EQ8 tools (autohome without handset)

[Xplode]

On the SkywatcherEQ8 yahoo group i found a tool made by Frank Liu of Skywatcher.

The tool can disable the encoders and also autohome the mount from the computer.

For the tool to connect to the mount nothing else can be connected.

I think it's a great little tool so that autohome can be done without the handset.

Source code is also attached if someone wants to improve on it.

EQ8 Tools.zip

[libraryman]

I use it all the time, its great, saves me attaching the handset

Ray

[teleskopjo]

Do you set the home or park positions via EQMOD please?

[libraryman]

Hi, i boot the pc but do not connect to EQmod, the 1st thing i do is change the port to my known port then press test then auto home, only after it has homed to i connect EQmod or any other function.

My park to home is set in EQmod.

Hope this helps.

Ray

[Zakalwe]

I sound thick here, but what's the point of the Home position?

I use a couple of different Park positions in EQMOD (depending if I am shutting down or changing the OTA). What am I missing?

[teleskopjo]

This is the 'home' position 

http://www.opticstar.com/images/astronomy/telescopes/Ascension/Triplet127/Asc127EDTCFonEQ8Pro-1-594x1274.jpg

[Zakalwe]

This is the 'home' position 

http://www.opticstar.com/images/astronomy/telescopes/Ascension/Triplet127/Asc127EDTCFonEQ8Pro-1-594x1274.jpg

Thanks.

I understand what and where it is. What I dont get is why its important enough to make EQMOD users keen to have it?

[Astroscot2]

I sound thick here, but what's the point of the Home position?

I use a couple of different Park positions in EQMOD (depending if I am shutting down or changing the OTA). What am I missing?

Ive been wondering this myself,  is there an issue with the EQ8 and EQMOD not recalling the last position of the mount (parked) when restarting?  I assume you dont have to restart the EQ8 in the home position each time  ? 

[libraryman]

Good question, however i am mobile and break my system down after each session, i therefore loose the home position. if you are in an Obsy then this will not happen, Just park and leave.

Ray

[trazor]

I sound thick here, but what's the point of the Home position?

I use a couple of different Park positions in EQMOD (depending if I am shutting down or changing the OTA). What am I missing?

I also don't understand, in EQMOD I have set 2 positions, both work OK.

I do hope someone can enlighten us.

[Physopto]

See this,

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/207884-any-new-eq8-reports/page-7#entry2593649

Maybe this is why?

Derek

[dazza1639]

How do you use this to set the Auto Home position if you have a dual side by side setup. I basically want the auto home position to have both scopes pointing at Polaris like a single scope setup. I know that I could rotate the saddle manually through 90 deg however if I do this then the saddle fouls the dec clutch. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Physopto]

Is your dec clutch not spring loaded?

I have never tried to turn the saddle for this purpose.

Just as a note though. Previously I had a NEQ6 mount with a small amount of  cone error. I corrected it with a  few brass shims under the scope rings. I now have the EQ8 and found at about a 50ft distance the cone error was about 8 inches. I have corrected this the same way. (you have to measure very carefully to the mm the distance between lens centre on both sides of the meridian. Also I used an engineers level, not an ordinary builders level, they are of no used at all.)

If you do turn the saddle it will probably have to be carefully checked out again for cone error. I know you can do it using the pole star, but in the dark and being very cold on the fingers. For me too much chance of dropping the scope. Old Arther"" gets to you, you know.

Derek

[Xplode]

How do you use this to set the Auto Home position if you have a dual side by side setup. I basically want the auto home position to have both scopes pointing at Polaris like a single scope setup. I know that I could rotate the saddle manually through 90 deg however if I do this then the saddle fouls the dec clutch. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

If i remember correctly the EQ8 has 2 home sensors and you can switch between them with the handset

[dazza1639]

Thanks I had a play with the EQ8 tools and managed to set the home position so that both scopes point at the pole stellarium is now reporting the correct position

Darren

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