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QHY5 not found by Ekos

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Mine is listed as "Bus 001 Device 015: ID 1618:0921" - there is no string following the numbers.
Ubuntu 18.04 and Raspbian Jessie; INDI 1.7.4
Mounts: CEM-60 chiefly; iEQ45
Cameras: Atik 383L+, QHY5-II-M
Focuser: Moonlite
4 years 9 months ago #40070

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Replied by Alfred on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

Interesting! Does this indicate they ARE different? Normally, the next thing I would try is connect my cam to your computer and your cam to my computer but I'm afraid this is not feasible. Do you have another computer to connect your cam to?

I assume it is not very helpful to you... but just in case, here is my startup log (Kubuntu 18.04, yesterday's GIT Indi and KStars version):

XPC-SH87R:~$ indiserver -vv indi_qhy_ccd
2019-06-11T10:47:53: startup: indiserver -vv indi_qhy_ccd
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: pid=6504 rfd=3 wfd=6 efd=7
2019-06-11T10:47:53: listening to port 7624 on fd 4
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: sending <getProperties version='1.7'/>
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDResource|InitQHYCCDResource | START
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDResource| InitQHYCCDResource END
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|ScanQHYCCD|START
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|DeviceIsQHYCCD|vid = 16c0 pid = 296d
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDClass|InitQHYCCDClass(camtype,index): 2001 0
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCDRD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDClass|nSize ccdimagew ccdimageh 1280 1024
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDClass|imagequeuelength 6204480 framelength 6204480
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|unlockimagequeue.cpp|initialize m_nsize:8388608
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|unlockimagequeue.cpp|creat m_pBuffer
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|unlockimagequeue.cpp|m_pBuffer created success
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|InitQHYCCDClass|END
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|ScanQHYCCD|Scan init the imagequeue,nSize=6204480
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|ScanQHYCCD|ScanQHYCCD numdev=1
2019-06-11T10:47:53: Driver indi_qhy_ccd: QHYCCD|QHYCCD.CPP|ScanQHYCCD|Scan finished. Return nid=1

If there is anything that I could test or do, just let me know...
4 years 9 months ago #40096

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Replied by Odiug on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

Which clone are you referring to? I know that the Starshoot Autoguider (SSAG) is a clone of the original QHY5, but I did not know that other clones existed.

I am curious about the QHY5 history, because I have built my own QHY5 clone. The design is rather simple: Just a Cypress FX2LP interface IC and a Micron (now OnSemi) MT9M001 CMOS imager.

CS
Guido
4 years 9 months ago #40097

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Well for me, I am not using a clone, I'm using a real off-the-shelf QHY device I won in a raffle at NEAIC back in 2014 when their price was like $500 each.

Re: device IDs, I believe these are part of the hardware, because I get the same ID when I plug into the Raspberry Pi as when I plug into my desktop computer.

I'm in the process of taking a lot of calibration images, but my goal is to figure out what version of INDI caused this regression and use the last working build. I don't understand what hardware versions QHY has abandoned (or why they would do that either); from the conversation here, it sounds like my version is still supported. I'm really close to just pitching the thing into the river and buying some other brand.

Perhaps there's a way INDI can support both? Like have a "qhy-old" driver for the old devices and "qhy" for the newest SDK? It's tragic that this open source SW can't maintain support for older hardware - that was one of the original benefits of open source.

Charles
Ubuntu 18.04 and Raspbian Jessie; INDI 1.7.4
Mounts: CEM-60 chiefly; iEQ45
Cameras: Atik 383L+, QHY5-II-M
Focuser: Moonlite
4 years 9 months ago #40099

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Replied by Odiug on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

Charles, according to you signature, you have a QHY5-II-M. This one should still be supported by the QHYCCD library.

Yes, it is confusing. The original QHY5 (and SSAG) is a bit odd in various ways. The QHY5-II has the same CMOS sensor, but a different wiring and firmware. I guess M stands for mono. There are further cameras with names like: QHY-5P-II, QHY-5L-II...

