Anyone tried a USB Direct Interface Cable for EQ6? - Page 2

AlexN · #21 06-02-2009, 01:51 PM

yep... a game pad is the go... I bought the corded logitech one, and have since wished I shelled out the extra money for cordless... the less cords the better...

RobF (Rob) · #22 10-02-2009, 09:38 PM

Hmmm. You guys have me interested now. Just wondering how you soldered the USB/TTL cable to RJ45? Presumeably a cat5 cable which you chopped the end off to get access to the wires (and save buying crimping tool etc to connect the RJ45?).

Ta,
Robert

peter_4059 (Peter) · #23 10-02-2009, 09:46 PM

Hi Rob,

The EQ6 has a DB9 connector so soldering is quite simple (only 3 wires to connect to the 9 pin connector) For HEQ5 and the RJ45 connection you can do as you suggest or use a crimping tool (I bought one as RJ11, 12 and 45 are common astro connectors). Troy has an HEQ5 - not sure how he went about making the connection?

In terms of EQMOD - I'm not looking back!

I'm also in Brisbane and happy to crimp a plug for you if you decide to go that way.

RobF (Rob) · #24 10-02-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Hi Rob,

The EQ6 has a DB9 connector so soldering is quite simple (only 3 wires to connect to the 9 pin connector) For HEQ5 and the RJ45 connection you can do as you suggest or use a crimping tool (I bought one as RJ11, 12 and 45 are common astro connectors). Troy has an HEQ5 - not sure how he went about making the connection?

In terms of EQMOD - I'm not looking back!

I'm also in Brisbane and happy to crimp a plug for you if you decide to go that way.

Thanks for offer re crimping Peter. I've only just ordered a USB/TTL cable, so still early days. Funny how they put DB9 on the EQ6s and RJ45 on HEQ5s.

Other thing I'm wondering about is if it would be ok to put the USB end into my unpowered usb hub that currently runs 450D, shoestring USB and webcam for guiding. Expected I'd just have to try it and see - just a bit tidier every cable you save running all the way back to the PC. Extra length of some cat 5 soldered on to the usb/ttl could be handy if USB hub doesn't work.

EQMOD certainly sounds intriguing, and appeals to the tinkerer in me!....

troypiggo (Troy) · #25 11-02-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobF

Hmmm. You guys have me interested now. Just wondering how you soldered the USB/TTL cable to RJ45? Presumeably a cat5 cable which you chopped the end off to get access to the wires (and save buying crimping tool etc to connect the RJ45?).

Ta,
Robert

Hi Rob. You don't chop/solder the cable for the RJ45 connection. You can buy one with bare wire ends already. I have a crimping tool and RJ45 plugs already for computer stuff. If you like, I can help you with it. I'm in Brisbane.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #26 11-02-2009, 07:35 AM

Rob,

I've tried the cable through my powered USB HUB and it works fine. Not sure about unpowered hub but I assume it depends on the length of cables and how much current each usb device is drawing.

What shoestring device are you using? If it is the GPUSB you can guide direct through the EQMOD cable so won't need to use a GPUSB.

Peter

RobF (Rob) · #27 11-02-2009, 07:04 PM

Thanks again Troy and Peter for the info. I'll definitely give a yell if I get into strife.

I should have said its a GPUSB, so will have to play with EQMOD pulse guiding etc when the time comes......!

bmitchell82 (Brendan) · #28 12-02-2009, 11:24 PM

to my understanding of eqmod, you can do away with all the gpusb and all the other crud.

i use the wireless logitech rumble pad, and it works a absolute treat. almost a plug and play event. using PHD i can route guide movements back though the serial cable. if it can move the mount normally, it should be able to control it for guiding.

currently i use the serial to usb connection 35 bucks from a local computer shop

mount --> hand controller ---> rj12/serial cable (supplied)---> serial -->usb--->PC.

i can get rid of the hand controller compleately if i wish but i leave it on so i can jump out into hand controller mode for those nights where things just don't work

StevenA (Steven) · #29 19-02-2009, 01:30 PM

I bought a cable for mine at Bintel but got the wrong one. I got the USB cable which connects the handset to the computer instead of the mount to the computer. Actually it was there fault as they gave me the wrong one, but I would have needed it anyway to download the newer firmware. I will be going back to buy the correct cable soon I hope. Oh well. At leats I can buy these things as my soldering skills have a lot to be desired,. I am completely inept at it. LOL.

RobF (Rob) · #30 22-02-2009, 03:59 PM

D'oh!.....now I've EQMOD going, but handset refuses to talk to the mount (no link to M.C. error). Found out the hard way at Cambroon last night.

Oh well, I'd planned to go 98% EQMOD anyway, just didn't expect the doors behind me to close. I've tried a couple of cables - will have to try refreshing the handset firmware next when I get access to a serial port. Hope I haven't done anything to the mount. EQMOD seems fine - trouble is I can only work 20% of it at the moment....
Wasn't going to rush into a gamepad, but better get that sorted now I s'pose. Does seem good, even though a bit cryptic in the interface here and there.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #31 22-02-2009, 05:03 PM

If you are usine EQmod through the handset you need to place the handset in pc direct mode - I assume this then means the handset doesn't function. I guess this is why people end up with a gamepad. Mine is working great!

RobF (Rob) · #32 22-02-2009, 08:04 PM

No - using USB/TTL cable with serial interface built in, so don't need the handset. EQMOD seems happy, but HS on its own not happy any more. Must be jealous!.....

peter_4059 (Peter) · #33 22-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Now I'm with you - I came to the same conclusion pretty quick. You still need a hand controller while you are peering through the finder - get a game pad - it's a lot more flexible than the synscan handpaddle.

Peter