Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2016 14:54:52 GMT
Hello. I was wondering if anyone is controlling their AVX mount with a computer. It would be nice if you would post the process to accomplish that. IE what programs and step are needed to successfully move the mount without having to walk out to the scope. Any information would be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Mar 11, 2016 17:24:16 GMT
Yes, Norm I do.
First, let me state that I setup in my drive way and my telescope is about 15 to 20 feet away from my table. You may need to prove the appropriate active USB extension cables to support a longer distance than what I have
Mount: - AVX with (or without) StarSense
Software: - Stellarium
Harware: - AVX Hand Controller (StarSense or NexStar) --> Serial Cable (provided with AVX) --> Serial/USB Converter --> Active USB Cable --> USB Powered Hub --> Laptop
Now, you want to enable the Telescope Control Plugin in Stellarium: - Open the Configuration Window (F2) - Go to the Plugin Tab - Select "Telescope Control" from the list - Check the "Load at startup" option - Exit Stellarium then Restart Stellarium
And now, configure the mount:
- Open the Configuration Window (F2)
- Go to the Plugin Tab
- Select "Telescope Control" from the list
- Click on the Configure button: you should get a blank list with buttons on the bottom - Click on the Add button - Under the "Telescope Controlled by:" select "Stellarium directly through a serial port" - Under the Name, you can put whatever you want... this will help you with selecting which configuration to use if you have more than one mount you want to use - Click on Start/Connect at Startup (unless you have multiple mounts configured) - Enter your Serial Port (likely Com2, 3 or 4) Note: in the latest version this may be able to auto detect it, I'm not sure - Device Model, select "Celestron NexStar (Compatible)" from the DropDown - Press Ok
Now you are taken back to the telescope list and you should see your AVX in there. It should give a status of "Stopped". Click on the telescope in the list and click the Start button. If everything went well, you should see the status of the scope change to "Connected". Now close the configuration window. You should see a yellow cross-hair in the sky of the Stellarium software showing where you scope is currently pointed.
To use the control, all you have to do is click on the object you want to have the scope point to and hit Control+1 and the scope will slew to that object. If you want to get into more detail, you can click in the menu on the little telescope icon. That will open up the full goto menu which lets you make fine adjustments or even goto a set of coordinates instead of just an object.
Notes: - Sometimes I have Stellarium up and going and with the telescope while going thru alignment; sometimes not. I suspect its better to wait until fully aligned. - Sometimes Stellarium (or alignment) gets off. Then I have to click on the stars around an object to get the object into a narrow field of view.
I hope this helps!
--Rick
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2016 19:37:11 GMT
Great information Rick. I appreciate it. That's kind of what I did with the Meade, but for some reason it wouldn't work. I will give it a try. Thanks for the info
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Mar 11, 2016 20:21:03 GMT
Just a couple more things that come to mind, Norm...
I use a powered hub for most things USB. Now unlike cameras, I dont think there is a problem just using your laptop since mount isn't relying on it for power.
Second, I've heard people have issues with some USB to Serial adapters; I don't know mine off the top of my head but I can post which one I use this weekend. I also use USB extenders that are Active USB Cables... it can make some difference in runs longer than about 15 to 20 feet.
|
|
|
Post by ChrisV on Mar 11, 2016 23:10:33 GMT
I havent done from a computer but ...
I control my avx (oops "adv GT" edited 20/3) in a few ways
1. a bluetooth adaptor through the plug underneath the hand controller. Use skysafari or stellarium on an android phone. You still have to align via the handcontroller before starting skysafari or stellarium. You need a special lead which you make or buy. Its fiddly setting up the bluetooth.
2. or chuck the hand controller and plug a skyq wifi device into the mount. Then use skyportal to align and then control the scope. You can also do this on an android phone or an ipad.
