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Hitecastro USB EQ Direct Interface problem


Gina

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Looks like mine has died :(  It was working one minute this morning as I was setting my rig up but after the not unusual EQMOD failed message I found I couldn't connect to the mount and when I uplugged and replugged I got the usual beeps but with a system message about USB device problem.  Brought it indoors to check on my desktop and get the same :(

Would anyone please either confirm that my device is dead or suggest something I can do?   Problem is that FLO are closed until 5th January so can't order a replacement :(  Any suggestions very welcome.  Looks like I'll be unable to take advantage of a clear night tonight and seemingly again on Sunday.  I'm getting very close to thoroughly FED UP! :(

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Gina,

You can borrow mine if you want. I am near GreatTorrington so probably about a 90 minute drive for you. I am still a fair way from having  my mount set up in my observatory so I can happily live without it until you can get a replacement. Send me a PM if you're interested.

In the meantime - have a Happier Christmas.

Regards, Hugh

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Hi Gina

I suppose it's a bit obvious but maybe you could check that one of the wires hasn't come away from it's solder joint at the usb converter end. That cable always seemed not very rugged to me so I swapped mine for one from astronomiser - much better quality.

Hope you can sort it!

Louise

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Gina,

You can borrow mine if you want. I am near GreatTorrington so probably about a 90 minute drive for you. I am still a fair way from having  my mount set up in my observatory so I can happily live without it until you can get a replacement. Send me a PM if you're interested.

In the meantime - have a Happier Christmas.

Regards, Hugh

Thank you very much for the offer Hugh but I think that's a bit too far for me.

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Hi Gina

I suppose it's a bit obvious but maybe you could check that one of the wires hasn't come away from it's solder joint at the usb converter end. That cable always seemed not very rugged to me so I swapped mine for one from astronomiser - much better quality.

Hope you can sort it!

Louise

I've managed to get the casing apart and can't see anything wrong.

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Try uninstalling the driver from the computer and the run ccleaner to remove all traces. Re-install the driver and insert the EQDIR module. If the module is ok windows should recognise it and reload the drivers. if this fails it is probably dead.

No facility to remove driver as W7 didn't recognise the device.  Pretty sure it's dead :(  I've been having EQMOD/mount problems recently - maybe it's been dodgy for a while.

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Hiya

Looks ok. Hmm... Does it make any difference if it's not plugged in the mount? I think the computer should still recognise it. I guess you've tried other usb ports? Cold boot? What does Device Manager say? Other than that I dunno, I'm afraid.

Louise

The computer should recognise the USB device but it doesn't.  Yes, I've tried other ports, other computer and cold boot on the laptop.  I'm now convinced it's died and I've ordered another from ebay - delivery estimated for Tuesday 30th Dec.  Dearer than FLO but FLO are closed :(  Christmas/NewYear costs extra money :(

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Hello Gina

A Merry Christmas to you.

What operating system do you have on your computer?

If its Windows 8 there is a link to download a usb driver:  Link here: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html

Also you may have to download the Prolific usb driver information on this page:  http://www.firstlightoptics.com/user/Hitecastro_EQMOD_Win8.pdf

Regards, Hadyn - Isle of Man

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Hi Gina

So you have had the device working and then it just packed up and you have tried on another computer and it still doesn't work?

Have you been in the control panel, system, and device manager and checked the ports or usb devices? You should see something under com ports or usb devices with a yellow symbol showing an error?

Have you tried reading through  the Prolific PL2303 usb drivers information page? Link: http://www.prolific.com.tw/us/showproduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41

It seems strange that it worked for a little bit then packed up, was working up until you switched off your computer, then it wouldn't work again when the pc was up and running again? As someone else mentioned have you tried it in some other usb ports?

Regards, Hadyn - IOM

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Hi Gina

So you have had the device working and then it just packed up and you have tried on another computer and it still doesn't work?

Have you been in the control panel, system, and device manager and checked the ports or usb devices? You should see something under com ports or usb devices with a yellow symbol showing an error?

Have you tried reading through  the Prolific PL2303 usb drivers information page? Link: http://www.prolific.com.tw/us/showproduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41

It seems strange that it worked for a little bit then packed up, was working up until you switched off your computer, then it wouldn't work again when the pc was up and running again? As someone else mentioned have you tried it in some other usb ports?

Regards, Hadyn - IOM

No, it died while it the computer was running, producing an error message from EQMOD.  Then a couple of times testing it showed a yellow triangle in DM followed by DM not detecting it at all.  When it was detected, DM said the device was faulty.

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Hi Gina,

You could try checking Windows 7 update settings. Make sure it is set to 'receive updates for Windows only' (otherwise, when you plug a device with no driver into a USB port, windows will look online for a driver and might not find the one on the computer). Then go to the Hitecastro website and download the driver on that page and install it. Then plug your EQDIR adapter back into the computer. If it works, you will have a spare adapter!

Had problems myself with drivers, having just done a factory reset on my W7 laptop. Currently doesn't recognise my Atik EFW2 filter wheel and keeps loading a 'windows found' driver. It works, but have just selected 'Windows only updates and will try a reload in the morning.

Hope this helps!

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I have found over time that when EQMOD started playing up (as it has in the past) it was always cured by a new EQDIR cable. I think I got through 3 in one year. While I can offer no help at all regarding your issue, I have learnt to ALWAYS have an EQDIR cable spare. That's one cable that I do have lying about.

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Interestingly, (to me, anyway), using the link to the 'Windows 8 driver will cause you to download an older, 2009 driver. It's not a new driver for Windows 8, it's just that Hitec found this driver worked with Windows 8. If you use it you have to follow the instructions on its use (2nd link on FLO) otherwise , once installed, Windows will try to update it to a driver that doesn't work. I found this out as I have been preparing a new (Win 8) laptop for use with my astro imaging. I had to 'roll back' the driver to the 2009 driver thanks to W8 installing a 'newer driver'.

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