There is a hot fix on the Bisque website that adds the ReCal function to
the telescope dialog box for A-P scopes. I suggest that everyone using
TheSky load up this hot fix!



http://www.bisque.com/SC/Downloads/HotFixes/



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of Jeff Young
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 2:57 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Re: Strange Declination Behavior



Wade -

Not sure (I don't image). I think you may have to do it in PulseGuide
(or with the handbox). I'm pretty sure that TheSky doesn't know about
Rcal, so I'd guess that MaximDL doesn't either.

Cheers,

-- Jeff.

From: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ] On
Behalf
Of twade35
Sent: 13 June 2008 20:43
To: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Strange Declination Behavior

Jeff,

I knew I missed something. Is the RCal done in TheSky, MaximDL, or both?

Thanks,

Wade

Wade

Although, rcal is the correct function (as opposed to sync) you don't *need*
to do anything. The only problem is you'd need to center your target
manually. Any goto operation will cause the mount to flip. I think the
meridian delay function can be used to do what you want. This basically
tricks the mount into thinking the meridian is shifted. Then you can do
your alignment, sync the mount after your first plate solve, use a goto to
your target, plate solve and rcal, recenter, and image away.

Mark

_____

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of
Jeff Young
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 3:23 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Strange Declination Behavior



Wade -

Your second sync (after crossing the meridian) needs to be a Rcal, not a
Sync. Otherwise you're also telling the mount which side of the
meridian it's on, which makes it think it's upside down.

-- Jeff.

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com] On Behalf
Of twade35
Sent: 13 June 2008 20:16
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: [ap-gto] Strange Declination Behavior

To all,

Last night while preparing to image Sh2-27 in H-alpha, I typed in the
correct RA and Dec in MaximDL's Telescope dialog and the mount slewed
in the wrong direction. It slewed to the south rather than to the
north. Here's the steps taken leading up to this strange behavior.
First, I polar aligned in the West. After polar aligning, I plate
solved on the field of view and sync'd the mount using the solved
plate. I then used the mounts keypad to manually slew across the
meridian to the chosen target. By doing this, I prevent having to do
a meridian flip. I sync'd on Antares. I then typed in the correct RA
and Dec and the Dec took off in the wrong direction (i.e. it went
south rather than north). I thought the 900GTO mount was able to
"sense" crossing the meridian and would compensate for the Declination
change. By using the keypad, did I mess up the "sense" of TheSky
and/or MaximDL? What is the proper procedure to get things right again?

Thanks,

Wade

Wade -



Not sure (I don't image). I think you may have to do it in PulseGuide
(or with the handbox). I'm pretty sure that TheSky doesn't know about
Rcal, so I'd guess that MaximDL doesn't either.



Cheers,

-- Jeff.



From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of twade35
Sent: 13 June 2008 20:43
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Strange Declination Behavior



Jeff,

I knew I missed something. Is the RCal done in TheSky, MaximDL, or both?

Thanks,

Wade

Hey Rick,



I should have qualified it as “my older EdgePort”. I’ve never had any other
and this was bought used from a supply liquidator that buys used office/it
stuff. I hope that the statement was not seen as a general issue as I have
no other data points, except of course, yours now. After I moved it into the
warm room, it’s been stable and operating fine for over a year. And I’m
assuming it was temperature, it well could have been moisture as it seemed
to show up when temperatures were below 45° and often humid.



Steve



_____

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of
Rick Wiggins
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 2:13 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Keyspan USB Server



Hi Steve,
I beleive that you have had problems, but wanted to provide another
data point. I and many of my friends use the edgeports outside year-
round. We have temps getting to 15F (yes it is warmer here than NE)
and we typically have high moisture (occassionally ice-fog). I have
not heard of any failures.

I will provide on tip. I place my edgeport and similar devices near
the computers so they experience air that is warmer than ambient. I
do it to prevent dewing, but it keeps the temp up also.
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com, "Steve
Reilly" <sreilly@...> wrote:

Hello Howard,



I'm curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems

below 45° or

so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,

especially if

using in the field.



