How to get my HEQ5 pro & computer to communicate?

[louie_the_fly]

I've set up my mount and connected it to my computer, but I can't get them to communicate. I have the following.



Windows 7 X64 SP1
Skywatcher HEQ5 pro with V3.27
USB - serial adapter (working on COM4)
Stellarium & Stellarium Scope
ASCOM Platform 6
EQMOD

I also have;



Hand controller connected to mount with Cat5 cable
Hand controller connected to computer with supplied cable to USB- Serial adapter
Power on
Scope aligned (simulated alignment)
Hand control in PC Direct mode
Emergency supply of beer

Can someone please walk me through this and help me get it working?


Thanks.

[traveller]

I use an EQDIR cable, connecting the mount directly to the laptop (without the handset).
http://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:eqdir-adaptor&catid=37:eqdir-adaptor&Itemid=54
You will also need a program called Stellarium Scope http://www.welshdragoncomputing.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=31&Itemid=39F
Once all connected, fire up Stellarium Scope to connect the mount (via EQDIR) to Stellarium, and all is set to go.
Bo

[vlazg]

When you setup eqmod make sure the baud rate , 9600, timeout 1000 and retry 2 are the same on com 4.

[chuckywiz]

The biggest issue you will find will be the usb to serial adapter. Most of them are just bad and wont work. i went through 2 or 3 and none of them talked to the handpiece. The ATEN one does though maybe others out there. Easier to not bother with the handpiece and go the shoestring eqdirect cable and go straight in. far less headaches and works every time.

[hobbit]

I've got the aten one as well and I don't know if it's just mine but I find it very hit and miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

[chuckywiz]

yeh always hit n miss i went to this site http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_eq.htm and bought the right cable for my mount. goes straight from usb to mount and have never had an issue since. i use alignmaster to get my polar align and then stellarium and sync 10 - 15 points and am having much success now

[RobF]

Or Bintel:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/Mount-Accessories/Shoestring-USB2--br-EQ5-Interface/774/productview.aspx

If you're doing any photography or always have a laptop nearby you'll rapidly get addicted to EQMOD and never use the handcontroller again.
"Resistance is futile - you will be assimilated"....

[louie_the_fly]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've actually bought a USB cable with the 2302 chip in it, and I'm going to have a go at making the cable up using an Ethernet cable. Just because I like making stuff. I have the wiring diagram so fingies crossed.

[NeilW]

Hi Stewart,

I'm in Adelaide, and I've got an identical setup (apart from the scope) so if you're still having issues let me know and I'll see if I can help.

Cheers,

[RobF]

Pretty obvious, but just make sure you get your wiring right. I didn't double check, and let the smoke out of my HEQ5 by being out by one wire on my first home-made cable.

[louie_the_fly]

Thanks. I just need to grab the USB cable from the post office. Should be there today.



I do have a wiring diagram, but yes, important to check with a test meter before plugging it in. Did it do any damage to yours?

[RobF]

Yes. Can no longer use a hand controller, so board likely damaged. Fortunately EQMOD connection works fine, which is all I need (and can use) now.

[louie_the_fly]

I finished my cable last night and tested it. It works just as it should. Hopefully tonight will be clear and I can get out and try it. Just need to work out how to align it using the computer.