How to run NEQ6 Pro Mount from a laptop (software and cables?)

[Logieberra (Logan)]

Hey guys

Loving my new mount, NEQ6 Pro from NVT in WA.

I would like to run the mount via my laptop, and would appreciate some advice to make this possible. Here is the equipment that I have:

- Dell laptop (windows vista)
- Stellarium (latest version)
- Belkin USB to serial (RS232) adapter
- Telephone connection to serial cable (came with the mount).

I've come across posts that mention stuff like Shoestring and GPSU something something cables. Will I need additional equipment to make this work?

Looking forward to your reply's.

Cheers

[Moon (James)]

Software : EQMOD, StellariumScope, ASCOM (all free),
Hardware: You should be able to plug that cable into the bottom of the hand controller and the other end into your PC via the USB to serial thing. On the hand controler you select something like ' PC Direct mode'
Get hold of a wireless game pad ( to control the mount) and you are away. I once used a USB Guitar from Guitar hero to control the mount, so try that it you want! You program the buttons in EQMOD.

You can upgrade the cable later if you like.

James

[Logieberra (Logan)]

What!

Are you trying to tell me that I could control this thing from my Xbox 360 hand controller!

http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/943551...acceptable.jpg

Thanks for the details, I found a great article and PDF that may help as well:

http://www.welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php

Will chime back in once I've had a read and a play with the equipment

SWEET!

[BlueAstra (Graham)]

Always plug the USB-Serial adapter into the same laptop USB socket. The laptop assigns a port number to the adapter, which changes if you try another socket. You have to enter the port number into your control software (stellariumscope), so if it changes you lose control.

Download ASCOM and install it first. Once you have a connection with the scope you will need to align it. Slew to a target with Stellarium, then manually centre the scope on the target (using the slew buttons or a gamepad). Then sync the target. Repeat for a couple of other stars and your done.

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

One thing that you must become proficient at is polar alignment, EQmod works very well but it needs to have good polar alignment... and by good i mean to the letter.! Anything less and your gotos will be out by a fair whack, and youll be for ever trying to get things in the FOV.