63 replies to this topic

[StarDog123]

Hello everybody,

I really hope somebody can help me out. I have almost no patience left with this mount.

I have a BRESSER Exos 2 GOTO Mount with the Firmware 2.3 and the correct cable for the connection.
I also can connect the mount with my laptop using POTH. However, I have had absolutely no luck in trying to use Stellarium and Cartes Du Ciel consistently. I had it work once or twice maybe in the morning. The crosshairs, the slewing of the mount and the syncing worked perfectly. When I turned the laptop off and tried to do the exact same thing later in the evening, it didn’t work at all. Frustrating to say the least.
I think I tried everything I found online already for the last two months. It just doesn’t work properly all the time. And I really don’t get, why it worked once but now it doesn’t work at all anymore. Whether it is the syncing, the slewing or something else. It never works correctly anymore. Reinstalling everything didn’t help either.

Can somebody tell me how he uses the mount and what his procedure is? It would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for my bad English. It is not my main language. If necessary, I can tell you everything I already tried.

All the best!!!!

[StarDog123]

Has no one found a solution with this mount? :/

[spysky96]

Have you tried an raspberry pi running Astroberry? I have and it kind of works with the help of coding done by someone else here is there link. https://github.com/k...di-bresserexos2

[StarDog123]

Thank you for the answer!
No, I haven’t tried it out yet. But I will give it a shot. Could you kindly tell me what you bought/did, do I don’t buy something unnecessary again? I am a little bit overwhelmed with this, as I have not done anything like this in my life before. I don’t know where to start…

[spysky96]

No worries, 

for starters you will need 

 

Raspberry Pi 3 and above and any dongles need to connect power, monitor, and keyboard mouse. https://www.raspberr...y-pi-4-model-b/

$35 USD. 

 

Next you will need to find a USB to serial connection. USB to Serial Adapter, Benfei USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin)  https://www.amazon.c...,aps,360&sr=8-3

$9

 

Telephone Cord, Phone Cord,Handset Cord, Black, 2 Pack, Universally Compatible https://www.amazon.c...25104161&sr=8-3

$8

 

YIOVVOM DB9 Breakout Connector to Wiring Terminal RS232 D-SUB Male Serial Adapters Port Breakout Board Solder-Free Module with case( Female Serial Adapter)

https://www.amazon.c...25104256&sr=8-4

$9

 

I used the pin out on this page to help me build the comm cable for the hand box controller to serial. https://www.funnytak...s232-kabel.html I used the 4 pin diagram which uses 3 wires ground, tx, rx. I can post pictures of how I did that if that would help and if you have any questions.

 

Flashing the sd card for the raspberry pi is easy google is your friend. You will need to navigate to astroberry web site and down load the ROM for the card. https://www.astroberry.io/

 

once that is done next you will need to load the drivers for the exos 2 mount in the Indi library, you can find the Github here  https://github.com/k...di-bresserexos2 Look for the load the Getting Started.

copy and past the commands in the terminal on the pi. I only had one problem the drivers did not load in the right place for me but I fix that by using the sudo cp to copy the xml and bin files in the right location. when you get to this point I will post the pictures on how I did that later.

 

Its allot to do but it works great.  

[spysky96]

Or you could just go this route 

 

https://www.cloudyni...s#entry11182466

[StarDog123]

Thank you so so much! With the tips you gave me I was able to set it all up and as well get it running. Especially your last paragraph was really helpful, as I had the exact same problem.
However, a new problem occurred Maybe you can still help me with it, because I think that it is a problem on my side and not from the telescope or driver:

When I connect the telescope in EKOS I am not able to use the software buttons in the „Mount Control“ window. I am also not able to slew to a lot of targets. Only the targets that are really close to the park positions work correctly. The rest it just doesn’t even begin to love. It just stands still.
Could you maybe tell me, what your workflow ist and/or how you set it up(with screenshots of your settings maybe)? I finally had a clear night again yesterday and it was so frustrating again have the mount for half a year now and it never even worked correctly once

[spysky96]

Here is a post I made on the Github about my issue with the RA and DA being not pointing to the right stars. https://github.com/k...rexos2/issues/4 .