When I investigated the linux driver and SDK, I found an older version. In this version it was seen that starting with the QHY5-II the USB commands used between camera and driver were unified across the various QHYCCD cameras. The original QHY5 uses a different command set.
That might also be the reason why it got finally abandoned.

I would be curious how the QHY5-II is different from the QHY5. If you have ever opened your camera, could you please make pictures of the PCB (both sides)?

CS
Guido
4 years 9 months ago #40116

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Replied by Alfred on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

I'm referring to a clone called "Q-Guide" that had been sold by "CCD Labs".

Back then there was a dedicated Indi-driver called "qhy-old" just for the QHY-5 that did work very well, even video did work reliably if memory serves. It was dropped years ago. I struggled with all sorts of problems ever since. So much so that at one point I decided to throw in the towel. I bought two ASI cams that work perfectly and without ANY issues from day one. I will stay away from QHY as far as I can.





4 years 9 months ago #40120
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I have a similar configuration but not identical. The checks should run fine on Raspbian.

My Configuration (remote server)
QHY5L-II-M
Raspberry Pi 3
Powered Hub
Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS
indi-qhy/bionic 2.4~201906051400~ubuntu18.04.1 armhf [upgradable from: 2.4~201906030127~ubuntu18.04.1]
indi-qhy-dbg/bionic 2.4~201906051400~ubuntu18.04.1 armhf

On the desktop side, I am running
kstars-bleeding/xenial,now 6:3.2.3+201905220414~ubuntu16.04.1 amd64 [installed]

After camera is plugged in, verify that the LED in back of the camera is lite. If this fails to light, it indicates issues with the camera. Then in a terminal session, type the following command:
lsusb

You should see:
Bus 001 Device 007: ID 1618:0921

The ID is the important part. Now remove the the camera's usb connection and re-run the command "lsusb", the device should now be gone from the list of the devices. If the device fails to show up , verify the usb cabling.

If the device is present, you can dig a little further by using the command:
sudo lsusb -v | grep -A78 1618:0921

You should see the verbose output now. Here is what my output looks like for comparison:
sudo lsusb -v | grep -A78 1618:0921
Bus 001 Device 011: ID 1618:0921
Device Descriptor:
bLength 18
bDescriptorType 1
bcdUSB 2.00
bDeviceClass 0 (Defined at Interface level)
bDeviceSubClass 0
bDeviceProtocol 0
bMaxPacketSize0 64
idVendor 0x1618
idProduct 0x0921
bcdDevice 0.00
iManufacturer 1 QHY-CCD
iProduct 2 QHY5-II
iSerial 0
bNumConfigurations 1
Configuration Descriptor:
bLength 9
bDescriptorType 2
wTotalLength 39
bNumInterfaces 1
bConfigurationValue 1
iConfiguration 0
bmAttributes 0x80
(Bus Powered)
MaxPower 500mA
Interface Descriptor:
bLength 9
bDescriptorType 4
bInterfaceNumber 0
bAlternateSetting 0
bNumEndpoints 3
bInterfaceClass 255 Vendor Specific Class
bInterfaceSubClass 0
bInterfaceProtocol 0
iInterface 0
Endpoint Descriptor:
bLength 7
bDescriptorType 5
bEndpointAddress 0x82 EP 2 IN
bmAttributes 2
Transfer Type Bulk
Synch Type None
Usage Type Data
wMaxPacketSize 0x0200 1x 512 bytes
bInterval 0
Endpoint Descriptor:
bLength 7
bDescriptorType 5
bEndpointAddress 0x81 EP 1 IN
bmAttributes 2
Transfer Type Bulk
Synch Type None
Usage Type Data
wMaxPacketSize 0x0040 1x 64 bytes
bInterval 0
Endpoint Descriptor:
bLength 7
bDescriptorType 5
bEndpointAddress 0x01 EP 1 OUT
bmAttributes 2
Transfer Type Bulk
Synch Type None
Usage Type Data
wMaxPacketSize 0x0040 1x 64 bytes
bInterval 0
Device Qualifier (for other device speed):
bLength 10
bDescriptorType 6
bcdUSB 2.00
bDeviceClass 0 (Defined at Interface level)
bDeviceSubClass 0
bDeviceProtocol 0
bMaxPacketSize0 64
bNumConfigurations 1
Device Status: 0x0002
(Bus Powered)
Remote Wakeup Enabled

