Lipsmack

On 18/03/2021 at 16:15, Lipsmack said:

I’ve kind of came to the conclusion about the NS+ hand controller  upgrade. I am going to borrow a pc and see what I come up with. 

Yay! I successfully updated the hc and mc firmware. Clear skies this weekend. Wish me luck.  I had an old Mac at work that was running windows 7 thru vmfusion. I found a video online of the same archaic setup.  Lol. Thanks for all your help. 
 

On 18/03/2021 at 16:20, Lipsmack said:

Thanks.  I have kind of wondered lately about that and will check it next time out. I just get a headache thinking Of trying to align with only up and right keys. I’m have anxiety thinking of it.  Lol!

On 18/03/2021 at 16:20, Lipsmack said:

Thanks.  I have kind of wondered lately about that and will check it next time out. I just get a headache thinking Of trying to align with only up and right keys. I’m have anxiety thinking of it.  Lol!

I checked the bubble level against three other levels and it may be a tiny bit off than dead center. But it is within the circle marker but just a little off center. I updated the hc and mc firmware. Wish me luck. We have clear skies today. 

On 17/03/2021 at 07:39, doublevodka said:

Maybe have a look at this video, my gut says the mount is not quite level, I've a similar mount and had similar problems when quickly setting up.

 

The bubble levels built into the mount are not exactly accurate, better to use an external level if you can, from what I've read you seemed to have covered everything else 👍 (of course I may be wrong and you may have it properly level already) 

 

Thanks.  I have kind of wondered lately about that and will check it next time out. I just get a headache thinking Of trying to align with only up and right keys. I’m have anxiety thinking of it.  Lol!

On 17/03/2021 at 07:10, Mick H said:

You are not daft, but looks like you are out luck updating version 4 hand controller on a Mac unless you have a friend with a Windows PC.

Your other alternative is finding a NexStar + HC but is it worth it with that scope.

Just trying to help.

I’ve kind of came to the conclusion about the NS+ hand controller  upgrade. I am going to borrow a pc and see what I come up with. 

On 13/03/2021 at 08:04, Mick H said:

I use a MacBook Pro and have successfully updated the firmware for MC/HC, but I have usb connecter not serial.

But you can get one from Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-93920-NexStar-Interface-Cable/dp/B0000665UZ

You will need to download CFM and install java.

Mike Swanson has an excellent guide found here, just click on the NexStar SLT series:

https://www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm

I guess I must be complete daft. I don't see in this link how you can install it using a mac. The HCUpdate for a version 4 hand controller is still a windows exe file.

10 hours ago, Mick H said:

I use a MacBook Pro and have successfully updated the firmware for MC/HC, but I have usb connecter not serial.

But you can get one from Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-93920-NexStar-Interface-Cable/dp/B0000665UZ

You will need to download CFM and install java.

Mike Swanson has an excellent guide found here, just click on the NexStar SLT series:

https://www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm

I was wondering if this cable would do the same - avoiding buying two cables to go from 6p6c to serial to serial to usb. Any thoughts? 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Domoticz-Raspberry-FR232R-Kaifa-Sagemom-ISKRA-AM550-xs210/dp/B07JW75BZ7/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6p6c+to+usb&qid=1615681756&sr=8-3

7 hours ago, Mick H said:

Edit sorry you need a USB/Serial cable found here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-18775-RS-232-Converter-Cable/dp/B0006O4DR6/ref=pd_lpo_421_t_0/258-0525508-9013146?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0006O4DR6&pd_rd_r=4286e15a-1b99-4f71-8852-382a111949ad&pd_rd_w=xSYdI&pd_rd_wg=f8wDm&pf_rd_p=5f46aaad-3d39-458b-be15-624123b74416&pf_rd_r=5MR7C7GCP3SBXNX3M83N&psc=1&refRID=5MR7C7GCP3SBXNX3M83N

 

So the make sure I understand you need both. The first one goes from the hand controller to the serial connection on the second cable. And the second cable connects that to the Mac USB. In essence the serial connection on one is male and the other is female and would be in the middle of the cabling rig. 

7 hours ago, Mick H said:

I use a MacBook Pro and have successfully updated the firmware for MC/HC, but I have usb connecter not serial.

But you can get one from Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-93920-NexStar-Interface-Cable/dp/B0000665UZ

You will need to download CFM and install java.

