Waldemar

Hi Ian and Robert, After having some more issues with USB connections, I did a thorough check on cables and hubs. (again) It came out that the middle port of the onboard ASA USBhub gave up, or at least does not make a consistent connection. No idea why... I am trying to get a new original one from ASA now, before looking at other options, for I would like to keep things as original as possible, Especially because it has been working very well since I had the mount updated in 2012. Regards, Waldemar

Thank you Ian and Robert for the effort and input. I could not find any orpaned or hidden devices, so I surched the net for new drivers I downloaded new drivers for the Ublox GPS unit from u-blox ag. There was a new virtrual comport driver available for it as well. (v 2.1.03) After installing it seems to be ok for now. Hopefully the problem is solved. I will do some more testing the coming days and let you know. Thanks again! Waldemar

Thank you Ian, I use the ASA GPS also, and basically I am doing the same thing. My problem at the moment is that it looses comport connection setting with the GPS almost every time I power down. When I power up again I have to change it's comport and very often it tells me no comports available. I am convinced this is a Windows issue and very annoying... The device manager tells me there are 256 comports of which 25 are in use ???? but the com-port checker under 'control' tells me most of the time there are no comports available. I did not find a solution for this problem, yet. Any suggestions are more than welcome! Thanks in advance, Waldemar

Ian, Before you can go to: Mount/ time-settings, you have to activate : Control/Expertmode. In the upper right corner of the time settings window, you have to activate Synch PC time and Synch Query. When you are done don't forget to safe your settings. If all is well, the GPS box at the bottom line of the AutoSlew window should be green with every start up. Although I must say, that I have some trouble with the comports, and have to activate the GPS every time I powerup, but that is probably a W7 issue. This does not occur when I leave the mount powered up and just do a shut-down and start-up. Since I am not a Windows Wizzard, I am having some problems with solving that issue. Best regards, Waldemar

Sebastian, Are there any other electrical problems that you are aware of? Could you post a picture? Regards, Waldemar

That is a very handy tool, Ralph. Thanks for sharing! Waldemar

Sebastian, Is that also happening when you connect your camera directly to your computer, without using the mounts hub, or via another hub? Maybe the used (from the mount?) power source for the hub is not ok and caused the problems to start with... Did you check if the voltage was correct for the new hub? Regards, Waldemar

The more the marrier, Jim. Welcome! You will be amazed and a happy camper. Waldemar

The third axes balance (radial scope rotation) may be the critical factor: A focus motor at one side of the scope, a filterwheel not centered, or a finderscope off axes may really make it very difficult to achieve a good balance and get PID settings right in all directions. These balance off sets need to be compensated for. As far as I noticed, when PID settings are off in different positions, third axes balance is the cause. Balance, and PID settings are in a dynamic relationship, so both settings have to be repeatedly adjusted, until a proper result is achieved. Off course weight is a factor, too but smaller then balance Changing camera's introduces an other challenge. I put weight on the lightest one until it reaches the same balance (not weight for focal distance is a balance factor also), as the heavy one, in that way settings will be the same and the payload to the focuser also. I noticed the same “magnetic remanance” effects, when nothing is attached to the Mount. Seems to be very common. Waldemar

I am curious how this will work out for you, please keep us updated. Waldemar

Sebastian, what kind of USB cables do you use and how long? Do they have EMI suppressors on the cables and are they shielded? Inferior cables may be your problem also... Maybe before performing surgery on the mount, try other cables first if you didi not try that yet? Waldemar

Hi Sebastian, In a thread on the old forum, that is exactly what one of the members did. He changed out the original hub for a Transcend . I can remember he said it was not a big deal. Never did it myself though..I think if you take the topplate of, you can easily see if this is a possibility or not. The hub is right underneath. Do you have any idea why your equipment won't connect? BR Waldemar

