NEQ6 synscan extension cable

[ozstronomer]

I've been successfully using a 5meter- cat5e cable as a replacement synscan extension cable for my HEQ5 for some time, all works well.

I how have a NEQ6 and wish to extend/replace the supplied DB9 to RJ45 cable to approx 5meters, preferably with pre-made cables.

I believe the synscan controllers are the same for both the HEQ5 and NEQ6 so, can I just connect the DB9 as normal on the NEQ6 then one of these http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=YN8034&keywords=yn8034&form=KEYWORD
"Cat5e Socket coupler straight" on to the RJ45 end, add in a 5 meter "normal"(not crossover) cat5e cable then plug into the synscan?

Will this work ok and not blow anything up?. If not, what do others do

Cheers Geoff

[bmitchell82]

It works no issues i have had my eq6 pro set up like that before but now I use a Logitech wireless rumble pad that integrates with eqmod seamlessly

[Tandum]

Geoff, I've got a spare eqmod dongle if you want to try that out.

[ozstronomer]

Thanks Guy's, I have both a pad and the eqdir dongle which I've managed to successfully get working with the new mount.
I am looking for a way to extend the length of the synscan cable as I've done on the HEQ5 and was hoping it might be as simple as connecting another cat5e cable through a RJ45 female/female connector and the original curly cable so I can extend the controller away from the mount.

Cheers Geoff

[frolinmod]

Those signals on the Synscan cable are TTL level and don't have a lot of oomph. I don't think you can extend the cable too far before they degrade unacceptably. Not sure how far is too far. A pair of back to back RS232<->TTL (or similar type) converters would let you extend the cable a very long way indeed.

[bmitchell82]

I had mine going from RS232 output via the standard sky watcher output though a RJ45 to RJ45 connector though 10m of Cat5.e cable into my hand paddle from my hand paddle to my RS232-->USB converter (passive) into the PC and it never gliched. unless its providing a amplification in there that i am not aware of :P

[acropolite]

Geoff, an Rj45 to DB9 adapter is the way to go, do away with the standard curly cord altogether, but needs to be configured correctly for the EQ6. I've made a couple from time to time, I fairly sure I have one. When I get a minute I'll check to see what pinout it is without reinventing the wheel.

OK found the time, much to HRH's chagrin.

This should be correct, all care taken no reponsibility. I made a couple of these, I remember one went to h0ughy.

You should only need, fingers, eyes, an adapter, perhaps some pliers and preferably a multimeter.

If the pins are already fitted to the DB9 Male adapter (e.g. Second hand), you'll need to gently push the pins out of the socket with some pliers, try not to squeeze any harder than is necessary or you'll squash the pins; you can also use a blunt object to push the pins out.


If you get one with the pins not fitted that's even better.
Pins on the DB9 number as follows from the front 1-5 and 6-9 are left to right.

When you fit/re-fit the pins make sure they click in to place, if necessary use a straightened paperclip to push them home.

The RJ45 socket pins numbers 1-8 from left to right looking in with the notch down, you may wish to either check with a multimeter or visually to confirm you colours match the ones listed below.
All RJ45 to DB9 connectors I've seen use the same wire colours on the RJ pins.

Pin 1 Brown = Pin 7 on the RJ
Pin 2 N/C
Pin 3 N/C
Pin 4 Red = Pin 4 on the RJ
Pin 5 Blue = Pin 1 on the RJ
Pin 6 Yellow = Pin 6 on the RJ
Pin 7 N/C
Pin 8 White = Pin 8 on the RJ
Pin 9 Green = Pin 5 on the RJ

A final check, plug a standard cat 5 cable in to the adapter you have just configured and compare the pin for pin end for end continuity with your old synscan cable, you may need to wrap a pin around you meter lead to access the RJ pins on the cable end.

If you're going to use the joiner listed, to extend your existing curly cable, check the final result with a multimeter just in case, the assembler who put the thru connector may have been having a bad day.

[Astro_Bot]

Having just done this, I can attest to the fact that the wire colours don't always follow the pattern above - whether the assembler had a bad day or not, I don't know.

I bought one of these (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RJ45-Female-Socket-to-9-pin-Serial-DB9-Male-Adapter-/190688547426?pt=AU_CablesConnectors&hash=item2c65ec5262) and it works - tested with the SynScan handset and Cat6 cable as well as with a multimeter - the pin connection mapping is right, it's just the colours that are wrong.

Even the pinout/termination drawing in the listing shows colours that match Phil's description above, but they were wrong. :screwy:

What I found is attached at the bottom of this post. There's also an RJ45 pin identification diagram that corroborated the diagram in the eBay listing - at least they didn't get that wrong.

My advice is definitely to check wire colour against RJ pin with a multimeter before you insert the pins in the DB9 end!