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Author Topic: EQmod not reponding  (Read 2880 times)

Phill

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EQmod not reponding
« on: July 07, 2016, 17:21:33 »
Sigh, it was all going so well.  :'(

Everything worked so well on the bench using my old AMD X2 PC. Mounted AstroEQ on the pier and tried to use a Thinkpad T61 laptop. Configuration all works well and CdC and EQmod fire up fine.

Once I unpark and ask for a slew the CdC cursor remains as a target and hovering over EQmod just has the blue timer ring. The mount carries on slewing but I have to intervene as it won't stop. A trawl of EQmod not responding looks like this happens a fair bit with poor USB cables. Since the cable works OK on the PC I suppose the USB ports on the laptop might be a bit weak. I'm surprised all three of them are sub standard though.

Any thought?


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Phill

Phill

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Re: EQmod not reponding
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2016, 11:52:55 »
Looks like my build just doesn't get along with the ports on this laptop.

Since it works fine on the PC I'll try an active usb cable.
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Phill

TCWORLD

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Re: EQmod not reponding
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2016, 16:08:38 »
It's very odd. I really doubt it has anything to do with the USB cable.

You're using the Arduino Mega version right? I wonder if you need to add some more filtering on the power lines - it's almost as if something is getting reset, possibly by noise from the motors.

What gear ratios are you using? I wonder if it could be the interrupt rate from the motors being too high and causing something to stop responding.
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Tom Carpenter (AstroEQ)

Phill

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Re: EQmod not reponding
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2016, 17:07:14 »
Hi Tom,

When I try to run on the scope [laptop] CdC/EQmod stop responding, tracking will continue and so will a slew. The set up is fairly straight forward. The Astroeq is bolted on to the nylon pillar head. Cables from here up to the motors. USB cable to laptop on a trolley beside the pier. The power lead runs down to the power supply on the floor. Tried all three USB ports on the laptop and same response.

Moved indoors.

PC under desk. Power supply beside it. Astroeq on desk beside motors. Works without fail. Ran this afternoon,  slewing and tracking. 3 hours plus, no problems. I agree that the USB cable is OK, but I think the fault is with the laptop. I'll try using an active USB so I can get from the PC to the Astroeq when mounted on the pier.

Thanks for the help.

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Phill

TCWORLD

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Re: EQmod not reponding
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2016, 01:00:47 »
The other thing you could try is a USB hub. If the laptop ports are being weird, the hub may help.

Tom.
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Tom Carpenter (AstroEQ)

Phill

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Re: EQmod not reponding
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2016, 09:21:20 »
Thanks Tom,

I'm sure you are right, the only concern I have is getting a decent one. On my PICgoto it took a while to find a quality RS232 to USB converter. I've found a similar problem with hubs on my Raspi adsb set up, so run without one.

A 20 metre active usb is going to cost about €22. I would prefer a hub but can you recommend one?

Cheers
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Phill