Synscan EQ6 pro hand controller

[ab1963]

bought a eq6 pro mount and hoping that i could get some advice about a Synscan EQ6 hand controller,would i be able to use a controller from a orion teletrak alt az mount or would it have to be the specific EQ6 handset,mount came without hand controller,,don't even know if the drives on the mount work so before i spend any more money as well is there a way without the hand controller you can see if the drives are working,first ever EQ mount i have bought so your help would be much appreciated
Andrew

[kens]

With an EQDIR cable you can plug it into a laptop and run it from EQMOD

[jenchris]

Yes a rs232 chip will allow direct connection and obviate the need for a handbox.
Beware learning curve can be a bit frustrating though.
I seldom use mine now.

[Merlin66]

Hmmm
May be best to see if you can borrow a SW Synscan handcontroller to at least test out the EQ mount.
You also need a 12V (centre positive) 2.1mm plug and cable as well as a power source (battery/ wall T/X) rated for >2A.

[ab1963]

I have download the eqmod software,I had the cable from the previous owner but have not had chance to check it out yet,will post the results when I get them ,I will have to try and get hold of the hand controller as well if I do l don't get any joy with the eqmod,thanks for the advice

[Merlin66]

I'd recommend Cartes du Ciel as the "interface" and you'll also need the latest ASCOM.

[ab1963]

hi ken
when i try to connect to the eq mod this is the mwssage i get and will not connect the mount to the laptop
Create Creating device
Connected Connecting to device

Name EQMOD HEQ5/6
Description EQMOD ASCOM Driver
DriverInfo EQASCOM V1.28k

USITG
DriverVersion 1.0
InterfaceVersion 2
RA, Dec 20:40:39.741 00:00:00.000
Latitude, Longitude -33:44:33.000 150:49:58.000
Tracking False

Connected Disconnecting from device
Dispose Disposing of device
ReleaseComObject Releasing COM instance
ReleaseComObject Completed release. Count: 0
GC Collect Starting garbage collection
GC Collect Completed garbage collection

so i am at a lost end,do you think its a problem with the mount

[Merlin66]

Ok..
Are you connecting to Eqmod through a planetarium program??
The CdD is a good interface

[kens]

Is the cable connecting to the mount an EQDIR cable? An EQDIR cable is not a standard RS232 cable. The D connector on the mount needs TTL signals which the EQDIR cable supplies.

[ab1963]

yes i have tried stellarium and cartes du ciel as you advised and neither would connect to the mount

[Merlin66]

Andrew,
What was the error message that came up?

[ab1963]

it was about not connecting to a port,i am using a 64 bit system could that be a problem

[doppler]

You need to start the eqmod toolbox app and input the com port first. With the cable plugged in go to the control panel/ device manager and you should find which com port the cable is using. I have mine working on a win 8 64bit, but it took a bit of head scratching.

[ab1963]

thanks everyone for your help but just a little too complicated for me,have decided to sell the mount and cut my losses before i have a nervous breakdown
best regards to you all