Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
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You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read the manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6 Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan ------------------------------------ To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
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Dan, When a Windows 7 computer goes to sleep, it may (probably) reassign the comm port upon reawakening. Double check your serial port assignment in Windows 7 and TheSky. When using the TheSky (6 or X), I always make sure that sleep and hibernate are turned off. Michael At 06:33 PM 10/16/2012, you wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read the manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <<mailto:danjanos%40optonline.net>danjanos@...> To: ap-gto <<mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>ap-gto@...> Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent.
Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not.
I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150 paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue.
Gerald
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
--- In ap-gto@..., chris1011@... wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read the manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
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All our mounts use the CP3 controller, same as always.
Roland
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: gmillerok <grmok1@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Wed, Oct 17, 2012 10:02 am Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6 Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent. Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not. I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150 paperweight. Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue. Gerald --- In ap-gto@..., chris1011@... wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external
planetarium program!!! Please read the manual. 1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from
your planetarium program. Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here
is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
------------------------------------ To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
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Hi Gerald, since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and Precision desktops). If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from $10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon. -Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.comAuthor of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriverAuthor of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.comAuthor of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of gmillerok Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:02 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent.
Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not.
I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150 paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue.
Gerald
--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , chris1011@... wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read the manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
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Ray,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field.
Gerald
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
--- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote: Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from $10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of gmillerok Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:02 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent.
Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not.
I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150 paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue.
Gerald
--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , chris1011@ wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read the manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
|
|
Hi Gerald, I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field. Laptops with serial ports still exist. For instance, some of the Panasonic Toughboooks still have a serial port which might have been a better choice than your Asus for outdoor environments - I wouldn't want to use my high-end 17" Alienware outdoors. Also, many of the Dell laptops have docking stations with COM ports. Probably other manufacturers have docking stations. -Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.comAuthor of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriverAuthor of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.comAuthor of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of gmillerok Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 10:59 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Ray,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field.
Gerald --- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote:
Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and
Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from
$10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of gmillerok
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:02 AM To: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go
to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent.
Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not.
I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use
with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the
Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150
paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue.
Gerald
--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , chris1011@ wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read
the
manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:ap-
gto%40yahoogroups.com> >
Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
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|
I'll also note that current generation MOBOs still have a Serial Connector. The correct Connector/Cable/Back plate is easy to find for 10 bucks.
Maybe it's me, but using a 64 bit Win7 OS I have issues getting the Serial Port to work with my planetarium (ECU). Life is too short to bang my head against the wall so I'm running a 32 bit version.
Tom
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
--- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote: Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from $10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
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George LaBelle
Really you guys. Let's be honest here. Any new designs should use USB. It is the industry standard for plug-and-play communications (has been for quite a while). Many computers, mostly laptops, do not have serial ports any more for good reason - nothing new uses it. Adapters are troublesome.
I am surprised if the AP1600 or 3600 does not use USB.
George
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
--- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote: Hi Gerald,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field. Laptops with serial ports still exist. For instance, some of the Panasonic Toughboooks still have a serial port which might have been a better choice than your Asus for outdoor environments - I wouldn't want to use my high-end 17" Alienware outdoors.
Also, many of the Dell laptops have docking stations with COM ports. Probably other manufacturers have docking stations.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of gmillerok Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 10:59 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Ray,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field.
Gerald --- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , "Ray Gralak" <groups1@> wrote:
Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and
Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from
$10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of gmillerok
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:02 AM To: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected. Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go
to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's set up with the mount is not relevent.
Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port standard? I hope not.
I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to using USB to Serial converters that are now required
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port $150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use
with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to work on the AP site). It does not work with the
Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150
paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron without issue.
