[BlueAstra (Graham)]

I have been unable to resolve my communications problems with my EQ6 mount using the ASCOM/EQMOD/EQDIR configuration. I have tried the following equipment in almost every possible combination:

ZBOX HD-1D11 Nettop (Atom D510 @ 1.66GHz, 2GB ram, 64GB SSD, W7 32bit HProf)

ACER 3950 Desktop PC (Intel core i3 550, 2G ram, 500G HDD, W7 64bit H Prem)

Hitec USB-EQDIR Module
Shoestring Serial-EQDIR Module
Prolific based USB-Serial adapter (PL2303 driver, 12.3.10, 3.3.11.152)
FTDI based USB-TTL cable (32/64bit driver CDM20802)

ASCOM v5.5.1, EQMOD v1.23e
MAXIM DL v5.1.4, Starry Night Pro Plus v6.0
I normally have other equipment connected (EG, focusser, powered hub, cameras) but these have all been disconnected for this test. Only the EQDIR module or FTDI cable is connected.

The basic problem is that I can setup almost any combination of the above equipment and connect successfully to the mount. However, during a slew to a target at some point EQMOD will indicate a communication loss and try to send stop commands. The mount will continue to the target (the stop commands are ignored) and stop, but no further comms is possible unless I exit MAXIM or SN and restart the programs. The one exception to this is the FTDI USB-TTL cable which connects, but after a short pause EQMOD shows connection errors without any further action. I have tried changing port parameters without success.

The only successful means of communication is with a USB-Serial adapter through the handset in PC Direct mode. This works without a problem, but I do notice single comms loss events very occasionally. This is less than the 5 consecutive errors which triggers a stop, so it has shown to be effectively 100% reliable.

The only other thing I’ve noticed is that the EQ6 red power light flashes on/off during a slew (handset or EQDIR), and sometimes flickers. The PSU is the one supplied with the EQ6 (12V, 6A). Not sure if this is significant or not.

I have now run out of ideas trying to find a solution to this. I am trying to find a setup that will suit a DIY observatory, and having to use the handset during setup is inconvenient and does not follow the EQASCOM guidelines. However, it seems I haven’t a choice. I would appreciate if anyone has any further suggestions.