Heq5pro Slewing Problem - Page 4

RobF (Rob) · #61 21-08-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tandum

My EQ6 arrived today so I now have a spare handset and controller to see what makes a difference. Unfortunately, due to my broken foot, I'm still not allowed to walk for another month

Hope you're mobile again soon. Telescope problems are bad enough.

Try not to kick your EQ6 this time around?!

Tandum (Robin) · #62 22-08-2008, 01:53 AM

Pain in the arse/foot to say the least. The foot doesn't hurt, the surgeon cut all the nerves, it's numb.

BC · #63 05-07-2009, 02:42 PM

I've been having the occasional out-of-control (OOC) slewing with my EQ6 Pro. After reading a lot about it on the Astrolounge site they talked about it being voltage related, so I swapped from my Super Cheap jump pack to the 13.8V Dick Smith 23A (yes, overkill) unit. Things have improved a lot, but I still get one major OOC each night, with a quick power-off to stop it hitting the tripod; so regulated voltage is good but ain't everything. Can I get one of these cat 6 patch cables with the phone type connector at one end and the serial connector at the other? How sure are people that it is the connection cable vs the handset vs the software.

On a brighter note, the goto's are fantastic. Just reminding people that the goto is simply a mathematical calculation and if using the scope for visual, polar aligning and detailed levelling just aren't that necessary. I put it down pointing roughly south and roughly level and do a 3 star alignment. The objects land in the FOV at 60x which keeps me happy; until it slews wildly of course, which is why I jumped in on this thread.

Thoughts welcome,
Bruce

pjphilli (Peter) · #64 05-07-2009, 05:38 PM

Hi Bruce
This is a "blast from the past" as it is exactly a year since I complained about problems with my HEQ5Pro. I guess you have followed up on this thread where it appears that others were having problems with power or leads or software.
I eventually solved my problem by reloading the latest HEQ5Pro firmware and the mount has performed perfectly since. I was also able to replace the silly short curly cord with a 2 metre Cat5e Patch lead. Simple with this mount which has RJ45 connectors at both ends. I understand that for some reason the EQ6 has an RJ45 at one end and a type D? connector at the other end.
Why they didn't go the whole hog and put type D at both ends as it is a far better connector for this purpose than the RJ45. I have looked in my Jcar catalogue (which is pretty comprehensive re cords) and I am unable to see a RJ45/Serial cable cord or an adaptor so you may have to get one wired up being careful to replicate the original cord's pin to pin connections.
My impression is that power supplies are not a problem so long as you have a properly regulated one capable of delivering the required current
(2amps for the HEQ5Pro). I have actually run my HEQ5Pro on a regulated power supply with only 1amp max capacity without problems.
Have you tried downloading the latest EQ6 firmware? The instructions should be in your handbook and it is quite an easy task - at least for the EQ5.
Sorry I can't be of more help as I realise how frustrating your problem is considering my early experience with my HEQ5.
Cheers Peter

RobF (Rob) · #65 05-07-2009, 09:30 PM

Yes - the (un) happy memories are all coming back to me...!
The Synta mounts seem to be reliable workhorses for most people Bruce, but any of the things you listed can infrequently cause people problems. Intermittent failures can be very frustrating to encounter and troubleshoot. My suggestions in order would be:

1. Try latest firmware (maybe...see below)
2. Cable - anyone you could swap with nearby with a reliable EQ6?
3. Handset - you pretty well have to take it back if in warranty, or replace
4. EQMOD - I use my laptop and EQMOD freeware software now to control the scope. You still have to much around with cables, interfaces, game controllers etc though

I said maybe for 1 because most PCs now don't have serial ports and some people get into all sorts of trouble finding a compatable USB/serial interface that works.

pjphilli (Peter) · #66 07-07-2009, 01:40 PM

Hi Rob
I noticed an occasional mention of the EQMOD software. What are the advantages of changing to this software?
Cheers Peter

BC · #67 07-07-2009, 09:10 PM

Hi,

I spoke with the store I bought the EQ6 from (NVT in WA) about the intermittent uncontrolled slewing and they put me straight onto the technician in Sydney. The technician checked on my power supply and reckoned it would be very unlikely to be in the cables, but more likely in the hand controller or motherboard. He decided that it was easier to send me a motherboard to fit myself than do all the shipping business. I only spoke with him yesterday lunchtime and there's a replacement motherboard in the letter box this afternoon......astounding service.

Keen to try it out.

On the EQMOD stuff; I only do visual at this stage and I enjoy moving a little this way or than while viewing; I'm intrigued how EQMOD does this without holding a laptop in my hands while looking down the focuser?

Bruce

RobF (Rob) · #68 08-07-2009, 09:20 PM

EQMOD really only starts to make sense if you always take your laptop out the field with you. I do now I've been bitten badly by the imaging bug. In particular it has some nice control over tracking (you can set the sensitivity of the pulse guiding, and don't have to use a Shoestring USB model through the ST4 port). You do really need some sort of controller (like a wireless gamepad) otherwise yes you will end up trying to use your mouse or keyboard from the eyepiece, which isn't really a goer.

There are threads here on it, and I'm happy to explain more if people are interested.

I was never really at home with my keypad even after I got it going. Typical set up for me now is to have Starry Night controlling slews and Gotos, EOS software controlling remote shooting of the 450D, Notepad open for details of shots I'm attempting, Guidemaster or Phd for guiding, and various software for assisting with polar alignment. Usually behaves very well on a 2nd hand laptop running XP.

RobF (Rob) · #69 08-07-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC

Hi,

I spoke with the store I bought the EQ6 from (NVT in WA) about the intermittent uncontrolled slewing and they put me straight onto the technician in Sydney. The technician checked on my power supply and reckoned it would be very unlikely to be in the cables, but more likely in the hand controller or motherboard. He decided that it was easier to send me a motherboard to fit myself than do all the shipping business. I only spoke with him yesterday lunchtime and there's a replacement motherboard in the letter box this afternoon......astounding service.

Keen to try it out.

On the EQMOD stuff; I only do visual at this stage and I enjoy moving a little this way or than while viewing; I'm intrigued how EQMOD does this without holding a laptop in my hands while looking down the focuser?

Bruce

That does sound like great service Bruce! Hope that board fixes all your troubles.

pjphilli (Peter) · #70 09-07-2009, 01:27 PM

Re EQ5MOD. Thanks Rob. I usually align on two stars with the EQ5 paddle then go over to Starry Night to chase my objects for the night. EQ5MOD looks like a possibility for the future. I will do a search for other threads and possibly get back to you with further questions sometime in the future!
Cheers Peter

BC · #71 14-08-2009, 10:21 PM

Just a quick follow-up on the out-of-control slewing on the EQ6 Pro. The change of motherboard didn't really fix it so the service guy swapped my hand controller for a different one. It hasn't done a thing wrong since then which is fantastic. It makes viewing a pleasure again instead of a hit-and-miss frustration.

Bruce