Mike Swanson has an excellent guide found here, just click on the NexStar SLT series:

https://www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm

Thank you. I have not been able to find or talk with anyone who actually used a mac and the same hand controller.  Always seems to the the nexstar + or a different mount. It got confusing trying to translate the differences in the mounts and scopes. This is my first scope and only one I am familiar with. 

14 hours ago, Bonamy said:

I'm also new and learning to use the 127 SLT.

I thought I would share this trick I've been using, but first it is worth noting that this mount seems very sensitive to voltage drop on the batteries. From my last attempt at imaging I can confirm this, so if you can, get a power adapter.  

I found trying to align was quite hit and miss for me, so I came up with a way to practice on cloudy days inside. However it does require a couple of purchases (I had these since I plan to try some imaging with a DSLR).

1) Tripod Adapter Plate Dovetail Bar so I can replace the telescope on the mount with other equipment (this was about £30)

2) A phone adapter mount so I can attach my phone to the plate and hence to the mount

Once connected, I then fired up a star map application on my phone, and used it as a simulated telescope.

This then allows me to go through a Star Align routine in the warm and trouble shoot any issues. I realise it is not going to be accurate, but the mount does lock on to a target, and I can leave it running to see how well it tracks.

It may not fix your problem, but at least you can try again before the next clear skies?

 

 

 

 

Oh wow! This is some food for thought. I ordered the celestron ac adapter just to check. I’ve never thought of using the phone as a simulated telescope. I don’t seem to have too many issues with acquiring alignment. It just seems to be the actual tracking. I’ve only had once that alignment failed several times. Once it got darker and I was able to lock into different stars it worked. My 12v power tank should have plenty of power to power the mount but I am definitely going to try the ac adapter. 

17 hours ago, SaberJeff said:

You should upgrade the firmware of the handset to the latest version.

I have wondered about that. It has never been upgraded. Unfortunately that hand controller is a serial  connection. I don’t have a PC. Always been a Mac person. So I have no clue how to update it. Any advice would be appreciated 

13 hours ago, Paul M said:

I just had a gallop round my SLT handset.

It sounds like the OP has got everything covered that I can find. The main points being Tracking Rate = sidereal and Tracking Mode = Alt-Az.

I've found with my mount that rather than track incorrectly when the batteries get low, the handset reports motor faults and sulks.

Will be interesting to find out if only one or both axes are tracking when the sky clears up.

One of these day when the clouds clear I hope to test out to get more definitive answers. I think I will order ac adapter and try that. I just started using a 12 v power bank (weego 44). It never uses much power from that bank. The bank barely comes off the first light of a full charge with 3 hours of viewing. 

15 hours ago, Mick H said:

 

Another thought, How are you powering the scope?

I have tried the 8aa battery pack. But I recently have used a 12 v power bank. I have never tried ac power. 

4 hours ago, Paul M said:

Have you ascertained which axis is drifting? Are both axes drifting?

Except for objects passing through your local meridian, tracking will be required in both axes. The further from the meridian that on object is the greater it's vertical motion. So objects in the east and west have as much, if not more vertical motion as horizontal. Perhaps only one axis is tracking? That would be weird given that both axes work during alignment, but you never know. I prefer Synscan to Nexstar and always need the manual when I'm looking for a setting. I just wonder if tracking is stuck in or reverting to EQ mode? Therefore only running the azimuth (RA) motor. 

I'll look at my SLT mount tomorrow and see if I can replicate any of this.

 

Thanks. We are enduring cloudy days and rain over the weekend. The next time I align I will make a definite note of any particular direction. I think it is drifting out of fov to the left (on a 90° diagonal.  All the advice I have gotten here means I need to make more notes on the drift. But until these clouds get out of here I have nothing to lock on. 🤨

2 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

So have you checked that the tracking is turned ON (Alt-az)?

Yes.  It is on altaz. It was the first things I checked.  It is aligning and it is “ticking “ when it is tracking. It just seems to be not tracking correctly.  Sorry I misunderstood your first post.  I thought you were telling me that I can turn it off. (Use it with no tracking)

I reset to factory settings and went back thru settings and manual. My location was set to almost 100 miles away where I purchased the scope.  After resetting everything I set my location on the handset to longitude and latitude. And when using the app I have verified that the locations and time  is correct.  I thought originally the distance of accurate location could be causing it not to track accurately. But it didn’t change anything. 

7 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

It looks like the tracking can be turned off. See MENU/TRACKING/MODE/Off, Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South.

The instruction manual confirms this, and states that 'Off' is for terrestial viewing.

