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Hi Martin,
I went down the same path a couple of years ago. I also have a HEQ5 Pro mount and I use EQMOD for mount control. I use the EQDirect method, as I read somewhere to avoid using the PC Direct method due to reliability issues.
I can answer your second question about the USB hub. Yes, you can plug the USB->Serial cable into the hub. No, it doesn't have to go direct to the laptop. I only just recently got myself a USB hub (TP-Link 7 port powered hub). Before that, I used to run all three cables (mount, camera, guide camera) direct to the laptop. It was a pain trying to move around the mount having to duck and clamber through 3 cables in the dark without ripping them out (My laptop is used outside my little observatory). I now have the USB hub zip tied to the mount leg, and the cables for the mount and 2 cameras are permanently plugged into the hub. I now have just one cable that runs across the floor and over the observatory wall to the laptop. It's fantastic.
Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need more help.
Cheers,
Andrew
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