Search found 1046 matches

by dpanderson
Wed Oct 25, 2006 12:11 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: NexStar 8 GPS GPUSB testing can't tell if it is working
Replies: 1
Views: 5165

I know that a lot of scopes will ignore guide port inputs if they are placed in "terrestrial mode", i.e. no tracking, so you should stick with EQ North to be sure. When testing indoors, the best way is to listen for a change in the pitch or volume of the motors. Another thought: I am not very famili...
by dpanderson
Wed Oct 25, 2006 12:07 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: Connecting to a Orion motor
Replies: 4
Views: 16937

What type of focuser is it, or which telescope did it come with? I searched the Orion website some, but couldn't zero in on the information I need to help you out.
by dpanderson
Fri Oct 20, 2006 4:25 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: Focus control of a Meade 1209 electric focuser
Replies: 14
Views: 35883

Oops! To answer your second question: Shoestring Astronomy provides stand-alone software for free called FocusPal. It can be downloaded from the website, it is free, and it does not require the ASCOM platform. Any third-party software such as DSLRFocus, MaximDL, and I believe Images Plus that suppor...
by dpanderson
Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:45 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: Focus control of a Meade 1209 electric focuser
Replies: 14
Views: 35883

That was exactly why I developed the FCUSB. I found myself looking at a picture on a laptop display to evaluate focus, then turning around and trying to find the focuser handcontroller in the dark to adjust focus, repeat, repeat... Now I can run it all from the laptop. I use a JMI Motofocus on my ED...
by dpanderson
Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:14 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: Focus control of a Meade 1209 electric focuser
Replies: 14
Views: 35883

I have not yet had a customer try the FCUSB with a Meade 1209 as far as I know. I did a little Google searching, but could not find enough information where I can conclusively say that it will work. I suspect it does, because it appears that the 1209 uses a DC motor. Do you already have the 1209? If...
by dpanderson
Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:39 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: GPUSB with SBIG ST10 + Losmandy G11 Gemini
Replies: 1
Views: 5039

This seems to be a problem unique to MaximDL. I am working with them to resolve the issue. Please stay tuned...
by dpanderson
Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:02 pm
Forum: Third-Party Hardware and Software
Topic: Meade 2080/LX6 Telescope
Replies: 1
Views: 12331

Dave,

If you have any links that describe the pinout of the connector, please let me know. If I can see the pinout and find the connector you need, then I might be able to build one for you.
by dpanderson
Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:42 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: Guidemaster 1.8 and LXUSB
Replies: 2
Views: 14885

Carlos, I have not tried Guidemaster myself, but Matthias the Guidemaster author says on his website that it does support the LXUSB. From the error message you posted, it looks like the software cannot find the LXUSB DLL. Matthias should distribute the DLL with Guidemaster, but perhaps it was not. C...
by dpanderson
Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:25 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: LPI and LX200 connection
Replies: 3
Views: 7264

I recommend the GPUSB. However, if you have a parallel port on your computer and intend to have it for a while, you could use the GPINT-PT. You will also need one of the RJ-12 cables that best fit your needs, i.e. length and flat or coiled.
by dpanderson
Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:44 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: LPI and LX200 connection
Replies: 3
Views: 7264

Jim,

This document:
http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.co ... uiding.pdf

should give you a feel for all the elements necessary to build a webcam autoguide system.
by dpanderson
Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:10 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: GPUSB and Gemini don't get along
Replies: 14
Views: 19379

I have never seen any conclusive proof as to whether one method has any advantage over the other. There has been a lot of discussion and speculation, but no conclusive, documented proof. My guess is that for most people, there are more significant limitations in mounts, etc that set the level of per...
by dpanderson
Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:42 pm
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: GPUSB and Gemini don't get along
Replies: 14
Views: 19379

Unfortunately, the difference is electrical and involves the use of a different optocoupler. Without a complete redesign using relays instead of optocouplers, there is no way for me to make one that works with both old and new Geminis. Although it is not offered for sale on the website, I can modify...
by dpanderson
Sat Aug 26, 2006 8:18 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: guiding a eq6pro
Replies: 1
Views: 5210

I don't know much about this mount, but I would think you would keep the SynScan computer connected.
by dpanderson
Sat Aug 26, 2006 8:17 am
Forum: Shoestring Hardware and Software
Topic: guiding
Replies: 1
Views: 5370

What software runs best with a neximage camera? Try PHDGuiding (http://www.stark-labs.com/phdguiding.html). I have not used it yet myself, but it has the ability to automatically calibrate itself. I know GuideDog also works well, but requires more manual setup. Should I run under the ascom protocol...
by dpanderson
Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:05 pm
Forum: Third-Party Hardware and Software
Topic: Canon 5D and DSUSB
Replies: 2
Views: 13980

There should be no difference. If DSUSBCheck works correctly, it seems like it must be something in the setup of MaximDL or the camera. I have not used MaximDL much myself, so it might be quicker to an answer if you ask them. I have also not worked with the 5D myself, so I don't know if the menus ar...