Gerald
--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , chris1011@ wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an external planetarium program!!! Please read
the
manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount fully from your planetarium program.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:ap-
gto%40yahoogroups.com> >
Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to 9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Christopher Erickson
It's not about serial-USB conversion, it's not the OS and it's not about the planetarium software. It's all about the adapter's driver software and the authors who did a fast job instead of a good job. If everyone who is having troubles with serial-to-USB adapters were to switch to adapters using FTDI chips and drivers, their serial adapter problems would go away. Stop buying the junk from the box stores and gas stations. Get this and then install the correct drivers for it and your particular OS: http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/ftdi/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/378/Default.aspx Christopher Erickson Consulting Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of tucstargzr Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 11:35 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6 I'll also note that current generation MOBOs still have a Serial Connector. The correct Connector/Cable/Back plate is easy to find for 10 bucks. Maybe it's me, but using a 64 bit Win7 OS I have issues getting the Serial Port to work with my planetarium (ECU). Life is too short to bang my head against the wall so I'm running a 32 bit version. Tom --- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote: Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial
ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from $10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon. -Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
------------------------------------ To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2740 / Virus Database: 2614/5832 - Release Date: 10/14/12
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Christopher Erickson
Having a serial-to-USB adapter on the inside versus the outside may make some consumers feel better but it would really be a disadvantage and disservice to the consumer. Whether they realize it or not.
Both Meade and iOptron have come out with scopes with USB interfaces (USB-to-Serial adapter chips on the inside) and they have been nothing but endless headaches for their owners. Both iOptron and Meade have switched back to serial for their latest model releases.
I hope this helps.
Christopher Erickson Consulting Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of George Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 12:54 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6 Really you guys. Let's be honest here. Any new designs should use USB. It is the industry standard for plug-and-play communications (has been for quite a while). Many computers, mostly laptops, do not have serial ports any more for good reason - nothing new uses it. Adapters are troublesome. I am surprised if the AP1600 or 3600 does not use USB. George --- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@...> wrote: Hi Gerald,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I
know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the
desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field. Laptops with serial ports still exist. For instance, some of the Panasonic
Toughboooks still have a serial port which might have been a better choice than your Asus for outdoor environments - I wouldn't want to use my high-end 17" Alienware outdoors.
Also, many of the Dell laptops have docking stations with COM ports. Probably other manufacturers have docking stations. -Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of gmillerok Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 10:59 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Ray,
I bought a new Win7 Asus high end laptop dedicated solely for imaging. I
know of no current laptop that comes with a dedicated serial port. Mine didn't. These new laptops replace the
desktop pretty much these days, particularly in the field.
Gerald --- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , "Ray
Gralak" <groups1@> wrote: Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial
ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and
Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is
a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from
$10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters.
You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver:
http://www.gralak.com/apdriverAuthor of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of gmillerok
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:02 AM To: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Reboot the computer and don't let it go to sleep while connected.
Change it under Power settings so it won't ever go
to sleep or hibernate if you want to avoid such problems. How it's
set up with the mount is not relevent. Roland, are your new mounts going to stick with the old serial port
standard? I hope not. I also have had issues with serial connections-mainly related to
using USB to Serial converters that are now required
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. I bought a 4-port
$150 Tripplite USB-Serial converter from AP to use
with the Icron Ranger (both bought because AP recommends them to
work on the AP site). It does not work with the
Icron and neither Icron or Tripplite can tell me why after hours are
trying to get it to work. So now I have a $150
paperweight.
Fortunately, a Startech USB-Serial 4-port works with the Icron
without issue. Gerald
--- In ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>
<mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> , chris1011@ wrote:
You DO NOT need to set the keypad to EXT in order to use an
external planetarium program!!! Please read the
manual.
1) set the keypad to Autostart YES 2) start your mount by turning on 12 volt power 3) Connect TheSky6 using Astro-Physics mount and your serial cable 4) In the Sky6 press "Link > Establish"
That is all you need to do! You do not need to do anything else in order to control your mount
fully from your planetarium program. Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: dan j <danjanos@> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...
<mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:ap- gto%40yahoogroups.com> >
Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 8:24 pm Subject: [ap-gto] cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
Hi Everyone, I upgraded my computer to a Windows 7 platform and reinstalled all
the software. But I am having a problem connecting my Parallax hd150c
with AP GTO electronics. The keypad is set to "ext", using com port 4 set to
9600 bps here is the error message I get from the SKY 6. "Astro-Physics GTO not responding. Please check communications
port settings,powers and connections to the control the system". Now here is the crazy part. I had the system working before dinner
doing test slews through the SKY 6! The computer went into sleep mode and
after wakening the computer up the problem started. ugh!! Any help would be appreciated. dan
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Easy there, Chris. Nothing I said should have given you ANY perception I was doing a USB-Serial conversion. So to be clear, I'm Merrily using the same computer with 32 bit WIN7, serial connection between the mount and desktop computer.
If you missed that part, is it possible you assumed incorrectly on the other points? Let's keep it friendly here as Life is too short as it is.
Tom
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
--- In ap-gto@..., "Christopher Erickson" <christopher.k.erickson@...> wrote: It's not about serial-USB conversion, it's not the OS and it's not about the planetarium software.
It's all about the adapter's driver software and the authors who did a fast job instead of a good job.
If everyone who is having troubles with serial-to-USB adapters were to switch to adapters using FTDI chips and drivers, their serial adapter problems would go away.
Stop buying the junk from the box stores and gas stations.
Get this and then install the correct drivers for it and your particular OS:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/ftdi/List/0/S ortField/4/ProductID/378/Default.aspx
Christopher Erickson Consulting Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of tucstargzr Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 11:35 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
I'll also note that current generation MOBOs still have a Serial Connector. The correct Connector/Cable/Back plate is easy to find for 10 bucks.
Maybe it's me, but using a 64 bit Win7 OS I have issues getting the Serial Port to work with my planetarium (ECU). Life is too short to bang my head against the wall so I'm running a 32 bit version.
Tom
--- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@> wrote:
Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and
Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from
$10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2740 / Virus Database: 2614/5832 - Release Date: 10/14/12
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Christopher Erickson
Apparently I came across too aggressive and I apologize for that, it wasn't intended.
And I was responding to the thread, not to you specifically.
Clear skies and chocolate!
Christopher Erickson Consulting Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of tucstargzr Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 6:07 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6 Easy there, Chris. Nothing I said should have given you ANY perception I was doing a USB-Serial conversion. So to be clear, I'm Merrily using the same computer with 32 bit WIN7, serial connection between the mount and desktop computer. If you missed that part, is it possible you assumed incorrectly on the other points? Let's keep it friendly here as Life is too short as it is. Tom --- In ap-gto@..., "Christopher Erickson" <christopher.k.erickson@...> wrote: It's not about serial-USB conversion, it's not the OS and it's not about
the planetarium software.
It's all about the adapter's driver software and the authors who did a fast job instead of a good job.
If everyone who is having troubles with serial-to-USB adapters were to switch to adapters using FTDI chips and drivers, their serial adapter problems would go away.
Stop buying the junk from the box stores and gas stations.
Get this and then install the correct drivers for it and your particular OS:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/ftdi/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/378/Default.aspx
Christopher Erickson Consulting Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com
-----Original Message----- From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of tucstargzr Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 11:35 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] Re: cannot connect gto CP3 to the SKy 6
I'll also note that current generation MOBOs still have a Serial Connector. The correct Connector/Cable/Back plate is easy to find for 10 bucks.
Maybe it's me, but using a 64 bit Win7 OS I have issues getting the Serial Port to work with my planetarium (ECU). Life is too short to bang my head against the wall so I'm running a 32 bit version.
Tom
--- In ap-gto@..., "Ray Gralak" <groups1@> wrote:
Hi Gerald,
since no laptops or PC's have no serial ports. Actually there are some desktop computers that still come with serial ports built in (e.g. some of the Dell Optiplex and
Precision desktops).
If you are using a desktop without a serial port the best solution is a 2-port PCI and PCI-express card. They run from
$10-40 usually and are much more robust than the USB/serial adapters. You can find them at Newegg or Amazon.
-Ray Gralak Author of Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2740 / Virus Database: 2614/5832 - Release Date: 10/14/12
------------------------------------ To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2740 / Virus Database: 2614/5832 - Release Date: 10/14/12
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