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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Newbie with EQ6

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G'day from Oz!

Please be gentle, I'm very new to all this

I have an old EQ6 with the DB9 SynScan, it’s been such a long time that I’ve forgotten how to use it but I can recall it was clunky to use.

I'm thinking Linux would be the "2021" way to get rid of the SynScan and replace it with a computer for visual astronomy (to start with).

I know a lot more about computers (than I do about astronomy) and so I’m happy with PC hardware (x86, ARM) and OS’s (Android, Linux, Mac, Win), I have a lot of hardware lying around and (if it’s useful) I can solder. I have numerous ARM systems, all flavours of Pi and a RockPro64 (might be good because of the PCIe slot).

Really I would want the setup to make it easy for me to get setup and viewing an object quickly. Get in the car, park somewhere dark, unpack and assemble mount, align and goto an object.

Not sure if it can integrate but I just ordered a QHYCCD PoleMaster to help me with setup.

I can see AstroPi3 and Astroberry not sure if that makes sense, I'm super comfortable installing stuff from the Linux CLI and even compiling stuff.

Thanks.
Richard
Last edit: 3 years 2 months ago by Richard Thornton.
3 years 2 months ago #66151

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Replied by Wouter van Reeven on topic Newbie with EQ6

Richard, what’s your question exactly?
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3 years 2 months ago #66166

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Replied by Richard Thornton on topic Newbie with EQ6

Thanks, I would like to use ARM Linux to replace and exceed the functionality of a SynScan, super basic stuff, can I use the QHY PoleMaster with Linux to do a Polar Alignment, the link in my first post seems to suggest I can, what Linux software should I use to allow me to manually slew the scope and tell it to GOTO an astronomical object, as an Linux expert/astronomy newbie where would I start in your opinion, any gotchas?

Essentially it would be great to have a low power headless MCU/SBC connected to the EQ6 and a computer with a screen that runs the astro software (laptop/tablet) that connects to the MCU/SBC.

Put even more simply, if you were getting started in visual astronomy and wanted to use Linux with an EQ mount, where would you start?
3 years 2 months ago #66168

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Replied by Keith Cobby on topic Newbie with EQ6

Your going to need an EQ Direct Cable with a DB9 adapter for the EQ6. pegasusastro.com/products/eqdir-usb-stick-for-eqmod/
You can of course make your own.

Get KDE Neon running on a laptop and install KStars and Ekos. Get comfortable with how to use Ekos for polar alignment, plate solving and slewing your mount around. Then start adding devices as required. When your happy using a laptop, dive into the threads in the forum to learn how to set up a single headless RPi3/4.

Its a journey, you'll have fun for sure.

Keith
Skywatcher 190MN - EQ6 Pro (with Belt Mod) - ASI1600MM-Cooled - ASI EFW7 - ASI120MM - WO f4 Guide Scope - Rigel nStep - KStars/Ekos - KDE - PixInsight
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3 years 2 months ago #66173

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Replied by Wouter van Reeven on topic Newbie with EQ6

I would start with not using the hand controller at all but buy an EQDir cable. There are such cables for your old EQ6 mount though you may need to search a bit until you find the correct one. Then install Ubuntu Mate on an Raspberry Pi and connect the mount to that. Then set up an Ekos profile with the EQMod telescope driver and a simulator CCD. Also add the SkySafari driver to that. Then connect SkySafari on your mobile phone to Ekos so you can use that to operate the mount.

Perhaps one of these cables will work for you:
www.pierro-astro.com/materiel-astronomiq...,-orion-atlas_detail
www.pierro-astro.com/materiel-astronomiq...aptateur-rj45_detail
but you may need a different cable depending on your mount.

Here is info about how to connect SkySafari to Ekos:
indilib.org/telescopes/skysafari.html
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Last edit: 3 years 2 months ago by Wouter van Reeven.
3 years 2 months ago #66174

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Replied by Richard Thornton on topic Newbie with EQ6

Thanks everyone!

I just had a rummage around, I have an EQTooth (Bluetooth EQMOD - EQDIR adapter for EQ6 and NEQ6) should I get started with that, not 100% that it will even work with INDI also is BT too unreliable?

FYI I just ordered an EQMOD USB cable from overseas but that will take a month or so to get here, also I'm pretty sure I have the correct (I think it's 5v) FTDI cable somewhere, I would need to solder on a DB9.
Last edit: 3 years 2 months ago by Richard Thornton.
3 years 2 months ago #66218

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Replied by Ken Self on topic Newbie with EQ6

The EQTooth should work. Haven't done it myself on INDI but here is a link to an INDI thread on the topic that might help: indilib.org/forum/mounts/2139-connecting...th-to-a-compuer.html
3 years 2 months ago #66298

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