SUPATRACK DIY PC INTERFACE QUESTIONS

[Matteoconti]

Hi to everyone,
I have a Supatrack Mount and i was really exited when i found the DIY PC interface in Sharpcap site but i can't read the specific of the project because the imagine is in low resolution.

Anybody knows where i can find an High resolution imagine of the project?!
Anybody knows if it's possible to create an interface with USB cable?!

Thanks

[admin]

Wow, it's a long time since I've thought about that project!

Fortunately I still have a backup of the original images.

Robin

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[Matteoconti]

Thaaannnnnkkkssss

You know if is possible to create an USB connector in stead of the RS232 ??????

Or, if I have a PC with just the USB port, which cable is recommended???

Thanks a lot

[admin]

Hi,

personally, I'd make the serial port version and then connect it to a USB to serial adapter. The most reliable ones have an FTDI chipset, but there are lots of different types available.

Cheers, Robin

[Matteoconti]

Thanks so much

[Matteoconti]

Hi,
everyone knows if it's possible to use a ASCOM Driver (like the supatrak driver) on Mac?!
There's a wy to control the mount by a software like Skychart directly on Mac?!
Thanks

[admin]

Hi,

no way that I know of unless you run Windows on your Mac

Cheers, Robin

[eslley]

Hi everyone! I've been looking for some info about the supatrak mount. I've tried to use a serial/USB conection to control my mount but now it has stoped to work. When I plug the hand controler, the buttons 'go' and 'set' just blink, but the mount doesn't move. Anyone has any idea of what's going on or how could I fix it (if its possible!).

Thanks,
Eslley

[admin]

Hi,

did you create the circuit shown on this page https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/other-stuff/ ... nt-hacking ? That circuit is required because the supatrak works at 5V, but normal serial connections use a higher voltage, so a direct connection would (I think) be likely to cause damage.

Robin

[eslley]

No, I plugged it directly (Rx from cable on Tx on mount, vice-versa, and ground on ground). Naively I thought that since I was not dealing directly with the power input, it would not be a problem. In another forum someone said that reflash the board firmware would be a try, but I don't have a synscan (nor i'm sure that this would be possible). Do you think that with this interface I would be able to update the mount firmware?