If you do not have the instruction manual, I recommend that you locate and download it.

Thanks. The point is I WANT it to track and object. I do have the manual and have searched it many times. But nothing is helping me troubleshoot. That is why I thought I’d try advice from others. 

11 hours ago, Mick H said:

For got to say this is the way to change the hand control arrow keys, also the tracing speed.

Press number 9 key and then select which speed  you want.

I believe that is the slew rate, not the speed adjustment to keep an object centered in the eyepiece after alignment.  I use that to fine tune an object when it is moving out of fov. 

10 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

I don't know what's wrong, but even though the SLT is a rubbish imaging mount it should track well. I purposely tested mine and found it would keep an object in the low-power eyepiece field for literally hours.  I can see two possibilities: a mechanical fault, or you have not carried out the aligning procedure to completion.

It seems from your description that it it not tracking in azimuth. If this is a mechanical fault, then restraining or encouraging it with your hand may disclose the problem. (Note: the mount cannot normally be moved in azimuth by hand, while there is a slip clutch in altitude).  It may be that the mount is not tracking at all, which will cause objects to move out of field rapidly in a minute or two.  It is essential to complete the alignment procedure - with the handset you do the coarse align, then the fine align, finishing IIRC by pressing the ALIGN button, which should result in a message something like "Alignment Complete, Starpointer Off."

The handset may offer eqatorial alignment options, which you should not try to use.

Yes I always complete the alignment method and get this message.  I very carefully level the mount before I install the ota and double check afterward. The scope does not turn manually in azimuth, but seems easily moved  in altitude by hand. Almost too much. But I am not sure if there is any tightening adjustment for that? How do you determine if the ota is correctly balanced?  

11 hours ago, Mick H said:

Press number 9 key and then the 5 key.

I believe that only changes the slew rate, not adjust a tracking speed once aligned. The scope is tracking per se but not correctly.  Image is moving slowly out of fov. 

On 08/03/2021 at 02:38, happy-kat said:

Hi

If using an eyepiece does the object stay in the field of view for observing?

If you are trying imaging then balance is another key factor and the 127 slt will be very demanding with the long focal length on the mount. Facing east or west below 60° will also help.

When using just an eyepiece it is moving out of fov eventually. Especially if viewing large objects like Orion Nebula. Using a 90° diagonal and 25mm eyepiece it will move out of fov to the left. I know the image is flipped horizontally so not sure if that means the tracking is slow or fast depending on rotation of earth. As you can tell I am an extreme novice. I’ve had the scope 10 years and just now really getting into it. I have probably used it more this year than any previous 8. I thought it tracked better than what I am noticing now. Or maybe I just know a littlE more than before. I am not sure how to more accurately balance the scope to helP tracking. Especially if attaching my iPhone and NexYZ adapter to compensate for added weight. 
 

thanks for any advice. 

14 hours ago, SaberJeff said:

You should set the tracking speed to 5.

How to change the tracking speed on the 127 slt on the 127 slt using nexstar version 4 hand controller or SkySafari/SkyPortal apps. I see the anti backlash adjustment and tracking mode, but not tracking speed. Are you meaning the slew rate speed?

10 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

Could you confirm that you are performing a GoTo star alignment? (On a Nexstar+ there will be Skyalign (IIRC), 2-star, 2-star auto 1-star and solar system align available.) If you complete the alignment properly, completing all the coarse/fine/accept steps, there is no reason why it should not track. The tracking speed can be set to siderial, lunar and solar in the menus.

I am using the nexstar version 4 hand controller. I’ve tried skyalign, auto two star, and single star alignment. When I use the iPad sky safari and/or SkyPortal apps only 3 star skyalign is available. Tracking is set to sidereal. No matter what alignment process or controller, same results. 

The manual isn’t helping me troubleshoot my 127 slt. I have reset to factory settings but not much help. It doesn’t seem to be tracking at the correct rate. I have made sure the time/date/location/standard time is correct and it’s level and aligned. I made sure the altaz mount is checked using sidereal. This is the mount that came with the scope. I can hear it ticking as it is tracking. But my objects seem to move out of fov.  Exposures of 20-30 seconds are showing trails. I  tried using the hand controller and tied a SkyPortal WiFi and my phone of iPad for alignment - all verifying current location, date time etc are correct each time. (Using the gps on phone/iPad.) Still same slow tracking. How do I figure out how to adjust the tracking rate if possible.