PMX connection advice-error 213

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Greetings. I have recently acquired a very good condition PMX but am having issues with software connections. I have troubleshooted this with the Software Bisque forum and have had some basic advice, plus some PM advice from here, but am getting nowhere.
The issue relates to both trying to connect the mount with either a Mac book Pro and a Windows 7 lappie- both have the same error (213-)
I essence I can connect the mount ok, and it detects the driver (windows =MKS 5000 USB driver/ mac should have native driver) and detects the correct com port etc
Then it gives me the option to "home" which I say yes to as this is trying to set the mount up for the first time (well about the fifth time now!)
The mount slews then I get an error of communications timed out then the error =213 poor communication/connection automatically terminated.
This happens with both computers, it also happens with different USB cables, with or without a powered hub, in different USB ports on the same computer (either direct or via hub), with nothing else running but TheSkyX Pro and nothing else plugged in.
All the leads are secure.
I have tried with the daily build updates, and also deleting all the files off the lappie then re-installing from the disc.
I am waiting further advice from SB as I have posted again there but would appreciate anyone who has come across this on IIS who could help me out.
The Comm ports I have checked and there is no conflicts.
The software is up to date- all my OS are recent and valid.
What else can I do?
Thanks for any tips
Graham.

[PRejto (Peter)]

It's a real pity that this isn't solved yet!

When you say the mount slews, do you mean it starts to slew and then doesn't complete the slew to the home position? If so, perhaps the mount is hanging up on one of the internal cables. Have you added any "through the mount cables" at all? Did the mount come stock, or used? If the latter, perhaps a cable was added and now causes the hangup? If you put both axis in unlocked position and move the mount around do you detect any binding or noise in the housing? What happens if you command the mount to go to home with the mount in the unlocked position? If I do that on mine the motors run but of course the mount doesn't slew. I don't know if they run forever or time out after a while but it might help figure out what is going on.

Sorry, but if just sending the command to slew causes the error message I really don't have an idea other than to wonder if the board is ok?

Peter

[baileys2611 (Simon Bailey)]

Hi Graham,

It must be frustrating, I had the same issue when connecting my cameras to the PMX in-build USB hub. Seemed to me that the comms from the cameras were 'overriding' the settings in Windows 7 for ports - this is a bad driver issue unfortunately and not something that I think SB can solve because when I un-plug my cameras from the PMX hub and use a trhird-party USB2.0 hub (powered, D-link 7 port hub) it all works without a glitch.

The trouble-shooting I went though was:

1. First to disconnect everything, remove the PMX device from device-manager, un-install TheSkyX ('TSX') and then re-install the software and driver from scratch. I then plugged the PMX directly in to the PC (no hub in-between) and tested it. Worked fine.

2. I then plugged in my cameras and the problem re-surface, so I went back to step 1 (un-install and re-install).

3. I then plugged in the usb hub and tested the mount. Worked ok.

4. Then plugged in one camera to the hub and tested. Worked ok.

5. Plugged in the second camera to the hub and tested. Worked ok.

After doing that, I'm conscious that changes to the configuration of what is plugged in where could cause this to happen again - to me it seems a fragile peace with the equipment but it will last as long as I don't change things around. Not the best solution because it means I can't use the hub on the PMX the way it was designed - but I don't think that this can be fixed unless all the manufacturers are squished together in a room to get their programming working properly.

In the future, I might get some equipment that is listed on the SB site as being supported by TSX, that might increase my options, but that's a budget issue and separate to getting it all working in the first place.

Last option I could suggest would be the power supply. If the mount is connecting and then stopping mid-way it could be that there's something in the power supply that is causing the mount to throw random errors around...

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

I Have no internal cables at all and they are securely out of the way. The mount is switched to the track position at start up. (The Star symbol).
The mount slews to the West then disconnects.
The DEC light is blinking slightly as opposed to the constant RA light.
I am now re installing the software for the third time.
Fingers crossed.
Graham.

[gregbradley]

That means something physically is stalling and you are getting nowhere because most likely it isn't a software issue but a hardware issue.

I have seen time outs from a stall. It stalls and the Sky X shows a time out error. The Sky 6 never dropped out on me once but the Sky X is different and when there is an issue it bails out.

It may be the old cam pin adjustment is still not coming out of the factory just right and you are getting a physical stall.
One thing - try exercising the mount - 50 times. That is an option in the TCS. See if it will do that and it may loosen and seat everything in a bit better.

If it physically stalls or you get a time out it probably means it stalled and then that shows up as a time out.

As I recall thats what I saw when mine stalled during the adjustments of the cam pin and the 2 threaded rods on either side of the pin. These adjust the tension and they are to be 2.25 to 2.5 turns open from fully screwed in. Then adjust the cam as per the SB adjusting the cam PDF then try it out. Not enough and the gears slip, too much and it stalls.


I am happy to guide you through this step. Also there is an excellent video by Chris Venter showing the steps for adjusting the cam.

Greg.

[PRejto (Peter)]

Originally Posted by graham.hobart

I Have no internal cables at all and they are securely out of the way. The mount is switched to the track position at start up. (The Star symbol).
The mount slews to the West then disconnects.
The DEC light is blinking slightly as opposed to the constant RA light.
I am now re installing the software for the third time.
Fingers crossed.
Graham.

Well, not to be pedantic about this, but there are cables running inside the mount whether you put them there or not. It is possible that a factory cable has moved or is binding. Do both axis move freely when you move the mount by hand?

I think Greg is correct re the DEC axis. Something is physically wrong. It could be a cable inside, or the cam pin.

