HEQ5 not talking to laptop

[Ant]

Hi Guys,

Set the scope up last night and hooked it up to the laptop (I find mosaic's easier using the up/down/left/right control in phd than the handset) to find that there is a Driver problem connecting to the mount.

Anyway, restarted the Laptop - no change.

Reinstalled ASCOM platform - no change.

Reinstalled CELESTRON drivers - no change.

I get exactly the same message if I remove the lead completely.

I use the pulse guide method (using the lead that came with the mount) - using the handset and have had nothing to do with EQmod.

I have a gut feeling that the lead is faulty - but no real knowlege to back that up.

Anyone have any ideas, can these leads e bought on the high street as it's due to e clear tonight and I would like to have a bash at the comet!

Any help much appreciated.

cheers

Ant

[daz]

What is the exact error Ant?

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

Is it the old version HEQ5 where you have to switch on the comms at the handset?

Kaptain Klevtsov

[Ant]

Nope, never had to do that.

Cheers

Ant

[Parallax]

There are 2 ways to test the lead:

1. Using a continuity tester, check that pins 2 & 5 of the RJ11 are connected to pins 2 & 3 of the DB9 respectively

2. Connect the DB9 to the laptop, run up Hyperterminal and set it to Direct Connection to Comm x (the comm port you are using), with a piece of wire connect pins 2 & 5 of the RJ11 together, then with your other hand(!) type something at the keyboard and it should be echoed back to the laptop.

HTH

Steve

[SteveL]

ARe you absolutely definitly "I have double checked it in hardware manager" sure that you are using the correct COM port number?

[Ant]

Nice one Steve, now I know that the lead is knackered...

Pin 2 was connected to Pin2 OK, but Pin 5 wasn't connected to anything...

Now where can I get a new lead from - are they availale over the counter. It's going to be clear tonight

Cheers

Ant

[weareborg]

Dont think the cables are available over the counter Ant, but i could be wrong. You could of course, always buy a RJ11 connector from Maplin and replace it.

Andy

[Ant]

I'll phone Roger in a sec. See if I can borrow one of his.

He's only a few miles from me and might take pity on me

[Ant]

OK been to see roger - nice to see you again mate.

He kindly gave me a spare lead that he had that doesn't use! Your a gent Roger!!!

Still no difference - won't connect

So I decided to take the handset off bring it indoors to upgrade the firmware.

As the handset was connected to the PC I thought that I'd try it again. Clicked on PHD and connected to handset - worked perfectly????

What on earth is going on? Please tell me there isn't anything wrong with the mount...?

Ant