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Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

 

Hi Mike - again apologies for that. Write to me direct and we can discuss this.?

g.




------ Original Message ------
From "Mike" <mklosterman1@...>
Date 3/20/2023 5:30:39 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

Hi yes Gary I have a Gen 2 that you helped me upgrade to version 7 back in March of 2021 so I think it applies to me and explains a lot of the poor tracking I have had.

?

Mike

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of K9RX - Gary
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2023 4:59 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

?

I'm not a windows programmer. I had someone create the program for me way back in 2001 when I was developing the ServoCAT... and it has been worked on since by Pete Eschman. Although in his defense I wasn't aware of that bug and thus he wasn't looking for it. So the short answer is no. I might see if Pete has time to look at it.?

?

But to stress again - this only applies to the specific condition of Gen2 being upgraded to version 7. The reason why is there is an I/O pin that version 7 uses that was not used in previous versions. Since that pin was not used on a Gen2 it was grounded to keep it from introducing any issues, a common practice. What that means is that the (motor) encoder value is multiplied by 2 which is easily compensated for by entering a value of 1000 instead of the long used 2000 value. The bug appears to be associated with the change in that value and was never needed in the past or by Gen3.?

?

g.

?

?

?

?

------ Original Message ------

From "Mike" <mklosterman1@...>

Date 3/20/2023 4:24:22 PM

Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

?

Gary could you fix the bug in ServoCat Sky??



On Mar 20, 2023, at 4:06 PM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?I'm embarrassed to say this but I just discovered a bug when using ServoCAT-Sky to download parameters to an upgraded version 7 Gen2 ServoCAT. This ONLY applies to Gen2 and only applies if an upgrade to version 7+ has been done (which would require a download of the parameters).

I thought in the past that there was a bug where when you enter the required change in the ServoCAT-Sky motor "ENCODER" value - changing it to 1000 (this is due to a hardware difference between Gen2 and 3)... that documentation suggested to enter that value - then the ratio to be downloaded - and then repeat entering the 1000.? I had seen where in entering the ratio alone it corrupted the value.?

But today I discovered that the actual ratio value is converted to the nearest lower 1000 value! So for example I was entering a value of 3254.... but when I later went back and checked it, it was actually 3000 that was downloaded! I subsequently did an upgrade on another Gen2 and found the same thing - value entered 7254, value in the ServoCAT was 7000. So if this happened to anyone else:? this can mean a pretty severe inaccuracy in tracking. GOTO might not be impacted as the algorithm tries to resolve any differences... but tracking for sure.?

So - first apologies for not seeing this before. If anyone had me to the upgrade you are welcome to schedule to send it back for me to confirm the correct values and to re-load them if incorrect. There's an easy way to confirm the right values using Pete Eschmans excellent SCU program to read out the parameters ---- but of course that does require the originally supplied serial cable/adapter and a good quality USB adapter.

For those that have done it on their own I'd recommend you check the values using SCU.?

Note this is not a bug in the ServoCAT, rather it is a bug in the utility to download parameters to the ServoCAT.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi yes Gary I have a Gen 2 that you helped me upgrade to version 7 back in March of 2021 so I think it applies to me and explains a lot of the poor tracking I have had.

?

Mike

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of K9RX - Gary
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2023 4:59 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

?

I'm not a windows programmer. I had someone create the program for me way back in 2001 when I was developing the ServoCAT... and it has been worked on since by Pete Eschman. Although in his defense I wasn't aware of that bug and thus he wasn't looking for it. So the short answer is no. I might see if Pete has time to look at it.?

?

But to stress again - this only applies to the specific condition of Gen2 being upgraded to version 7. The reason why is there is an I/O pin that version 7 uses that was not used in previous versions. Since that pin was not used on a Gen2 it was grounded to keep it from introducing any issues, a common practice. What that means is that the (motor) encoder value is multiplied by 2 which is easily compensated for by entering a value of 1000 instead of the long used 2000 value. The bug appears to be associated with the change in that value and was never needed in the past or by Gen3.?

?

g.

?

?

?

?

------ Original Message ------

From "Mike" <mklosterman1@...>

Date 3/20/2023 4:24:22 PM

Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

?

Gary could you fix the bug in ServoCat Sky??



On Mar 20, 2023, at 4:06 PM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?I'm embarrassed to say this but I just discovered a bug when using ServoCAT-Sky to download parameters to an upgraded version 7 Gen2 ServoCAT. This ONLY applies to Gen2 and only applies if an upgrade to version 7+ has been done (which would require a download of the parameters).

I thought in the past that there was a bug where when you enter the required change in the ServoCAT-Sky motor "ENCODER" value - changing it to 1000 (this is due to a hardware difference between Gen2 and 3)... that documentation suggested to enter that value - then the ratio to be downloaded - and then repeat entering the 1000.? I had seen where in entering the ratio alone it corrupted the value.?

But today I discovered that the actual ratio value is converted to the nearest lower 1000 value! So for example I was entering a value of 3254.... but when I later went back and checked it, it was actually 3000 that was downloaded! I subsequently did an upgrade on another Gen2 and found the same thing - value entered 7254, value in the ServoCAT was 7000. So if this happened to anyone else:? this can mean a pretty severe inaccuracy in tracking. GOTO might not be impacted as the algorithm tries to resolve any differences... but tracking for sure.?

