Ricardo70

On 14/01/2020 at 10:38, dazza1639 said:

Just a quick update.

Just before Christmas I received a ZWO EAF, thanks FLO. I installed it on my Equinox 80 over the christmas period and all went well, apart from the flexible coupling catching the focus knob housing causing the EAF to beep and stop moving. Once I made some adjustments and changed the coupling it is now working fully controlled by Ekos through my Stellarmate. Unfortunately due to the terrible weather we had in Manchester I haven't been able to test it on the stars with the Ekos focus routine, but as I can manually control the unit through Ekos I'm sure this will not be an issue.

So for anyone wanting to use an EAF with a Stellarmate unit or as in my case a RPi4 running Stellarmate OS I can confirm that it works.

Regards

Darren

Hi Darren,

I myself am thinking of getting the EAF to use on StellarMate+ with Ekos. As it’s been over a year since your last post on this, have you had several chances to test it out?

Is it still working successfully?

Does Ekos allow full functionality of the EAF?

Or is it restricted to basic/most functions?

Thanks, Richard.

Hi, did this problem get resolved and if yes, how? 
 

thanks Richard.

HI all,

I have read through this post but cannot see the answers. So, what is the procedure to update the latest INDI software on MacOS? 

Thanks, Richard.

20 minutes ago, Adreneline said:

My experience with this combination (iOptron CME25-EC) running via a RPi4 has not been that good; it works but not consistently or reliably. It's probably operator error. Like you, if it does work, I would like to know how.  

Ok, so I had initial problems with the Ekos program communicating with the iOptron CEM70g, It was indicated that as the CEM70 was such a new mount that I could use the Cem120 option, this worked but comms was intermittent, basically dropping communication, so after joining the Indi forum and speaking with Knro (one of the admins and developer of the software) he eventually, one Sat afternoon, through permissible remote access, managed to diagnose that the CEM70 has a different baud rate, so he changed the baud rate in Ekos and it works smoothly, there was some tinkering to set the ports etc in Ekos but after that, all is well. I can control the mount via usb3 or the mounts built in WiFi. That being said, I do need the usb3 connection to allow camera control, ipolar control etc.

Im not using a standalone mini pc like the rpi4 and I know Indi promote their own version called Stellarmate.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not by anyway affiliated with Indi but will recommend based only on my personal experience with them.

What are your issues?

On 28/07/2020 at 07:10, Ouroboros said:

What I don’t know is whether KStars works with iOptron mounts. I don’t  see why it shouldn’t. But that’s what I would try and find out first if I were you. In fact I’d be very interested to know the answer because I have been looking at some of the lighter iOptron mounts as a portable mount.  

Hole that helps.  

Hi Ouroborus,

So after weeks of research, deliberations and some very informative info from FLO, I have followed a very similar format to yourself.

Here is where I am at;

ZWO ASI183MC Mc Pro connected to

W/O Mk1 ZS 71ED via W/O 6aii reducer/flattener sitting on

iOptron CEM70g mounted on

iOptron Tri-Pier all being run on a

2018 MacBook Pro using

Kstars/Ekos/Indi software to control camera, mount & eventually the built-in iGuider in the mounts saddle

iPolar software for polar alignment 

also PHD2 for guiding if I can get the iGuider to communicate with Phd2 

The cable management is great as I have 3 cables coming from the mount only;

1. Main power supply for the mount

2. Power supply for the dew heaters

3. Usb3 - Thunderbolt for control

All other cabling from the mount to camera (incl power) & dew heaters are managed nicely keeping cables tidy.

I have wireless mount control via the mounts built in WiFi and am working on a way to see, if possible to wirelessly control the camera via the built in WiFi without the need of an external box (the whole point of built in WiFi, imho) 

Thats where I’m at at the moment, I have been communication with Knro (Jas) about the Indi platform running KStars & Ekos to communicate with the iOptron iGuider as well as iOptron technical themselves. The last I heard was iOptron were sending an iGuider camera over to Knro for a driver to be produced (currently the iGuider has only ASCOM comms).

