16 replies to this topic

[JAS62]

I am such and idiot!  

 

My EQ6R and mini PC have a habit of not properly configuring the COM port when the mount initially powers on.  The fix is simply unplugging the USB on the mount and reinserting it.  I did this tonight in the dark and did not have a good view of the USB port.  I missed and inserted the USB jack into the hand controller port of the mount.  There was and faint "snap and the power light went out.  Obviously I fried a circuit in the mount.

 

So my question is, before I start the surgery to determine the fault, I am wondering if some one may have done the same thing and what their outcome was.  What a mess.  I know there are many out there who are familiar with the mount's internals.  Any advice would be most welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.  

 

[StarfieldTSS]

You may also go ahead and email Skywatcher.  Their support is great.

[italic]

While I don't know the fix because I don't own one of these, I can offer some advice to prevent it from happening again: put some electrical tape over the ports you should not (or do not) use. Why some of these incompatible ports use the same connectors and they're right next to each other is beyond me. I blocked all the external ports on my Gemini 2 except the ethernet and controller ports for exactly this reason.

[bignerdguy]

I am just curious how you got a USB connector to fit in the RJ-45 connection on the mount?  Technically they shouldn't fit as they are different sizes.  I might have to test that theory out on my mount (with unpowered parts of course) just to see if it is possible that it fits.  A USB A connector should not fit that socket...

[bignerdguy]

Well I'll be double dipped... it does fit... barely.  Though its a tight fit.  Hmm.

[msinc]

I am such and idiot!  

 

My EQ6R and mini PC have a habit of not properly configuring the COM port when the mount initially powers on.  The fix is simply unplugging the USB on the mount and reinserting it.  I did this tonight in the dark and did not have a good view of the USB port.  I missed and inserted the USB jack into the hand controller port of the mount.  There was and faint "snap and the power light went out.  Obviously I fried a circuit in the mount.

 

So my question is, before I start the surgery to determine the fault, I am wondering if some one may have done the same thing and what their outcome was.  What a mess.  I know there are many out there who are familiar with the mount's internals.  Any advice would be most welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.  

That doesn't make you an "idiot" sir, that makes you the guy who taught the rest of us what not to do!!!!! Hero might be the word.....I don't want to have to perform this surgery on my mount. Thanks a million for posting, this sounds like something that could easily happen to anyone.

Edited by msinc, 05 December 2024 - 07:50 AM.

[Skywatchr]

I am such and idiot!  

 

My EQ6R and mini PC have a habit of not properly configuring the COM port when the mount initially powers on.  The fix is simply unplugging the USB on the mount and reinserting it.  I did this tonight in the dark and did not have a good view of the USB port.  I missed and inserted the USB jack into the hand controller port of the mount.  There was and faint "snap and the power light went out.  Obviously I fried a circuit in the mount.

 

So my question is, before I start the surgery to determine the fault, I am wondering if some one may have done the same thing and what their outcome was.  What a mess.  I know there are many out there who are familiar with the mount's internals.  Any advice would be most welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.  

Or you blew a fuse.  Check that first before doing any surgery.

[Phil Sherman]

The hand controller port contains a ground and +12V supply line to power the hand controller. The metal shell of your USB plug shorted them. If there's a fuse it hopefully blew but I've never heard of a fuse making a significant noise when blowing. If my recollection is correct, one of the first components in the power circuit is an inductor (for noise isolation) which I suspect may be fried. If it is blown, you should be able to temporarily jumper it until you can replace it.

[JAS62]

Yes!  A fuse!  Thanks to the cheap fused 12v distribution block (pic) the fuse on the mount circuit blew.  The block came with extra fuses.  I replaced the affected fuse and all is well.  It's completely possible the hand controller port is damaged, but i have never used the HC so no concern there.  I have taped over  the HC and Guider ports and tested the mount function.  I missed last night, but tonight looks to be another clear one.

 

Clear skies!

 

[Skywatchr]

The hand controller port contains a ground and +12V supply line to power the hand controller. The metal shell of your USB plug shorted them. If there's a fuse it hopefully blew but I've never heard of a fuse making a significant noise when blowing. If my recollection is correct, one of the first components in the power circuit is an inductor (for noise isolation) which I suspect may be fried. If it is blown, you should be able to temporarily jumper it until you can replace it.

I have heard lots of fuses blow.  They have a distinctive "snap" sound.  How "loud" (or not) depends on any background noise levels that could mask the noise..

[Skywatchr]

Yes!  A fuse!  Thanks to the cheap fused 12v distribution block (pic) the fuse on the mount circuit blew.  The block came with extra fuses.  I replaced the affected fuse and all is well.  It's completely possible the hand controller port is damaged, but i have never used the HC so no concern there.  I have taped over  the HC and Guider ports and tested the mount function.  I missed last night, but tonight looks to be another clear one.

 

Clear skies!

 

Great!!  It's unlikely the HBX port is damaged other than maybe 2 little "pock" marks on the contacts.  You likely only shorted across the power pin and ground, which instantly popped the fuse.  This is also why you never put a higher rated fuse than the recommended fuse for the mount, or any device.

[PIEJr]

Click Here.

 

Get a headlamp and use it.

[zveck]

Yes!  A fuse!  Thanks to the cheap fused 12v distribution block (pic) the fuse on the mount circuit blew.  The block came with extra fuses.  I replaced the affected fuse and all is well.  It's completely possible the hand controller port is damaged, but i have never used the HC so no concern there.  I have taped over  the HC and Guider ports and tested the mount function.  I missed last night, but tonight looks to be another clear one.

 

Clear skies!

 

Get a new RJ-8 plug, crimp it empty and plug it in. No more accidents...

[Skywatchr]

Yes!  A fuse!  Thanks to the cheap fused 12v distribution block (pic) the fuse on the mount circuit blew.  The block came with extra fuses.  I replaced the affected fuse and all is well.  It's completely possible the hand controller port is damaged, but i have never used the HC so no concern there.  I have taped over  the HC and Guider ports and tested the mount function.  I missed last night, but tonight looks to be another clear one.

 

Clear skies!

 

You can buy RJ port covers in different sizes relatively inexpensively.  They come in various colors, but black is always my choice. Plus you can get rubber plugs for power ports for any unused ones to prevent bugs and other debris from getting into them too.. Amazon is a good source for them.

My AVX came with a couple of RJ port covers already installed.

[PIEJr]

You can plug up a lot of trouble HERE.

 

They come in handy for any hole you might want to plug up.

[PIEJr]

BTW, if it blows the second fuse, you weren't so lucky after all.

Often electronics can have what is known as a cascading failure.

Instantaneous oh chit.

[Skywatchr]

You can plug up a lot of trouble HERE.

 

They come in handy for any hole you might want to plug up.

That "kit" only includes RJ45 plugs.  RJ11 plugs is what is needed the most in this case.  But RJ11 is the smallest I have seen on Amazon.

 

https://www.amazon.c...r/dp/B09DS9LTKV