I have another "newbie" question related to APCC: I have been using the GOTO functionality of my keypad to slew to whatever object I want to look at. For those APCC users who do not have or use keypads what are you using ? I assume that you are using some sort of observatory control software (e.g. MaxIm DL or PinPoint) with some sort of object catalog, but there are many options.

Since I have the keypad I will continue to use it, but are there any particular advantages to going with observatory control software over the keypad ? If I did so it would most likely be via MaxIm DL since I already use that platform for guiding and imaging.

Mike

Thanks for the tips on USB hubs. I assume that the Icron is a good option. I will have to investigate my options for mounting it on my dovetail plate since it is common to my three different imaging trains.

Mike

You can also put a wanted ad for a used CP3 box on Astromart or Cloudy Nights. They come up for sale over there often, around 300 bucks or so.

I think the only time I hear mine beep is when I confirm a RCAL aka "recalibrate" on an object. 

Hi Khushrow

I have had my CP4 box for about a year, and have been using it with my 1100GTO with AE.  Tonight for the first time I am not able to connect to my CP4, when I plug it into a USB port there is no indication of a connection being made and when I check device manager there is no COM port being generated.  I have tried multiple cables and also tried to make a connection with two other laptops.  No success and no com port being generated when I check in device manager.  Is there something else I can check or could the COM port have become defective?
Thanks,
Khushrow

I'm a big fan of the Pegasus distribution hubs. I have the advance and Mount it on the OTA. Imaging camera, guidecamera, focuser, filter wheel and dew strap are all powered and/or USB connected for data transfer. I have a single power line running up to the OTA and a single USB cable running down to the PC. My mount is plugged into a second USB port on the PC. really simplifies cable management. 

If I remember correctly it stopped after a battery change and subsequent necessary reload. Maybe I somehow disconnected the audio bit while I was fiddling around inside it.

On Sep 4, 2021, at 10:33 AM, M Hambrick <mhambrick563@...> wrote:

The three USB ports on the laptop are all being used for the mouse, main imaging camera, and guide camera.

I would consider getting something like a UPBV2 (or other powered USB hub) and put it on the OTA.

Then plug the imaging camera and guide camera into that hub. This will save one port on the laptop.

The focuser could also be plugged into the hub. Save another port there.

Fwiw this is the way I’m setup — there is one USB cable for everything “on the OTA”.
I have 4 ports for the “mount computer”:
- OTA devices: focuser , camera via UPBV2
- AP control box
- Astromi.ch environment / GPS box
- Polemaster camera

The UPBV2 is a bit overkill, but it’s nice for monitoring power, and I now use it for dew control also.

-jeff

Two other comments in addition to those who recommend a USB hub to provide more ports. 

Get a powered hub so the length of the cables is less an issue.
Get a hub with more ports that you need...you will likely need them eventually. 

Bryan

Use a USB hub to expand ports. Suggest a USB 3.0 type even for USB 2.0.

I've used this for years on 2 different setups:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MNGIL32/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title

--
George
Prineville, Oregon

Whenever I'm going to make a custom DC power cable, I usually use one of the online wire guage calculators.  Enter parameters such as total wire length (there and back), estimated maximum current, that it is DC and not AC, and allowable voltage drop at the usage end.  The calculator then returns a minimum recommended wire gauge to use.  Selecting a heavier gauge wire will reduce your voltage drop at the usage end but at the expense of added weight and $.  Once you know the wire guage then you will know what Powerpole pins to select.
Other things to consider when building a cable are the expected temperature range, permanent or portable installation, and rodent resistance.
If you will be using the cable in temperatures above freezing, then most insulations are likely fine.  If you will use it in the winter well below freezing, then most insulations will NOT be fine, either getting too stiff or possibly cracking when flexed.  For cold weather fexible cable I have been using high conductor count silicone insulated wire found in the hobby industry (HobbyKing, local hobby shop, etc).  Very flexible, but the downside is the silicone insulation is also soft and easily damaged, so I then put the nearly finished cable in braided wire loom (many RV trailer shops, electrical suppliers).  This also helps keep the wires together and from snagging.  Some heat shrink at both ends keeps the braiding from unravelling.
If your target installation is permanent, you can get away with lower conductor count wire (I think standard is 7), but also keep an eye on the insulation as many modern insulations are vegetable based, and RODENTS love to chew on it.  Mmmmm!
-Chris

I have noticed that when doing a recalibrate the keypad no longer beeps. Is there a beep on/off function somewhere. If so, I haven’t been able to find it.
Geoff

On Fri, Sep 3, 2021 at 07:12 AM, David Johnson wrote:

Mount tracked extremely well last night again.  Results here. The mount tracks so well unguided that I think I’ve forgotten how to guide.

Nice shot David. 

I have been doing unguided imaging with the Mach2 for more than a year now and I couldn't be happier with the mount and the software tools.  The guide scope and guide camera have been sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

I also imaged the Sharpless 2-155 area.  My view is a little wider than yours though  --> https://www.astrobin.com/udzsan/E/
 
--
Dean Jacobsen
Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/

Since it could be a while before you could purchase a new mach2, you might look for a used mach1 or 900gto.  Both are excellent mounts and will be a huge step up from your cem60.  You might find you don't even need a mach2 after running one of these. 

 If so, would I have major issues if I tried to do regular tracking correction away from the two arcs? 

I dont think so. I believe that if you move to a location beyond your dec arcs that it reverts to all sky for correction, and I assume that if an all sky model is not present that it would just revert to standard sidereal tracking...