Things got easier when the balancing and PID tools became kind of "automated" with Version 5.1.0.0. Kind of, for it still is very critical to obtain balance in three axes. Which the balancing tool of course can not provide. Balancing in different mount positions did not work because of this third axes effect. For example my microtouch autofocuser introduces an inbalance which can not be corrected by the mount.The "direct drive motor" (as Starizona calls it) for the FeatherTouch 3.5" focuser on my TEC weighs over a pound and that really introduces balancing and PID problems. I use the same weight in lead on the opposite side to compensate for this. At the moment I am working on a lead in steel pipe replacement for the knob on the left side of the focuser for compensation. Rotating the focuser for better image position is not an option anymore because of this. The same goes for excentric filterwheels and camera's. This is far more critical on the DDM's then on any other mount. As far as I know this is not mentioned in the manuals, but it is a "must know" in order to get things working properly. I agree with Mark that balancing may be as critical that a 50c piece is the decisive balancing amount. Regards, Waldemar

John, I totally agree with you about the manuals, the bad translation and the room for improvement of the software. Your last sentence says it all: Quote: “The goal for all of us should be.... to get new users to buy ASA mounts and be as excited about this great technology as we are. This will insure continued improvement and as we all know, anything which does not continually improve, eventually becomes antiquated”. Apparently you are experiencing an evolution in your thinking, for your earlier comments suggested a totally different point of view. I quote: “I am starting to believe I should sell my DDM85XL and get a more practical solution. All the technology is worthless without good documentation and solid controlling software.” And: “For all of us, we are basically screwed. Realize we will never unlock the true potential of this mount without cutting edge software and highly detailed documentation.” These comments made me write the post about my “problems” being more related to the steep learning curve than anything else. And yes, I am not a professional, just a hobbyist who is really enjoying this professional piece of equipment and who would like to share that with fellow hobbyists. I am really glad you understand now… Regards, Waldemar

I feel compelled to make some comments here: Sequence is an automation program, it is not a "must" to control the mount or any other equipment used for astro-photography. That can all be done by third party software. So, correct me if I am wrong, but the discussion about “bad” ASA software seems to be over the top and it surely gives the wrong impression to potential buyers of this great piece of equipment. Just don’t use Sequence if it does not work for you. I have no problems without it, but I have a simple set up... I use AutoSlew, MaxIm DL, Pinpoint, FocusMax and a few planetarium programs like C2A, SkyTools3 Pro and SkyMapPro11. I have not decided yet, which one is best for me. So I am very pleased with my DDM60Pro, carrying my TEC 140 and all necessary imaging equipment running silently without guiding or problems, at least without me noticing them... There were some glitches in AutoSlew, but they seem to be solved, so... I count my blessings. Most of the “problems” I encountered with my set up, were easily traced back to my own ignorance and stupidity, not realising the importance of perfect balance and PID settings. As soon as the balance and PID tool were added to AutoSlew, these “problems” dispeared like snow before the sun. Of course I too like to use the latest version of all software, but that is “normal” I guess J Again: I am very happy with my DDM60Pro and I am sure most users feel the same. Just my 2 € cents. Waldemar

My experiences with ASA have always been very positive, so I don't understand why nobody from ASA steps in and explains what is happening. It would be such a shame of this incredible hardware, if the software turns out to be a killer... My set-up is very simple and I do not use ACP or Sequence, so I don't encounter the problems you guys have. At the moment I can't use anything because of health problems, only in virtual mode, but I do hope everything is solved by the time I am good to go again Waldemar

Hi Luke, You mention 5.2.0.7 ... I can not find that version anywhere. Please tell me where to find it. Best regards, Waldemar

Hi Ian, The UCAC4 catalogue will probably be the best one to use. In any case it is the latest. It is available for free at the US Naval Observatory site. Downloading will take for ever, sending will take about 6-8 weeks also. I have a spare original copy of it. If you want I can send it to you, will be a lot faster than from USNO PM me your address if you want it. Waldemar

