EQDIR for EQMOD, choices out there?

[Astroman]

Hi guys,

Of those of you that use EQMOD with an EQDIR adapter, what choices are there available on the market? I would prefer a low profile adapter so it wont stick out too much from the mount.

I used to have an adapter home built that I used for EQMOD and it worked great. I am planning on using EQMOD again but would like a more commercially available unit to use, as I do not want to go build one again.

I am not looking at purchasing straight away, I am browsing still.

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi

There are pre-made cables available from
http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_eq.htm

But you need to specify the plug type on the mount.
The commercial one supplied by the above firm is a self contained DB9-DB9 "box" with the inbuilt RS232/TTL interface and is quite bulky.
If your mount has the RJ45 socket you will need a converter cable from DB9 to RJ45. If this is a cable then there won't be a large extension on the mount.

Next if you only have a USB port you will also need a USB/RS232 adaptor as well.

My suggestion for using the commercial RS232/TTL box is to connect this to the computer (using a USB/RS232 adaptor if necessary) and then a straight through DB9(m) to DB9(F) cable from there to the mount. or a DB9(F) to RJ45 cable.

Of course you can also make your own self contained unit as well.

See attached PDF

Barry

[OzRob]

I use the Shoestring one. It is a bit long but I use it at the computer end so no problem with it sticking out of the mount too far. Even when using it with a serial to USB converter (Keyspan) I never had any problems. I see they have a module that plugs straight into a USB port which would be even better (link (http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_eq.htm)).

[mswhin63]

I personally use Bluetooth, I am looking at creating a few of these with a little arrangement of the guts as the unit on mine is a prototype.

http://mswhin63.waelect.com.au/Equipment/index.html#DPP_0002.JPG

Can't supply now though sorry

[Merlin66]

FLO in the Uk sells the HitecEQDir module.
http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories.html
(near the bottom of page)

[Astroman]

Thanks for all the ideas guys, gives me something to look into. Not too sure I'd want to go over seas for something so simple, but will not rule it out. Thanks again.

[mswhin63]

Actually I have a straight EQDIR lead I made before my bluetooth unit. I don't need this again so willing to part with it for the same cost as the parts. I need to put it back together again so will let you know if you haven't done already.

Although I noticed you have a Orion Teletrack. Does this use RS232C or RS232TTL ????

[Astroman]

Hi Malcolm,

The Teletrack uses both, but completely different software... For Use with a planetarium it uses the RS232/USB lead, But it uses the RS232/TTL for the timelapse software papywizard... I plan on getting another EQ6 later in the year, hence the reason for the post, I didn;t think of using it with the Teletrack, although I think it's possible with the proper adapter for the mount.

[mswhin63]

One of my considerations in the future was to work on a TTL to 232C interface, this allows for both methods of connectivity if required, or a simple solutions in the final release.

I am just a bit slow off the take at the moment.

[Nico13]

I just picked up the newer USB2EQ6 (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm) cable with my new mount the other day and its not bulky at all like the earlier module was.
Not cheap but if you wanted to take the time to build your own all the details are on the EQMOD site as an option.

https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm


Nico.