I have noticed a latest release of the Indi library for Aug 2020 so I’ve yet to test this to see if an sdk has been incorporated for the iGuider.

Hope this info has helped anyone with questions about compatibility using these particular hardware & software.

9 hours ago, Owmuchonomy said:

How did you get FireCapture to run on MacOS?  That sounds rather hopeful.

I will get this confirmed and let you know

1 hour ago, Astrosharkey said:

I started the same way but quickly just got a cheap second hand windows laptop (do you really want that mac out there in the dew), all the software is free and I downloaded chrome and use the mac on the sofa via chrome remote to control the windows laptop that runs everything.

Wow, didn’t even think of that one! Interesting option, thank you. The idea was, as the Cem70g has built in WiFi as well as a long usb cable, I would mainly be inside remotely controlling it. Same concept but without the third party windows laptop if you get my meaning.

Hi Everyone, evening to you all,

I have looked on the forum and searched the internet for a simple answer but yet to find one so am asking the question in the hope that someone or many people have experience or is experiencing this and has an answer. I have purchased the new iOptron’s CEM70g mount along with tri-pier, I’m using MacOS for operation but there are limited softwares available for certain operations. I have heard that Parallels is and can be used to run the windows based programs. My questions are;

Which software/s do you use for imaging, capturing and processing (pre & post)?

Which do you use for iPolar (or other polar alignment?

Which do you use for iGuiding or other guiders?

Last but not least, can windows based apps be used via Parallels on MacOS without the need for downloading the current Windows OS?

I appreciate everyone has there own preferences so am expecting a broad answer but it will aid me in making my mind up.

Currently I have already downloaded and can use on the MacBook,

ZWO Asistudio, Phd2, SkySafari Pro 6, Indigo server, FireCapture and oaCapture.

I have downloaded but cannot use,

IOptron iPolar software, IOptron ASCOM driver.

Via Indigo or Zwo asistudio, I can open and use the iPolar.

As always your help, advice, knowledge and experiences will be gladly welcomed, thank you all in advance.

1 hour ago, FLO said:

Yes. For the photos we put them on an iOptron Tri-Pier Portable Pier Tripod. 

Any adapters required for mounting or is it a straight bolt on so to speak?

2 hours ago, FLO said:

It isn't only the CEM70. We have lots of new products piling up waiting for an opportunity to add them to our website and announce them.

Now you’re just teasing us 😁

1 hour ago, Stuart1971 said:

TBH, I am in the market to look at buying one of these mounts... NOW, and don’t really want to go looking elsewhere.... 😉😉

I’m the same, just itching to pull the trigger! Flo have my sale for this as with all my astro gear. Just waiting for the listings because it’s never just a mount to buy. There’s always some accessory/accessories required. 😁

On 13/06/2020 at 09:35, FLO said:

Both the new iOptron CEM70 models will be in stock at our warehouse within a week 🙂 

I really must add it to our website... 😳

HTH, 

Steve 

Flo, Steve, where is it? 😳 😁

On 13/06/2020 at 09:35, FLO said:

I really must add it to our website... 😳

That would be helpful 😂😂

On 04/06/2020 at 21:45, Neil27 said:

I admire your persistence Richard 👍😊

Looking at coming in around 2.3k for the basic version and 2.6k for the guide / usb3 version.

I’ll be interested to see first reports of it performance.

Thanks Neil, it’s a long story but I’ve been in preference for an updated mount to become available with usb3, the fact that it has a built in guider and comes with WiFi on the the G model makes it even more appealing. I too am looking forward to some initial reports especially regarding the I guider .

