SKOTIQ 8.1 · GUIDE
Start here
From a fresh install to your first saved exposure.
Getting started
Skotiq runs on the computer connected to your equipment. Use the Android companion or a second computer to check in remotely. All features are free.
- Download Skotiq for Windows or Linux and extract the complete archive.
- Install the drivers your equipment needs. Choose a connection method before connecting.
- Set your observing location and check the computer’s time. Download the sky catalogs under Settings → Catalogs for planning.
- Connect one device at a time, then save an equipment profile.
- Configure your plate solver and take a short first exposure.
- Build and save a sequence. Stay with the rig for its first complete run.
What you need separately
Local ASCOM connections require the ASCOM Platform and the device’s ASCOM driver on Windows. INDI requires a running server and the appropriate drivers. Native connections depend on separately installed vendor libraries; the official desktop archives do not include vendor SDKs.
For plate solving, install and configure your chosen solver and its star database. Skotiq supports ASTAP and astrometry.net paths. For guiding, run PHD2 and connect it to Skotiq.
Before a long run
Confirm that a test image actually saves, the cooler reaches its chosen temperature, the mount tracks, and the solver can identify a star field. Check your output drive’s free space. Select a realistic stop time or altitude limit for your own horizon.
The app’s Tonight screen brings together the target, sequence, latest frame, focus and guiding. Its status and event log are the first places to look if a run stops.