Sky-Watcher SynLink Universal Controller for Astrophotography

Designed to centralise the control of equipment used for astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher SynLink combines device management, USB connectivity, power distribution and wireless control in one compact unit.

Its multi-brand compatibility allows it to be used with a wide range of astronomy cameras, mounts and accessories. The product page specifically mentions compatible equipment from brands such as ZWO, ToupTek and Player One Astronomy.

SynLink can manage different components used for astrophotography, including astronomy cameras, mounts, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, electronic focusers, field rotators, filter wheels, flat panels, dew-heater systems and other compatible accessories.

A direct UART connection is also provided for compatible Sky-Watcher mounts.

Through its dedicated software, SynLink provides several functions designed to simplify setup and automation for astrophotography, including automatic device connection, focusing assistance, guided polar alignment, plate solving, GoTo and automatic centering.

Centralised Control for Astrophotography

SynLink brings the control of different components used for astrophotography together within a single interface.

Compatible equipment can include:

• Astronomy cameras
• Equatorial mounts
• Alt-azimuth mounts
• DSLR cameras
• Mirrorless cameras
• Electronic focusers
• Field rotators
• Filter wheels
• Flat panels
• Dew-heater systems
• Other compatible accessories

Software compatibility is expected to continue expanding as development progresses.

Multi-Brand Compatibility

SynLink is designed to work with equipment from different manufacturers.

The page specifically mentions compatible cameras from:

• ZWO
• ToupTek
• Player One Astronomy

This broad compatibility allows the controller to be integrated into systems containing equipment from different brands.

Integrated USB Hub

SynLink provides:

• 4 USB 3.0 ports
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 USB Type-C port

These connections allow cameras and accessories to be centralised around a single controller.

Integrated Power Distribution

The controller provides four DC power outputs.

Each output can supply:

• Up to 5 A

Maximum combined output across all four ports is:

• 10 A

Integrated power distribution helps reduce the number of cables and separate power devices required around the telescope.

Two Dew-Heater Outputs

Two dedicated ports are provided for dew-heater systems.

These allow compatible heating accessories to be integrated directly into the SynLink system.

Main Power Input

The main input is specified for:

• 12 V DC
• Up to 10 A

The SynLink itself can operate from a power supply between:

• 9 V
• 16 V

Reverse-polarity protection is provided on the main DC input.

The voltage supplied through the four DC outputs and two dew-heater outputs follows the voltage of the main power supply.

Voltage compatibility of all connected equipment must therefore be checked.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi

SynLink provides dual-band Wi-Fi:

• 2.4 GHz
• 5 GHz

This allows equipment used for astrophotography to be controlled wirelessly.

Cross-Platform Software

SynLink software supports:

• Android
• iOS
• Windows
• macOS

The system can therefore be managed from a compatible computer, smartphone or tablet.

Ethernet Connectivity

SynLink supports:

• USB Ethernet adapters

This provides an additional option for expanding network connectivity.

Direct Sky-Watcher Mount Connection

A direct UART connection is provided for compatible Sky-Watcher mounts.

A Sky-Watcher mount serial cable is included with the controller.

Automatic Device Connection

The software provides automatic connection of compatible devices.

This helps simplify system preparation at the beginning of an imaging session.

Focus Wizard

The Focus Wizard assists with focusing.

It allows compatible electronic focusing equipment to be integrated into the SynLink environment.

Guided Polar Alignment

The software includes a guided polar-alignment procedure.

This assists with setting up an equatorial mount.

Plate Solving

Plate-solving functionality is integrated into the software.

This allows the system to identify the photographed region of the sky and supports accurate pointing and positioning.

GoTo and Automatic Centering

SynLink supports:

• GoTo
• Automatic centering

These functions simplify target acquisition and accurate positioning.

Imaging Modes

Several capture options are available:

• Single-shot imaging
• Mosaic imaging
• Simple sequences
• Advanced sequences
• Video capture

These modes allow the system to accommodate different levels of imaging complexity.

Built-In Simulators

Built-in simulators are provided.

They allow functions to be learned and tested without operating the system under the night sky.

Internal Memory

SynLink provides:

• 4 GB RAM
• 64 GB Flash storage

This provides memory for system operation and internal data storage.

High-Speed External Storage

High-speed external storage can be connected through the USB 3.0 ports.

Examples listed include:

• USB flash drives
• USB SSDs

Compact Installation

The compact controller can be mounted directly:

• On the mount
• On the optical tube

Mounting on the optical tube is indicated as preferable for neater cable organisation while the mount is moving.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : SynLink
• Manufacturer product code : 20335
• Type : Universal controller for astrophotography
• Centralised control : Yes
• Multi-brand compatibility : Yes
• USB 3.0 : 4 ports
• USB 2.0 : 2 ports
• USB Type-C : 1 port
• DC outputs : 4
• Maximum current per DC output : 5 A
• Maximum combined DC output : 10 A
• Dew-heater outputs : 2
• Nominal power input : 12 V DC
• Maximum input current : 10 A
• SynLink operating range : 9 to 16 V
• Reverse-polarity protection : Yes
• Wi-Fi : Dual band
• Wi-Fi frequencies : 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Android compatibility : Yes
• iOS compatibility : Yes
• Windows compatibility : Yes
• macOS compatibility : Yes
• USB Ethernet adaptor support : Yes
• Sky-Watcher UART connection : Yes
• Automatic device connection : Yes
• Focus Wizard : Yes
• Guided polar alignment : Yes
• Plate solving : Yes
• GoTo : Yes
• Automatic centering : Yes
• Single-shot imaging : Yes
• Mosaic imaging : Yes
• Simple sequences : Yes
• Advanced sequences : Yes
• Video capture : Yes
• Built-in simulators : Yes
• RAM : 4 GB
• Internal Flash storage : 64 GB
• External storage : Supported through USB 3.0
• Mount installation : Yes
• Optical tube installation : Yes

Package Contents

• Sky-Watcher SynLink controller
• Dovetail mounting kit
• Wi-Fi antenna
• Sky-Watcher mount serial cable
• 0.3 m male-to-male DC power cable
• 0.5 m male-to-male DC power cable
• 1 m male-to-male DC power cable
• 0.5 m male-to-female DC power cable