Updating a SynScan controller

prova · #1 03-08-2008, 10:20 AM

Looking to update my SynScan version from 3.12 to the current 3.23 however the instructions talk about a power supply and COM port cable which I definitely don't remember receiving with my mount, can someone who frequently does SynScan updates please clarify ..

Thanks

davewaldo · #2 03-08-2008, 10:41 AM

I've not actually updated my controller, but I believe the power cable that you use for the mount can plug directly into the controller. And you should have received a beige serial cable with your mount to connect it to the computer.

If your computer doesn't have a serial port, you will need a USB to serial adapter.

Good luck.

marki · #3 03-08-2008, 12:08 PM

G'day

I have done mine once but not without some drama. You should have got two cables with the mount, a serial and power chord. Plug the power chord into the hand controller and attach to a power source. The serial/RS232 plugs into the slot next to where you normally attach the mount cable and the serial end into your computer. You will need to download the firmware updater from the Skywatcher site. You have to press 8 or 0 (can't remember, look at the manual) to get the controller into update mode.

This is where I had a problem. As I do not have a serial port on my computer I attached a serial to USB converter and ran the most up to date firmware updater which wiped the controller then froze and stopped working. When I tried to initialise the controller, nothing happened, no power etc. I checked the power supply, chord etc to no avail, the controller was dead. As it was new I took it back and got another one. I then tried to update and the same thing happened. No life in the controller what so ever. I tried pressing the 0 or 8 button and the controller came back to life in update mode so I tried to update again with the same result. This was really peeing me off as I often update my meade scopes using the same usb to serial adapter and have not had a single problem.

I went back to the skywatcher site and downloaded the previous version of the update firmware and tried this. It ran right the way through and informed me it had finished. When I tried to reboot the controller, no go, it was the same as last time. Eventually I found a computer with a serial port and when I used this along with the older update firmware it worked. Has anyone else had this problem???

Mark

iceman (Mike) · #4 03-08-2008, 01:56 PM

Am I right in assuming I can't go from 2.05 to the newest without actually getting a new controller?

prova · #5 03-08-2008, 02:25 PM

Thanks guys, I'll have another look for those cables and give it a go.

Mike - yep unfortunately, the hand controller needs to be version 3

Starkler (Geoff) · #6 03-08-2008, 02:40 PM

My simple advice when flashing the firmware is to do whatever it takes to get the mount sitting next to a pc with a REAL hardware serial rs232 port.

Every instance that I have heard of people having issues is when they try using a usb-serial adapter. These things are a diabolical source of headaches and issues, where they work with some applications and not others. I doubt there are any on the market that will work with every serial application.

marki · #7 03-08-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Am I right in assuming I can't go from 2.05 to the newest without actually getting a new controller?

I think so. The V3 controller is different than the V2 in that the firmware can be upgraded. Correct me if I am wrong. I have not seen the V3 controller for sale on its own in a while but bintel used to have them. Only going from memory here but they were very expensive at least twice as much as the meade 497's and even more than the wireless austostar 2 controllers. Cant figure that one out as the meade controllers are miles in front of the synscans.

Mark

marki · #8 03-08-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

My simple advice when flashing the firmware is to do whatever it takes to get the mount sitting next to a pc with a REAL hardware serial rs232 port.

The only problem is this type of port is not supplied with motherboards or laptops anymore. It is old technology and manufacturers sell more when they offer 8+ USB2 ports rather then cutting down to include serial ports. Unless you have an old banger around you really have few options in this area. When I looked at Peter Wards website he lists the Nport USB to serial converter as a good option. I am going to hunt one of these down as both my mounts and focuser use the serial port. I just wish telescope manufactures would get the idea and move to USB2 which would remove the problem entirely.

Mark

Merlin66 (Ken) · #9 03-08-2008, 04:00 PM

The KeySpan USB-Serial works 100% with my Synscan/ AstroPlanner/ The Sky/ Meade LX200 etc.
Never let me down.

prova · #10 04-08-2008, 10:40 AM

Can't find the cables and I'm usually not one that looses things. Can someone please take a pic of what should come with the controller/mount?

Thanks

Glenhuon (Bill) · #11 04-08-2008, 07:18 PM

These are the cables that came with my Synscan. Beige one connects between the hand controller and computer serial (RS232) port. The power cable should be connected to the hand controller too, not the motor drive box, when updating the firmware. Press 8 then 0 to enter update mode on the controller. Instructions in the book are pretty clear if you follow them exactly.
Update on mine went OK.

Cheers
Bill

prova · #12 05-08-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenhuon

These are the cables that came with my Synscan. Beige one connects between the hand controller and computer serial (RS232) port. The power cable should be connected to the hand controller too, not the motor drive box, when updating the firmware. Press 8 then 0 to enter update mode on the controller. Instructions in the book are pretty clear if you follow them exactly.
Update on mine went OK.

Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill