EQ6 Synscan Instructions

[peter_4059]

Has anyone seen a comprehensive set of instructions that describe all the hand controller functions and how to use them? I've got the brochure that came with the mount but a lot of the functions are either not mentioned at all or the description on how to use them is quite superficial. For example I don't think it mentions how to sync on an object after centering it.

Alternately is anyone interested in putting together a more comprehensive set of instructions - a bit like the photoshop sticky concept?

Peter

[BerrieK]

Peter I do not have and EQ6 (but would like one) but came across this recent thread that may be of particular interest to you re syncing with EQ6 and Synscan : http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=400768

Cheers,
Kerrie

[mrsnipey]

Peter, I posted some instructions recently on how I do a re-sync with my EQ6 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=39769). I just played around with my mount until I got a feel for what I could safely do with it. Even on cloudy nights I set it up inside when I was learning what it could do.

[peter_4059]

Yes - I saw them - I was wondering what else whas hidden in the handcontroller and not covered in the instructions?

[AlexN]

Best instructions I have with regards to the Synscan controller.

Step 1 : Unplug hand controller.
Step 2 : Plug in EQDIR
Step 3 : Fire up EQMOD on laptop
Step 4 : Dispose of hand controller. :)

In all seriousness though, I think you couldnt be more correct, the users manual for the EQ6 Pro was VERY VERY superficial, and does not mention any of the more serious features.. There is no explanation of guiding rates etc, nothing covering the different tracking modes (it mentions the different modes, but doesnt tell you the difference between them..)

In my opinion its perhaps the least useful manual I've ever recieved with a product in this price bracket..

Alex.

[peter_4059]

Why bother with EQDIR - why not use PC direct mode on your handcontroller with EQMOD?

[AlexN]

Shortest answer - Buggy... I tried it for a while till I knew that EQMOD was for me, then I went ahead and got the EQDIR..

PC direct mode would some times drop out, or it would lose alignment half way through the night for no reason.. pulse guiding was not as accurate (sometimes it would sort of.. delay guiding messages...)

PC Direct is a good way to see if you're going to like it at no expense, but once you get hooked, EQDIR is the way to go..

[peter_4059]

does it let you sync on a nearby star?

[AlexN]

No, because its not synchronizing with an alignment model, as it lost its model. You have to go through alignment again (very annoying when you spend over an hour doing a 10 star alignment...)

[peter_4059]

Sounds like complification?

[AlexN]

Not had a single problem since going EQDIR... :) 10 star alignment saved fine, and now (thanks to mount being permanently set up) I plug the laptop in, fire it all up, sync on 1 star... and Im away with incredible pointing accuracy... I can land a star on the reticule in a 12mm ep, or alternatively, smack bang in the center of my QHY8 sensor with the C11 @ F/6.3... :)

[peter_4059]

how did you organise the permanent mount setup? Mine's permanently setup in the spare room!

[AlexN]

I was a very good boy and dad finally caved in :) lol... Well.. actually.. it was more of smooth talking sort of situation...

I've agreed to mow the lawns provided my mount can stay set up... Currently its on its tripod sitting on 3 sunken in pavers.. However our little deal was that I could build a permanent concrete pier.. I just haven't got to that just yet :)

[peter_4059]

ok - I'm with you - I've also got the subterranean permanent tripod solution going on. :thumbsup: Difference is I was already mowing the lawn

[mrsnipey]

Alex, How do you get EQMOD to do an alignment. I have tried the 1, 2 or 3 star alignments and it says "choose a star to align to from your planetary software.." (or something like that), so I do, and nothing happens. Very frustrating. I've read everything I can get my hands on but no luck so far.
I'm using stellarium if that helps.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[acropolite]

Manuals and update instructions are available for download here (http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/customer_support.php?class1=1&class2=180), although if you have the standard documentation you probably already have them.

[AlexN]

with stellarium you need Stellarium scope as well... Sorry if im telling you things you already know, But better to be sure I suppose...

I dont know how stellarium works, however with the sky, I select the alignment method (1,2,3 or N) it tells me to select a star, I switch to the sky, and right click on a bright star, and from the menu, I click slew...
off it goes.. I then center the star using my gamepad controller, and click next, it then prompts you to select another star... etc etc..

As I said I dont know Stellarium, so I cant tell you the exact proceedure for it.. though I'd think it would be much the same.

[mrsnipey]

Doh. :doh:

I didn't make the scope 'Slew'. I assumed that it would do it automatically. How stoopid do I feel.
I am using Stellariumscope though. I just press Ctrl+1 to make it
slew in Stellarium.

Thanks Alex - You're a life saver. :thumbsup:

[AlexN]

Glad to help mate.

Alex.