So - first apologies for not seeing this before. If anyone had me to the upgrade you are welcome to schedule to send it back for me to confirm the correct values and to re-load them if incorrect. There's an easy way to confirm the right values using Pete Eschmans excellent SCU program to read out the parameters ---- but of course that does require the originally supplied serial cable/adapter and a good quality USB adapter.

For those that have done it on their own I'd recommend you check the values using SCU.?

Note this is not a bug in the ServoCAT, rather it is a bug in the utility to download parameters to the ServoCAT.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

 

I'm not a windows programmer. I had someone create the program for me way back in 2001 when I was developing the ServoCAT... and it has been worked on since by Pete Eschman. Although in his defense I wasn't aware of that bug and thus he wasn't looking for it. So the short answer is no. I might see if Pete has time to look at it.?

But to stress again - this only applies to the specific condition of Gen2 being upgraded to version 7. The reason why is there is an I/O pin that version 7 uses that was not used in previous versions. Since that pin was not used on a Gen2 it was grounded to keep it from introducing any issues, a common practice. What that means is that the (motor) encoder value is multiplied by 2 which is easily compensated for by entering a value of 1000 instead of the long used 2000 value. The bug appears to be associated with the change in that value and was never needed in the past or by Gen3.?

g.




------ Original Message ------
From "Mike" <mklosterman1@...>
Date 3/20/2023 4:24:22 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

Gary could you fix the bug in ServoCat Sky??

On Mar 20, 2023, at 4:06 PM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?I'm embarrassed to say this but I just discovered a bug when using ServoCAT-Sky to download parameters to an upgraded version 7 Gen2 ServoCAT. This ONLY applies to Gen2 and only applies if an upgrade to version 7+ has been done (which would require a download of the parameters).

I thought in the past that there was a bug where when you enter the required change in the ServoCAT-Sky motor "ENCODER" value - changing it to 1000 (this is due to a hardware difference between Gen2 and 3)... that documentation suggested to enter that value - then the ratio to be downloaded - and then repeat entering the 1000.? I had seen where in entering the ratio alone it corrupted the value.?

But today I discovered that the actual ratio value is converted to the nearest lower 1000 value! So for example I was entering a value of 3254.... but when I later went back and checked it, it was actually 3000 that was downloaded! I subsequently did an upgrade on another Gen2 and found the same thing - value entered 7254, value in the ServoCAT was 7000. So if this happened to anyone else:? this can mean a pretty severe inaccuracy in tracking. GOTO might not be impacted as the algorithm tries to resolve any differences... but tracking for sure.?

So - first apologies for not seeing this before. If anyone had me to the upgrade you are welcome to schedule to send it back for me to confirm the correct values and to re-load them if incorrect. There's an easy way to confirm the right values using Pete Eschmans excellent SCU program to read out the parameters ---- but of course that does require the originally supplied serial cable/adapter and a good quality USB adapter.

For those that have done it on their own I'd recommend you check the values using SCU.?

Note this is not a bug in the ServoCAT, rather it is a bug in the utility to download parameters to the ServoCAT.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Gary could you fix the bug in ServoCat Sky??

On Mar 20, 2023, at 4:06 PM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?I'm embarrassed to say this but I just discovered a bug when using ServoCAT-Sky to download parameters to an upgraded version 7 Gen2 ServoCAT. This ONLY applies to Gen2 and only applies if an upgrade to version 7+ has been done (which would require a download of the parameters).

I thought in the past that there was a bug where when you enter the required change in the ServoCAT-Sky motor "ENCODER" value - changing it to 1000 (this is due to a hardware difference between Gen2 and 3)... that documentation suggested to enter that value - then the ratio to be downloaded - and then repeat entering the 1000.? I had seen where in entering the ratio alone it corrupted the value.?

But today I discovered that the actual ratio value is converted to the nearest lower 1000 value! So for example I was entering a value of 3254.... but when I later went back and checked it, it was actually 3000 that was downloaded! I subsequently did an upgrade on another Gen2 and found the same thing - value entered 7254, value in the ServoCAT was 7000. So if this happened to anyone else:? this can mean a pretty severe inaccuracy in tracking. GOTO might not be impacted as the algorithm tries to resolve any differences... but tracking for sure.?

So - first apologies for not seeing this before. If anyone had me to the upgrade you are welcome to schedule to send it back for me to confirm the correct values and to re-load them if incorrect. There's an easy way to confirm the right values using Pete Eschmans excellent SCU program to read out the parameters ---- but of course that does require the originally supplied serial cable/adapter and a good quality USB adapter.

For those that have done it on their own I'd recommend you check the values using SCU.?

Note this is not a bug in the ServoCAT, rather it is a bug in the utility to download parameters to the ServoCAT.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7

 

I'm embarrassed to say this but I just discovered a bug when using ServoCAT-Sky to download parameters to an upgraded version 7 Gen2 ServoCAT. This ONLY applies to Gen2 and only applies if an upgrade to version 7+ has been done (which would require a download of the parameters).

