Southern Stars & WiFi application

Hi there,
Just letting you know of an update to an existing product.
I have been using a first generation iTouch as a Wireless controller for my Starbook mount for a while now via a wireless router.
If you had a newer iThingie version, the app also points to selected targets in the sky. Not quite as effective as the Celestron Sky Scout they say, but it's along the same lines.

They have had a recent name change and a few software updates. It's gone from SkyFi and SkySafari- to Southern Stars group and has a very active Yahoo group at tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/southern_stars

The latest updates allow for observing lists and there is great activity developing and sharing them as from yesterday. The latest attempt is by a lad who is putting Sue French's S&T monthly observing notes into a list.

The developer is promising a cone error correction routine in the 'near future', so there is plenty to come.
Donal

Hi there,
These Southern Stars lads have been busy. Attached are two emails from them.
This week, we're introducing a new hardware product: SkyWire. We developed this in conjunction with Redpark Product Development in Emeryville, California, and it's a new first for Southern Stars: a true serial port for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Unlike SkyFi, it's a "Made for iPod" accessory that you plug directly into your iPhone (on one end) and into your telescope (on the other). It's a wired - not wireless - connection to your scope, and it's the simplest iPhone/iPad/iPod telescope control solution there is.

Unlike other "iPhone serial cables" you can find on the internet, you don't have to jailbreak your iPhone to use it. SkyWire will be sold as an Apple-approved accessory (we're going through the final certifications right now). Availability is mid-December, 2010 - in time for Christmas - and you can reserve a unit today.

For more information:

www.southernstars.com/products/skywire/index.html

I'm sure you'll have questions. I'll check back in later this evening to answer them as best I can.

-Tim

And to generate general publicity for themselves.
A related announcement:

Southern Stars is a sponsoring attendee at the MacTech conference in Los Angeles today through November 5th. For the duration of the conference, we're offering special pricing on our iPhone apps - 1/3 price for 3 days. Specifically:

SkySafari: $4.99
SkySafari Lite: $0.99

(Prices are in US Dollars; your local currency may vary.)

Feel free to spread the word!


Donal Mc......