Help with Stellarium MESA to HEQ5 mount

mikecatts (Mike) · #1 17-08-2015, 08:38 PM

Hi all..
Im new here.. Ive been looking and doing everything I can find on the net, etc..
I have a new Sywatcher HEQ5 mount with SynScan latest version 04.05.09..
No matter what I do I cant get it to slew..
In stellarium it says scope connected.
The instructions say that you dont need a third party programe to use IE: ascom platform etc. as it will link direct through hand controller.... Im using a rs32 to usb converter.. its talking to computer on COM9.. Vista 32bit

Im using Stellarium MESA as the other version is very blocky...

I did try to use ascom/stellerium scop and it didnt work? Not to sure how to use ascom any ways..
Can somebody/anybody please help.. I have read all the forums on this site, downloaded and tried everything and nothing works..
ALL the posts seem to be earlier versions that need to use ascom platform.
Mike
South australia

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/vbiis/i...c/progress.gif

rustigsmed (Russell) · #2 18-08-2015, 02:50 PM

g'day mike,

I don't use Stellarium or have any experience with it - I investigated it years ago but I just the skywatcher mount - that works fine for me since its polar alignment routine was introduced.

Have you got all the eqmod stuff (drivers / programs)? http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/ think you need it but perhaps someone who uses it can chime in.

Cheers

Russ

pluto (Hugh) · #3 18-08-2015, 03:05 PM

I use EQMOD to control my EQ6.
Then Stellarium Scope connects to EQMOD and lets you slew the mount from Stellarium.

I think you should try installing EQMOD (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/) and get that working and then try and get Stellarium Scope and Stellarium working.

Another benefit of controlling your mount through EQMOD is you'll be able to set up Astrotortilla to do plate solving for you, but leave that until everything else is working

chuckywiz (Ben) · #4 18-08-2015, 03:15 PM

one thing to note..
easiest way as said above is get the shoestring cable and do away with the handset altogether.. the handset is a painful way to go. see Link: http://www.store.shoestringastronomy...roducts_eq.htm

going the way you are going - theres plenty that can go wrong even though you are seeing some results.
1) make sure you have a compatible usb to serial - they are all very different and most dont work. theres plenty of data on these on a simple search.
2)make sure you put your handset in PC mode. Not entirely sure the menu on the handset but this maybe where your stuck at.
\Ben

mikecatts (Mike) · #5 18-08-2015, 07:53 PM

thanks guys.. I tried to use the eq mod,, couldnt quite work it out..

With the latest version of SynScan 04.03.09, you dont have to use "PC CONNECT" mode to use a planitarium application.. so the book says.
Ill try EQMOD/ASCOM. Can any one help quide me through it?
Thanks in advance
Mike

rbronca · #6 18-08-2015, 09:10 PM

Hello Mike, I have been replying via private messages, not sure if they got through.

Most people use a Shoestring cable (or similar) to directly connect to the mount, bypassing the handset.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tr...oductview.aspx

Read the EQMod forums and all bets are off if your not going direct.

Version 4 handsets are quite new, so expect not many are using them yet. There are likely to be unknown potholes in your road.

If your using a USB to serial cable, there are plenty of fake ones that have issues when running the real drivers.

You will require EQMod to be correctly installed as well as the current ASCOM platform.

I would also recommend Stellarium scope to control the mount rather than Stellarium directly. It allows you to stop the mount mid slew as well as sync points between Stellarium and actual.

Stellarium Scope with instructions
http://www.welshdragoncomputing.ca/i...=31&Itemid=39F

Ascom Platform
http://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/Index.htm
(Top right of page)

EQmod / EQAscom
http://sourceforge.net/projects/eq-mod/files/EQASCOM/
Quick install guide
http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/tutindex.html

You will need to find out what your serial port is set to and match it in EQmod settings.

Hope this helps

Robert

mikecatts (Mike) · #7 20-08-2015, 05:24 AM

Hi all..
I purchased a Known brand 232 to usb converter and still no luck..
I installed and set up Ascom/Stellarium scope and still no luck..
Computer says the COM 9 is connected... Using Stellarium Mesa..

I had a look and there is an update for the handset that fixers known issues, but I cant get it talking to it through the update application..

rustigsmed (Russell) · #8 20-08-2015, 09:30 AM

hi mike,

Sorry I am not able to help, you might get a quicker response to your problem by joining the eqmod yahoo group - there are heaps of people on there that post and answer questions specifically to eqmod. there seems to be a few people posting issues with the v4 type handsets.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/

hope that helps.

Rusty

mikecatts (Mike) · #9 20-08-2015, 11:40 AM

Ta for that..I have done.. fingers crossed.

mikecatts (Mike) · #10 21-08-2015, 05:29 PM

I tried to contact Skywatcher Aus (tasco sales) kept getting bounced to the technical department, hes not there.. I have left numerouse messages and no reply.... Have emailed Skywatcher as well.. No luck there either.. So much for Skywatcher support.
Ill ring the shop I bought it off and see.. They probably wont know...