9 hours ago, Gorr_77 said:

In stock:

https://www.altairastro.com/ioptron-cem70-goto-mount-6170-p.asp

I have nothing against AltairAstro whatsoever but all my equipment, shopping experiences, help, support, communication and guidance has been exceptional from FLO, so they will always have my my custom.

On 28/05/2020 at 20:10, FLO said:

Sorry. I will finish the product listing tomorrow. Sales of astronomy equipment during the lockdown are at record levels. Higher even than Christmas! So we are all working overtime in dispatch and on the helpdesk ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
 

Steve 

Hi Flo, what’s he latest please? Just need to spend the pennies before the Mrs does 😁 thanks

Richard.

25 minutes ago, FLO said:

Sorry. I will finish the product listing tomorrow. Sales of astronomy equipment during the lockdown are at record levels. Higher even than Christmas! So we are all working overtime in dispatch and on the helpdesk ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
 

Steve 

That’s really god to hear Steve, about being  exceptionally busy, always good for business.

On 22/05/2020 at 08:24, FLO said:

IOptron have contacted us. The new CEM70 is closer to release than we thought. 
It appears the CEM60 will be discontinued 🙁 
The CEM70 will be added to our website later today. 

HTH

Any update FLO on this being added to your website?

1 hour ago, Robindonne said:

the only negative is to do with the puck, sits on a funny angle..

Does it hinder performance?

13 hours ago, Robindonne said:

whats with the internal guiding?  No guiders needed anymore when using this mount?

That’s the idea. No additional guidescope but that’s on the assumption that the built in scope is capable of its job as good as an external one

On 22/05/2020 at 19:46, Big Jim Slade said:

I guess we'll have to see how all this shakes out but the G looks like a bit of a lemon. If you're in the market for a mount like this surely you already have a guiding setup or you want encoders so you don't have to guide? So that's a chunk of redundant tech for most people who just want USB 3.

And don't get me started on the roughly 40% price increase for the mount in that slot in their range. 🙄

I am on the other side of the fence with this one. I am in the market for my first goto mount. To cut a long story short, I pulled the plug on an order for the CEM60 with accessories (sw 50mm Ed guide-scope, 120 zwo mm guide camera, ipolar, tri-pier etc) coming in at just under £2800, all because I heard a rumour of the CEM70G which had all this built in, modern usb3, additional WIFI, iguider, ipolar, etc. So I figured the least this would come in at is around the £2500-2600 mark, yes I know I will still need the tri-pier but in my mind I was prepared to go an additional few hundred pounds more than the initial spend mainly because, for me, it ticked all the boxes for everything I would want now and in the future. 
Not sure why they had to produce a USB2 base version. They could still have had a Usb3 base version for all those that want the faster transfer rates but don’t require the guidescope, WiFi, etc.
This being said, I don’t understand why iOptron have to discontinue the CEM60 either, it is a very good mount, loved by many and from what I can see, is still in great demand.
No doubt I will, amongst others become a guinea pig to see how this mount pans out. I can only hope it was the right choice to wait for it.

23 minutes ago, newbie alert said:

I too was initially looking at the cem60, then the cem70 popped up out of nowhere... I prefer the black colour ( like the cem120, but that's a no no price wise) I'd go for the 70 but realistically I don't need the guider or usb3.. I know there's ment to be a non guider and usb2 version but as Flo said prices will be a fair bit higher than the cem60.. so do I want to be a guinea pig or have a tried and tested cem60.. I've been on the ioptron Facebook page for a few months and have only seen positive feedback, a few having issues with the ec versions and guiding.. but no bad press that I can see  ..

Might be time to get the wallet out

 

from what I’ve heard, is that the base model without guider and just usb2 will be labelled CEM70 and the one with guider and usb3 will be the CEM70G, I also believe there will be a EC version

again this is all speculative and here-say at the moment 

12 hours ago, Neil27 said:

I'm reminded of that song, 'should I stay or should I go' by the Clash.

