Hi Martin,
I haven't had the scope out for a while, so haven't can't offer any in-depth reports. I've gotten 0.19.3 up and running with mount and eqmod, but that was a while ago and I have only just been able to set up again. (things were in storage while the house was open for inspection etc...)
Yes, the USB port on the hand controller replaces the serial/USB cable. There is a setting (in utilities section of synscan) for "PC Direct" which needs to be selected when connecting the USB.
I'm getting things back up and running now, and will be experimenting with APT I think. I've now got a filter wheel, camera and mount to control so I'll start to look into getting it all together soon, in time for Planet Season
.
Cheers