The Serial interface
Serial interfaces are core to Astrophotography. They are necessary for computer applications to communicate with mounts & cameras, as well as a host of other accessories.
They can also be the cause of much anxiety when they don’t seem to work. As such, it's best to understand a bit more about these interfaces to be able to get on top of this important interface.
What is Serial?
Serial links are communication channels where information is sent sequentially, or in series, a bit at a time over the link between two devices.
Historically, data was transferred from computers to devices such as telescope Mounts through serial ports.
The wired serial communications link is essentially, one wire to transmit the data, one wire to receive the data, a common or ground wire, as well as some wires for control and timing of the data transfer.
In contrast to the serial interface, the parallel interface transfers all data bits in parallel with each bit of data having a wire.
Serial links require a smaller number of wires compared to parallel links. As such, the serial interface cables are cheaper to run longer distances.
Serial streams of data are also more suitable for use over radio transmission (e.g. WiFi & Bluetooth).
Various serial hardware interface standards have been created over a long time to solve particular communication issues as needed. These were based on technology available at the time they were developed and as time went on, the interfaces generally became faster.
Examples of serial communications links used in Astronomy are RS232/V24, USB, Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth.
Serial Communications Technologies
Using Serial Interfaces
Recommendations for Serial Interfaces