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So I have now found out a little more and it isn't good news. It turns out that my motor focuser control hub is effectively obsolete and condemned to only ever work with XP. I wrote to Starlight Instruments LLC and got the following response:
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Chris the digital kit that you have was discontinued in early 2009. Starlight Instruments did not own or control the rights to the software. It was done through a 3rd party which was before we purchased the business which was July of 2007. We have asked repeatedly for them to upgrade the software, but unfortunately they have not. In July 2007 Starlight Instruments LLC purchased Starlight Instruments Inc. Starlight Instruments Inc. had 2 divisions, 1 division was the focuser and accessories, and 2nd division was the electronic digital kits which was outsourced the software to a 3rd party. Starlight Instruments LLC, which we are, was never able to purchase the electronic digital kit division as this 3rd party would not sell. Starlight Instruments LLC has made repeated requests to upgrade the software/firmware but unfortunately they never have. "
Wayne gave me the contact details for the person who wrote the feathertouch424 driver and I have written to him but no response thus far.
My only option now (other than only ever using XP) is to abandon the control hub and cables I currently have an purchase a new controller from Starlight that will work with Windows 8 and be supported in future. Wayne has kindly given me a special price but suffice to say it is another several hundred dollars not budgeted for.
C'est la vie.
Chris
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