is the sky just a dotted series of distant stars. With telescopes, planets, comets and the moon can be more thoroughly studied. However, traditional telescopes limit the enjoyment to the telescope itself with no easy way of sharing the spectacle. But many telescopes now offer connectivity to computers to allow recording, sharing and viewing of celestial wonders via your laptop.
Instructions
1. Install any drivers or software that came with your telescope by inserting the CD into the computer and letting Windows recognize it. A pop-up should appear asking if you want to install the software. Confirm that wish wish to start installation and follow the directions that should accompany the installation program.
2. Attach the serial-to-USB adapter to the serial connection of the telescope's cable. Serial and USB connections are easy to distinguish, as serial connectors are round and USB connectors are rectangular. Most telescopes still use serial connections, although most modern laptops do not have a serial port, hence the need for the adapter. If your telescope connects via USB or if your laptop possesses a serial port, then this adapter is unnecessary and the connection can be made directly.
3. Power on the telescope, if applicable, and plug the USB end of the adapter or cord into any available USB port on your laptop. The computer should automatically recognize the device and finalize installation of the drivers.
4. Run the telescope software to capture and view images and video on your laptop.
Tags: your laptop, laptop computer, serial port, your laptop computer, your telescope