I found that when I turn off the feature of letting Kstars update date my mount locations when connection was made, I would have a better control of the GOTO feature. When I did not turn this feature off Kstars will reset the mount location to the default location of China. I would have to reset everything. location and time to get the GOTO function  working right. This issue will be looked into for future version update. I hope this helps.

[StarDog123]

Thank you! I just saw your issue and was replying to it as well small world. At least in the telescope world.

So we both have that issue. Good to know that it is not me and that you found a solution for it. Great!

Still one more question: Are you able to slew to every target there is in the sky? Or do you have the same problem as me that you can’t slew to all targets? I guess you don’t because I you said it works great. I am wondering what the problem is with my setup… could you show me your settings maybe?

Best regards

[StarDog123]

P.S.: And are you able to use the arrow buttons in the EKOS software in the „Mount Control“ window?

[spysky96]

Well when I say everything is working well, well being that we now have communication with mount to PC. With that said, it is an improvement from none.

I can move the mount by using the “Go To” command under the mount and somewhere in the Indi control panel (I will have to double check where). I haven’t been successful with the sync control; I am not sure on the process of how that works. 

Here is where I am having trouble, but I am not sure if it is related to alignment issue (polar, or telescope on mount). Now when I slew to targets the mount is close enough to it, I still need to do some hunting for the target. Thanks to plate solving, I can find it.

I will take pictures tonight of the setup process.

[StarDog123]

That would be great! Thank you so so much! I am sure it is Gonna help me! Because if I can make it work like you, I would be more than happy

However, that you have to search your object even after setting it up perfectly is completely normal. It should be near the object that you are looking for but not directly on it. You always need to search for it.

That you can make it work with plate solving as well gets my hopes up! I always wanted to plate solve.

Clear skies tonight!

[spysky96]

I posted pic in my gallery can't post them here I guess I am too new

Edited by spysky96, 09 July 2021 - 12:29 PM.

[StarDog123]

Hello spysky96,

I finally had the time and foremost the weather to try it all out. And thanks to your suggestion with deactivating the automatic date/time-syncing in astrometric, I was able to let the mount slew to the designated areas!!! Thank you so so much! I was really happy to see it work! Thanks!!!

However, I had problems with plate solving. When I use the plate solving feature in KStars, the mount itself won’t move when the astrophotography is solved.
You said that you were able to plate solve. Could you maybe, please, once more help me by telling me how you plate solve? I really don’t get it to work. It is the only thing that is missing until it all works I guess.

I hope that the weather will be better on the weekends now, so I can answer a little bit earlier.

All the best and thank you!

[spysky96]

Hello spysky96,

I finally had the time and foremost the weather to try it all out. And thanks to your suggestion with deactivating the automatic date/time-syncing in astrometric, I was able to let the mount slew to the designated areas!!! Thank you so so much! I was really happy to see it work! Thanks!!!

However, I had problems with plate solving. When I use the plate solving feature in KStars, the mount itself won’t move when the astrophotography is solved.
You said that you were able to plate solve. Could you maybe, please, once more help me by telling me how you plate solve? I really don’t get it to work. It is the only thing that is missing until it all works I guess.

I hope that the weather will be better on the weekends now, so I can answer a little bit earlier.

All the best and thank you!

Hi Stardog123,

So, I could only plate solve. Moving the mount was done with using the "GOTO" feature in Kstars. I believe this is based on the limitations of the connection to Kstars.  The answer is No, I can not slew to target after plate solving. I set new goto on the mount, plate solve until I was on target.

