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DIY AstroEQ / Re: Telescope slewing wrong direction
« on: May 09, 2018, 06:26:16 »
Thanks Tom. It appears from initial testing that reversing the axis inside the configuration utility resolved the issue. I wound up setting the RA to Backwards. I will do some more testing in a few days but hopefully the other slew tests will verify this.
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DIY AstroEQ / Telescope slewing wrong direction
« on: May 07, 2018, 07:50:20 »
I have an Astro EQ DIY kit. I have been trying for days to figure out why slewing is not right. So, I am setup in the house with the mount in home position. If I try to slew to the east for an object along the same altitude above the horizon as Polaris the mount looks to be pointing correctly. It seems the further I go east it starts getting noticeably worse. It is like it is reversed as respects the altitude of the object. The same holds true for objects closer to Polaris but when higher or lower in altitude above the horizon. I have tried using the reverse selection in EQMod. The RA and Dec cables are connected correctly. Most always, parking will put the mount back to the home position. Sometimes the Dec is off. I have run the AstroEQ configuration multiple times and everything checks ok. I noticed that when I run Cartes du Ciel and connect the scope that it shows EQMod HEQ5/6 V2.00K. There is not an EQ5 to select in the telescope drop down menu as shown in documentation / videos. I have looked through many of the EQMod videos for an answer. Is this possibly an issue with my AstroEQ or Ascom or EQMod or some setting that I have overlooked?
3
DIY AstroEQ / Re: Stepper motors do not operate - locked and get hot
« on: April 28, 2018, 03:09:03 »
You were correct. One was at 1.7 volts and the other a little less. I initially was thinking that they would probably at least turn and I could check the voltage and adjust from there. I was able to run the motors in the EQMOD test mode but didn't get them to track from the tracking software even though it indicated they were. So, some more homework for me. Thanks for the quick reply.
4
DIY AstroEQ / Stepper motors do not operate - locked and get hot
« on: April 27, 2018, 16:46:32 »
I recently finished my DIY AstroEQ, with the PCB and Pre-Programmed IC’s from Tom and with components as listed on AstroEQ. I went through the Configuring and Programming / update utility, connecting the AstroEQ as indicated regarding sequence of connection. Power LED is on. After connecting the USB cable from the AstroEQ to my computer the USB light starts flashing. During the configuring process, the Status LED comes on and flashes at different times until complete. The only issue that I had was a Com port issue but managed to resolve that. I have NEMA 14 bipolar stepper motors Nema 14 Bipolar 1.8deg 18Ncm (25.5oz.in) 0.8A 5.74V.
I have a Meade LX70 system and from previous discussions it appears this is comparable to an EQ5 mount. After setting the Motor Step Angle to 1.8 deg and gear ratios and other recommended settings, the update utility finishes.
I wanted to briefly test operation of the stepper motors and ran Cartes du Ciel to slew the mount. However, the stepper motors did not move. The status LED did not come on. After trying to determine what might be the matter for a few minutes I happened to pick up the AstroEQ and it was getting warm, probably from the motor drivers. I attempted to rotate the stepper motors by hand and both were locked. They were also very hot. I disconnected the power to let everything cool down. As soon as I disconnected the power to the AstroEQ, the motors unlocked and rotated freely by hand. I did verify the RJ11 / coil connections on the Stepper Motors per the illustrations (RJ11 2345 and Motor CDBA connection sequence) in the forum from Feb. 19, 2016 as being correct. I am using a RJ11 6P6C termination jack at each motor with 4 wire flat cable to AstroEQ Dec and RA. The termination wire points are tinned in solder and “punch” connected to the jacks for 2345 identified connections.
Has anyone experienced this problem or might know why the stepper motors locked and get hot while AstroEQ is supposed to be slewing.
I have a Meade LX70 system and from previous discussions it appears this is comparable to an EQ5 mount. After setting the Motor Step Angle to 1.8 deg and gear ratios and other recommended settings, the update utility finishes.
I wanted to briefly test operation of the stepper motors and ran Cartes du Ciel to slew the mount. However, the stepper motors did not move. The status LED did not come on. After trying to determine what might be the matter for a few minutes I happened to pick up the AstroEQ and it was getting warm, probably from the motor drivers. I attempted to rotate the stepper motors by hand and both were locked. They were also very hot. I disconnected the power to let everything cool down. As soon as I disconnected the power to the AstroEQ, the motors unlocked and rotated freely by hand. I did verify the RJ11 / coil connections on the Stepper Motors per the illustrations (RJ11 2345 and Motor CDBA connection sequence) in the forum from Feb. 19, 2016 as being correct. I am using a RJ11 6P6C termination jack at each motor with 4 wire flat cable to AstroEQ Dec and RA. The termination wire points are tinned in solder and “punch” connected to the jacks for 2345 identified connections.
Has anyone experienced this problem or might know why the stepper motors locked and get hot while AstroEQ is supposed to be slewing.
5
AstroEQ Availability / Re: AstroEQ Availability [Currently Unavailable]
« on: March 01, 2018, 18:38:57 »
Hello Tom. I was curious if you have a guess time frame when you might produce more AstroEQs. I was going to order one and saw your comment regarding not in the near future. Depending on how long that might be whether 2-3 months or longer will determine if I wait or build my own.
Thanks
Jack
Thanks
Jack
6
Mount Support / Re: Need help regarding Meade LX70 Mount
« on: October 27, 2017, 13:14:49 »
Thanks Tom. I appreciate the confirmation. I was excited to find the AstroEQ and look forward to beginning a project in the near future. I still need to look at the DEC motor mounting options.
Jack
Jack
7
Mount Support / Need help regarding Meade LX70 Mount
« on: October 27, 2017, 07:31:30 »
I am new to this forum. I purchased a Meade LX70 8” with a LX70 mount and dual axis motors earlier this year hoping to get into AP later. I have been looking for a GoTo conversion when I found AstroEQ. This sounds promising. I am considering this conversion but am still looking at the requirements to convert.
Is there any reason why the AstroEQ would not work on the LX70 or if there any special requirements. Also, in my research I was trying to verify the mount class. I have seen on Cloudy Nights where it has been indicated as an EQ5 class mount but also have seen comments that it is a Synta EQ5. I also found on another website where it said regarding RA gear/worm tooth count that the Meade LX has 180 teeth. I performed a check by marking a 90 degree span of RA rotation which took 36 turns of the RA hand control thus equaling a worm gear ratio of 144:1. This matches the EQ5 gear ratio chart. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Is there any reason why the AstroEQ would not work on the LX70 or if there any special requirements. Also, in my research I was trying to verify the mount class. I have seen on Cloudy Nights where it has been indicated as an EQ5 class mount but also have seen comments that it is a Synta EQ5. I also found on another website where it said regarding RA gear/worm tooth count that the Meade LX has 180 teeth. I performed a check by marking a 90 degree span of RA rotation which took 36 turns of the RA hand control thus equaling a worm gear ratio of 144:1. This matches the EQ5 gear ratio chart. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
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