Thanks,



Steve



_____

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com

[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com] On
Behalf Of

Howard
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:58 PM
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-
<http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se>

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like

to, but

were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial

adapters

if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different

from

USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via

whispers

and then the original message is compared to what the last person

heard,

and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was

corrupted.

Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is

what

the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has

worked

remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter

going

at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB

server

simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly

written

software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their

serial

communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had

additional

USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while

simultaneously

giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices.

That

was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB

devices

at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some

success

using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying

the

USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could

be

used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however,

want

to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns"

that

still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain

here

in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I

get

them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead

of

four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale

Ghent

in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use

the

Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use

chipsets

from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial

adapters to

be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the

drivers

on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling

straight

through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find

them in

the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com]

On Behalf

Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF

you

were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was

their

product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jeff,

I knew I missed something. Is the RCal done in TheSky, MaximDL, or both?

Thanks,

Wade

Wade -



Your second sync (after crossing the meridian) needs to be a Rcal, not a
Sync. Otherwise you're also telling the mount which side of the
meridian it's on, which makes it think it's upside down.



-- Jeff.



From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of twade35
Sent: 13 June 2008 20:16
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Strange Declination Behavior



To all,

Last night while preparing to image Sh2-27 in H-alpha, I typed in the
correct RA and Dec in MaximDL's Telescope dialog and the mount slewed
in the wrong direction. It slewed to the south rather than to the
north. Here's the steps taken leading up to this strange behavior.
First, I polar aligned in the West. After polar aligning, I plate
solved on the field of view and sync'd the mount using the solved
plate. I then used the mounts keypad to manually slew across the
meridian to the chosen target. By doing this, I prevent having to do
a meridian flip. I sync'd on Antares. I then typed in the correct RA
and Dec and the Dec took off in the wrong direction (i.e. it went
south rather than north). I thought the 900GTO mount was able to
"sense" crossing the meridian and would compensate for the Declination
change. By using the keypad, did I mess up the "sense" of TheSky
and/or MaximDL? What is the proper procedure to get things right again?

Thanks,

Wade

To all,

Last night while preparing to image Sh2-27 in H-alpha, I typed in the
correct RA and Dec in MaximDL's Telescope dialog and the mount slewed
in the wrong direction. It slewed to the south rather than to the
north. Here's the steps taken leading up to this strange behavior.
First, I polar aligned in the West. After polar aligning, I plate
solved on the field of view and sync'd the mount using the solved
plate. I then used the mounts keypad to manually slew across the
meridian to the chosen target. By doing this, I prevent having to do
a meridian flip. I sync'd on Antares. I then typed in the correct RA
and Dec and the Dec took off in the wrong direction (i.e. it went
south rather than north). I thought the 900GTO mount was able to
"sense" crossing the meridian and would compensate for the Declination
change. By using the keypad, did I mess up the "sense" of TheSky
and/or MaximDL? What is the proper procedure to get things right again?

Thanks,

Wade

Hi Steve,
I beleive that you have had problems, but wanted to provide another
data point. I and many of my friends use the edgeports outside year-
round. We have temps getting to 15F (yes it is warmer here than NE)
and we typically have high moisture (occassionally ice-fog). I have
not heard of any failures.

I will provide on tip. I place my edgeport and similar devices near
the computers so they experience air that is warmer than ambient. I
do it to prevent dewing, but it keeps the temp up also.
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "Steve Reilly" <sreilly@...> wrote:

Hello Howard,



I'm curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems

below 45° or

so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,

especially if

using in the field.



Thanks,



Steve



_____

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On

Behalf Of

Howard
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:58 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-
<http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se>

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like

to, but

were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial

adapters

if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different

from

USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via

whispers

and then the original message is compared to what the last person

heard,

and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was

corrupted.

Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is

what

the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has

worked

remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter

going

at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB

server

simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly

written

software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their

serial

communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had

additional

USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while

simultaneously

giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices.

