Sky-Watcher | Controller Synlink

All-in-one astrophotography controller

The Sky-Watcher SynLink provides you with complete control of your astrophotography equipment in a single compact unit. It combines USB connectivity, power management, and WiFi, reducing cables and simplifying installation through centralized management of your acquisition system. The SynLink was initially designed for the experienced astrophotographer but is also suitable for the beginner building their first imaging system. The SynLink supports a wide range of cameras, mounts, and accessories thanks to its intuitive, cross-platform software.

Centralized system control

The SynLink provides centralized control of astronomical cameras, mounts, and accessories, facilitating connections between the various components of the acquisition system. Its multi-brand compatibility allows it to work with a wide range of accessories, including cameras, mounts, focusers, filter wheels, rotators, and flats. A direct UART connection is also available for compatible Sky-Watcher mounts. The SynLink is designed to work with accessories from many manufacturers. Compatible devices include, for example, astronomical cameras from brands such as ZWO, ToupTek, and Player One Astronomy, as well as compatible telescope mounts and a wide selection of acquisition accessories. Supported mounts include equatorial and altazimuth mounts, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, electronic focusers, field rotators, filter wheels, flats, dew heaters, and other compatible accessories. With software evolution, more devices and accessories will be added in the future.

Integrated USB hub and power supply

By combining USB and power supply in a single device, the SynLink helps reduce the number of cables and additional controllers for a cleaner and easier-to-manage photo installation. 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and one USB Type-C port allow for flexible connection of cameras and other accessories. Power is supplied by 4 DC outputs of 5 A each (10 A maximum total). Two special outputs are provided for dew heaters. This combination of connectors and power supply makes the SynLink a central interface for the modern astrophotographer and helps minimize wiring and accessories around the telescope.

WiFi

The SynLink uses dual-band WiFi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz for wireless connection to the acquisition system. The software supports Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, allowing you to configure, monitor, and control accessories from a wide range of devices. USB-Ethernet adapters are also supported for network connection. The custom software provides a unique interface to operate the acquisition system and allows you to control shooting sessions from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Smart software

The SynLink software offers guided workflows and automated functions to simplify astrophotography. Automatic connection to devices speeds up installation, while the focus assistant helps with focusing. Polar alignment assistance, platesolving, GoTo, and automatic centering help you find and position your target. A wide range of shooting options is available, such as single shot and mosaic, via simple and advanced sequences, as well as video recording. Built-in simulators allow you to learn and test functions without having to use the system under the night sky.

Deep sky photography and EAA

The SynLink is designed for a wide range of software applications, including deep sky photography and electronically assisted astronomy (EAA). The combination of centralized device control, automated functions, and flexible shooting modes makes the SynLink appealing for both simple standard sessions and advanced sessions. A software evolution is planned and will include an altazimuth mode and support for EAA.

Compact and convenient

The Sky-Watcher SynLink combines system control, connections, and power supply in a compact device designed to be mounted directly on your mount or telescope tube. The unit features 64 GB of internal memory and supports high-speed external storage. A protection against reverse polarity of the main power input, which supports 10 A, is built-in and helps protect the system during installation and use.

Some translation choices: I rendered “Aufnahmesystem” as “acquisition system” or “imaging system” depending on the context, and “Taukappenheizungen” as “dew heaters.” Common technical terms (platesolving, GoTo, EAA, flats) are kept as is, as they are used this way in French by astrophotographers.

Technical specifications:

• System control: centralized control of astrophotography accessories
• Multi-brand compatibility for cameras, mounts, and accessories
• USB connectivity: 4 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0, 1 × USB Type-C
• Power input: 12 V DC, up to 10 A. Reverse polarity protection. The SynLink operates from 9 V to 16 V and transmits voltage to the 4 outputs and the 2 outputs for dew heaters.
• DC power output: 4 outputs, up to 5 A per output, 10 A maximum
• Outputs for dew heaters: 2
• Connection to mount: direct UART connection with compatible Sky-Watcher mounts
• WiFi: dual-band WiFi, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• Software platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
• Network connections: support for USB-Ethernet adapters
• Imaging functions: single shot, mosaic imaging, simple sequences, advanced sequences, video recording
• Automation: automatic device control, focus assistant, guided polar alignment, platesolving, GOTO, automatic centering
• Imaging modes: deep sky photography, electronically assisted astronomy (EAA)
• Learning and simulation: built-in simulators
• Internal memory: 64 GB
• External storage: high-speed external storage supported
• Mounting: the compact design allows for mounting on the telescope tube or on the mount

Delivery contents:

• SynLink module
• Prism mounting bar (dovetail)
• WiFi antenna
• Serial cable for Sky-Watcher mount
• DC power cable male-male 0.3 m
• DC power cable male-male 0.5 m
• DC power cable male-male 1 m
• DC power cable male-female 0.5 m