First Step on EQMOD learning curve

[pvelez (Pete)]

I must say I flirted with the GPS thingy. Then I found that I can read my lat/long off the GPS built into my crackberry. So I simply enter it manually into EQMOD and off I go.

Pete

[TheDecepticon]

Hi guys! Just a note about EQDIECT & EQ6.(I know you are talking bluetooth, just some added info)
EQMOD is fantastic! I have been using it for quite some time now, and the level of control and functionality it provides are awesome.
I had a lot of trouble with connection through USB to the EQ6 using the Shoestring adapter and a USB to serial cable. It was woeful, continual loss of communication with the mount and reboots of PC's an planetarium software, drove me insane, even with a tested and recommended USB to Serial converter!
I then stumbled upon the fact that you can very easily and cheaply make your own EQ control cable. I think it is on the EQMOD source forge web site, but you need a 5v USB to serial TTL cable, a 9 pin DB connector, shroud and retainer pins. CAREFULLY(very) follow the instructions to solder the right wires to the connector(you can fry your mount), install the drivers and your done. Great control, still a cable, but 100% connection 100% of the time.

Cable
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/ftdi-...ter-cable.html

Must be a 5Volt cable!! Driver link is on this page, too.

Wiring diagram
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MAYGSzZ...ct%20Cable.pdf
(this may be a members only link, sorry, not sure)

Hope this is some help, you don't need to buy a unit from the USA.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by pvelez

I must say I flirted with the GPS thingy. Then I found that I can read my lat/long off the GPS built into my crackberry. So I simply enter it manually into EQMOD and off I go.

Pete

Yeah, I'm not concerned about position... as you say that's easy. Time accuracy is what I want the GPS for.

Originally Posted by TheDecepticon

Hi guys! Just a note about EQDIECT & EQ6.(I know you are talking bluetooth, just some added info)
EQMOD is fantastic! I have been using it for quite some time now, and the level of control and functionality it provides are awesome.
I had a lot of trouble with connection through USB to the EQ6 using the Shoestring adapter and a USB to serial cable. It was woeful, continual loss of communication with the mount and reboots of PC's an planetarium software, drove me insane, even with a tested and recommended USB to Serial converter!
I then stumbled upon the fact that you can very easily and cheaply make your own EQ control cable. I think it is on the EQMOD source forge web site, but you need a 5v USB to serial TTL cable, a 9 pin DB connector, shroud and retainer pins. CAREFULLY(very) follow the instructions to solder the right wires to the connector(you can fry your mount), install the drivers and your done. Great control, still a cable, but 100% connection 100% of the time.

Cable
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/ftdi-...ter-cable.html

Must be a 5Volt cable!! Driver link is on this page, too.

Wiring diagram
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MAYGSzZ...ct%20Cable.pdf
(this may be a members only link, sorry, not sure)

Hope this is some help, you don't need to buy a unit from the USA.

This probably what astronomics have done. I bought one of their USB cables. I preferred to do this to have a single device rather than 3 The alterntive I was considering was wireless).

Al.