That

was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB

devices

at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some

success

using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying

the

USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could

be

used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however,

want

to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns"

that

still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain

here

in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I

get

them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead

of

four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale

Ghent

in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use

the

Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use

chipsets

from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial

adapters to

be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the

drivers

on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling

straight

through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find

them in

the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com]

On Behalf

Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF

you

were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was

their

product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Group,



I'll try to address some of what's been posted in response to my rather
long post yesterday.



When I spoke with the engineers at Keyspan, they could not give me a
definite answer about temperature range. I told them that our
equipment was designed to operate at temps down to -40 degrees.
Response: "Oh Wow!" The Keyspan units were not specifically designed
with such temperatures in mind, but then again, they don't really have
components that should be terribly temperature sensitive. I don't
believe that any other similar devices are specifically designed for
such low temperatures either. The person I talked to thought that
keeping things dry (avoiding frost accumulation) would be more important
than actual temperature.



Mark's suggestion of dew heaters may be a workable solution to extreme
cold, as long as the dew heater doesn't introduce any interference as
they can with some CCD cameras. For an observatory, one might also
build a small insulated "electronics box" with a small internal heat
source like a 15 watt incandescent light bulb - red, of course. For
that matter, if using the USB Server, run 110 volts inside the box and
simply let the server's power transformer provide the heat.



As I mentioned, the camera may really benefit from the USB2.0 server
that I am currently starting to evaluate. Stay tuned!



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of Chris Curran
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 8:20 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Keyspan USB Server



I'd be very interested in how well this works with the camera. I've
been told numerous times over the years that USB cameras (without
internal buffers, i.e. SBIG) will have problems with this type of
rigging (USB over Ethernet). Something about delays and reading the
ccd and other subjects I don't understand well enough...

Please do keep us posted.

cheers & beers

--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ,
"Morgan Spangle" <msfainc@...> wrote:

Thanks for the update. I have a source at work for one (free) and I
will get one and test it out on my setup. I'm also thinking I might
try it wireless, with an apple airport express...could be interesting
if I can get it to work! Then I can sit upstairs in my office and run
the whole deal - it gets chilly in NY in the winter too. I've got the
1200 mount (serial), Robofocus (serial), SBIG camera (USB), so it'll
be a nearly full load. I'll keep you posted.
Morgan

I'd be very interested in how well this works with the camera. I've
been told numerous times over the years that USB cameras (without
internal buffers, i.e. SBIG) will have problems with this type of
rigging (USB over Ethernet). Something about delays and reading the
ccd and other subjects I don't understand well enough...

Please do keep us posted.

cheers & beers

Thanks for the update. I have a source at work for one (free) and I
will get one and test it out on my setup. I'm also thinking I might
try it wireless, with an apple airport express...could be interesting
if I can get it to work! Then I can sit upstairs in my office and run
the whole deal - it gets chilly in NY in the winter too. I've got the
1200 mount (serial), Robofocus (serial), SBIG camera (USB), so it'll
be a nearly full load. I'll keep you posted.
Morgan

My Keyspan USB-to-4 serial port adaptor has been in my central Ohio
observatory for about 3 years now with no problems, During the winter
the temperature gets down near or a bit below 0F, and during the
summer as high as near 100F, although that is unusual.

Regards,
Gary

--- In ap-gto@..., "KG KIRKLEY" <kgkirkley@...> wrote:

In a message dated 06/12/08 17:43:22 Central Daylight Time,

sreilly@... writes:

I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units

have

operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems

below 45° or

so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,

especially if

using in the field.


Interesting?

I've had my Edgeport repeatedly down to well below freezing out at

dark sites with no problems.

Kent Kirkley


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rick,

PAM is very fast and convenient to use, both for measuring the
misalignment and for correcting.
What I do observe is that:
- the results are not exactly repeatable (say you just measure the
misalignment and do it twice without changing anything):
the error in amplitude is generally consistent, not the error in hour
angle
- when measuring the misalignment on 2 distinct regions (on the same
side of the meridian), the resulting numbers can be significantly
different, both in amplitude and in hour angle
- I can never reach figures below 0.5 arcmin, and more typically I
get 1 arcminute. Only a few iterations are required (2-3), more do
not help.

