SynScan + USB converter + Win 8

[Searching81 (Cameron)]

Apologies if this has been covered in detail before, I've done some searching but have only got piecemeal info...

I just bought an EQ6 Pro from a member here. My first objective it to get it talking to a PC via the SynScan handset in order to update the firmware and also to try out EQMod.

I thought I had found a place in the UK to buy a cable + serial/USB converter (www.astrodevelopments.com), but the guy that runs it has informed me that his converters have issues with Win 8.

I was thinking then of just tracking down a Win8 serial/USB converter from my local PC store.... which leads me to my question....

I'm aware only certain converter chipsets are supported by EQMod for the purposes of making an EQDirect device, but if I understand correctly, any serial/USB converter chipset should work for connection to the SynScan handset (provided I have appropriate drivers for my OS, of course)?

If I like EQMod, I'll buy or make a Bluetooth EQDirect device down the track, but for now my main goal is to have a way to be able to update the firmware on the handset and have a brief play with EQMod via the PC Direct functionality.

Thanks!

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Any serial/ usb adaptor which works under Win8 should work with the Synscan handcontroller. I have Win7 and WinXP machines and use the Keyspan adaptor.
EDIT:
Justed checked, and Win8 drivers are available
http://www.tripplite.com/en/products...xtModelID=3914

[pluto (Hugh)]

I bought this:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160939246551
It works on Win8 with my EQ5pro Synscan.
I have used it (with the SW serial cable) to update the firmware and for mount pointing through Stellarium but I haven't tried EQmod.

[rob288 (Robert)]

Check out these guys: http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products.htm

[Searching81 (Cameron)]

For the record, incase anyone else has this issue, I picked up an ATEN serial to USB converter (after checking that it has Win8 drivers), then made a PC<->SynScan cable from an old 4-core RJ-11 phone cable and a D9 female plug. All is good!

[alpharipper (Andrew)]

Aten would be one of the best ones to use, yes a bit dearer, but you will have less issues with them.

I work in corporate IT and we need and use the same convertors for a lot of older equipment in doctors surgeries and other places. After many different ones it is found ATEN are really the only ones to have. I also have them on all my astronomy equipment, and after relocating back to Port a month ago and not being able to find my convertors, I did a stupid thing and grab one from ebay.

You guest it, after a few hours of driver issues and not working correctly I threw it out. Not worth wasting my time. Will wait till I get back to work and grab one or find my supply.

Stick with a good one not the cheap crappy fleabay ones. I have had mine for years and never failed.

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

After trial and error I would go the extra for a Keyspan every time.
Others have failed me on different set ups but my two keyspans have worked with XP/W7 and Macs and also with Meades/Celestron and sundry other devices such as focusers.
Good luck
Graz