EQDIR to serial connection vs EQDIR-USB ??

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

I currently run my NEQ6 using a Shoestring EQ6-USB2 cable to a pc. Have been having some annoying usb dropouts, which although probably related to the USB extension cable and hub i'm using, often cause Stellarium Scope to lose connection with the mount. Often the only way to recover from this is to restart the pc and start again - a major PITA when you're in the middle of an imaging session. I would also like to start using PEC, and I gather random dropouts will mean that I will need to retrain the PEC as the pc will no longer know what the worm position is.

Anyway, apart from addressing the usb extension cord and hub issue I'm wondering if I would have a more stable connection between mount and pc if I used a EQDIR adapter to connect the mount to an actual physical serial COM port rather than using the EQ6-USB cable (which includes the USB-serial adapter) ?? So even if I had a usb issue (say with the guide camera) my connection to the mount will still be maintained.

Anyone have any insights on this?

[2stroke (Jay)]

You should be ok pending distance of serial connection because noise is a factor and i think its a 15m limit max but at god knows what baud rate and cable. I would be checking over your usb connection, maybe a dodgy hub, dry joint or directeq cable is dodgy. Bluetooth is another option and wifi if distance is needed I just use a eqdirect usb and haven't had any issues but arn't running over 2.5meters so can't say much.