Dr_Ju_ju

So all you really need to do is after you've configured the initial alignment is to keep rotating the mount in RA... if that is the case, how about driving the ST4 port (switch) in one direction ?

Have you considered bypassing the hand controller & driving the mount directly from a computer using (M$ Windows World), Stellarium\CDC Ascom platform etc. this may allow what you want, but at the 'expense' of a PC, control connector etc....

I believe AZ/EQ-G equates to our AZ\EQ6 in that case, I just plug the FTDI adapter straight into the mount, replacing the handset altogether, and have no issues....

They are trying to sell a not too cheap pier, which they claim is better.... But after reading around, I made my own using 2x2M tubes (air-con ducting 250mm & 150mm diameters) filled with concrete. A bit of a pain to drill the hole, but it is rock solid.

Just to add further, I've just bought the SW .85 to go with my ED80, but one gotcha is that you need an additional Synta M48 to EOS\Nikon camera adaptor, which is another cost\delay...

Have you also considered upgrading the drive train to belt mod e.g. http://www.beltingonline.com/eq6-telescopebelt-mod-drive-kit-12220?zenid=0vl1sf1003vcqq5a7g0e9u6rr0 these replace those greasy cogs....

Hi Ellery, I went for a Baader MPCC Mk-III, which replaces the 'open' T nose piece. I've not tried it on my SW 100, but on my newts it performs well...

Windows will automatically try & use the latest driver installed on your system, which if it is a Proiific device, the latest driver won't work, you need to install and use Version 3.2. It Is available, but needs to be searched for, but beware the dodgy download sites

After you've connected the mount to the PC, using control panel\device manager, you should be able to see the mount under "Ports", then querying the mount will give you the COMM port. If it doesn't show up, then you need to get this fixed first.

for the installer, right click the executable file, & select 'run as administrator' for the application, right click the short-cut & select properties. On the compatibility tab \ settings section, put a tick in the "Run the program as an administrator" box and click apply

Hi Graham, have you tried the install running as 'Administrator' also try running the app as admin as well Forgot to add that I use the same version on a number of PC's

An earlier question was posed on where you can get additional power connectors, after much searching I've managed to find these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2Pcs-Wire-Panel-Connector-GX12-2-Pin-Male-M12-Circular-Aviation-Plug-Connector-/381337396899?hash=item58c97ae6a3, which unfortunately come from China, although I believe there is an Italian supplier as well.... If only Synta had used the more common GX16 series, which are available almost anywhere....

you may find that soldering the connection will limit the life of the connector, as the whole point of insulation displacement connectors (IDC) are that they fuse the two metal components together, but adding substances like flux & heat breaks this bond, resulting in lower life\failure.

If they are using 'proper' FTDI chips then this should do what you want http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-to-TTL-Serial-Cable-Adapter-FTDI-Chipset-FT232-Cable-FT232RL-TTL-3-3V-B36-/231609039965?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35ecf97c5d , just need to wire up an RJ45 on the end... for a little more work in 'potting-up' this may be useful http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6PIN-CP2102-USB-2-0-to-UART-TTL-Electronic-Connector-Serial-Converter-Module-/390568169609?hash=item5aefad5089 As for drivers for Windows 8,8.1,10, you need to set the OS into 'allow un-signed drivers' mode (special start-up) which will then install correctly & work ok, I have some on multiple systems

good luck, and let eBay be your friend....