Finally

[mickw]

Finally started (finding it all and) installing all the astro software on the replacement W7 laptop.

Starry Night, Ascom, APT 1.93 (need to update that) and other assorted bits and bobs so far
Just downloaded new QHY drivers which will hopefully work first time unlike the original guessing game.

So be prepared for a barrage of questions about settings - which I had the foresight to never make a note of 

[mickw]

Aaarrrgghhhhhhh

I'll get the question out of the way first -
I can't remember if the Guide cable form the QHY connects the mount or the guiding is just controlled via the USB and EQMod
Thanks

This is doing my head in 
Most of control software now installed twice before finding a duff USB extension lead and loose power connector 

EQmod being a git, successful Test Connect but doesn't Register despite being able to control mount from the control panel and Starry Night 

QHY Video doesn't work but PHD appears to - not too fussed about video but it would have been useful to help check things out.

APT seems very happy and links to PHD, TemperHum and even takes pictures.

I'll pull it all apart and start again later.

[RobertM]

Oh dear - what a tiswas !

Either way will work Mick but I use the USB method since the scope is controlled through a PC anyway and it cuts out one cable.

Robert

[Carole]

Mick, I seem to recall you telling Mark ages ago that the ST4 cable from the QHY connects directly to the mount, this is the way that I do it too.  So I guess this is what you used to do.  I was just about to buy a QHY5 at the time and the reason I remember is that I found that bit of info rather enlightening.

Carole

[mickw]

Thanks Robert, I wondered why I'd coiled up the cable so neatly  

I've also found my old setup notes    
Seems I did the Test Connect and Register backwards in EQMod  

Thanks Carole, I know my setup went through a few evolutions and suspect the latest one was without the cable

[Mike]

If you are using EQ-MOD then you don't need the ST4 cable, just the USB.

[mickw]

Thanks Mike, starting to make sense now, I was a late starter with EQMod

About to start again 

[mickw]

Woohoo

It's alive 

Things have also changed with the turn on/start up order - Odd - Starry Night now livens up EQmod - I'm sure it never did

So it's Plug everything in and turn them on, then start SN, PHD then APT.
The powered hub with the iffy power lead works OK unpowered - Result - still need to sort out USB extension though
All software and hardware seem to speaking the same language.

Only scary moment today was a crunchy, rattling sound coming from the mount when slewing and then it stopped slewing - The power pack battery was nearly flat 

Still need to sort out the settings in PHD and EQmod, the only thing I remember about EQmod was to change something to 5 or possibly .5 - I think it was in the pulse guide section.
Any help for both would be appreciated - screen prints of the settings would be nice 

I don't think there's a rush, just got to wait for the rain, gales and clouds to disappear 

[Mike]

Any reason why you are using Starry Night and not Carte Du Ceil?

What is your guide camera?

[mickw]

I've had SN for ages and personally find it easier to navigate than CdC.

Guider is QHY5

[Mike]

Your PHD settings will probably be similar to mine then. I'l let you know what they are when I get home and you can use them as a starting point at least.

[mickw]

Cheers Mike

[The Thing]

Mick, you should use EQMOD_Run to start EQMOD before any other software, that way a crash from PHD or SN won't disconnect the mount. You can copy the menu shortcut to the desktop.

BTW APT is now in version 2.20

[mickw]

Mick, you should use EQMOD_Run to start EQMOD before any other software, that way a crash from PHD or SN won't disconnect the mount. You can copy the menu shortcut to the desktop.

BTW APT is now in version 2.20

Thanks Duncan
Good point but do you mean EQAscom_run ?
I used to start it all off with "Toolbox" which seemed to fire up the  _run file but got lazy when I found SN did it for me
I'll give it a try later.

My "subscription" to APT has expired and I couldn't be bothered to update until I'd got myself sorted.  When everything functions correctly I'll upgrade

[Mike]

Mick, PHD settings that work for me:-

RA Aggressiveness 70
RA Hysteresis 7
MAX RA Duration 1000
Search region 15
Min motion 0.15
Calibration step 1500
Time Lapse 0
Dec slope weight 5.0
Max Dec duration 1000
Star mass tolerance 0.5
Noise reduction 2x2 mean