Synscan update

[Terry B]

Dear All
I have just noticed an update for the synscan is available. Version 3.21
I haven't installed it yet but it is suppose to allow direct communication to a computer allowing the EQMOD commands without any extra hardware or modification to the hand controller. See
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/customer_support.php?id=91&class1=1&class2=101

[monoxide]

sounds good, i'll give it a go tonight if it stays clear

[allan gould]

Bugger! Ive just purchased the eqmod device from Shoestring astronomy. Works brilliantly I must say. The EQmosaic and spiral functions are excellent and it works brilliantly with ECU planetarium.
Well at least it does in my study:camera:
Have to get the autoguiding up and running.

[Terry B]

I agree. I bought the eqdir last month. It is certainly more accurate when using skymappro rather than the internal database. Now it is redundant as you can use it via the hand controller.
I found eqmod great for photography but a bit of a pain visually as I don't like using the computer when I am looking through the scope.:)

[allan gould]

If you look at the latest version txt file it says "This feature is also designed for future applications."
I wonder what this means? Are they going to put the eqmod mosaic/spiral feature in place through the handpaddle? Quess we will have to wait and see, but one feature of eqmod that I really, really like is the implementation of VS-PEC periodic error correction that you CAN use with ASCOM autoguiding. Very nice.

[h0ughy]

looks promising - might have to upgrade my 3.12

[allan gould]

Had a go with the new software and tested out the PCmode directly to the motors using ASCOM and EQMOD. Must say its very good and coupling Guidemaster as a guiding program (which can set to an ASCOM diven EQMOD) only have 2 wires to the computer. One to the webcam and the other to the handpaddle. With all the features of EQMOD this is a great step forward ie can use a mosaic feature to capyure in sequence a field of galaxies or do a spiral search. VS-PEC is also brilliant. ECU also controls the scope excellently with ASCOM and EQMOD

[Mark]

I just updated my SynScan to v3.21. I had planned on going down the EQDIR route, but I've been procrastinating. For once, being slack seems to have paid off. I downloaded the EQMOD drivers and had it running in 2 minutes with CDC. I am really looking forward to trying it out under the stars.

[Terry B]

I went to try it out last night. Perfectly clear sky. The phone rang at 2100 and 15 mins later when I went outside again it was cloudy.GRRRRRRRR
So I still haven't tried it. Not sure of the best way to go about it.
Options are to turn the hand controller on, set the time and dont do any alignment then go int PC mode and use EQMOD set up methods.
Slower but maybe more versatile would be to align with the handcontroller then do a second align with EQMOD. You could then turn off the PC at some point and still use the scope visually without the bright computer interfering.
Will have to try both methods weather permitting.

[leinad]

Following from this; is anyone successfully using EQMOD? My Eq6Pro came with a PC connection cable; and Im keen to download EQ6MOD and try it out. :)

[Tandum]

I used it but had trouble doing alignments.

[White Rabbit]

I've tried it as well but only once. I aligned my scope before connecting it to the pc. What I found was that when in stand alone mode the sync was ok but when in pc direct mode it was off by about 15 degree. I was using SN6pro and the anscom plug in for it. I didnt try an alignment from the pc though. Thats something I'll have to try though.

[danielsun]

I'm not too sure what the difference is but I do my first initial alignment with the hand controller which I think is easier anyway, then I fully run the scope, camera and guide camera with my laptop through the cable to the hand controller with Star Atlas pro with barley any need to step outside again and go to's are spot on.
I was running the mount with starry night pro plus 6 but that kept crashing my laptop for some reason.

Cheers Daniel.

[Terry B]

I now use EQMOD exclusively. I bought an EQDIR and don't bother with the hand controller at all. My gotos are within a 14 x 9 arcmin CCD chip every time even when I restart the next night having parked the scope.
It allows you to use any alignment stars you want as per your planetarium software.