10 replies to this topic

[AngeloM]

I've been using the Celestron AVX mount for 1.5 years and the two major issues have been 'drifting' and 'mount disconnects'.  Drift I haven't figured out yet but the 'Mount Disconnects' for me has been solved by completely eliminating the hand controller and connecting the AVX Mount to the computer via the USB2 port on the focus motor.  Works great, reliable and no mysterious disconnects since I discovered the AVX mount can be accessed via the Focus Motor's USB port.

 

So my mini PC sits on the AVX Mount's eyepiece tray and plugs into the Focus Motor's USB2 port.  CPWI accesses the mount perfectly.  knock wood   

SharpCap also has no issues controlling the mount either.  

 

I discovered this connection method by reading a very lengthy technical discussion thread on Cloudy Nights.

Credit to Michael Swanson

 

https://www.nexstarsite.com/

https://www.nexstars...m/PCControl.htm

 

 

Also Note Worthy: I use to access the min PC (MeLE Quieter 3Q) using Windows Remote Desktop but have since made my tripod and mount a semi-perminant setup on my back deck and installed a device made by (J Tech Digital) that extends a keyboard/mouse/and HDMI port up to 350 feet over a Cat6 wire; so I can run everything from my kitchen table.  There is HDMI port at both the Sender and Receiver so I can have a monitor, keyboard and mouse active at both the mount and the kitchen table; using Remote Desktop wouldn't allow such a setup since when I'd remote in the local PC keyboard, mouse and monitor were disabled.   

 

J-Tech Digital 4K USB KVM HDMI Extender Over Cat6/6a/7 Ethernet up to 328 FT (1080P), Supports HDMI 1.4 HDCP 1.4, 2 x USB 2.0, Near Zero Latency

[Noah4x4]

Thanks, you have given me a potential solution to an issue that was looming…

 

I run Remote Desktop over my (extended) WiFi network between two Intel NUCs. This works great, but one of my NUCs isn’t capable of the upgrade to Windows 11 and will be unsupported from October 2025.

 

My distance isn’t a problem where using Ethernet cable, but USB is limited. I have successfully dabbled with USB over Ethernet, but that required seperately powered HDMI extenders and Cat6 cable. 

 

The J-Tech device looks like an interesting low budget all in one solution, provided it offers a genuine 4k display to mirror my current set up. 

[AngeloM]

For sure you want to email j-tech and explain what you want to do.  They do respond to questions.

https://www.jtechdig...udio-extraction

 

It does carry USB for keyboard/mouse and 1 HDMI port. 

The model I used Model JTECH-KVE2 doesn't support dual monitors but does support 2 duplicated monitors at the receiver and a monitoring monitor at the sender.  It's a sender and a receiver with supplied DC5V power at the sender.

 

So the point of using this device is you don't need to remote desktop into the mini pc; your running it directly from up to 365 feet away.

Edited by AngeloM, 10 May 2025 - 11:21 AM.

[paulhummerman]

What is the "focus motor" on the AVX mount?

[scopewizard]

What is the "focus motor" on the AVX mount?

If I had to guess, it is the C9.25 Celestron Focus motor.

I do the same thing. It is connected to my Mele 3C via USB but not to the mount.

I have HBG3 (see posts in CN) connected to the mount and Bluetooth to Mele.

I have an other HBG3 on top of scope which provides power connection, GPS and also simulate Celestron dew control, also connected via BT to Mele

Only cable is power from 100 AH lifepo4 bty.

I have never had the need to use a keyboard and monitor at the mount.

I use a Wifi 6 router with 12v Trident power pack (80w good for 40+ hours).

Never failed in almost 3 years.

Edited by scopewizard, 11 May 2025 - 04:05 PM.

[AngeloM]

Yes.  Both on the C6" and my 9.25" have the Celestron focus motor.  Dumping the handcontroller solved many issues.

PN #94155-A  The part numbers differ because the adapter plates are different but both motors appear to be the same.

I only need the keyboard to controll CPWI's slew and focus controlls to center my target.  There are very few visible stars in my neighborhood so polar alignment usually requires me to slew the planet or moon just a bit to center.  Once that's done I can work from the comfort of my kitchen. 

 

I just started researching a Guide Camera so SharpCap can plate solve; then I can do everything from the house.

[paulhummerman]

Unfortunately the Celestron Focus Motor doesn't work with the Asiair Plus I use. So I will have to continue to communicate with the AVX via the HC, glitchy though it can be. 

[Babs75]

Yes.  Both on the C6" and my 9.25" have the Celestron focus motor.  Dumping the handcontroller solved many issues.

PN #94155-A  The part numbers differ because the adapter plates are different but both motors appear to be the same.

I only need the keyboard to controll CPWI's slew and focus controlls to center my target.  There are very few visible stars in my neighborhood so polar alignment usually requires me to slew the planet or moon just a bit to center.  Once that's done I can work from the comfort of my kitchen. 

 

I just started researching a Guide Camera so SharpCap can plate solve; then I can do everything from the house.

I have ditched my hand controller, also, and adjust slew through a used Xbox controller connected to CPWI I bought on Ebay for half the cost of new. What a difference! The Bluetooth works great to my pc and allows me to make small adjustments much easier.

[AngeloM]

I've seen people doing te xbox thing.  Can you slew and focus?

Which Xbox controller is it.  I'd like to try that.

[AngeloM]

Unfortunately the Celestron Focus Motor doesn't work with the Asiair Plus I use. So I will have to continue to communicate with the AVX via the HC, glitchy though it can be. 

I don't know but wonder....If you load the CPWI Ascom Driver and start CPWI and connect it to the mount, I wonder if Ascom would allow Asiair find and connect to the mount through the back door.  

[Babs75]

I've seen people doing te xbox thing.  Can you slew and focus?

Which Xbox controller is it.  I'd like to try that.

Model 1708 XBox 1

https://youtu.be/psa...m6lKhGDxzmY2Tow