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avandonk
17-05-2006, 11:31 PM
It's alive! I have a lot to learn. So far so good.Will post pics eventually.
h0ughy
18-05-2006, 10:46 AM
good news Bert
avandonk
20-05-2006, 08:25 PM
One snag if your laptop does not have a serial port you can forget autoguiding and GOTO. I am investigating a PCMCIA serial card to do the job. Otherwise will get a legacy laptop with serial port.

The drive works superbly now. Smooth and accurate. No backlash and no wobbles due to gears meshing in a non linear fashion!

Bert
Astroman
20-05-2006, 08:57 PM
pics pics pics pics :)
avandonk
20-05-2006, 09:11 PM
Here are a couple of quick pictures. I am just trying to get the RA drive to run exactly by adjusting the speed in software, and it is working.

Bert
snowyskiesau
21-05-2006, 02:30 AM
I've the Astromeccanica motors on a Super Polaris drive, easy to install, work very well. Another option for a serial port on a laptop is a USB-Serial adaptor. I've a cheap one of these that does the job.
If you want to get really flash and do away with some of the cables, have a look at aircable.net (http://aircable.net)
avandonk
21-05-2006, 07:46 AM
What USB to serial adapter worked for you snowyskiesau? The one I have does not work. Or is there a trick to it? Any advice much appreciated.

Bert
snowyskiesau
22-05-2006, 07:44 PM
The one I have is just labelled as 'BAFO Sky USB -> Serial (DB9) - cost $20.
Details at ww.bafo.com.tw

I haven't done much wiht it as yet, just connected using the software supplied by Astromeccanica. I'll play around a bit more with it tonight and let you know how I go.

Geoff
avandonk
22-05-2006, 08:00 PM
Thanks for that. A PCMCIA to serial adapter is about $250, if you can get one. It would be cheaper to buy a second hand legacy laptop! Let me know what tricks you have learned that are not in the directions.

Thanks Bert
Merlin66
23-05-2006, 08:32 AM
The one strongly recommended, and seems to work with everything is the KEYSPAN adaptor. I got mine in Melbourne for $60. No issues so far.
More difficult to get a functional parallel port from USB. Ended up getting a PCMCIA card from the US... works great.
avandonk
23-05-2006, 10:09 AM
Where abouts in Melbourne Merlin66?
Merlin66
23-05-2006, 01:07 PM
www.streetwise.com.au; Mr Troan Tran and Keyspan usb to serial adaptor KS-USA19W HS Tel:98182100
avandonk
26-05-2006, 07:56 PM
Just got an email from Franco at Astromeccanica.

You can control the motors through the hand paddle for autoguiding by connecting to the phone socket with your relay box of choice by this

See pic below

The nice thing I can still use Guidemaster!

Bert