PEMPro is also quite convenient to use, but takes (significantly)
more time.
The results are definitely more consistent and I believe a better
accuracy can be obtained:
say you do 2 runs without correcting anything, just to measure the
misalignment, you get pretty much the same values for each run.
But clearly you need to let the software run for about 3-4 minutes at
least in each measuring step before the results can be considered to
be meaningful.
PEMPro reports show that I can be very close to the pole: my best
value so far is an (incredible and somewhat doubtful)... 5 arcsec.
More typically is 30 arcsec or below.

My procedure so far is to use PAM (more exactly first use the polar
scope for rough alignment and quick star drift meridian delay, then
PAM) and to start the PAM alignment process in the area where I will
be imaging next whenever possible.
Most pics so far were made at about 2 arcsec/pixel and I am quite
happy to image at least 4 minutes with no guiding, just with PEM on
(Mach1).

My 2 cents, I'd be happy to hear from further experiences.

Pierre

Wrap a couple of dew heaters around it.

Mark

On Jun 12, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Steve Reilly wrote:

Hello Howard,

I�m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems
below 45� or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,
especially if
using in the field.

Thanks,

Steve

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Howard,
Very nice writeup, the kind I can learn from. I ordered a few of the
new products a few days ago and look forward to using them.
Bob Cuberly



--- In ap-gto@..., "Howard" <howard@...> wrote:

Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se

rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like

to, but

were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial

adapters

if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that

stem

from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different

from

USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got

a

secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via

whispers

and then the original message is compared to what the last person

heard,

and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was

corrupted.

Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is

what

the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has

worked

remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter

going

at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB

server

simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly

written

software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had

additional

USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while

simultaneously

giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the

USB

server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices.

That

was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB

devices

at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some

success

using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying

the

USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could

be

used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however,

want

to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns"

that

still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain

here

in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I

get

them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale

Ghent

in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT

use the

Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use

chipsets

from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial

adapters to

be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the

drivers

on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling

straight

through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find

them in

the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On

Behalf

Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re optical paths, the first time I used it was on tight fitting
"T" threads and I have never had it "migrate" to where it
was not needed, however only the smallest amount is needed,
I use a cotton bud to apply it - with caution, I have used it for
tight fitting optic filters and no problems, Gerald.

Hello,



We have the units available and up on our website.



http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm



We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like to, but
were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial adapters
if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different from
USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via whispers
and then the original message is compared to what the last person heard,
and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was corrupted.
Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is what
the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has worked
remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.



Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter going
at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB server
simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly written
software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had additional
USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while simultaneously
giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices. That
was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB devices
at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some success
using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.



Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying the
USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could be
used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however, want
to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns" that
still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain here
in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I get
them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale Ghent
in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use the
Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use chipsets
from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial adapters to
be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the drivers
on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling straight
through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find them in
the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

In a message dated 06/12/08 17:43:22 Central Daylight Time, sreilly@... writes:
I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems below 45° or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration, especially if
using in the field.


Interesting?

I've had my Edgeport repeatedly down to well below freezing out at dark sites with no problems.

Kent Kirkley

Hello Howard,



I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems below 45° or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration, especially if
using in the field.



Thanks,



Steve



_____

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of
Howard
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:58 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-
<http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se>
physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like to, but
were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial adapters
if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different from
USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via whispers
and then the original message is compared to what the last person heard,
and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was corrupted.
Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is what
the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has worked
remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter going
at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB server
simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly written
software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had additional
USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while simultaneously
giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices. That
was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB devices
at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some success
using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying the
USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could be
used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however, want
to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns" that
still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain here
in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I get
them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale Ghent
in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use the
Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use chipsets
from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial adapters to
be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the drivers
on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling straight
through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find them in
the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com] On Behalf
Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In ap-gto@..., "Morgan Spangle" <msfainc@...> wrote:

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/serialusb.htm