14 DAY TRIAL // As strange as it might seem, the iPhone 4's just got yet another possible use added to its otherwise mile-long list of applications, this time around targeting astronomers, since an accessory called SkyWire, combined with a suitable app, can turn Apple's smartphone into a full-fledged telescope controller.
The brand-new "Made for iPod" accessory adds an RS-232 port to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch - and lets it connect directly to the serial port on your telescope, without the need for any lengthy and potentially difficult configuration processes.
Similar to most other iPhone or iPad accessories, the SkyWire requires an app for controlling one's telescope, in this case the SkySafari version 2.1., which, however, is still waiting for Apple's approval in order to hit the app store, for some unknown reason.
The accessory should be quite easy to carry around, since it weighs around 40 grams (1.5 ounces) and measures 1 meter (39 inches) in length.
The SkyWire features a 30-pin iPhone/iPod/iPad connector, DB9 male RS-232 connector, while requiring a fairly low amount of power during use, namely just under 50 mA (at most, SkyWire uses an iPhone 4 battery 20% faster than an iPhone 4 running alone).
It's also important to mention that telescope models that have been tested and are known to work with SkyWire include the Meade LX-200 Classic and GPS, Meade LX-90, ETX, LXD, LX-400 ACF with AutoStar controllers, Meade Magellan I and II, Celestron Ultima 2000, Celestron NexStar 5/8, 5i/8i, GPS, SLT, SE, Celestron CG5, CGE, CGEM, CPC, Orion Sirius and Atlas.
Other supported models include SkyView Pro, SkyQuest XTg, SkyWatcher mounts with SynScan controllers, Takahashi Temma 2, ServoCAT Argo Navis, Sky Commander, Losmandy DSC, Astro-Physics GTO, Losmandy Gemini, Vixen SkySensor 2000.
SkyWire sells for around $79 (USD), which is quite an OK price point, especially if you're an iPhone owner with a true penchant for astronomy.