Hi team,
 

File Attachment:

File Name: 2021-05-12.bz2
File Size: 17 KB
Is anyone successfully using their Microtouch focuser with Stellarmate?

I'm having a world of pain with mine! Research online unfortunately shows previous problems with this combination.

Mount is Tak Temma NJP, Camera is QSI 6162, Guider is SX and the focuser is Microtouch by Starizona.

To recap, on a clear night this week. I ran a test sequence - platesolve, guide, capture, flip, solve, guide, capture ok without problems. (no logging unfortunately).
So I then ran a second sequence (with logging - see attachment 

File Attachment:

File Name:
File Size: 0 KB
 

File Attachment:

File Name:
File Size: 0 KB
 

File Attachment:

File Name: 2021-05-12_2021-05-18.bz2
File Size: 17 KB
) enabling the focuser - which platesolved ok, focused ok, guided ok, filter changed ok - all good until meridian flip.
Meridian flip then performed ok, plate solved again ok, guiding resumed ok, but the focus appeared to fail/stall out, on filter change post flip/plate solve, preventing capture.
This has unfortunately happened many times now, with every version of the software I've tried so far -  I'm currently using version 3:5:3 stable but have tried previous beta & stable versions at Jasem's suggestions.

Also, a serial port issue remains unresolved. I can plug everything in & start up Ekos ok, and the mount/focuser/camera & guider all connect first time.
However when the focuser eventually fails, Ekos cannot find the focuser again (usually says either Port not found or Port in use by the mount) unless I physically disconnect/reconnect it, and I usually have to reboot the Raspberry pi as well.  
I have already physically mapped the ports using the Serial Port Assistant. It's a USB controller, why does it require a serial port anyway?

I'm 100% certain that these two issues are related. Has anyone successfully tested this software using a Microtouch focuser?
Seems to be the ongoing cause of all my troubles.  I'd prefer not to have to replace it or use Voyager or SGP if this software glitch is curable, and I welcome your expert opinions.

Kind regards
Andy
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read More...

Is anyone successfully using their mMicrotouch focuser with Stellarmate?I'm having a world of pain with mine! Research online unfortunately shows previous problems with this combination.Mount is Tak Temma NJP, Camera is QSI 6162, Guider is SX and the focuser is Microtouch by Starizona.To recap, on a clear night this week. I ran a test sequence - platesolve, guide, capture, flip, solve, guide, capture ok without problems. (no logging unfortunately).So I then ran a second sequence (with logging - see attachment 

File Attachment:

File Name:
File Size: 0 KB
 

File Attachment:

File Name:
File Size: 0 KB
 

File Attachment:

File Name: 2021-05-12_2021-05-18.bz2
File Size: 17 KB
) enabling the focuser - which platesolved ok, focused ok, guided ok, filter changed ok - all good until meridian flip.Meridian flip then performed ok, plate solved again ok, guiding resumed ok, but the focus appeared to fail/stall out, on filter change post flip/plate solve, preventing capture.This has unfortunately happened many times now, with every version of the software I've tried so far -  I'm currently using version 3:5:3 stable but have tried previous beta

Read More...

I have the same problem - can only get my Microtouch to connect via serial port & I have to manually slot map it each time with the serial port assistant to do so.
The focuser also fails to move each time post meridian flip.
These two issues must be related!
Has anyone looked into this, or got Stellarmate working 100% successfully with a microtouch controller?
Would really welcome a solution.
TIA

Andy

Read More...