Andrew INT

The mount is kept outside with a weather proof cover over it so it could be a moisture issue. The motor board is dry but Ive not checked the smaller daughter board that takes the power and hand control. I'll check that today- thanks.

Hello all. I have a rather old (almost 15 years) HEQ5 mount which was upgraded to the goto version some time ago. I started getting the error "unable to detect both axis - standalone mode" or words to that effect. I understand that this is often an indicator that the motor board may have become damaged. I replaced two capacitors on the board which are known to often fail (420uF 25v). Still getting the standalone error. However, with repeated tried to turn the mount on, from time to time is will actually start to function fine for a short while - slewing to targets etc. However it will then either just stop responding or give the error "Flash ROM error A6 Data = 0000". I am able to re-flash the handset but the problems persist. Do the more experienced members think this is most likely a motor board issue, hand controller or even a simple cable issue? I am rather short of cash this month - even a £20 cable is a push, let alone a £120 motor board! I've been without the mount now for two months and I'm as miserable as sin!!! Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer.

Hello all, I know that this is a rather old post! My HEQ5 (with Pro kit upgrade) started giving the error "Both Axes No Response". It's pretty old now - 14 years or so. The hand controller still connects to a laptop ok, and I have re-flashed the memory just in case. The error still shows though. I took a look at the motor board. Nothing obviously wrong. I replaced the two 470uF capacitors but I', still getting the same error. I cant really afford a new board at £120 until the new year. Any suggestions of what else it may be?

Hi Louise, Do ST4 cables tend to be problematic then? I was only testing the software out - I was set up with a ZWO ASI 290MM camera and a 200mm newtonian. I am ordering a Sky watcher edoguide 50ED from FLO for christmas and will guide via the 290MM. My laptop has limited USB ports which is why I was trying the ST4 first. (Before upgrading thye laptop or buying a powered USB splitter). Many thank, Andrew

Hi Dave, With Hind sight, I think you are correct - I may simply not have clicked on the greed button. Since the red "stop" button had become illuminated, I thought that it was therefore trying to guide! I now feel rather daft... Cloudy skies here now until December- I shall give it another try in a couple of weeks time. Thanks once again.

Yes, I had hit the green button. It was toggling on and off due to clouds etc. not ideal test conditions I know. Should the corrections not appear in the gragh?

Hello all, I am trying my hand at autoguiding for the first time. I am using PHD2. I have the guide camera connected to the laptop via a usb 3.0 cable. The camera is also connected to my HEQ5 pro mount via an ST4 cable. I connected the camera ok and selected "on camera"for the mount. Although PHD appears to be running, I dont think that it is actually guiding. Should the graph not show the adjustments? Any advive welcome! Please see a screen shot. Many thanks, Andrew

I know that this is a REALLY old thread (have the skies been bad for ten years now?) I was looking to buy a cheap 0.5x reducer. Not really for imaging with my 8" newt and ASI 290mm camera, but to use the Polar align tool on SharpCap. Using my 102mm, F4.9 refractor it should give a FOV a bit greater than 1 degree which is the software requirement. Has anyone tried this?

Hello all, I am planning on imaging a time-lapse to show the rotation of Jupiter. Using Firecapture I can set a RGB filter sequence (say, 120 seconds for each). However, is it possible to place a delay (i.e. five mins or so) between each RGB block capture? Any advice greatly received! Cheers folks

Ooh, I do like that idea! The local authority screened off a nearby street light for me, but there are three more further down the road which produce some issues. Ive planted some trees to block them, but your idea means that I dont have to wait 20 years for them to mature...splendid! Cheers, Andrew

Hello Steve, and welcome! One of the best aspects of astronomy is that you can approach it at any angle. You can just look with your eyes, view through a telescope, image or study the science academically. Im in Long Sutton, so not too far from Spalding. Andrew

Thanks for the info. I've looked at robofocus kits- they look good. I am guessing that it would need to be shipped in and incur import tax. I've also looked at JMI motofocus, but they are dc motors rather than stepper. Has anyone here had any experience with the altair astro kits? http://www.altairastro.com/Pegasus-USB-Dual-Motor-Focus-Steppers-DC-Servo.html ? Thanks, Andrew

Thanks Michael. You are right, the C14 has a smaller secondary (35% or so). The RC is more like 45%. However, because the primary is bigger (16" against 14", I dont think there is much in it - mirror area wise) Thats food for thought Zakalwe- the saving from an Edge 14" to a (non Edge) C14 could go towards a wider FOV apo or such. Hmmmm....

Does anyone here own a 16" Altar Astro RC400? I''m considering an upgrade next year and am currently looking at both this and the Edge HD14" (predominantly for planetary imaging, but also smaller DSO's such as M51. I know that the Edge has certainly proved itself in the hands of people such as Damian Peach, but I'm keen to see any images taken with the RC400. Cheers all, Andrew

Thanks Chris and Bill, loading the ASCOM driver did the trick Ive been testing the filterwheel indoors. Ive noticed that although the simple Starlight xpress tool is 100%, Firecapture does not always advance to filter 2 for some reason. It seams a little temperamental. Is that common?