EQMOD

[jgs001]

I have but one thing to say...

EQMOD Rocks

After I got the HEQ5, I started investigating guiding options (I think you all know this ) and checking out costs. Well, It turned out, that the USB-TTL cable was by far the cheapest and offered the most capability. So I took the plunge and ordered one. I also ordered a Cat5 flylead so I could but the end off and finish the cable to the mount. After some mildly scary, well it felt like it to me, plugging it in, and powering up all the components (I didn't want to fry the mount cos I'd messed up the wiring) all worked perfectly.

So, over the past few days, well nights, I've been completing the setup.

On Saturday, with the cable still not 100% complete, the wires are not held together tightly as yet, I went out to test the rig. My first attempt at guiding worked perfectly using PHD, and leaving EQMOD and ASCOM on the default settings. Ok I had some issues, but that was down to inaccurate focus on the guide scope (easily solved).

On Sunday, I tested out full guiding, and was able to take 20 minute subs, although the first one felt like hours as I was waiting for the capture to finish. One thing I did find, that to adjust the alignment, given the Syntrek handset is no longer attached was quite a faff as I had to use the lappy touchpad to make positioning adjustments.

So on Monday, I hooked up an old logitech gamepad, set that up for EQMOAD/ASCOM control, and on testing found that, whilst I have a small issue with the joystick contacts in the gamepad (I need to look into this, possibly literally), it works perfectly, and I was able to adjust the position of the scope from where I needed to be, so much easier.

Then yesterday, I setup the Satellite tracker control program. I've got all the communications working, which was the hardest part. The SatTracker program is designed for Meade and Celestron mounts, so needs a couple of additional modules installed to enable comms to the HEQ5. EQMOD talks to the mount, and is controlled by EQMOD/LX which is a protocol converter from Meade LX200 speak to ASCOM speak. As this is talked to by an IP connect, and the SatTracker software only talks to a com port, a piece of virtual comm port software is required to redirect the com port contriol signals to the IP socket... Eventually I got that all setup right, signed up to Space-track, and in theory it's good to go. I've yet to test out this component.

Then last night I setup the Goto and CdC integration. Very easy to setup. CdC already talks EQMOD/ASCOM, so within the EQMOD app, click N Star Align, back to CdC, select an alignment star and tell CdC to control the mount to it, align with the gamepad, click align in EQMOD, and repeat. After doing a 3 star align on Alkaid, Denebola and Dubhe, I used the Goto to take me to NGC4088, my target from last night, and NGC4088 landed smack bang in the middle of the FOV as my image from last night will attest, I didn't adjust the position in anyway. I'll post up the image shortly, just gotta process the subs.

And then one last thing I found last night, as the mount tracked up to the zenith and hit the meridian flipover, I was keeping a close eye on it to prevent accidents. EQMOD prevented the mount moving further (and prevented PHD forcing the mount to continue, then after a few minutes, forced the mount to Park.

The total setup time, from carting out the mount and scope, to being on target and guiding (and I had to work out how to setup and align the goto so it should be less next time around) was 25 minutes...

Brilliant, and all the software is free. The cabling cost me about £20 and some nervousness. Thanks very much to all those who persuaded me down this route

[merlinxlm]

Hi, I'm planning on going down the EQMOD for my new EQ6 mount, would you mind giving me some advice on how you did the conversion. I was planning on buying a shoestring EQ Direct Interface for £39.99 and a cable for £10. Did you have to buy these?

Thank you.

[jgs001]

I used the USB cable that's shown on the EQMOD website, at the bottom of this page. It needs the cable from FTDI and either some ethernet cable making tools, crimper and plug, or what I did, was hack up a Cat5 flylead. Total cost a but under£20 as I didn't have the flylead.

[merlinxlm]

Hi, I've had a look on the website, as I understand the process involves buying the TTL-232R cable, then connecting Pin 4 of the RJ45 to the black wire,

Pin 5 of the RJ45 to the yellow wire, Pin 6 of the RJ45 to the orange wire. Then installing the driver off the website. Then connecting the usb to the PC, RJ45 on to the mount. Sorry to ask so many questions.

[jgs001]

that's exactly what I did... That's correct for the HEQ5 that has an RJ45 connection for the handset. For the EQ6 I'm not sure, and it's probably better to let someone with an EQ6 and does this to answer..

According to that Page it looks like you need for a D Type connection.

"To create the EQDIRECT-USB all theat is needed is to connect a 9 way "D" type plug to the flying lead of the TTL232R. The connections are as follows:

Solder Pin 6 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Orange wire.

Solder Pin 9 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Yellow wire.

Solder Pins 4 & 5 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Black wire"

[Psychobilly]

It's a whole differenmt universe once you start autoguiding... all those elusive fainter targets can now be attempted.. and I am sure you will work the "John" magic on them

Peter....

[jgs001]

Cheers Peter, things will become better next week, as I'll have power