Tracking test with borrowed hand controller.
9 subs between 90 and 165 secs. @1600. Unguided.
Looks like my H/C is stuffed; the two star alignment process without all the bizarre error readings was a joy.
raymo
i didn't know you have been having issues with your tracking. sounds like something was wrong with the HC. nice to have solved the problem! but not sure how exy they are to replace!
That's great news Raymo! I guess it will actually be cheaper to go eqmod than buy a replacement controller. All you will need is the shoestring USB to serial cable / box to attach your laptop to the mount. The eqascom driver software is free and easy to install, I use Cartes du Ciel and it talks directly to the mount. Best of all, no need to input time and location etc. Do it once and its good to go for all future sessions.
Cheers,
Bruce.
I think that I'm going to have to replace the H/C Bruce. After looking in
detail at the process of getting EQMOD up and running, I can only say that it is utterly beyond me. I bought Backyard EOS a while back, and can't be bothered with it. Same goes for Creative Cloud. It sits in my comp unused. I got about 25 pages into "PS for Astronomy" before my eyes glazed over.
raymo
Last edited by raymo; 24-02-2015 at 12:59 AM.
Reason: more text
Ha ha I had the same reaction when I looked into it and I used to be a Cobol programmer - it seems overly complex in the hairshirt sort of way. Many of these 'open systems' seem to build a layer of 'ludites need not apply' into their setup.
Raymo, which HC have you currently got ?
If it's the right one I'd be interested in purchasing it because mines got a partially dud screen due to some internal damage ( drop kicked ! ).
Could maybe offset a bit of your purchase price.
BYE is quite easy to use really. Just take each step for each function as you go. Probably the friendliest of all the Astro apps I reckon.
Hi Brent, it's a V.3 as far as I recall, with 3.35 installed. I'm trying to
persuade SWMBO to let me get a new one; until then I can still use it
for visual . I'll make some enquiries and contact you by PM.
raymo.
To be honest, i was worried about using eqmod but it didnt take long to work out in the end once I'd made the decision.
The hitecastro cable is a lot cheaper than the new HC
Hi Jen, Yes I think it is the same one. I have managed to get a new
V.4 H/C for a fantastic price, and have sold my defective one to a member who needs the display from it, so I am only about $55
out of pocket, so will not bother with EQMOD. At my age it is bad enough
having to lug it all outside, and polar align every time, without needing
a table and a laptop, and power for it. I have mains power for my camera, and an intervalometer, so have all I need. I can't even be bothered with BYEOS that I bought.
raymo
