Orpington Astronomical Society

Random Rambling Ruminations => PC Helpline => Topic started by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 23, 2010, 21:01:17

Title: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 23, 2010, 21:01:17
Well in the spirit of me being old and cold I have hooked my PC outside up with UltraVNC with encryption and also high speed screen refresh, its working a treat, all I need now is an autofocus and I wont need to get cold :-)

Yipeeeee......
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Nov 23, 2010, 23:09:17
I wondered when you'd get around to it - beats freezing your nadgers off any day !

I use windows remote desktop (which is crap) but it works.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mac on Nov 23, 2010, 23:50:53
QuoteI use windows remote desktop (which is crap) but it works.

What bad experiences have you had.
I've never had any problems using remote desktop.
Mac
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 24, 2010, 08:05:13
Try mixing it between a home network and xp to vista, not easy.

:-)
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Nov 24, 2010, 09:26:42
QuoteWhat bad experiences have you had.

Nothing serious, it just seems a bit pedestrian with screen refreshes sometimes and gives up the connection a bit too easily if there are comms problems.  Don't get me wrong, it works and it's 'free' so I can't grumble too much about that.  I expect there will be some compatibilities with windows 7 when I eventually change over but that's to be expected given it's a Microsoft product.

Robert
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Nov 24, 2010, 17:03:07
Yes , I was going to set that up, have the plugs & program downloaded. I am thinking that I needed another laptop & XP Professional.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Nov 24, 2010, 18:26:04
QuoteI am thinking that I needed another laptop & XP Professional.

Yes, but to cover all the bases, you'll also need a Tak Epsilon 180ED and a QSI 583  8)

Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Nov 24, 2010, 18:29:41
I've got VNC remote using vista and XP (and a cable), only used it a couple of times before my guiding problems.  It seems to have a strange connection problem whereas the one outside keeping picking up a 127.0.0.2 setting instead of 10.0.0.2 even though it is still configured as the latter.  It's very weird.  Phil helped me set it up and says he's not seen anything like it before.  We've managed to overide it.  

The only issue I had was the fact that the two screens are a different shape and just requires a bit of fiddling around to find all the buttons, but it keeps me in the warm once it's all set up.

Luvly jubbly.  

Carole
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 12:55:45
Hi Carol,

You should not have any problems if you are using the routers DHCP address well only when the DHCP recycles.  If you are not then you have probably setup two different IP Addresses and subnet masks on your network, or you have a firewall or proxy which is changing it.

My prefered method is to reserve the MAC address on each laptop against the DHCP Server on my wireless router so the IP Addresses keep the same.  This way they never change.

Also the 24" screen in doors 1920x1080 is bigger than the laptop screen 1024x768 in resolution so I don't have any issues there as well, appart from focusing....

Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Nov 25, 2010, 13:59:30
Chris, are you connecting the two laptops by cable?  Are you using Develo plugs? I have it setup, but never got to using it as I need another laptop, so have forgotton the basics.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 14:03:22
Hi Fay,

They are both wireless with my BT Router.

Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: PhilB on Nov 25, 2010, 14:36:29
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 12:55:45
Hi Carol,

You should not have any problems if you are using the routers DHCP address well only when the DHCP recycles.  If you are not then you have probably setup two different IP Addresses and subnet masks on your network, or you have a firewall or proxy which is changing it.

My prefered method is to reserve the MAC address on each laptop against the DHCP Server on my wireless router so the IP Addresses keep the same.  This way they never change.

Also the 24" screen in doors 1920x1080 is bigger than the laptop screen 1024x768 in resolution so I don't have any issues there as well, appart from focusing....

Chris


There is no router to handle DHCP, Chris. This is a simple cross-over cable connection laptop to laptop using static IP's. I've never had a problem with this when using RealVNC. Unfortunately, the free edition of  RealVNC won't run on Vista, but UltraVNC does. The connection is XP to Vista and this is why Ultra was used. I'm still wondering about this problem, largely because I haven't had much free time of late. I'm pretty sure that I've done something stupid here, I just need to step back from the coalface in order to see it.!

Carole, I apologise for hijacking a thread addressed directly to you.