Peter

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

thanks guys- I will have a look at the internal organisation later.
Greg when you say exercising what do you mean? press the exercise mount button? Will this work if the mount is not homed and therefore not able to be moved by joystick or PC?
The mount doesn't feel like it is binding at all when I move it by hand
I have looked at the cam pin adjustment on line - will hold that for later!
Thanks
graham

[Visionoz (Bill)]

Why not ask the previous owner about whether there was such an error before?

Anyway hope you get it sorted out soon!! Nothing worse than having a "new" toy that you cannot play with!

HTH
Cheers
Bill

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Previous owner never even unpacked it so I have the "teething issues"!

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by graham.hobart

thanks guys- I will have a look at the internal organisation later.
Greg when you say exercising what do you mean? press the exercise mount button? Will this work if the mount is not homed and therefore not able to be moved by joystick or PC?
The mount doesn't feel like it is binding at all when I move it by hand
I have looked at the cam pin adjustment on line - will hold that for later!
Thanks
graham

The exercise mount option is a software option.
You should be able to reference it in the manual but its in the TCS.
So click on the TCS and look at some of the options in the TCS. One of them is to exercise the mount. You can enter how many slews you want it to do and hit start and it slews it from one side to the other for that many times.

Its good for seating things after an adjustment.

The PMX is a good mount once its all up and running. Unfortunately the early adopters often got one that was not mature and had bugs. The cam, the black belt pulleys, possibly worms that did not meet specs.

Hopefully that is sorted now and the latest shipments are free of this sort of thing.

Is this from the first initial run of mounts?

Greg.

Greg.

[roughy (Mark)]

Graham
When exercising the mount be sure to check any cables at the rear of the versa plate are well clear. The mount will slew past horizontal in both axes during an exercise and cables looping or dangling from the rear of the plate can get jammed on the dec motor housing and ruined........I know.
Mark

[rat156]

Originally Posted by graham.hobart

Previous owner never even unpacked it so I have the "teething issues"!

Hi Graham,

If it's one of the first ones delivered to Aus, then check the drive belts. I have a long thread on the SBSC forums on the trials I had with the black drive belts. Get some new grey ones from SB and install them before doing anything else.

Cheers
Stuart

[SpaceNoob (Chris)]

very strange error, I'm running mine on OSX (macbook pro). On windows I've not seen this issue either. Seeing as these mounts are effectively a computer, start fault finding from the physical layer, in this case like has been mentioned, cables.... this includes USB connections to the actual mount, check the cable interface and cable itself for defects or debris/oxidation that could impact conductivity.

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

I've tried two different cables and two different computers- Max OSX and Windows 7.
The cable thing seems unlikely as I am connecting no problem- it always connects - but it's when asked to home and the thing starts physically moving that it crashes. I have tried securing the cables - no change.
I favour a physical impediment that is stalling the motors then it is disconnecting as a safety issue.
I will play more tonight even though it looks like glorious clear skies (again!!)
Will keep you posted
(either that or I will be getting my cgem back out)

[baileys2611 (Simon Bailey)]

I remember reading that if its impeded from movement, it will let out a high pitch beep. Do you get the beeps when it starts up, then when moving does it let out any beeps at all?

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

I fear I have a DEC motor issue- it does not work with the retry of software etc
Additionally there is only one beep on starting so I assume the dec light is flickering as it is failing ti initiate therefore stalling. I have adjusted the cam pin with no difference.
So now I have taken it all off the pier and will look at the internal cables etc

grrrrrrr!

[PRejto (Peter)]

I think you should be pleased that the problem is narrowing down! Perhaps you will find something simple like a plug not in a connector properly.

I have not been looking at the SB site recently. Have you posted the fact that the mount is not initializing properly? That is an issue they can help you diagnose.

Peter

[PRejto (Peter)]

Originally Posted by PRejto

I think you should be pleased that the problem is narrowing down! Perhaps you will find something simple like a plug not in a connector properly.

I have not been looking at the SB site recently. Have you posted the fact that the mount is not initializing properly? That is an issue they can help you diagnose.

Peter

Graham,

I see that you have posted at SB, but no responses yet. I wonder if you happened to read through this post? There seem to be a lot of similarities to your problem: http://www.bisque.com/sc/forums/t/18099.aspx

Peter

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Yes I read that also, so I am going to use that as a guide for looking for errors. Although I think the end of that thread there was no resolution.
So I will follow the take down the DEC bits and see what happens.
Have to say to take a picture last night I had to take down the PMX, unbolt the custom pier I had, then put it all back inside, then put my old pier back up and bolted, put the CGEM back on it, put the scopes back on and then re-calibrate everything.
is a testament to my dedication that I actually only started taking piccies at 2.30am.
After being outside since 7.30pm.
This better be worth it.
Anyone else ?

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by graham.hobart

Yes I read that also, so I am going to use that as a guide for looking for errors. Although I think the end of that thread there was no resolution.
So I will follow the take down the DEC bits and see what happens.
Have to say to take a picture last night I had to take down the PMX, unbolt the custom pier I had, then put it all back inside, then put my old pier back up and bolted, put the CGEM back on it, put the scopes back on and then re-calibrate everything.
is a testament to my dedication that I actually only started taking piccies at 2.30am.
After being outside since 7.30pm.
This better be worth it.
Anyone else ?

It'll be worth it in the end. I hope you got it for a good price to account for your troubles. AP mounts are looking better and better!

Its probably something stupid like a loose plug for the motor as in that thread on SB.

SB made a mistake letting out PMX's too early and too many have QC issues. A bit like the Nikon D600. I guess its hard investing everything in the new product and no doubt are desparate to get some income back in.

It'll make customers think twice next time and maybe pass them over for an AP mount.

Greg.