I used to do (1) but just got the skyq and so now do (2). It's neat. I only have one line from the scope from the camera to inside where i control watch it on a monitor or computer.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2016 13:48:47 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Mar 12, 2016 22:24:23 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2016 0:24:07 GMT
Thanks for the info Rick, I checked out the AVX mount today at about 30' with a Serial to USB to the laptop and Cartes Du Ciel software and all went well. Will get your recommended hub and cable. Are you using the hub at the camera area or laptop area, or does it a matter? i.e. which is the hub closest to? Tnx, Chuck
|
|
|
Post by davy on Mar 13, 2016 0:35:13 GMT
Doing computer control on my sw eq3/2 I preferred using cdc software for controlling my mount along with eqmod
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Mar 15, 2016 15:37:58 GMT
Thanks for the info Rick, I checked out the AVX mount today at about 30' with a Serial to USB to the laptop and Cartes Du Ciel software and all went well. Will get your recommended hub and cable. Are you using the hub at the camera area or laptop area, or does it a matter? i.e. which is the hub closest to? Tnx, Chuck Chuck, With my setup, I have a table where I keep the Hub. I dont have an Obs, so it would have to lie in the grass or do some kind of Velcro magic to stick it on the side of the mount. So out of the hub that is on the table near my laptop, I have the extension going out toward the mount/scope and then the cord to the equipment. I've never had a problem running both a camera and mount control -- even the Mallincam DSm that is very sensitive to the power and really requires a hub for most people. --Rick
|
|
|
Post by ChrisV on Apr 3, 2016 12:31:50 GMT
Rick
Sounds interesting. Could you explain the wiring a bit more. Have i got this right - You have the hub at the scope which could connect afew things. Then 1x usb to your computer.
So could i run a camera and mount into the hub then one usb cable to my computer. And talk to both from the computer ?
Chris
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Apr 4, 2016 15:23:18 GMT
Chris, Please excuse my art here, but here is an image of my setup: I have my hub near my comptuer, with multiple longer USB connections (using active extension cords) to the scope/camera. If I had an observatory or a garden pier with electricity right there (instead of via an extension cord), then I will probably do the opposite: 1 long feed from PC to a hub at the scope, then smaller connections at the scope from hub to camera and hub to hand controller. I hope this helps!
|
|
|
Post by ChrisV on Apr 4, 2016 22:24:52 GMT
A picture says a 1,000 ......
Thanks
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2016 12:40:20 GMT
Thanks for the drawing Rick, explains it well.. I ordered and received that A/C powered Plugable 7 port hub that you recommended, that should fill the bill and the price was certainly right. Now I just wait for clear skies and much warmer temps. Was out the other night at 45 deg and did not like it, getting old and cranky and wimpy!! Amazing how cold metal can be at even 40 deg. Chuck
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Apr 5, 2016 21:45:54 GMT
I'm right there with you Chuck... was going to setup everything, but then the temp dropped from 60s to 40s and I wimped out!
I hate missing clear nights!
|
|
|
Post by ChrisV on Apr 5, 2016 22:43:51 GMT
Wimp ! It was only 18 here last night.
Celsius that is.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon Man on Apr 6, 2016 9:21:32 GMT
Wimp ! It was only 18 here last night. Celsius that is. LOL! Was 3 here last night. Going to be 4 tonight but will probably go lower because the forecast was for cloud but has been changed to clear.
|
|
|
Post by ChrisV on Apr 6, 2016 13:06:11 GMT
What the heck 3C ! Just finished a nights observing here (when my battery went flat). It was 28C at 1030pm. Apparently the warmest April day ever in Sydney - its supposed to be mid autumn.
I've been struggling with my 224 for the past few nights - too many variables to control !! Getting some okay images. Might go back to the rev imager tomorrow for a comparison.
I really like the live stacking in sharpcap. But there's something weird with my mount or polar alignment alignment or something as its drifting a lot. Have to sort that out.
|
|
|
Post by Rick in NWArk on Apr 6, 2016 13:42:24 GMT
Ken, I've seen the pictures... even icicles dangling from your scope wont stop you!
|
|
|
Post by Dragon Man on Apr 6, 2016 15:42:00 GMT
Ken, I've seen the pictures... even icicles dangling from your scope wont stop you! Yep, Icicles mean good clear sky here's my Icicle pics
|
|