More Synscan questions

[adam88]

I have just bought a HEQ5 syntrek however, i also have a AZ goto mount. Does anyone know if i can just download the EQ firmware to the handset and use it on the HEQ5 and vice versa when i want to put it back on the AZ mount? (i'd like to use the AZ for a grab and go). I just thought this would save me the money of buying one to make it fully goto when i don't have my laptop with me (have EQmod). Also what exactly is the lead i need for downloading new firmware because the only one i seem to have has 2 RJ-11 connections and doesn't do anything!

One final thing, does anyone have any thoughts on whether a HEQ5 will handle a OO SPX 250? only for visual work?

Much obliged

Adam

[mattifor]

I have used a OO Europa 250 on an EQ5 for visual observing without problems,

I would think that the HEQ5 should have no problems.

[Cornelius Varley]

The EQ handset and the AZ are incompatible as far as I know.

Peter

[brantuk]

I understand the Synscan alt/az and eq handsets are identical except for the software. I remember reading a thread a few weeks ago by someone who had done a sucessful conversion by just downloading the s/w fron the web. Can't find the link though - if I do I'll post it.

[Cornelius Varley]

I think I will allow someone else to do it first.

Peter

[brantuk]

Good move Peter - johninderby is the oracle on this one - probably worth a quick pm

[Shibby]

Hi, did you ever get to the bottom of this? I have and Alt-Az handset and looking to buy a new mount that has EQMod, so I'm wondering if I'll be able to use the two together...?

[Cornelius Varley]

I emailed Skywatcher a couple of weeks ago regarding the Supatrak/AZGOTO conversion and about the compatability of the EQ and AZ handsets. As yet they have not replied.

Peter

[johninderby]

Although they look the same on the outside, the AZ handset is wired differently internally to the EQ version. The Az handset uses a 6 pin plug and the EQ uses an 8 pin plug to connect to the mount.

If you ever think of selling the AZ handset and getting the EQ version I would be interested in the AZ one.

John

[adam88]

I have orderd the required lead for the AZ handset to HEQ5 and am awaiting delivery. I'll will let you all know shortly if it is successful!

Thanks,

Adam

[Cornelius Varley]

If the AZ and EQ handsets are identical, apart from the firmware, a cat5 computer network cable will work with the EQ mount.

Peter

[adam88]

Successfully downloaded the EQ firmware to the AZ hanset and plugged in the new cable into the mount and it all works fine! Hopefully this will clarify things a bit better for people who did not want to risk their handsets and save money! I have also reverted the firmware back to AZ with no problems so i can use my AZ as a grab and go and the HEQ5 with the Intes MN68!!

Happy days!

Adam

[adam88]

Forgot to add a thank you for the advice i've received on this issue!!

Thanks,

Adam

[Cornelius Varley]

Thats good news. When you reflash the firmware from EQ to AZ or the other way do you lose longitude and latitude settings or the user database ?

Peter

[adam88]

Yes, it wipes any settings that were previously on there, which i suppose if you had a lot of user defined objects saved would be bad but for me having to put the co-ordinates in again is nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Adam

[flight69er]

Just to confim this, I've managed to flash a EQ h/s to Alt/Az. The only problem was as I had a SupaTrak mount was trying to source a cable for the AZ mount, but managed to make my own. Big improvement to the original h/s.