HEQ5p & TheSky6 software Prob

[astronobob (Bob)]

Hi Astro-lianos : )

I have come across a small ? problem with establishing the Link between the HEQ5p mount and 'TheSky6' Program ? This is a 1st for any type of automation application for me and initially had to sought a driver for the USB2-Serial port adapter for the lead that goes from the heq5 hand paddle to the laptop USB Bus. The driver was successfully installed (windows 7 ) But The Link to Mount is still not happening ? A freind has shown that I need to select the type of telescope , he has the HEQ6p and uses the scope Setup selection of the (Celestron Nextar SLT 60 80 102 114 130) Option because the Heq's are Not in the List and this is the option to use. so, I have come this far and maybe someone may have a suggestion to try or can point me in the right direction ? Probly something very simple, So thanx in advance for any help !

I will be out for the afternoon ?

Thanx again for any advice , !

[astronobob (Bob)]

Found it, Alls good now, time to play and learn ! !

[telemarker (Keith)]

You might want to have a look at EQMOD. It's excellent for the skywatcher mounts.

[astronobob (Bob)]

Ok, Thanx for that Kieth, I must say I am a little behind the times and aquiring aquipment isnt a strong point, $ $ so will keep eqmod in mind if incase I find Sky6 has too many dramas ? ?

Cheers !

[telemarker (Keith)]

EQMOD is the drivers used in conjunction with ascom control software for interfacing between planetarium programs (in your case TheSky6) and the mount. It's free and full of useful goodies. For more info have a look here.

[astronobob (Bob)]

Well Thats a pretty fair call Kieth and appreciated, now I'm procrastinating about EQMOD, Lol.
I've been setting up a new lappy and not finding it easy with getting appropriate drivers, settings ect, All a bit new to me, but have had eventual success over most of it the last couple days .

I had a look at the link (thanx) and have Only one question mate, Hypotheticely, once EQMod is installed, will I need to search for more appropriate Drivers and ascom prog's etc and install them aswell ?

Rgrds

[Barrykgerdes]

The EQ6 , HEQ5 Pro etc GEM mounts have a special drive system that controls two microstep stepping motors. The onboard controller interfaces to the outside world via a TTL level multi bit word in Hex code.

Before the advent of the Synscan controller The EQMOD team develped an interface to the mount using either a RS232 to TTL converter or a USB to RS232 to TTL. It is usually refered to as the EQDIR.

They then develped a program to send the necessary commands to the mount to read its position and move the motors as required. This is the EQMOD program. This program is quite comprehensive and can control the mount extremely well.

The EQMOD can then be controlled from most planetarium programs using the ASCOM interface.

The synscan controller from version 3 uses a standard type of GOTO hand controller similar to the Celestron Nexstar that can control the mount without resorting to the EQMOD interface. The latest Firmware V3.27 can handle the main controls of reading the scope position and sending it to a position from a PC program that uses a sub set of the Celestron nextar protocol (not the full set).

The latest firmware even has a "straight through" position that will allow the EQMOD program to work without the EQDIR cable.

Barry

[telemarker (Keith)]

You would need:

1. Ascom software from here.
2. Tele.api for Thesky5/6 from here.
3. EQMOD

Install these and configure the Tele.api plugin to use EQMOD and your done.
When you run EQMOD you have to point it to the port that your serial/USB converter uses. Connect to the mount with either an EQDirect module or the serial cable plugged into the bottom of the handset. The handset has to be put in "PC Direct" mode before you connect.

[astronobob (Bob)]

Thanx Barry for the overview & Kieth for your direction & Links.
Very handy for when the time comes ?

Rgrds !