I tried some RS323 cables that I borrowed off the local computer shop.. and still no good....

One thing I can work out is.. when first playing with the unit.. I did get it to talk to Stellarium once and once only, I waited to that night, all excited, set the unit up, and nothing..
... The Stellarium programe was very blocky so I upgraded that night to 13.02 MESA and now nothing...
I didnt have Ascom or stellarium scope then.. just downloaded Stellarium for opensource.. dont know version..think it was 12???? for Vista 32 bit.
Should i just send the SynScan back and use the supplied stepper motors that came with the scope????

rustigsmed (Russell) · #11 21-08-2015, 07:24 PM

Hi Mike,

No good you haven't been able to get there eqmod going. Have you managed to the scope / mount working just using the synscan controller? These days the polar alignment routine is pretty good. I originally was going to try eqmod but found the synscan pretty good (once I updated the firmware) but if probably have to figure it out if decide to get into plate solving.

If you aren't already a member of an astro society I reckon you should think about joining up members will no doubt be eager to help on their meetings / viewing nights. It sounds like you need a hands on solution from someone who has used it and can help troubleshoot the problem.

Best of luck,

Rusty

mikecatts (Mike) · #12 22-08-2015, 11:43 AM

Hi all.. Just been trollig youtube etc... and all of them relate to the version 3 handset, not the version 4....

I read this..
Is it only when u go direct from computer to mount.. or through the handset to mount..
Ive only gone through handset to mount..

"Also are you using a USB to TTL serial lead in EQ Direct mode and not a USB to serial RS-232 by mistake, as you don’t really make it clear. Remember you mount needs TTL input voltages not RS-232 ones or you will smoke your controller board! "

I used a rs 232 and a rs 32... but only through the handset..

I tried my usb converters on an old er printer and they talk to it.. so its not really the rs to usb leads.. any ideas?

mikecatts (Mike) · #13 22-08-2015, 11:45 AM

Thanks Rusty.. I have been in touch with the local society.. hes trying to help.. but as yet.. still not working..
What i would like is for someone who knows to remote desktop my computer from their end and seee if they can get it working..
is there anyone you can suggest???

I just treid ascom simulted scope and it works.. so the ascom platform works, stelarium works, comport working..... what is the problem... Vista, port conflict or dodgy handset????

mikecatts (Mike) · #14 23-08-2015, 04:51 PM

Got it working... the little plug that goes into the handset was faulty.. Chineese manufacture no dobt... Any ways there was a long wire cpoming out of negative touching posative..I pulled apart and re done it properly.. works now as it should..
Thanks heaps everyons for trying to help.. Its good to know that someone cares as Skywatcher themselves dont...

rustigsmed (Russell) · #15 24-08-2015, 10:29 AM

good to hear that you got it all fixed up and posted up here how it was done.

mikecatts (Mike) · #16 27-08-2015, 08:07 AM

Yes Im happy that I sought it out.. Thanks to everyone who helped..
I wonder if they do quality control? doesnt lok like it LOL..
Now I have to work out how to get the Stellarium to be aligned with the scope.. seems its a tad out.. I polar aligned withing 1 sec.. any clues?

chuckywiz (Ben) · #17 27-08-2015, 11:57 AM

ctrl 3 is the sync button..

click on the star you want to drive to control 1
centre star in eyepiece camera
then click control 3 to sync this should then move your scope Icon back over the target you slewed to.

Ben

Bullfrog (Jeremy) · #18 12-09-2015, 06:12 AM

Hi Mike,

Glad to see that you got your problem sorted and many thanks for posting your results too. It's always great to have the solution given.

This thread is a great example on how to fault find electrical systems. As an electrician I've been in the automation industry for over 20 years and I have seen many people spend days and weeks trying to sort out unknown problems by buying new controls cards or reprogramming software when the problem was a loose terminal or broken wire. The golden rule is always check your basics first. You can spend a couple of minutes to check your connections even doing continuity tests and it'll save many frustrating hours searching for problems that aren't there.

I'm sure Mike that you spent more than just the two weeks that this thread was going. Having to deal with big companies tech support and customer service is enough to make anybody give up. Well done for preserving and thanks again for the clear explanation on the final solution. Hope you have many happy nights with your setup

Jeremy

mikecatts (Mike) · #19 13-09-2015, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckywiz

ctrl 3 is the sync button..

click on the star you want to drive to control 1
centre star in eyepiece camera
then click control 3 to sync this should then move your scope Icon back over the target you slewed to.

Ben

I tried that. I didnt do anything?

mikecatts (Mike) · #20 13-09-2015, 06:58 AM

Hi Jeremy...
I should of tried the cable first.. But Thinking it was software.. I didnt even look at the cable until a member mentioned to check...
I got a response from Skywatcher tech in the end... Ta for all the help guys.. Love the Stellarium programe.. Makes skywatching so much easier..

Now just to sort out the optics on my 150mm Mac..It seems a tad out.. The stars aint very sharp..