Astromeccanica motors for HEQ5

avandonk · #1 17-05-2006, 11:31 PM

It's alive! I have a lot to learn. So far so good.Will post pics eventually.

h0ughy (David) · #2 18-05-2006, 10:46 AM

good news Bert

avandonk · #3 20-05-2006, 08:25 PM

One snag if your laptop does not have a serial port you can forget autoguiding and GOTO. I am investigating a PCMCIA serial card to do the job. Otherwise will get a legacy laptop with serial port.

The drive works superbly now. Smooth and accurate. No backlash and no wobbles due to gears meshing in a non linear fashion!

Bert

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #4 20-05-2006, 08:57 PM

pics pics pics pics

avandonk · #5 20-05-2006, 09:11 PM

Here are a couple of quick pictures. I am just trying to get the RA drive to run exactly by adjusting the speed in software, and it is working.

Bert

snowyskiesau · #6 21-05-2006, 02:30 AM

I've the Astromeccanica motors on a Super Polaris drive, easy to install, work very well. Another option for a serial port on a laptop is a USB-Serial adaptor. I've a cheap one of these that does the job.
If you want to get really flash and do away with some of the cables, have a look at aircable.net

avandonk · #7 21-05-2006, 07:46 AM

What USB to serial adapter worked for you snowyskiesau? The one I have does not work. Or is there a trick to it? Any advice much appreciated.

Bert

snowyskiesau · #8 22-05-2006, 07:44 PM

The one I have is just labelled as 'BAFO Sky USB -> Serial (DB9) - cost $20.
Details at ww.bafo.com.tw

I haven't done much wiht it as yet, just connected using the software supplied by Astromeccanica. I'll play around a bit more with it tonight and let you know how I go.

Geoff

avandonk · #9 22-05-2006, 08:00 PM

Thanks for that. A PCMCIA to serial adapter is about $250, if you can get one. It would be cheaper to buy a second hand legacy laptop! Let me know what tricks you have learned that are not in the directions.

Thanks Bert

Merlin66 (Ken) · #10 23-05-2006, 08:32 AM

The one strongly recommended, and seems to work with everything is the KEYSPAN adaptor. I got mine in Melbourne for $60. No issues so far.
More difficult to get a functional parallel port from USB. Ended up getting a PCMCIA card from the US... works great.

avandonk · #11 23-05-2006, 10:09 AM

Where abouts in Melbourne Merlin66?

Merlin66 (Ken) · #12 23-05-2006, 01:07 PM

www.streetwise.com.au; Mr Troan Tran and Keyspan usb to serial adaptor KS-USA19W HS Tel:98182100

avandonk · #13 26-05-2006, 07:56 PM

Just got an email from Franco at Astromeccanica.

You can control the motors through the hand paddle for autoguiding by connecting to the phone socket with your relay box of choice by this

See pic below

The nice thing I can still use Guidemaster!

Bert