Cheers

Phil
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 14:55:43
Hi,

If you have a crossover cable and UltraVNC there shoult be no problem providing the network is setup properly odd eh!


Chris

P.S. Mine is XP to Vista
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: PhilB on Nov 25, 2010, 15:02:15
Yup, that's what I thought. But I usually play with the client server model, and reckon that I must have missed something in the pier to pier set up.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Ian on Nov 25, 2010, 15:04:06
Might be worth checking to see how many network interfaces the machines think they have...
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 15:12:16
Not the classic not login in as the same user or that user is not defined on both boxes?  Mind you that would have no effect on Uktra VNC.

Or turn of the firewall for a while and see what happens

Chris

P.S. I can see Fay reading this thread and sweating,,..
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Nov 25, 2010, 15:16:26
More like I am reading the thread & saying b****r it!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: PhilB on Nov 25, 2010, 15:30:52
It's the fact that the boxes pick up 127.0.0.1 and 127.0.0.2 especially when the nic's are explicitly set to 10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2 that looks odd to me. I'd be happier if they grabbed 169.xxx.xxx.xxx, but probably no wiser at present! I think I need to start again, from the ground up  :cry:
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: PhilB on Nov 25, 2010, 15:32:27
Quote from: Fay on Nov 25, 2010, 15:16:26
More like I am reading the thread & saying b****r it!!!!!!!!

Actually, on further analysis, that response has much to recommend it!
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Nov 25, 2010, 18:38:46
QuoteMight be worth checking to see how many network interfaces the machines think they have...
That's something I thought about, but as Phil is my "master mind" on this I am not interfering. 

QuoteCarole, I apologise for hijacking a thread addressed directly to you.
Please speak on my behalf Phil, you know how to explain what's going on better than me.

Carole
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Nov 25, 2010, 19:00:42
127.0.0.1 is always set on every machine - it's called loopback and allows you to connect back to same machine without hitting the network.

You should be able to set something like 192.168.0.10 for one and 192.168.0.11 for the other.   Right click the network connection and select properties then select Internet Protocol(TCP/IP), which should be checked, from theat dialogue then click properties.

Select 'use the following IP address':

First machine settings:
IP Address: 192.168.0.10
subnet mask will be filled in automatically
Default gateway 192.168.0.10

Second machine settings:
IP Address: 192.168.0.11
subnet mask will be filled in automatically
Default gateway 192.168.0.10

I think that should work.

To test, open a 'cmd' window on one machine type the following command and press return:

ping <ipaddress if other machine>

Hope that helps
Robert

Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 25, 2010, 22:28:33
Rob,

Ping may not work if a firewall has ping off, try pong instead...

Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: PhilB on Nov 26, 2010, 05:44:46
Robert, the computers connect and VNC works with the IP's as set. The problem is that when the system is restarted, VNC picks up the loop back address or 127.0.0.2 and not the address as set on the respective nic's. This can be overcome by releasing the VNC clients on the server machine, but this shouldn't be necessary.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Nov 26, 2010, 08:13:36
So these ere two computers are only connected to each other and not to any other equipment ? Hmmm.. you will get 127.0.0.1 for the first NIC loopback, 127.0.0.2 for the second etc.  I suspect that PC has two NIC's and it's that which is confusing things.

10.0.0.1 is a default router address which is not normally found in home pcs; they generally use 192.168.0.1 !

If there are two NIC's then disable the one you're not going to use, delete the network connections and reconfigure.

Robert
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Nov 26, 2010, 09:07:57
QuoteI suspect that PC has two NIC's and it's that which is confusing things.

Wired and wireless network ?
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Nov 26, 2010, 21:51:24
I think at the time of the problem I had dongle software on the laptops, and I suspected it might be causing a conflict.  I have now removed it from the laptop giving the problems but not yet had a chance to try it out as I'd also disconnected the UltraVNC during my endeavours to eliminate everything for my guiding problems.  Phil put the VNC back on for me last night, so will try it out tomorrow.

