Problem with my FeatherTouch Focuser - need help

cfranks (Charles) · #1 28-10-2009, 09:52 PM

Hi,
I recently bought a FeatherTouch Focuser from Starlight Instruments and it is gorgeous!!

I then bought the motorising kit and my problems started. The quality of the kit is superb and it fits the focuse precisely but I can't get it to work. It needs to connect to a Serial Port and I have tried 4 different USB - RS232 adapters on my netbook (Win XP Home) and 2x PCI RS232 ports on my main computer (Win XP Pro64) and both systems have the latest ASCOM platform and the latest ASCOM driver from SI. The same message every time says 'Can't connect to the Serial Port'

After a few emails and a strong letter SI sent another controller and cables but the same result. My crude looking Robofocus works fine with the same Serial connections and I am really at at loss on what to do next.
If there is anyone with the same setup I would be grateful for any thoughts - sob!

Charles

Starkler (Geoff) · #2 28-10-2009, 10:57 PM

Why not test it out using a desktop pc with its real serial port?

mithrandir (Andrew) · #3 28-10-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

Why not test it out using a desktop pc with its real serial port?

Maybe it doesn't have one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfranks

Hi,
... 2x PCI RS232 ports on my main computer (Win XP Pro64) ...

Can you try it with 32 bit XP? Otherwise you might need <grabs wooden stake and garlic> 64 bit Win 7 which is supposed to have better driver support than XP64

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #4 29-10-2009, 12:57 AM

A couple of things to explore:

I have had issues with serial devices that had to be in the 1-4 port number range to work, and finding that my usb device automatically set itself much higher. Advanced settings in windows can sort that out.

Also, there is a possibility that your serial ports are operating at a voltage too low for the device. RS232 doesn't have a fixed standard for voltage and it can commonly vary from 6v to 12v (and potentially even higher). This could be why some things work and others don't.

gbeal · #5 29-10-2009, 05:12 AM

Mine works like a dream, and is run via a USB to Serial adaptor too.
The motor unit is stunning, persevere.
Gary

cfranks (Charles) · #6 29-10-2009, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the suggestions but they've all been tried. At least Gary proves it is not a Southern Hemisphere thing!

As an aside, I really don't understand why manufacturers of such equipment still have to use RS232 Port technology

gbeal · #7 29-10-2009, 10:04 AM

I too am amazed that the old 232 is still used, but this isn't the root of your headache.
Any other thoughts? I can't help any more, no it isn't a Southern Hemisphere thing, it just worked. I reckon it is a software thing, maybe redo the ASCOM driver and platform. Yes I realise it worked before but it is worth a try.
I run mine with FocusMax, as well as the auto-focus routines in Maxim and in the past AstroArt.
Gary

JohnG (John) · #8 29-10-2009, 10:16 AM

Correct me if I am wrong but don't the latest FT work vide USB, the one I have on order is stated as working vide USB.

http://starlightinstruments.com/shop...roducts_id=237

Cheers

gbeal · #9 29-10-2009, 12:08 PM

Looks like it John, but I figure Charles has the "older" version, like mine, which has a hand controller and or hub. The hub connects via RS232.
Gary

cfranks (Charles) · #10 29-10-2009, 01:03 PM

Yes, mine is the older one. I bought it last month

My model no longer exists on their website and they probably have a cupboard full of broken old ones for the international trade! Damm.

gbeal · #11 29-10-2009, 01:33 PM

Charles,
fear not, the old ones are stunning, believe me.
There may be someone close by who has the same unit and if so maybe meet up with them and try yours with theirs etc.
If that doesn't work, go ahead with "Plan B" like you suggested.
Gary

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #12 29-10-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfranks

As an aside, I really don't understand why manufacturers of such equipment still have to use RS232 Port technology

Because you can run a serial cable, in general, much further than a USB. Also the interface is much easier to program and build.

rider · #13 30-10-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

Because you can run a serial cable, in general, much further than a USB. Also the interface is much easier to program and build.

Thats correct, but I'm pretty jaundiced about this explanation. I think it has much more to-do with retooling and lack of competition.

The same basic argument was probably used when the crank-handle replaced the buggy-whip.

(Anyway, Radio will never compete with the newspaper as a news medium, cos you cant swat flys with a radio)

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #14 30-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rider

(Anyway, Radio will never compete with the newspaper as a news medium, cos you cant swat flys with a radio)

well you can - it's just that you won't find another radio thrown over your front fence in the morning

geoff

marki · #15 31-10-2009, 12:14 AM

Really does sound like the com port is not configured properly. Problem with the serial to usb cables is that they may work on some things and not others due to the large variety of protocals used by different manufacturers. Vista doesen't help by installing them at com 14 or 15 either espeacially if your ascom driver only supports up to com 8. You could also try different baud rates which you can set in the device manager just in case these are not correct. You may also find the driver will only run on 32 bit systems (way to common in my experience). I got totally sick of serial to usb cable hassles and bought one of these. well worth considering, problem fixed.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=51958

Mark

cfranks (Charles) · #16 01-11-2009, 10:52 PM

Well, I've tried 4 computers, one with a built-in RS232 port, one with PCI Card RS232 and two with multiple USB - RS232 powered and USB powered, all have the same result. Got a copy of the driver from Gary thinking it might be a different version with no change. I'm thinking I will probably have to send the whole 'shooting match' back and get SI to get it all working.

Thanks for all the help.
Charles

gbeal · #17 02-11-2009, 05:50 PM

Send it all to me first Charles, I'll try it myself, That way we will know if it is a software or driver issue, or hardware.
Gary