1. Topics
  2. Keypad Question - RA (E -W buttons) 'Intermittent failures"

Keypad Question - RA (E -W buttons) 'Intermittent failures" #Keypad

Shawn Quinn
 

I have a Mach2 and Keypad and I am just now learning how to use an Autoguider w/ PHD2 [learning how use modeling will be a winter project].  During my last observing session, with PHD2 active, I noticed that when I issue commands to adjust RA (hit E or W button on Keypad), it did not work.  I was able to issue RA commands via APPC and the mount responded as expected.  I initially thought I may have a Keypad hardware issue (button switch failures). However:

  • I found it odd that both E and W buttons would fail at the same time
  • I have since tested the Keypad stand-alone and the RA commands (E and W) work reliably.

Questions:

1. Perhaps with Autoguiding Active, the RA commands via the Keypad were 'ignored' or 'over written' by Commands being issued by PHD2 via ASCOM?
2.  Any other thoughts?

Thanks,

Shawn
Roland Christen
 

The keypad buttons are always active regardless of what you other apps you have attached.
What do you have the keypad buttons set to? .25X perhaps? If so, it takes 4 times as long to notice any movement.
When PHD is actively guiding it will always try to bring the star back to the center. So trying to move the star via the keypad, this will always be instantly opposed by PHD2 when it is active.

Roland



-----Original Message-----
From: Shawn Quinn <quinnfamily@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Dec 2, 2022 5:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Keypad Question - RA (E -W buttons) 'Intermittent failures" #Keypad

I have a Mach2 and Keypad and I am just now learning how to use an Autoguider w/ PHD2 [learning how use modeling will be a winter project].  During my last observing session, with PHD2 active, I noticed that when I issue commands to adjust RA (hit E or W button on Keypad), it did not work.  I was able to issue RA commands via APPC and the mount responded as expected.  I initially thought I may have a Keypad hardware issue (button switch failures). However:

  • I found it odd that both E and W buttons would fail at the same time
  • I have since tested the Keypad stand-alone and the RA commands (E and W) work reliably.

Questions:

1. Perhaps with Autoguiding Active, the RA commands via the Keypad were 'ignored' or 'over written' by Commands being issued by PHD2 via ASCOM?
2.  Any other thoughts?

Thanks,

Shawn

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Shawn Quinn
 

Thanks Roland.  I recall I trying higher rates with no joy.  I’ll retest when skies cooperate and will confirm test parameters.

Thanks,

Shawn
1 - 3 of 3