AZ Synscan Handset issues

[IIxFUSIONZxMMx]

hi all i havent used my skywatcher az goto scope for about 1year now just powered it up for the first time and my handset lights up orange but has no display andy ideas guys?

[happy-kat]

Power? Or rather lack off

[IIxFUSIONZxMMx]

Thanks for reply the telescope moves when I press the arrow buttons but there is no display on the handset it lights up orange and bleeps to say it's connected to the telescope 

[Star Lord]

Unfortunately it's likely a hardware issue... you might want to make sure you're using an AC or DC cable that you know matches the requirements though. You'll want to look into updating the firmware as a first possibility. You can download the new firmware loader from SkyWatcher and hold the 0 and 8 key while plugging the controller itself into the computer with an RS232 (or USB adapter). It should proceed from there theoretically. I know Orion has a repair facility, but I'm not sure about SkyWatcher. Best of luck!

[IIxFUSIONZxMMx]

Thank you star Lord for your helpful reply I will try and update the firmware first I haven't changed any of the wires for it so that shouldn't cause a problem I just think it's me and bad luck lol

[ronin]

You could try a reset if there is an external button to press, as no screen you cannot use the menu tree. Just thinking that some data item internally may have been corrupted and the display is now at zero brightness. Will say it is doubtful but an option even if small.

Check the connectors one may be a little mucky and not making good contact, but I would ahve thought that whatever supplies power to the handset for the direction buttons to operate would supply power to the display, however they are a little odd.

If you are going to try an update check out which USB cable/connector works best - not all work well, or find an old PC with an old serial port.

If all fails then check Astroboot as occasionally they have a V3 Synscan handset of sale.

Someone may come along and say that the handset can be opened and the display contacts cleaned, only say this as I am sure I have read of this problem previously. However I would say that this should be a last resort. My approach for this would be to get another handset then contemplate opening. If you are in a club ask if anyone there has experienced the same problem.

[IIxFUSIONZxMMx]

Thanks for your help and advice ronin it's a weird problem everything seems to be working fine the scope moves fine using the arrow buttons the handset bleeps and lights up even the display lights up orange but no text ? Only other problem the vga computer lead it came with doesn't fit lol 

[Cornelius Varley]

The vga cable is for an external monitor not for serial devices. You need to get a good quality usb-serial adapter to connect the data cable to the computer. I suspect that the problem with the screen is due to a corroded or bad connection between the cable and lcd display.