Summary

Method	Pros	Requirements
Router (DHCP)	Easiest, automatic IP, can be wireless	DHCP router, correct IP subnet
Direct (Static IP)	Independent from home network	Manual IP setup, proper cable, matching subnets

Why Use Ethernet

Using Ethernet gives you full access to Gemini-2's built-in web interface and offers several advantages over USB or serial:

• Full Web Control: Access through any web browser (desktop, tablet, or phone) to:
  • Slew to targets and build models
  • Move the telescope and adjust settings
  • Monitor port status, power, battery, and servo performance
• File Management: Upload firmware, catalogs, and hand controller updates to the microSD card. Use FTP to back up or restore models, PEC data, and settings.
• Networking Benefits:
  • Longer cable lengths and higher speeds (10/100 Mbps) than USB/serial
  • Easily made wireless via a Wi-Fi bridge (e.g., Netgear WNCE2001, D-Link DAP-1350)
  • More reliable and cost-effective cabling; fewer cables to Gemini-2
  • Control from any computer on your LAN
  • Compatible with Gemini.NET ASCOM driver for mount control and pulse guiding
  • Some ground loop isolation, unlike USB

Network Compatibility

The Gemini-2 Ethernet port supports 10/100 Mbps and does not auto-detect cable type. One end of the connection (computer, router, or switch) must be auto-detecting or support Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps) to handle standard patch cables.

• If both devices are only 10/100 Mbps and lack auto-MDI/MDIX, use a crossover cable.
• Most modern laptops, routers, and switches support auto-detection (Gigabit), so standard patch cables work.

Connection Methods

1. Using a Router (DHCP) — Recommended

1. Connect Gemini-2 to a router, switch, or wireless adapter.
2. Power on Gemini after connecting the cable so it can obtain an IP from the DHCP server.
3. Ensure your computer also uses DHCP or has a static IP on the same subnet.
4. Access the interface using a browser:
   • http://gemini (via NetBIOS), or
   • Gemini's assigned IP, e.g., http://192.168.0.111
5. Login credentials:
   • Username: admin
   • Password: (blank)
6. If http://gemini doesn't work but the IP does, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on your computer.
7. Optionally, reserve a fixed DHCP lease for Gemini in your router so the IP stays the same.

Note: Gemini does not support HTTPS. Always use http:// (not https://) in the browser.

Router IP Alignment:

• Gemini defaults to 192.168.0.111 (Gateway 192.168.0.1).
• If your router uses 192.168.1.x (common for Netgear), update Gemini's gateway to 192.168.1.1 via the hand controller.

2. Direct Connection (No Router)

1. Use a crossover cable if your NIC is 10/100 Mbps only. If your NIC is Gigabit (10/100/1000), either crossover or standard cable works. A Gigabit switch can also be inserted so standard cables may be used.
2. Assign static IP addresses on both ends:
   • Computer: e.g., 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.0.1
   • Gemini: 192.168.0.111 (default)
   • Ensure no other device uses the same IP.
3. If your network base is different (e.g., 192.168.1.x), adjust both sides to that scheme.
4. Verify gateway and interface details with ipconfig /all in a Windows Command Prompt.
5. Power on Gemini and browse to http://gemini or its IP address.

If IPs don't match, either change the computer's IP to match Gemini, or change Gemini's IP with the hand controller (Menu → Mount → Network Options).

Testing the Connection

• Open a browser and go to http://gemini or http://192.168.0.111 (or whatever IP you assigned).
• If the login prompt doesn't appear, check:
  • Cable type (standard vs crossover)
  • NIC speed and auto-detect capabilities
  • IP addressing (same subnet, unique addresses)
  • NetBIOS settings if using the hostname