Review the output from the following command:
dmesg

You should something like:
[ 2028.646670] usb 1-1.5.3: New USB device found, idVendor=1618, idProduct=0921
[ 2028.646682] usb 1-1.5.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
[ 2028.646692] usb 1-1.5.3: Product: QHY5-II
[ 2028.646702] usb 1-1.5.3: Manufacturer: QHY-CCD

If you get nothing, test with minimal USB cable length to the camera, replace the USB cable, and check the Pi's Power Supply. You should have at least a 2.5 amp good quality power supply. Also, if you are using a powered hub, I would test with a different power hub. You can test without a powered USB hub, but based on knowing the Raspberry Pi's, I would not recommend directly connecting to the Pi for normal use.

I hope this helps. As stated earlier in this thread, the older QHY5 camera have issues. And the above only pertains to QHY5L-II-M.

Cheers,

Chris
4 years 9 months ago #40121

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Replied by Odiug on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

@herrhausen: Thanks for the pictures. Indeed exactly the same interior as the original QHY5. I guess the foam around the sensor is standard? I have seen it before in pictures. However the used QHY5 I bought at an astro fair was missing it.

If somebody has pictures of the interior (PCB) of a QHY5-II, I would be very grateful.
The QHY-5L-II has a different sensor chip (MT9M034), but they operate very similar. So pictures of that one or other variants of the QHY-5-II would be helpful as well.

CS
Guido
4 years 9 months ago #40136

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Replied by Alfred on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos


I bought mine brand new and never modified it. So yes, the foam is standard at least with this CCD-Labs clone.

From today's perspective the sensor is too small and its noise characteristics are awful. One could add a TEC but then you'd have to add external power, too. It isn't worth it IMO.
Last edit: 4 years 9 months ago by Alfred.
4 years 9 months ago #40144

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Replied by Odiug on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

Indeed. But even passive cooling helps a lot. I milled a piece of copper that fits exactly between sensor and the back of the housing. It improved the noise a lot. It is still not quite as good as my selfmade clone, which has seperate digital power supply for USB interface chip and image sensor IC and a better analog power supply. However, even mine still sucks and shows quite some line noise, which seems to be a known issue of the MT9M001 image sensor.

I would not recommend to buy a QHY5 or Starshoot Autoguider (SSAG) nowadays, especially not for use under Linux, because the firmware loaded by Linux has quite some issues. BTW, strangely, the Windows QHY5 driver loads a different firmware into the device.

And why the SSAG is still sold, especially for such a price, is a complete mystery to me.

I want to stress that in my rant I only refer to the original QHY5 and its clones (like SSAG), NOT the later models like QHY-5-II.

CS
Guido
4 years 9 months ago #40157

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Replied by Odiug on topic QHY5 not found by Ekos

But back to Charles... :-)

Have you tried your QHY-5L-II under Linux without INDI? e.g. use oaCapture (www.openastroproject.org/oacapture/). Same issue on RasPi and desktop?

Out of curiosity: Which other QHY device failed for you under Linux?

Slightly off topic: I am considering buying a ZWO ASI 294mc or a QHY-294c. The ZWO ASI seems to have some background artifact issues (maybe due to uneven cooling). The QHY cooling seems to be differently designed, however I read complaints about the QHY driver quality and I am not sure if the QHY-294c is even supported under INDI/Linux in the momemnt. I already have a ZWO ASI 224mc and this one works flawlessly so far under INDI/Linux.

CS
Guido
4 years 9 months ago #40158

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FWIW: I am running the latest versions of INDI (Stellarmate OS), Kstars/Ekos and my QHY 5L-II-M is working perfectly with it - just had it running last weekend.
4 years 9 months ago #40161

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