Computer driven HEQ5?

[Din]

Hi

I have an HEQ5 mount with Syntrek. Apparently I can upgrade to a GOTO system if I pay for a new handset.

The mount came with a cable which will allow it to connect to a serial port on a PC or laptop.

Is it possible to use a laptop to provide the GOTO function for the HEQ5?

Trying to save myself a few quid.....

Cheers

Ed

[adrianelliott]

Yes I think its quite easy.

You buy an adapter like the one below and use it with EQMOD software. You can also make an adapter if you are into DIY. This is how I plan to control my HEQ5 when I buy it

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html

[JAS]

Yes you can, I have done it with mine and it works very well. Take a look at the eqmod website, all is explained.

Jason.

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

[daz]

The short answer is YES

The Syntrek motors and control board are the same in the SynScan,

So you either need to acquire a V3 Handset, or connect to laptop to provide the GOTO. You will need to install ASCOM, and you will need a converter to change the laptop signals to the signals the mount needs. The easiest way is with something like the HiTec Astro adapter - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html - unless you adept with a soldering iron and fancy building your own!

[Din]

Excellent. Thank you - £25 is a bit cheaper than £150 or so for the hand controller....

Ed

[daz]

type faster Daz!!

[JAS]

Take a look at this, http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/130721-usb-eqdir-for-under-4/

This is the way I went, cost me about £5.

Jason.

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

[JAS]

And you dont have the extra box in the way!

Jason.

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

[Bizibilder]

And EQMOD has far more functionality than the goto upgrade/handset.

[Din]

A bit of a worry. I downloaded the ASCOM software and my AV program warned me it was trying to get access to protected password storage...

Ed

[Bizibilder]

Probably true! Ascom has to talk to various bits of software and hardware attached to your computer. If you were on a ligitamate site (EQMOD site for example) then you will be OK. Some anti-virus are very "sensitive" to these sort of programs. Which AV do you use?

[Din]

Kaspersky. The computer is pretty slow at the moment, it won't even run the stellarium software I read about on here.

Ed

[Bizibilder]

Kaspersky should be OK with ASCOM - but if you were on a legitimate site you should still be OK. Stellarium is a very resource hungry program and will run slowly. Have you cleared down all the stuff that builds up on a computer recently? CCleaner (freeware) and then a disc defragmentation may work wonders if you havn't.

[Din]

I'll give that a go, thanks Roger.

Ed