Carole
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 05, 2010, 17:49:14
Well, I have a laptop, only have to suss out how to get wireless going on 2xlaptops & not the desktop........................... 
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Dec 05, 2010, 20:03:02
I got the network working again BTW, I still get 127.0.0.2 on the obs laptop, but know how to overcome it now:

I need the two laptops plugged in and then "kill all clients" on the obs laptop, then exit VNC.  Then when I re-start VNC up it picks up 10.0.0.2.  However if I haven't plugged it into the indoor laptop, I can't stop it picking up 127.0.0.2

Just need to do it all in the right order. 
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Dec 05, 2010, 22:27:15
QuoteWell, I have a laptop, only have to suss out how to get wireless going on 2xlaptops & not the desktop

Fay, can't you use those two powerline ethernet adaptors ?

Robert
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 05, 2010, 22:36:21
yes I suppose so, but would wireless be better?
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mac on Dec 05, 2010, 23:13:21
I just use windows remote desktop and dont have any of these problems.

(http://www.macrhon.co.uk/website/oas/smiley/signs/sign0088.gif)

Mac
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 08:30:34
What other way is there for them to connect. Mac?

Robert,

I will dig the Develo out today & try to get my brain in gear
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Dec 06, 2010, 08:42:45
Fay,

How do you connect to the internet?

Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: RobertM on Dec 06, 2010, 08:53:27
Quote from: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 08:30:34
What other way is there for them to connect. Mac?

Robert,

I will dig the Develo out today & try to get my brain in gear

Fay, they are a no brainer !  You can have the two laptops side by side with the ethernet ports plugged into the Devolo's which can be plugged in to two mains sockets next to each other.  Once you have that working then just plug them in where you need them.  A little bit more pain than wireless but I don't really think you have that much choice.  If you have any trouble then let me know.

Robert
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 11:16:14
Chris I use dial up for desktop & if I want to go online with the laptop, I take the Speedtouch USB out of the desktop & plug into laptop.

The Develo method of connecting the laptops, gets them to connect via your electricity supply outlets

I want wireless to work, & have the equipment but I get so far & then get lost. I only want the laptop to be wireless, not desktop.

Thanks Robert, everything is as it was from the last time. I did not go ahead as I did not have a spare laptop.

Let you know how I get on
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Dec 06, 2010, 11:43:23
Fay, generally your new (still in the box) wireless router would plug into the desktop PC making it part of a wired network.  Your laptop would connect wirelessly to the router and be part of the same network.

As long as the router is left plugged into the mains, wireless will always work and wired will always be available when you turn the desktop on.

The only problem would be the range of the wireless signal.  With what you are trying to do, the laptop you have at the telescope would need to get a signal from the router, and so would the other laptop that you want to use remotely (unless you fancy remote controlling the scope from the desktop)
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Dec 06, 2010, 12:24:39
Fay,

What wireless router do you have, or am I missing somthing, and I assume its still in the box, or was this a laptop, oh ???


Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mike on Dec 06, 2010, 13:17:08
Why are you using dial-up if you have a router?
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 13:34:56
well I don't know if it is dial up. I have a Speedtouch that plugs into the computer.   
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Dec 06, 2010, 14:15:09
Fay you're router thing came with your broadband package.

Please don't say you have broadband but are using dial up  :o
Easy way to confirm is go here -
http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk/ (http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk/)

Then click on begin
(you can do this on the laptop or desktop)

The number that appears on the left is your connection speed - depending on your broadband package, it should be over 500
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 15:11:43
Upload speed 513
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Dec 06, 2010, 15:48:41
What was the download speed ?

Although the upload speed suggests you have 10+ meg broadband.
SO it's not dial up - Stop scaring me  :-?
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 15:57:41
4.4                     just plugged the cable from Gigaset SE572 WLAN dsl into a socket I found in back of computer.....hope it is meant for that cable    :o
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mac on Dec 06, 2010, 16:45:31
Quotejust plugged the cable from Gigaset SE572 WLAN dsl into a socket I found in back of computer....hope it is meant for that cable
:boom: :boom: :boom: :boom: :boom: :boom: :boom: :boom:

You'll soon find out,

Mind you Fay, you do have a habit of blowing things up dont you. ;)

Mac
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 16:52:23
Ha Ha that's what I am worried about!!
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Dec 06, 2010, 17:33:38
Quote from: Fay on Dec 06, 2010, 13:34:56
I have a Speedtouch that plugs into the computer.   

