AZ or EQ handset question

[Hairycamel]

Hi all,

I'm aquiring a Skywatcher 250PX Flex Tube Auto this weekend and was looking forward to using it as a GOTO with the handset from my EQ5 Synscan. However, the thought just occurred to me - will this handset work, or will I need to get a handset form an AltAz mount instead? It dawned on me when I saw that there were different firmware upgrades for EQ or AltAz handsets on the Skywatcher site.

[Spikey]

The handset will works but will need re-flashing from the current EQ firmware to the AltAZ firmware. Plug to attach to the mount may be different as well i.e. RJ45 vs. RJ11/12.

[Hairycamel]

Hmm, that's a shame. I was going to keep the eq5 for imaging with a small refractor, but not if I have to reflash every time I swap between them!

[johninderby]

The handsets have different connector cables so you can't just plug an EQ handset into an AZ mount. Some have rewired the cables with mixed success. Some have made it work but more have fried the circuit board in the dob mount.

Better just to pickup a cheap secondhand Skywatcher Alt-AZ mount and use the handset from that as it plugs straight in with no mods.

John

[Spikey]

Better still if imaging to control the EQ5 via EQMOD and ditch the handset altogether. Re-flash it, buy a replacement cable and use it on the dob.

[Hairycamel]

Ahaa. I think you have stumbled on the solution. I cant think of a situation where I wouldn't be imaging without my laptop, so I dont really need the handset for the EQ5 any more. Fantastic, thanks for the help.