dazzystar

I did...No joy. 

Yes I have all the drivers downloaded (probably installed those more than once in frustration!). This is so annoying....

OK. I'm still having problems. Let me explain what I've tried tonight.

Removed the Synscan hand controller completely and connected the usb cable from my pc to the usb port on the motor control box. Made sure the COM port speed was 115600. Turned on the motor control box and went into the ASCOM diagnostics software, chose  Skywatcher Telescope, clicked on properties then got a big error starting with Failed to load driver: "ASCOM.SkyWatcher.Telescope. 

I then tried connecting the handset back in and the usb cable to the handset and got basically the same error message.

What can I be doing or having done that's wrong people?

I should have also added that I won't be using the Synscan controller as all goto will be done from the mini pc running NINA and other apps needed.

2 hours ago, pete_l said:

I am not a (nearly said "fan") admirer of PCs with moving parts for outside use. I believe the Mele does not have a fan. I'd go with that.

Too late...The U59 is virtually silent and more powerful. Plus Amazon had an incredible deal, 16GB 512GB SATA for £262

Thanks @lenscap

It's not the noise that bothers me about the existing motors as the scope will be outside and myself, inside. It's just the sheer crappy build quality of the gears and the meshing between them that I don't like. I haven't even imaged with the setup yet as I'm still getting my things together and autofocuser built but was thinking if it isn't a complete and total pita then why not. 

I should have asked how accurate is the OnStep mod in comparison to the original motors?

Thanks for the reply. I'm in the process of building a DIY autofocuser based on a Nema 17 PG5 and Arduino Nano so am used to asking lots (and lots) of questions!

I've joined the onstep group but cannot fathom how to begin to ask questions. It's not like our forum software here is it!

Hi All,

Thought I'd join the convo and ask a question. I want to replace the crappy motors on my EQ3 Pro goto mount with steppers and have just discovered the OnStep project. As my use is remote imaging I don't want to use a hand controller but control the equipment via ASCOM and NINA. Has anyone modded their EQ3 Pro and could you provide a list of parts / bits needed so I can look into it in more detail please?

Cheers

Daz

Hi All,

Not sure whether I should post it here or in the mounts discussion thread but here goes. I have an EQ3 Pro and I'd like to replace the cheap and lousy motors and gearboxes with stepper motors and belts. Does anyone know of any DIY guides out there?

Cheers

Daz

38 minutes ago, Kaliska said:

I've pretty much got everything attached to my scope, just bought a mounting plate which attached to the rings and cable tied the mini pc, power block and focuser unit.

What mounting plate did you use?

Thanks for the reply. I want to mount the U59 and the EQ3 motor control box to the top of the scope so nothing is hanging or connected to the tripod. I can design and 3D print something for the control box I think and the U59 it's just the thing for the scope as it needs to be long. Perspex is an idea which I may explore too.

I'd like some kind of dovetail bar mounted on top of the scope with a corresponding bracket thing mounted on the bottom of the U59. Is there something available does anyone know?

4 hours ago, gilesco said:

I recommend perspex sheeting to attach to the tube rings of the OTA, easily orderable, much cheaper than a ADM plate, much lighter, pretty easy to drill holes in.

How are those two bolts used at the bottom of the perspex sheet?

Thanks for the reply.

Thanks chaps for the replies!

The U59 has just arrived. I haven't unboxed it yet but hope to tomorrow. Here is a pic of the top of the scope with the mounting rings (I have no idea what the threaded bolt and wheel are used for). I was thinking about mounting the mini PC to the rings using a dovetail but not sure what I would need to mount under the PC this. Any advice?

2 hours ago, Len1257 said:

If you know anyone with a 3D printer the job becomes trivial otherwise just get some aluminium sheet and make some brackets up? Doesn't have to be anything special, no-one will see it in the dark!

I do have a 3D printer too!

Hi All,

As the title suggests, I'm looking for ways to mount a Beelink U59 mini PC to either my mount (EQ3 Pro) or scope (Startravel 102). Personally I'd prefer to mount it on the scope tube to keep the cables to the camera and autofocuser as short as possible. Does anyone have any ideas for a neat solution?

Thanks

Daz

I'm printing some things at the moment. If it all works out, I'll post a pic!

Thanks. That's what I was thinking too. Do you happen to know if I need to connect a mouse, keyboard and monitor to it to set it up and configure or can everything be done using Windows RD?

Hi All,

So. I can now afford (thanks to Amazon vouchers), either the Beelink U59 or Mele Quieter2 mini PC. But which should I go with?

As a refresher, It'll be connected to an EQ3 mount, An ASI183MC camera and a DIY autofocuser running NINA. All post processing work will be done by my main rig inside. Connection will be from Windows RDP over Wi-Fi.

Cheers

Daz

Thanks very much!

I'm sure that would help....thanks!

Bit of a nightmare but it would appear that the mounting screw holes on the Nema 17 PG5 would be too close to the larger hole on the 3D printable case design by Kari as he used a non-pg model. (like 0.75mm from the edge!) which would probably end up shearing through the PLA quite quickly? Real shame as I love your design and can't think of any other way of mounting the motor in a case.

Even if I made the large hole even larger so that the gearbox poked through, there no way of mounting it. Attached is the spec sheet for the motor in case you come up with any ideas. I'll also put a copy of this in the channel for others.

17HS13-0404S-PG5.pdf