 

Known Issues and Limitations
Tracking modes can not be set, only Sidereal Tracking is working right now.
More a Hint than an issue: Sync only works when tracking an object. This behaviour is implemented on the handbox and can not be changed.
The sync function only works if you changed the pointing with your hand box not via the EKOS pointing control
you can not perform the meridian flip from afar, since the handbox does not allow it.
Software Sky Coordinates may differ from Handbox Coordinates

 

 

I am glad my tips help you out. I order the EqstarEQ5 from astro gadget. I would like a little bit more automation function. Like scheduling targets to track and take photos. 

Edited by spysky96, 22 July 2021 - 07:17 AM.

[StarDog123]

Hey!
I see. Well, the syncing doesn’t work for me either. Can’t get it to work.
I am strongly considering buying another motor as well. Could you maybe tell me, why you chose that one and if it all works, once you tried it out? I guess I would buy it as well then.
Clear skies!!!

[spysky96]

Hey!
I see. Well, the syncing doesn’t work for me either. Can’t get it to work.
I am strongly considering buying another motor as well. Could you maybe tell me, why you chose that one and if it all works, once you tried it out? I guess I would buy it as well then.
Clear skies!!!

I was looking at the Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT. Its basically the same mount but with belt upgrade and motor control system. This removes the hand controller, you connect your phone or PC. The price $999 is allot for just the belt drive($100+-?) and motor drive control system($200+-?).

 

I was then looking at maybe a DIY option like

https://create.ardui...inoscope-4d399c

With this I could use the current motors and build my own hand controller. $300 

 

I found the astro gadget to be a better option. Its is coming with stepper motors that can run 12-28v https://www.youtube....h?v=j2LTw5HLAYU somewhere in here they mention increasing the voltage above 12v will give you more control out of the motors. So this is why I went with the Pro version from astro-gadget.

here is one review I found.

https://joeytroy.com...roeqm35-review/

website astro-gadget $280

https://astro-gadget...er-eqm-35-mount

 

Astro-gadget looks like it will be a win for me for $280, once I get it I will report back its on its way. 

[StarDog123]

Hey!
Thank you very much. You helped me a lot. Thank you! I just ordered a very similiar one, because I was not able to purchase the exact same one. Hopefully, we will both soon be able to use our mounts as we wish. I wish you the best. Thank you again for your help!

[spysky96]

I would wait on buying the EQStarProEQ5. So far it will not connect to the astroberry. It will connect via ipad and PC but not to the astroberry. I am working on finding a solution.

 

my lastest error log with setting the gpsd to false 

2021-07-31T01:29:07: [INFO] EQMod Mount is offline.
2021-07-31T01:29:07: [ERROR] Error: Communication failed -> tty read failed, check connection: Timeout error

 

and here is with gpsd to true 

2021-07-31T01:33:08: [WARNING] Port /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Silicon_Labs_CP2102_USB_to_UART_Bridge_Controller_0001-if00-port0 is already used by another driver or process.
2021-07-31T01:32:57: [INFO] Auto search is enabled. When connecting, the driver shall attempt to communicate with all available system ports until a connection is established.
2021-07-31T01:32:54: [INFO] Scan complete. Found 1 port(s).
2021-07-31T01:32:36: [INFO] Device configuration saved.
2021-07-31T01:32:36: [INFO] Saving device configuration...

 

I am going to email astro gadget and see if they have idea on a solution.

[PatrickVt]

I was looking at the Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT. Its basically the same mount but with belt upgrade and motor control system. This removes the hand controller, you connect your phone or PC. The price $999 is allot for just the belt drive($100+-?) and motor drive control system($200+-?).

 

The $999 Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT is actually the EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight which is vastly different than the EXOS2-GT.  The outside of the mount is the same between the two but Explore Scientific really upgraded the guts of the mount in many ways.  Some of the upgrades are bearings on both axes, stepper motors, belt drive, and the fully supported and constantly updated PMC-Eight software.  Additionally, the ASCOM driver for this EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight is updated and fully supported.  

