Hi V,
Yeah I've tried the update a number times and it keeps failing part of the way through.
I might try a 3 star alignment on the synscan app first and see how I go.
Just thinking, are you using a usb to serial converter? I found a number of them don't work properly and it was only until I found an old laptop to do the upgrade on my Synscan handset.
If so , it could be that impacting the upgrade - do you have an old laptop with a serial port that could be used if thats the case?
To be honest I've never found any real difference in accuracy between the 3 star, 2 star, and brightest star alignment. I used the brightest star alignment (which still needs 2 stars) on the weekend at it slewed and tracked beautifully all night. I might revisit the 3 star method to see if it's slightly better. Good luck!
I never had a serial cable, the joys of buying used I guess.
I ended up buying an rj45 (I think) to USB so I could use it with a more modern laptop. But as you hinted maybe this could be the problem.
I never had a serial cable, the joys of buying used I guess.
I ended up buying an rj45 (I think) to USB so I could use it with a more modern laptop. But as you hinted maybe this could be the problem.
It might be worth trying again with a dedicated serial port connection - need an old pc or laptop with the serial cable to the handset.
I found I had alot of issues with the usb to serial converter when doing the Synscan updates.
Unfortunately I just don't have an old laptop or computer.
Ive just tried again and now it won't even connect to the hand controller.
I'll throw it out there, if there's anyone in the east or outer east of Melbourne that has the ability to update a V5 handset and is willing to help me out, please let me know.
I just tested with an old pc and serial cable to upgrade my Syncscan handset.
I had the firmware downloaded onto the c:\ drive
Firmware loader 3.5 for v4
The connection is flaky, and the instructions are off. I found you need to connect the serial cable into the handset and power from the goto dob for the handset to get it working.
I then held 0 and 8 buttons to get the synscan update screen, showed version 2.4.
Then i tested connectivity with the firmware loader by checking handset version. The version I had onthe v4 handset prior to starting was 4.39.03.
I then turned everything off and repowered on holding 0 and 8 and then used the firmware loader to browse for the firmware file. Once done I click update and it showed the handset updating to 80% and then it goes update complete straight away. Version of the hand controller shows 4.39.21 now.
Testing the handset i can set latitude and longitiude, elevation , date and time and daylight savings and begin alignment.
It will plug into the handset and then when you turn the goto dob it will say gps found and do its gps searching and then set the date/time and location details. You have to input the timezone and if its daylight saving.
It wouldn't be worth currently to buy one if you don't have one - it is to test.
I have one of those gps units i use with my synscan handset.
