5 replies to this topic

[LPHawaii]

ALCON, Excuse my ignorance on the following questions regarding ASCOM drivers and device connectivity.  I have an older SW EQ6-R mount and I want o use it with N.I.N.A.  Prior to Installing NINA, the website says to download the ASCOM drivers for the mount, cameras and other devices you want controlled by NINA.  My mount has 3 ports (SNAP, AutoGuide and Controller).   There are two downloads available: https://skywatcher.c...e/ascom-driver/ . Which download should I select?  My hand controller is V4, not a V5.  In addition, I have a couple of questions.  Should I connect my guide camera directly to my AutoGuide port on the mount or should I connect it to my PC?  Also, would I connect my mount to the PC using the RJ12 port on the hand controller or to the hand controller port on the mount (Eliminating the need of the hand controller)?  My mount interface cable (DB9 to USB) has the chip inside the USB connector.

Attached Files

•  SW ASCOM.pdf   58.34KB   4 downloads

[bignerdguy]

ALCON, Excuse my ignorance on the following questions regarding ASCOM drivers and device connectivity.  I have an older SW EQ6-R mount and I want o use it with N.I.N.A.  Prior to Installing NINA, the website says to download the ASCOM drivers for the mount, cameras and other devices you want controlled by NINA.  My mount has 3 ports (SNAP, AutoGuide and Controller).   There are two downloads available: https://skywatcher.c...e/ascom-driver/ . Which download should I select?  My hand controller is V4, not a V5.  In addition, I have a couple of questions.  Should I connect my guide camera directly to my AutoGuide port on the mount or should I connect it to my PC?  Also, would I connect my mount to the PC using the RJ12 port on the hand controller or to the hand controller port on the mount (Eliminating the need of the hand controller)?  My mount interface cable (DB9 to USB) has the chip inside the USB connector.

In order to use ASCOM drivers you need an EQMOD cable attached and the drivers added for it or the HC connected via a serial cable (with an FTDI chipset).  ASCOM is a wrapper that allows you to control a scope or other hardware in an alternate ways. 

[Bob Denny]

 

There are two downloads available: https://skywatcher.c...e/ascom-driver/ . Which download should I select?  My hand controller is V4, not a V5.

I looked. One driver is for the SynScan App and the other is for theSynScan Hand Controller (which is what you have)

 

 

Mind the firmware requirement. I can't help you with the guider stuff.or RS-232 lines. Follow the manufacturer's directions.

Edited by Bob Denny, 11 January 2025 - 03:50 PM.

[rgsalinger]

Look into GSS or EQMOD. I found that running through the HC was unreliable on my AZ/EQ6 and my pals EQ6-R. We went the EQMOD and special cable route and both systems have been completely reliable. 

[bignerdguy]

Look into GSS or EQMOD. I found that running through the HC was unreliable on my AZ/EQ6 and my pals EQ6-R. We went the EQMOD and special cable route and both systems have been completely reliable. 

The only caveat with EQMOD is it replaces the HC rather than works with it so you wont use the Serial to USB cable for this.  And i have used the serial port on my v3 controller for years with no issues including firmware updates. I have an HEQ5 and i have never had any issues with it.  You need the correct type of serial cable for a SkyWatcher mount and if you are going to use a USB to serial converter cable (which almost everyone does now since serial is old tech) you need to be sure it uses an FTDI chipset and you set the baud rate for the port it creates to no higher than 9600 baud.

[LPHawaii]

ALCON,

 

Thanks for the advice.  I ordered Skywatcher EQMOD ASCOM Goto Equatorial Mount Data Cable for HEQ5pro AZEQ5 AZEQ6 EQ6-R Telescope yesterday from Amazon.  I will stash my current FTDI cable since it requires the HC as an interface between the mount and PC.