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jcely7
super member
Reged: 10/21/07
Loc: Minnesota
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eq6 computer connection
#3185017 - 06/27/09 01:35 AM
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i recently aquired a skywatcher eq6 goto which included EQDIR shoestring mod, but my laptop does not have a serial port. My question is, can i use one of those cheap USB to serial adapters to control my new mount via the computer?
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scout72
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/12/08
Loc: SF Bay Area
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: jcely7]
#3185020 - 06/27/09 01:39 AM
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Yes indeedy you can- the EQDIR module is doing the hard work, RS232 to USB connection is standard.
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neptun2
professor emeritus
Reged: 03/04/07
Loc: Bulgaria
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: scout72]
#3185072 - 06/27/09 03:28 AM
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You can but not all usb t oserial converters will work ok. You can look at the eqmod yahoo group.There you can find a list of converters which are tested and the results. I recommend to use converters based on prolific pl2303 or FTDI chipset.
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scout72
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/12/08
Loc: SF Bay Area
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: neptun2]
#3185077 - 06/27/09 03:43 AM
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Here is the one I have used successfully:
rs232 to usb
$15 product, company is in Spokane, WA
Keep in mind this is a short cable, so either your serial cable needs to be longer or you will need an extension on either the serial or USB side. (either of which is only a few bucks)
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neptun2
professor emeritus
Reged: 03/04/07
Loc: Bulgaria
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: scout72]
#3185081 - 06/27/09 04:04 AM
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Here is the list with usb to rs232 converters tested with eqmod:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/database?method=reportRows&tbl=2
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rmollise
Postmaster
Reged: 07/06/07
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: neptun2]
#3185227 - 06/27/09 08:46 AM
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Quote:
You can but not all usb t oserial converters will work ok. You can look at the eqmod yahoo group.There you can find a list of converters which are tested and the results. I recommend to use converters based on prolific pl2303 or FTDI chipset.
Or...as I preach continuously, forget those dadgummed serial-usb cords. If your laptop has a PCMCIA slot, you can get a serial PCMCIA card for as little as 20 bucks that will give your computer a "real" serial port, and which will work flawlessly with EQMOD.
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neptun2
professor emeritus
Reged: 03/04/07
Loc: Bulgaria
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: rmollise]
#3185269 - 06/27/09 09:10 AM
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Yes this is probably the best solution if you need it only for one computer. I personally find the usb to serial useful if you use it for different devices on different computers. The devices based on prolific pl2303 or FTDI chipsets have good compatibility and receive regular driver updates. With my pl2303 based converter i have drivers even for 64 bit win vista and win 7 which is good.Same situation with FTDI.
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jcely7
super member
Reged: 10/21/07
Loc: Minnesota
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Re: eq6 computer connection
[Re: neptun2]
#3185489 - 06/27/09 11:31 AM
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thanks for all the help guys! I would use a pcmcia card, but i'm going to try controlling this with my new netbook. If that proves difficult then i'll switch back to my laptop. Untill then its USB-serial, and i really appreciate the tried and true links!
justin
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