😂

10 hours ago, JamesF said:

"If I go there will be trouble
  And if I stay it will be double"

😂

12 hours ago, Neil27 said:

If I was in your position then I would go ahead and purchase the CEM60, a proven mount and for the price a steal I believe in its basic format. Nothing comes close on the market for the price, the SW EQ6 may lay claim but I personally feel the mount is a bit better quality and finish. Others may obviously have a different opinion but if i were in your shoes I'd go ahead and get the mount you originally intended to get.

You could wait forever for each new update and spend many months with nothing.

Just my 2 cents.

Hi Neil, that’s more than 2 cents worth but very valuable information at that.    
I suppose I’m stuck in that place where,

I know the cem60 has been around for 6 years or more and feel like I’m buying into old hardware, albeit still a very worthy mount,    
knowing now that there is an updated version coming (whenever that may be) but will have in date hardware/components, potentially buying a mount (cem60) that may become obsolete/discontinued within months of purchase

My reasons for deciding on the Cem60 initially

Payload capacity-future proofed for my needs,                                          
cable management system-like the idea of tidy cables at the topside allows for ease and quickness of set up, I was compromising with usb2 so meant I would have at least that one cable going direct to laptop from the camera,   lightweight and very much portable,                            
can have iPolar internally fitted    
Accessories to buy would be the tri-pier, iPolar, an autoguiding set up and various cables
 

My reasons for potentially waiting on the Cem70G over the Cem60

USB3 ports at the saddle-makes for faster transfer of images for live viewing and usb2 backward compatible
built in iPolar as standard    
built in 120mm guide scope as standard.  
probably newer hardware components.  
Accessories to buy would just be a tri-pier and various cables.   
 

I am aware the info on the Cem70 and the pricing are all unconfirmed and speculative. If the here-say is to be believed then pricing of the Cem70 set up over the Cem60 set up, for me, is an additional £500-600.

Again, if the here-say is to be believed, this would be worth waiting for and worth the extra expense and my only sole reason fo that is based on the fact that this set up, whichever i choose, has to last me a great number of .years to come, so future proofing is key based on current date information.

This would be my very first owned goto, computerised, guided mount. I’m currently on a Sw Star Adventurer which tracks well once polar aligned which I find easy to do manually. My biggest issue was trial & error in finding dso targets therefore have saved for the goto option. I borrowed a friends AVX and was awe inspired by the ease of finding targets once polar aligned, this is what set me off on my venture to jump into the mid-range category.

Anyway that’s where I’m at, at the moment, I welcome any comments to help guide me.

Richard.
 

5 hours ago, FLO said:

My personal opinion is, I sincerely hope they do not discontinue the CEM60! 

Unless someone really wants a CEM70 then I am advising they choose a CEM60. The CEM60 is a very successful product that is tried and trusted. The CEM70 looks to be (based on its current guesstimated U$ price) nearly double the price of a CEM60, with only 10lb more load bearing capacity. It will also initially be in short supply. 

Hi Steve, in your opinion, why would anyone  “really want” a CEM70 over the CEM60 assuming we go on the unconfirmed specification and here say listed?

Im asking this question because I literally pulled the plug on an order with Flo for the CEM60, tri-pier and various accessories, simply because I heard of a CEM70G on the horizon. (have I made a mistake?) 

And only, mainly, because of the powered USB3 hubs as I am using the zwo183mc pro so naturally thought the transfer rate of imaging would be much better than if I used the unpowered USB2 of the CEM60. Also thoughts were, newer hardware, software, built in auto guiding, built in ipolar, gps, WiFi etc (if the specs are to be believed and true of course).

So confused 🤷‍♂️ right now, frustrating too.

Its that question “Do I or don’t I”

Richard.
 

4 hours ago, oymd said:

That would possibly be just the press release, or launch etc.....?

I did start wondering about that after I posted it, think the excitement got to me. However I am curious how the Italian website have it as pre-order for the last week and no-one else have.