Synscan Firmware instal problem

pjphilli (Peter) · #1 12-08-2013, 03:08 PM

Hi
I have a HEQ5Pro mount using Synscan. I have had problems whereby when slewing to the first alignment star the mount moves correctly in DEC but RA moves anywhere up to 45 to 90 degrees from the correct location although the Synscan paddle tells me that I am on the selected
alignment star. However, I can go to the star manually and centre and then use Starry Night to sync on the star and hence forth to other objects correctly. Since Starry Night uses the RS232 connection through the Synscan paddle and hence to the mount via the control cable and the mount operates normally under Starry Night this appears to indicate
no problems with the connecting cables.
So I decided to upload the Synscan firmware using the Synscan recommended procedures. I have done this before in the past with no problems encountered with older Ver323 (now unavailable). I downloaded new Synscan loader Ver335.
However, referring to the Synscan instructuctions everthing goes ok (with the paddle indicating Synscan Update Ver 1.3. Is this correct?)
until step 4 "Run the SynscanFirmwareLoader software on your PC".
(I am referring to the latest version of "Updating the Synscan Firmware" instructions.)
This sofware SynscanV0355AZEQ.ssf will not run as the PC says it cannot open this file so the program will not launch.
I am running Microsoft 7 Pro and I have tried on both COM ports which Device Manager says are working ok. I have also tried using a
earlier .ssf file for V0344 but with the same results. The RS232 cable is ok as it works fine for the Starry Night connection.
Any suggestions?
Cheers Peter

coldknights (Cathy) · #2 12-08-2013, 03:48 PM

Hi watch the video below
And use a computer that has a real 9 pin rs232 port
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iPl5k7UEbak

Also did you download the firmware loader ?

And a separate file for the firmware as well ?
Or are you trying to run the update with out running the loader first then selecting the update file.ssk ?

pjphilli (Peter) · #3 12-08-2013, 05:18 PM

Hi Cathy
FIXED! I did not first obtain the Firmware Loader.
Didn't read the instructions properly did I?
Many thanks Cathy, My Synscan paddle now confirms that I am using
new Version 03.35. Now for a clear night to test it.
Cheers Peter

coldknights (Cathy) · #4 12-08-2013, 05:47 PM

I am Glad I could help Yes Bring on the cloud free nights