I'm wondering if anyone out there understands the electronics behind the standard ST4 guider ports we use on cameras and mounts?
Reason I ask, in as brief a summary as possible:
- My Paramount ME has developed a problem where it thinks it is being told to guide in RA and Dec continuously.
- The problem can be averted by plugging in to the mount guider port a unpowered ST camera, causing the mount to think it should be guiding in 4 directions and hence doesn't guide anywhere
- Other functionality of the mount remains normal, including slewing and guiding (which uses Direct Guide - the guider port is redundant for my purposes)
- Its almost as though the unpowered ST camera causes a loop back or such which mitigates the other incorrect instruction to guide.
So... I am wondering if, to save myself US$800 in replacement Paramount ME electronics, I can create a simple dummy plug/cable that simulates what the unpowered ST camera is doing.
I'm also wondering if that would cause any damage. Based on physical observations of my mount (visual and audible) I would say it does not create damage, the mount isn't actually fighting its self in 4 directions, rather it's moving in none.
I can't use the camera, because as I have to turn it on to take photo's
Make sense?
probably not
but I can explain more.
Regards,
Roger.