ASCOM Assistance

[gbeal]

Righto team, I need some help please.
I have an AP400GTO and it connects to the PC via the serial port, and is normally operated via TheSky (V6 Prof). So far so good.
Of late I have been using PHD, as I always wanted an education.
When I connect I specify AP goto or similar and it connects, although it tells me that the mount does not support pulse guiding, whatever that is.
PHD works well and to date I have only used the ToUcam, but will get something better in the not too distant future.
So, as long as I don't want to run TheSky, AND PHD at the same time all is well. When I do I get a message telling me I can't, as the port is already in use.
Now I know that it is something I have done, or not done somewhere along the way, but can some of you bright sparks help here please. Either via this thread, to help fellow clowns like me, or via PM. Don't be afraid, spell it out one step at a time, so I can use the gear like it was meant to be used.
Cheers
Gary

[JohnG (John)]

Hi Gary

I don't know if this of any help or not as I am not familiar with the AP400 mount, some autoguiders these days, Q-Guider, Orion the one sold by Gama have a direct connection to an ST-4 compatable port on your mount, as I said, I don't know if your mount has one of these. My Gemini and Digital Drive controllers do, I just plug the guide cable straight in and specify in PHD that the mount is controlled by the camera, I can run Star Atlas Pro while PHD is up and running, to date, I have had no problems running DSLRFocus, Star Atlas Pro and PHD all together.

Another way, once again, if you have an ST-4 compatable port, is to use a GPUSB and cable from Shoestring Astronomy, use a spare USB port and specify in PHD that you are using a GPUSB, I have tried this with both of my mounts and it works fine, once again with the 3 above programs running.

Cheers

[gbeal]

Hi John,
Hmmmmmmm, thank you. The mount controller does indeed have the ST4 style RJ11 input, but in the case of the ToUcam it is USB only. If I end up with something other than the ToUcam, like the Q-Guider, then yes I will use the ST4 input.
More research need for me.

[JohnG (John)]

Just to add a bit to what I said, the Gemini equiped mount is controlled by the ASCOM platform vide Star Atlas Pro, DSLRFocus is independant and, although, PHD can be controlled by ASCOM, I don't use it.

I don't know the in's and out's of ASCOM but could you use the POTH function .

Cheers

[gbeal]

News Flash,
just tried a few things and initially I had been hitting the wall.
I then tried a few other things, one of them being to tick the Pulse Guide box in the properties section of TheSky, and what do you know it seems to all connect. Can't try it in anger as it is just short of raining, but I will next clear night.
All looks good, so thanks John for all your help.
Gary

[g__day (Matthew)]

Gary,

Good news! Can I also suggest you get acquainted with Laurie Yates laurie@lyates.com who seems to have taken over ASCOM driver development from Bob Denny! He's done some great changes for me.

Also check you are using ASCOM 5a (not 4.x) as this better support pulse guides across a range of drivers, reports sky position better

Matt

[gbeal]

Matt,
OK, will do. It is hosing down here, and while ordinarily I would grizzle about this, we sure need the rain. Until I can actually try it for real I am sitting tight, but it seems to boot up OK.
I have the latest download, and I am pretty sure this is V5.
Thanks
Gary

[rsbfoto]

HI,

So basically what you want to do is share the serial port between your planetarium program and your autoguiding program, correct ?

I read you use PHD. I do not know if PHD is ASCOM ready but if yes it is easy to share your serial port.

In both programs use POTH from ASCOM and then on PHD and The Sky configure POTH for the corresponding mount.

[gbeal]

Hello Rainer.
I think I have it working now, but thank you for your help. I'll sure be back if I don't quite have it going as planned.
Gary