The most useless skywatcher adapter ever

[h0ughy]

Well I thought I was purchasing a skywatcher mount adapter to control the eq8 and Alan's (https://www.bintel.com.au/product/skywatcher-usb-adapter/?v=322b26af01d5)eq6gt but after trying several times with Alan's mount it is a piece of work.......

It doesn't work, so why are they being sold?

I feel like I just bought Peter Brocks polarity crystal's.......

[that_guy]

I have one and it works fine. Did you set the com port to the correct one? since this adapter doesnt have an FTDI chip, the com port number will change depending on which usb port you use.

[h0ughy]

That was part of the problem, it didn't work on any com port . No number would show. The driver was loaded off the web?

[RB]

Try lowering the pressure to 22psi.

:scared3:

[h0ughy]

Oh my expectations are very low

[LewisM]

Just to remove that little bit of doubt, you did connect it directly to the mount, with the handcontroller completely removed/disconnected, right?

I saw a guy once trying to use it connected through the handset. It simply cannot work through the HC.

[AstroJunk]

Mine works a treat (ish).

The port shows up on mine as Prolifc USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMn) and connects with the SynScan Pro software which can then be selected (synscan mobile telescope) for ASCOM.

The functionality is basic, but the pointing accuracy and homing functions are every thing that EQMOD is not for my EQ8. But there is a but - why is that always the case! I don't think that it reliably sends the side of pier data to ASCOM so the dome shutter doesn't align (so what's new). So its back to EQMOD and plate solving to get it to find anything :mad2:

[h0ughy]

OK tried again with Alan's computer but this time with a eq5pro mount. No luck despite the driver being loaded.

Now if idiot number one (me) didn't follow the rules please spell them out very slowly to the hard of hearing so I can get my guide dog to set it up properly .

[h0ughy]

Could you please document every step of your process Jonathan?

[multiweb]

Just a thought. Do you need to match the BAUD rate (9600) in the CP and what you're trying to connect to?

[h0ughy]

Well that's not a bad question

[multiweb]

Been there done that (idiot #2)

[AstroJunk]

https://skywatcher.com/download/software/synscan-app/

The windows version of this connects to the scope then ASCOM connects to this.

[Nikolas]

this may help
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/342375-skywatcher-synscan-usb-adapter/
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/352831-solved-synscan-usb-dongle-not-connecting-to-synscanpro/

[h0ughy]

Many thanks gents will try this again tomorrow with Alan

[h0ughy]

Jonathan can I ask for a blow by blow description with some happy snaps of each process please?

[Astronovice]

Make sure you are using a USB2 port on your computer, apparently it will not work with USB3

[h0ughy]

Point noted

[AstroJunk]

You can. I can Zoom you into the observatory too if you like - Just msg me

[h0ughy]

Probably better for me to do that when I have Alan's mount and PC near me.

[AstroJunk]

1. Connect Synscan Pro. This must be done first up every time, unlike eqmod that will magically open from ASCOM. I think it sets up a server of its own - just like ASCOM.

2. In my case, I use ASCOM POTH to connect to both the scope and the dome, so connect that to SynScan Mobile, which is the name of the connection set up by SynScan Pro.

All should be good - other programs such as sharpCap etc can now connect to either ASCOM or SynScan Mobile. It's a tad confusing having two server layers!

[h0ughy]

Awesome speaking to you this morning Jonathan. Alan and I thank you for your time and effort providing the info for us . Who would have thought that you need to use synscan mobile first Then fire up cart De Ceil, connect skywatcher synscan mobile, then your home and hosed.

[AstroJunk]

Good to catch up in-between Astrofests! IIRC that the first time we've communicated sober :rofl:

[h0ughy]

aahh yes that is indeed a valid point - another first for the year, though all-nighters do make you seem drunk.....:question:

i might note there that you are indeed a fester Royal and that seeking an audience was a necessity. it may result in a fester port being sacrificed

one poignant point to note is that once you get out you need to reboot the computer as somehow the driver locks you out so if you are going to reuse the mount the same day don't shut anything down.;)