 

The original EXOS2-GT has a very generic ASCOM driver written by Bresser but with virtually no support.  This older mount is still being sold (in the Bresser name as well as the Explore Scientific name...  although, all mounts are difficult to find in stock right now) but it is a very generic ASCOM-compliant GoTo mount.  It is half the price of the newer EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight for good reason.  

 

If you are simply looking for an entry-level tracking GoTo mount with very basic ASCOM support, the EXOS2-GT just fine.  If you want more computer/digital options and upgraded hardware, then the EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight is what you want.  Aside from appearing to be the same mount other than the color being black vs white, these two mounts actually are quite different...  like night and day.  

 

Patrick

[spysky96]

The $999 Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT is actually the EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight which is vastly different than the EXOS2-GT.  The outside of the mount is the same between the two but Explore Scientific really upgraded the guts of the mount in many ways.  Some of the upgrades are bearings on both axes, stepper motors, belt drive, and the fully supported and constantly updated PMC-Eight software.  Additionally, the ASCOM driver for this EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight is updated and fully supported.  

 

The original EXOS2-GT has a very generic ASCOM driver written by Bresser but with virtually no support.  This older mount is still being sold (in the Bresser name as well as the Explore Scientific name...  although, all mounts are difficult to find in stock right now) but it is a very generic ASCOM-compliant GoTo mount.  It is half the price of the newer EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight for good reason.  

 

If you are simply looking for an entry-level tracking GoTo mount with very basic ASCOM support, the EXOS2-GT just fine.  If you want more computer/digital options and upgraded hardware, then the EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight is what you want.  Aside from appearing to be the same mount other than the color being black vs white, these two mounts actually are quite different...  like night and day.  

 

Patrick

yes not the same, thank you for the a very good break down of the two. 

[spysky96]

We are connected

EqStarPro will connect to the astroberry via the built in wifi hot spot

[spysky96]

So more details on how to get connected with the EqstarPRO. The EqStarPRO has its own hotspot for wireless connection for tablets and phones. those devices can use this connection, and it will function like a normal goto hand controller. The app the works is the Synscan app from skywatcher. Now I did do a fresh install on the astroberry there was a recent update. By default the astroberry has its own hotspot. You will want to change that and make the astroberry connect to the EqStarPRO wifi hotspot. Once this is done you can open Kstars on the astroberry and open Ekos to create a profile then add the mount in ekos as EqMod. When you make a connection you will want to go into the Indi control panel and edit the connection settings. Change the connection settings to Ethernet. Now add 192.168.4.1 for the address and the port will be 11880. Connection type will be UPD. Once you have a good connection to the mount. You can open a web browser to access the astroberry web server for me it was 192.168.4.100 and make an auto connection ekos profile. This will allow you to just power up the astroberry with all the devices ready to go now you can remote connect with laptop running Kstars and connect to remote Host 192.168.4.1.

 

Next steps are; 

add password to EqStarPRO hotspot(This should be easy to do with the SynScan App)

test wifi router to connect to EqStarPRO to home network, network bridge.

Edited by spysky96, 01 August 2021 - 10:20 AM.

[spysky96]

Did a test run today and after two polar alignment and a mount alignment. Total RMS guiding error 0.8 

[roncreswell]

The newest version of the Bresser EXOS-2GT INDI driver has cleaned up most, if not all issues related to localization, UTC Time, and Zone offset.  It has also returned the guiding functions that allows its use with PHD2.  Most of the slew issues were related to driver setting the wrong location (lat/lon) or local time.  These issues have been resolved and I have found the INDI driver to be a reliable alternative to the ASCOM driver that permits the use of the Astroberry Rasberry Pi based server on the mount. As far as an INDI driver for the FL-EXOS-2GT, I think its the only one available right now.

 

The main branch for this driver can be found here:  https://github.com/k...di-bresserexos2

 

You have to build this driver after installing the astroberry but its not a difficult task.