Hitec Astro EQDIR software driver version

[AndyKeogh 71]

For a long time now I have been using the Prolific driver installer v10518 from the HitecAstro site on my windows 7 computer.

Recently I have been getting a lot of overnight crashes and lost a lot of imaging time.  An analysis of last night's crash pointed to the Prolific driver.  MS today offered me a new driver V3.6.81.357  to replace v3.3.5.122.

First signs are that it works... well I can move the mount.

My question to the group is in 2 parts:-

1) Is this new driver reliable?

2) Is this now the time to find a new more reliable EQDIR interface and if so what  recommendations can you offer.

TIA

Andy

Edited November 11, 2015 by AndyKeogh

[DanL 45]

Bit confused. If the prolific driver is v10518, what driver is being updated from v3.3 to v3.6?

[Tinker1947 2,130]

This is the latest driver, well it worked with my firmware handset upgrades....

http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41

[DanL 45]

Apologies. Looks like I was getting my driver versions and installer versions mixed up!

I recently installed the driver set from Hitec site and not had any issues as yet but I'll have to confirm what driver version I'm on.

Not aware of any better method. You could use the handset in PC direct mode but would still need drivers to assign the com ports for the connection.

[AndyKeogh 71]

This is the latest driver, well it worked with my firmware handset upgrades....

http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41

Thanks I will have a look at this and check which chipset HitecAstro have used.

I note that the Prolific driver you have linked to does not support Windows 8,8.1 or 10. Begs the question as to which interface one needs for those OSs

Andy

[Skipper Billy 2,592]

I am running W10 and wasn't aware that a MS W10 update in its infinite wisdom will replace the Prolific driver v10518 (which does work with W10) with something it thinks is better - except that it doesnt work !

Find your prolific driver in Device manager and protect it from auto updates.

[r3i 507]

I've run with the V10518 on my Win10 laptop for protracted periods without any problems.

FLO have kindly provided links to both the driver and installation instructions that allow the adapter to work on Win 8 & 10: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html

[AndyKeogh 71]

Thanks I will have a look at this and check which chipset HitecAstro have used.

I note that the Prolific driver you have linked to does not support Windows 8,8.1 or 10. Begs the question as to which interface one needs for those OSs

Andy

 I have run the chip set program and the chip in my EQDIR module is a PL-2303H.  Is this the same chip version that you Tinker1947, Skipper Billy and r3i are using?

Amdy

[AllanJ 165]

I contacted Hitecastro support  when I was struggling to get mine to work with Win 10. I received an email which included "There is an old chipset which we have long since discontinued which will not work with windows 8 and upwards under any circumstances."  Anyway, I have got my Prolific cables working, mostly - sometimes I have to roll back the driver again.

I'd like to know how to protect an individual driver from update -  as far as I can see it is all updates across the computer (?)

Allan

[Skipper Billy 2,592]

Does this help AllanJ ??

Hitecastro_EQMOD_Win8.pdf

[AllanJ 165]

Thanks, Skipper,

I have used these instruction sets via FLO's site several times. My understanding is that when you select "Never Install driver software..." that applies to all devices, not just the Prolific driver. Am I wrong here?

[r3i 507]

 I have run the chip set program and the chip in my EQDIR module is a PL-2303H.  Is this the same chip version that you Tinker1947, Skipper Billy and r3i are using?

Amdy

I've run the checker on my kit and it also reports that it is a PL-2303H chip.

[AndyKeogh 71]

Thanks Mike that is good to know.

I have run 2 overnight tests since I upgraded to the MS updated driver and it has not crashed.

Though Nebulosity has had some problems. Maybe the 12v hub that has taken the place of the mains driven netgear usb hub has changed the dynamics.

I plan to run some more tests this week with different usb cables and a simplified setup to see if I can get a clean 14 hour run without incidents.

Andy