I appear to have had long term problems with the type B USB connectors commonly used in the video path for astronomy cameras. I have three such cameras. A QHY9 for guiding, DSI2 (which I now use for guiding as it is a bit better for this purpose than the QHY9) and my main QHY8 astro camera.
Last night, and with increasing frequency, I have problems with the DSI2 and QHY8 software becoming unresponsive. This can be cured by replugging the type B USB connectors to these cameras. After a couple of attempts the cameras seems to settle down for a night's imaging. As this problem has occurred on my three cameras I am pretty certain that it is a hardware and not a software problem. Cleaning the contacts
does not seems to make much difference. (Maybe a good cleaning agent could be recommended?)
I previously experienced a lot of problems with the QHY9 guiding camera in this respect which, after seeming to achieve a stable connection to it with the B USB, I araldited the plug into the socket! A bit drastic but it appeared to provide a long term solution to the problem. I am loath to attempt the same trick with my other cameras.
I think the basic problem is that type B USB connectors are not very suited to situations as with astro cameras whereby tracking movement and some drag from the connecting cable causes wear/sloppiness in the plug/socket connection. As you are aware, the plug/socket connection with B USB is normally pretty sloppy. (Why they do not use the more firm and stable normal A USB connector is beyond me as they are quite compact).
I have looked at the way the B USB plug interfaces with the socket and I suspect
that as it appears to depend on the four central plug pins making sliding contact
the socket pins they may become "flattened" thus reducing firm contact. Maybe a
possibility of "teasing" up the socket pins but I have not attempted this as I it would be difficult and I fear doing more damage to the camera sockets than good.
A solution could be the replacement of the plug/sockets with new ones. Not so difficult with the male plug but not so with the sockets which are usually firmly embedded in the camera electronics.
Have anyone had any experience with the above problem or is it just one of my
personal gremlins making life hard for me? Any suggests would be appreciated.
Have you looked on eBay for a replacement that faces in a different direction? For example : right angled back/ front or left or right. May help make the connection more secure.
Philip
I had a similar problem with my QSI683. The supplied usb cable was very ordinary and was continually making and breaking contact. I would have expected better with a $6000 + camera.
I replace it, and others, with one I purchased from Cable Chick ( I have no affiliation). End of problem.
Thanks - a good suggestion. Replacing the tired USB AtoB cables could
probably help. I will proceed with this suggestion.
And yes, I am also surprised that suppliers of expensive astro gear
provide cheap cables - had the same problem with my EQ5 mount but
easily corrected with a new good quality cable.
