What does EQMOD give you that a handset doesn't?

[Johnboy2011]

I know you can control your mount via the laptop with EQMOD but what is the real advantage?

If you were doing AP and guiding with a lappy anyway is there something that EQMOD gives you that a handset does not?

Or is it just the case that if you wanted to you could control the whole thing remotely?

John

[NickK]

The SynScan handset provides constant-speed PEC. EQMOD (attached directly to the mount) gives you variable-speed PEC which results in better accuracy.

However for me - the SynScan offers a small footprint, hardy GOTO mechanism.

[astroimpulse]

I use it as part of my whole set up.

For me the pros are:

1: I can use CdC (star map) to goto where I want visually. Helps with quick Aligning too (limited sky knowledge)

2: I can use a wireless remote control to slew

3: The Polar Align tool is invaluable

4: PHD goes through it rather than straight to the mount

5: Lots more to utilise but haven't yet got to it

6: You can buy the Syntrek considerably cheaper and then use EQMOD for free (cost effective only if you already have lappy etc, of course)

Cons:

1: I sold my handset and wish I didn't because if I pop out for just some observing I need the whole lappy setup with me.

[lukebl]

I think the ability to align using ANY stars you like, rather than just the ones in Synscan, is invaluable (especially if, like me, a lot of your sky is obscured by trees or buildings). Also, seeing the sky in 'real time' when using Carte du Ciel or whatever planetarium program you use, and just clicking on an object to view it is great.

[Bizibilder]

Same reasons as astro impulse but I managed to buy a lappy in an Amazon "sale" and, even with the cost of the lappy, "EQMOD" worked out cheaper than a goto handset upgrade! AND I can run loads of other software (imaging camera, guiding software and camera, wemcam imager, download and view images, merge software, stacking software etc) whilst I'm imaging. The whole thing becomes an integrated system with an ASCOM hub at the centre.

EDIT:

And a very useful set of around twenty video tutorials on You Tube!

[MikeP]

Spiral search is a great feature of EQMOD.

The ability to simply tour round, adding each object to the mapping data as I go (i.e. an n-object alignment) is vastly better than the 3-star alignment with a limited set of stars.

Mike

[chrisshillito]

Here is the response to this particular Frequently Asked Question as given in the EQMOD Project website FAQ's section (EQMOD)

Comparing with the SYNSCAN manual and using its headings/sections as a guide here are the features where we believe EQMOD offers an improvement.

User interface:

gamepad supported - button functions totally configurable.

User configurable sound for command feedback - i.e speech if desired.

Other interface options possible (mouse control, numeric keypad, Wii controller)

Initial Setup:

Time/timezone/daylight savings etc taken From PC, corrected by GPS (optional)

Observing site - can store 10 preset locations.

Supports a wide range of GPS for automatic location and time sync correction.

Automatic positioning of the Polar Scope reticule for accurate polar alignment.

Star Alignment.

No restriction on alignment star selection. You can align on ANY star in the sky, you are not set to a limited number of stars in a small list, you can choose a 15th magnitude star if you want, although not recommended

N-Point model.

Pointing models can be saved and restored for those with permanent mounts.

Pointing model can be refined by via sync to add new points.

Gotos:

Goto accuracy improved by pointing model and iterative gotos.

Limit protection for user defined Horizon

slewing:

User definable slew rates on RA and DEC any where from 0.1x to 800x sidereal

User definable preset rates (10 max).

Spiral search

Object Database:

Only restricted by the ASCOM client you're using

Tour user definable tours. Show objects above horizon or any other elevations you choose

No restriction on the number of user objects.

Park Scope:

Park on horizon limits or RA limits.

Multiple Custom Park positions possible.

Unpark to predefined position.

PEC Training:

Variable speed PEC rather than fixed speed.

Ability to load and save multiple PEC traces

Visualisation of worm phase and likely PE even when PEC not engaged.

Tracking:

PEC, if enabled, is integral part of Sidereal rate not a separate rate.

Custom RA and DEC rates supported

Limit protection for user defined Horizon and RA limits

Autoguiding:

Pulseguide support, Visualisation of guiding corrections/performance,

Close integration with PEC.