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[NathanC]

I had a pre-built AstroEQ controller (by Tom) with added-on TMC2100s but, my laptop croaked one day (npt while using the telescope). Fast forward a year or so, I've set up a new laptop (fresh Windows 10 Pro) just for the scope. Physically, the scope and equip hasn't changed at all and was let in good running condition. After setting all the software back up, using my old/working config file, and allowing AstroEQ to update to the newest firmware (multiple times), I am having issues. Everything connects and runs fine however, the motors just groan loudly (without moving) on any speed other than slew/high speed. Even then it groans for a few seconds before starting to move as normal. I did a dance with swapping out different firmwares (as far back as I could), adjusted vref, checked wires, and even switched back to the DRV8825s. After a full day of trying everything I can think of, I am stumped. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Nathan

[NathanC]

So I was “that guy”. You know, the one who says he checked everything…  I spent a day trying to figure it out because I knew it had to be something simple and something I could figure out. And even though I checked all the wiring with a multimeter (several times), turns out it was the 6P CAT connectors. The same pin on both wires was loose. Giving good readings at some angles but not in the angle that mattered. Guess it is time for a new CAT wire crimp tool. All is well again and back to running the TMC2100s. If only there were clear skies...

[AradoKYSky]

Hello,

I just went through this same issue recently. I swapped cables and motors and isolated the cable. Then I got out my wire tester. Yes, the cable was bad.