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Old 29-06-2013, 11:05 PM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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Lodestar Troubleshooting

Hey guys. A while back I was having trouble getting Maxim, or PHD to co-operate with my lodestar guider. It would always have trouble sending move commands in one axis. I'm pretty sure I narrowed it down to being the guide connector on the back of the camera. Anyway, a couple of zip ties to the USB cord and a firm pressing in of the plug seemed to have done the trick over the past 6 months. First clear night in 3 weeks, same problem again

Re-plugging it in, wiggling, and so forth seem to show positive signs, but on the final move it plays up again.

At this stage I'm thinking of opening it up and hard wiring an RJ plug to it, and see if that solves it. Other than that, has anyone else experienced this and found a good solution?
Thanks
Erik
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Old 30-06-2013, 12:53 AM
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Manav (Yugant)
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Hi Erik! You seem to have the same setup as me; not sure if you heard of Precision Pulse Guiding this is basically using your Ethernet port and not the ST4.
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Old 30-06-2013, 08:47 AM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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Erik,
I've been using the Lodestar guider (under PHD/ Al's reticule) through the ST-4 port to the NEQ6pro mount for a few years now.
No issues, no problems.
The key may be that I fitted very early on the cable clamp from Telescope Service. This rigidly holds both the USB and the guide cable and prevents any movements.
Worth considering.
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Old 30-06-2013, 08:53 AM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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Hey Yugant, I think I have seen pulse guiding mentioned somewhere, but I never read into it. Had a bit of a search on the net as to how it is set up, but not to sure about what cable goes where? Obviously the cameras USB needs to be connected as usual, but do I just need to connect the Gemini 2 to the PC via ethernet?

Erik
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Old 30-06-2013, 11:08 AM
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Manav (Yugant)
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Short answer is yes! Then you dont need the St4 cable at all!

1. You need the ethernet cable connected and follow the instructions here.

2. This page will help you setup the pulse guiding.

I'm about to test this myself but we haven't had a clear night in ages :/
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Old 30-06-2013, 02:54 PM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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Thanks, looks straight forward. No problem with the network connection. Just need to get the settings right.
Erik.
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Old 30-06-2013, 03:30 PM
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Yeah its not complicated! You may choose not to go back to the Gemini controller at all!
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Old 01-07-2013, 08:45 AM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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Typical, couldn't find a cable long enough last night....Will get one today. Thanks for your help
Erik
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Old 01-07-2013, 09:12 PM
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Let me know how it pans out
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Old 03-07-2013, 10:36 AM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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Ok, It's all ready to go.... I think. Will try it out tonight and let you know!
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Old 03-07-2013, 09:09 PM
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Can't wait
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Old 03-07-2013, 10:32 PM
E_ri_k (Erik)
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OK, It works! But.....still having trouble calibrating the y axis in Maxim. Had a thought it might be a backlash issue in the DEC axis? Even with a calibration time of 30 seconds, most of the time I get no movement in the y axis. On the odd occasion there is a little.

Shooting some 900 second subs now, but its'a a bit windy, seeing isn't great, and the guiding is a tad erratic, typical!

A plus is that the precision Pulse guiding works, one less cable to have hanging off the scope

Thanks for your help I'll let you know how it all comes together in the end!

Thanks.
Erik
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