EQDIR cable issue

[traveller]

Hi all,
I have a Hitec Astro EQDIR cable. I have been using it happily for the past 3-4 years without a problem. Then a few nights ago, it just refused to work. When I tried to use ASCOM to listen to the COM Port, I kept getting timed out messages. Here is a quick summary

Windows 7 Ultimate (not affected by the Win10 update).
I tried to uninstall and reinstall the Prolific driver (from the Hitec Astro website), no luck, therefore not a driver issue.
I tried using the handset, not a problem (therefore problem is not with mount motherboard)
I tried to use different USB ports and USB cables, same problem (therefore not a USB port or cable issue)
I used different baud settings, did not make any difference.

In a last ditch attempt, I opened up the enclosure, and found 3 of the 4 wires connected. The yellow wire does not look to be soldered on in the first place, so it doesn't appear to be come off.
Anyway, I am at a loss. I posed a similar thread at the EQMOD Yahoo group, will see what pointers I can get.
In the meantime, if you have a EQDIR cable, can you just check the wiring to be sure?
thanks!
Bo

[Russj]

Not an answer to your problem, I use one these https://www.shop-dontronics.com/usb-to-ttl-cables cost me $21 delivered, never had a problem with it, you will have to solder an RS232 to the end, hope this helps.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Bo
Another test is to short the Tx and Rx lines on the end of the cable and use a terminal emulator to send a command and see if it gets echoed back,

Andrew

[traveller]

Thanks Russ and Andrew,
I plan to test the module on another EQ6 mount to see if it works. If it still doesn’t work, chances are it’s a dead chip on the module and I can just get another module.
Cheers
Bo