SW SynScan to computer cable now USB????

[Merlin66]

I "hear" over in the UK they are shipping the current HEQ5pro with a computer connection cable which is now a USB connection rather than the old original Serial plug.
Can anyone confirm this to be the case?

[Wavytone]

Seems they have finally caught up with 1990's tech. Should have skipped USB and adopted the lightning connector IMHO.

[UniPol]

http://www.astroanarchy.com.au/Accessories/USBAdapter_SW.html

[bojan]

It should be wireless IMO.. BT for example.

[Merlin66]

UniPol,
That's a EQDir cable option....not the "upgrade" SW cable for the SynScan hand controller.

[Startrek]

I queried the USB port on the new EQ6-R mount so looked on cloudy nights and some guys are saying the USB port was added on the mount and hand controller for firmware upgrades etc... not telescope control
They mentioned you should still use the hand controller port on the mount for EQ direct method of connection for EQMOD

[Merlin66]

Martin,
OK, but I’m talking about the current HEQ5 Pro mounts, not the “Upgraded” EQ6-R version.....

[Startrek]

Oops , thanks for pointing that out
Maybe someone could follow up on the EQ6-R info I found on CN in any case
Cheers

[Merlin66]

OK.
A supplier from the UK has confirmed that the current Synscan hand controller V5 is fitted with a USB port which, with a USB>USB cable can be used to upgrade the firmware and when in "PC Direct" mode communicate with the mount.

[morls]

My NEQ6 has the USB port on hand controller, and I've upgraded firmware and connected to Ascom/EqMod/Stellarium through this in "PC Direct" mode.

[Startrek]

Stephen
If you are running the latest version of Stellarium 0.19.3 Ascom plus using EQMOD for Goto and tracking then you might be able to help with a few comments and advice on my recent post in Software and Computers “ Stellarium version 0.19.3 “

[morls]

I'll check it out, but I'm running ver. 0.18.0 and have only just started to explore setting up the mount with Stellarium. I was happy just to be able to get things talking to each other!

[Startrek]

Only the latest Stellarium version 0.19.3 is supported by Ascom so apparently you don’t need StellariumScope any more when using Stellarium. I’m running Stellarium version 0.18.0 so I needed StellariumScope to use Stellarium as my planetarium when running EQMOD Goto and tracking. StellariumScope provides 3 telescope functions via the keyboard CTRL 1 to slew , CTRL 3 to Sync and CTRL 5 to cancel.
My question yet to be answered is if you run Stellarium version 0.19.3 Ascom supported, and you don’t require StellariumScope any more , then how and where do you perform slew , sync and cancel functions when running EQMOD as your telescope mount control ??
My early EQMOD notes 3 years ago mentioned StellariumScope was developed for EQMOD users to utilise Stellarium as their planetarium. Whereas if you chose Cartes Du Ceil for your planetarium, then it was Ascom supported and you didn’t require a 3 party program to control your mount

I welcome others to chime in if they have any further advice or information on the latest version of Stellarium 0.19.3 Ascom and users of EQMOD telescope control

[Merlin66]

OK.
One small benefit of upgrading to a Synscan V5 hand controller.