Enough about the sex toy, what about the broadband!
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Feb 02, 2011, 23:33:36
Thought I'd let you know I have sussed out the problem of my network (see posts 20 - 27 of this thread).

Provided I plug everything in in the right order it works fine, but it took me ages to fathom it out.  I have to switch on the laptop indoors and plug in my network cable there first.  Only then can I plug in my network cable in the Obsy, and provided I do it in that order it comes up with 10.0.0.2 OK in the obsy (and not 127.0.0.2) and I can connect OK.

Another problem solved thank goodness. 

Carole

Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mac on Feb 03, 2011, 00:34:08
err why dont you force all your ip addreses, then you wont have that problem and you can turn them on in any order,

Just a thought,.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Feb 03, 2011, 08:21:42
Quotewhy dont you force all your ip addreses
Wouldn't know how.

So long as it works I'm not worried.

Carole
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Ian on Feb 03, 2011, 09:44:25
Why are you using IP addresses anyway? Each machine should have a name, then it won't matter what address it has.
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Carole on Feb 03, 2011, 17:42:19
QuoteEach machine should have a name, then it won't matter what address it has.
That was how Phil set it up for me.

I don't have any experience of doing this sort of thing, so I just gratefully receive any help I am offered.

Carole
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Mar 15, 2011, 11:51:10
I've just set this up and I'm impressed.
As I am clueless, I ran the install and just ticked all the options  :oops:
It works over my wireless network from the back garden to across the road with the van in between.

How would I connect in the middle of a field ?

The only problem really is that it does not like Starry Night - As soon as I connect, the fan on the Slave laptop goes bonkers, I get no Starry Night display on the controlling laptop and Starry Night goes non responsive.
Carte du Ciel works though (I prefer SN) so suppose I could learn my way around that  :(  I guess it's less memory intensive.

Plus I hate having to use passwords on my PCs

All in all though, a good result - just waiting for those clear skies now then  :!
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Mac on Mar 15, 2011, 14:50:37
QuoteHow would I connect in the middle of a field ?

You cant. Unless you have a transmitter thats a couple of Gw.
Its only a local wireless connection, so it will only work upto about 80ft away.

QuotePlus I hate having to use passwords on my PCs

You need passwords, or everyone will have access to your information on the pc / internet, as well as allowing anyone to connect via your router
and download anything from the internet, AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THEY DOWNLOAD !!!!!

Get everyting up and running on the scope pc and then check the cpu usage, see if anything is hogging the cpu.
TURN OFF EVERYTHING YOU DONT NEED.
Leave the cpu monitor running on top.
(Remote connecting to a laptop wont make starry night fail. something else is doing this.)

Then remote connect to your laptop, once you have connected look at what is now hogging the cpu.

It might be the fact that starry nights is waiting for an input and the box is hidden behind another screen.

Mac

Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Mar 15, 2011, 16:38:26
Gets more confusing

Load any or all astro control software - Fine, no drastic readings
Load Starry Night - Fine, CPU at about 20%, memory fluctuates.

Install astro control with SN in any order - CPU 40-60% and memory maxed out and it stays that way until I shut down everything

That's with bugger all else installed - Unfortunately after uninstalling Chrome, I remembered it's needed to view some HTML  :-?

I need to try this again with all the kit, the programs might be searching for something that isn't plugged in
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 15, 2011, 18:21:44
Mick,

There are a coupld of plugins for VNC which accelerate the graphics remotely, this is going to be the big problem, plus the fact that software is bloadware anyway.

Chris
Title: Re: Ultra VNC
Post by: mickw on Mar 16, 2011, 08:25:48
Before I try UVNC again I'll reinstall with NO options ticked, also install plugins.

Something is definitely weird - previously I have run Starry Night with Nebulosity with no problems, that was at the last DSC we went to at Rother.

I've even had all the new stuff and controls working -
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=7176.0 (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=7176.0)

I need to test run the scope and mount etc. with everything plugged in again in case the software is actively looking for something that is not plugged in