Hi Gerald, Everything, Camera(s), MicroTouch focusser, Mount, GPS, Joystick, whatever I need. All are connected via the mount's hub and an extra one. From the mount 2 USB cables go to the Icron Ranger. From there with a CAT6 cable to the second part of the Ranger set-up. From that, with one USB cable to my computer wherever I want it. I like wired connections better than wireless because of the reliabillity and speed. I am always having problems with wireless. The Ranger is very easy to set-up, just plug and play. Regards, Waldemar

Hi Bill, I use an Icron Ranger 2204, without any problems. Expensive, but working and no problems with bandwith for cameras, which is the main problem for most USB/Ethernet extenders. The Cat cable between the two units can be extended to 100 meters. I use Cat6 cable instead of Cat5, and have different lenghts for different occasions. Regards, Waldemar

Ahaaaa.... mariage coming up.... Have a great honey moon Best regards, Waldemar

Hi Dave, All the electronics: Kendrick dew Heater controller, MicroTouch focus controller, Camera power controller, a small USB-hub and a powersplitter, are on top of my mount, to get as little wiring as possible. Everything is attached with Velcro. On top, because I want the heaviest weight (the TEC) as close to the center of gravity as possible. The Velcro also gives me a possibility to compensate for the off center weight of the MicroTouch focuser motor by placing the electronics off center to the opposite side, or attach some light weights with Velcro. Everything is attached to a 6mm thick piece of very rigid building material called Trespa in Holland. It is as ort of very tough pertinax. I attached it to the scope with a dovetail on top of the scope and short (Baader) clamps on the bottom side of the Trespa plate, so I can use that to adjust for balancing as well. Cabling is kept as short as possible, with just enough play to be able to move a bit. When I want to do solar with heavy Lunt etalons I use a larger balancing weight on the bottom plate of the scope first and do finetuning as above. All cables go through the mount. I use separate power cabling through the 4-pin DIN connectors of the mount. The internal wiring is as far as I know 0,75 mm, so that should be able to handle 2 x 5 Amps at least. Enough for the electronics. Dew heater and focuser are on different leads then the camera control. To prevent powerdrops. I use three separate switching power units: 15A for the DDM and 2x10 for the other equipment. From the mount I go to an Icron Ranger to extend the USB over CAT cable up to 100 meters, so my comp and I can stay inside and be warm. Of course remote control with TeamViewer on another comp is always possible as well. To get a rigid set-up and as little flexture as possible, I use three TEC mounting rings, and long dovetail plates on top and bottom. Because I can not leave my scope outside, I use another Baader short clamp as a stopper, so it does not tale me long to balance every time I take it out. Basically, once balanced and stopper in place, I can use it immediately without too much worrying about the balance. My cameras are: QHY8Pro, SBIG STF 8300M, and a LodeStar, which I only use for planetary and solar imaging instead of my Firewire ATIK. FW is a 2" USB SX. I ordered the new wormdrive motor from Starizona for the MicroTouch auto focuser, but that will take a couple of weeks. The downside of it all is the Dutch weather and timing. When there finally is a clear night I am too busy to miss my nights rest... I will be retired soon, so good times are coming!! We are thinking of moving to a place in the US, with a better climate and many clear nights. As I said in a PM, I will be happy to send you pictures and a technical sketch of the AZ adjuster to provide you with more info, though my solution for all of this is not particular high tec... Best regards, Waldemar

Congratulations, Lukas, I am really happy for you! Enjoy! Waldemar

Hi Jeffrey, good to see you here! That is a nice one... so I assume everything is still running well for you. I know this is off topic, but I have an original DVD of the USNO ACAC4 available for free, any body interested? Regards, Waldemar

My F-710 gamepad works great with slewing the mount, but forgot to mention I can't get it to work with my MicroTouch focuser. does anybody have suggestions to get it going? Thanks in advance, Waldemar