HEQ5PRO: Is this normal?

[gmbfilter (Geoff)]

I have nothing but drama. Loaded version 3.23 several times. Keypad locks/freezes, out of control slewing even 360's. Other times it work's well.

I this normal?

Is this the usual sort of operation?

Supplier is waiting new shipment of handsets to try, however is this whwt I can look forward to?

Thanks

[Karls48 (Karl)]

I got HEQ5 Pro for about four months and upgraded handset to V3.21 via USB to Serial converter. Upgrade vas very slow (I forgot Baud rate I had to use) but it worked first time around. So far I did not have any problems with the mount and I’m very happy with its performance.

[SMR (Steve)]

Originally Posted by gmbfilter

Is this the usual sort of operation?

This is not normal. Get your supplier to fix it or get a refund.

Steve.

[RobF (Rob)]

Geoff,

I'm sad to say I'm in the same boat. Seems to be losing the plot multiple times a session, making it very difficult to complete a 3 star alignment. I've tried a battery (17AH starter pack) and 12V3A regulated power supply, so I'm pretty sure it isn't power. MInd you the power plug socket appears very insubstantial - a little wiggle is enough to cause a power reset on my mount.

I thought it might have been cord between the Synscan handset and mount, but can't really reproduce the problem. When it does lock and I power off and reboot, usually get the "Unable to connect with m.c. - stand-alone mode" error.


I got mine through Andrews (who were fantastic actually - hope they're just as good when I phone up about this). Wondering where yours came from?


Rob

[gmbfilter (Geoff)]

Thanks for replies.

From some other threads here there might be a poor batch, I got mine from Bintel They were out of handsets but now have some, I'll pick it up next week.
I'll keep you posted

[RobF (Rob)]

I've had my first troublefree session tonight for many hours. Reversed coiled handset cord and wedged connector on handset end with some plastic (both suggestions from other threads).

Cross fingers just a connection problem for me, but I'll wait a few more sessions before getting excited.

(And will be interested to hear if new handset helps).


Wondering if anyone knows if there is any sort of computer or electronics in the mount itself, or are all the smarts in the handset?

[SMR (Steve)]

Hi Rob

Originally Posted by RobF

Wondering if anyone knows if there is any sort of computer or electronics in the mount itself, or are all the smarts in the handset?

There is definitely driver and other electronics in the mount.

The sorts of problems you are having could be caused by a flaky connector, a bad solder joint, or a host of other manufacturing problems. A new hand controller will not help if the problem is at the mount end. And new firmware won't help at all if it's an electrical problem.

If it persists, take it back ... life's too short.

Steve.

[RobF (Rob)]

Originally Posted by SMR

Hi Rob



There is definitely driver and other electronics in the mount.

The sorts of problems you are having could be caused by a flaky connector, a bad solder joint, or a host of other manufacturing problems. A new hand controller will not help if the problem is at the mount end. And new firmware won't help at all if it's an electrical problem.

If it persists, take it back ... life's too short.

Steve.

Thanks Steve. Reinforces my feeling that if it keeps misbehaving the mount and handset will need to go back. Was expecting an easier handset return would be suggested - hoping I won't have to go there.

[SMR (Steve)]

Originally Posted by RobF

Thanks Steve. Reinforces my feeling that if it keeps misbehaving the mount and handset will need to go back. Was expecting an easier handset return would be suggested - hoping I won't have to go there.

Who can say? The problem might be in the hand controller. But given the number of people in other threads who are reporting problems with the connector on the mount, ...

I'm just glad mine works fine. Well, apart from the fact that three-star alignment stopped working for me two firmware revisions ago, and the version before last broke the user catalogue features so I can't use it. All of these bugs have been reported to Synta, but I've not even had the courtesy of a reply so far.

Steve.