I thought in the past that there was a bug where when you enter the required change in the ServoCAT-Sky motor "ENCODER" value - changing it to 1000 (this is due to a hardware difference between Gen2 and 3)... that documentation suggested to enter that value - then the ratio to be downloaded - and then repeat entering the 1000.? I had seen where in entering the ratio alone it corrupted the value.?

But today I discovered that the actual ratio value is converted to the nearest lower 1000 value! So for example I was entering a value of 3254.... but when I later went back and checked it, it was actually 3000 that was downloaded! I subsequently did an upgrade on another Gen2 and found the same thing - value entered 7254, value in the ServoCAT was 7000. So if this happened to anyone else:? this can mean a pretty severe inaccuracy in tracking. GOTO might not be impacted as the algorithm tries to resolve any differences... but tracking for sure.?

So - first apologies for not seeing this before. If anyone had me to the upgrade you are welcome to schedule to send it back for me to confirm the correct values and to re-load them if incorrect. There's an easy way to confirm the right values using Pete Eschmans excellent SCU program to read out the parameters ---- but of course that does require the originally supplied serial cable/adapter and a good quality USB adapter.

For those that have done it on their own I'd recommend you check the values using SCU.?

Note this is not a bug in the ServoCAT, rather it is a bug in the utility to download parameters to the ServoCAT.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Re: Slippery azimut movement (Obsession 18" with ServoCat and ArgoNavis)

 

Hello sir.... write to me direct at rxdesign at ssvecnet dot com ... I'll send you a list of things to look for. What has happened is over time either the roller has lost its knurling (more than likely although rare) ... and/or the edge of the ground board has some slight divots where it has slipped. The list I send can cover these things for you.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT/RXDesign

I believe I recognize the email - but I forget the name - sorry.?


Slippery azimut movement (Obsession 18" with ServoCat and ArgoNavis)

 

Hello,
I have since 2004 and Obsession 18" with Servocat and AN which is a fantastic scope.
However I have a little issue right now: the azimut movement (in goto mode) is on some places "slippery", I mean the drive wheel is slipping on a particular place on the edge of the ground board.

Close examination does not reveal something wrong at that place of the ground board

What could be the reason? Could it be the ground board is worn out on those places (I don't really see anything "wrong" there) ,
or could it be the tension of the spring which somewhat getting loose over time? But then why only on some places?
Did anyone experience this issue too?
Thanks for the feedback.


Re: Newbie needs help.

 

Write to me direct at : rxdesign at ssvecnet dot com?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Newbie needs help.

 

Hi, I recently bought a mount with servocat3 and argo-navis.
Unfortunately I didn't get the CD with software:
servocat-sky.
Anyone know where I can obtain it?? ?
The stellarcat site doesn't have any software downloads available.

Thanks for any help.
Przemyslaw


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Ever since I used thread locker (blue type) from locktite I have had no issue with my rotating contacts coming loose. ?Thanks for such a fun product (powered ground board , ServoCAT, and the interface with Argo Navis)! ?I am about to publish a newsletter ¡°Dobsonian Remote Observer) to explain ¡°How To¡± remotely slew, focus and change filters. ?The CAT Paw rounds out my remote observation experience when I need to do an occasional spiral search.

Richard

Richard Miller
33.51N 83.59W
UC18 & DS287m


From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Mike <mklosterman1@...>
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 9:05:28 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
?
Gary,
Can you pass along the schematic or other design info?

Thanks
Mike

On Jan 20, 2023, at 8:35 AM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?
I actually designed a box that has build in super capacitors totaling I believe if I recall 2F. It is enough to ride through a momentary drop out. Of course one should put the effort in to find what the actual cause is and solve it. Usually, if it is my system, something loosened up over time. The box also had (high current) shottky diode isolation so one could have an internal battery as well that would instantly be 'in circuit'.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT




------ Original Message ------
From "Richard" <rmille64@...>
Date 1/19/2023 8:58:04 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

I have considered that adding a bank of capacitors in the rocker box would provide fault tolerance to the rotating contacts.

Richard


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Gary,
Can you pass along the schematic or other design info?

Thanks
Mike

On Jan 20, 2023, at 8:35 AM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:

?
I actually designed a box that has build in super capacitors totaling I believe if I recall 2F. It is enough to ride through a momentary drop out. Of course one should put the effort in to find what the actual cause is and solve it. Usually, if it is my system, something loosened up over time. The box also had (high current) shottky diode isolation so one could have an internal battery as well that would instantly be 'in circuit'.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT




------ Original Message ------
From "Richard" <rmille64@...>
Date 1/19/2023 8:58:04 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

I have considered that adding a bank of capacitors in the rocker box would provide fault tolerance to the rotating contacts.

Richard


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

I actually designed a box that has build in super capacitors totaling I believe if I recall 2F. It is enough to ride through a momentary drop out. Of course one should put the effort in to find what the actual cause is and solve it. Usually, if it is my system, something loosened up over time. The box also had (high current) shottky diode isolation so one could have an internal battery as well that would instantly be 'in circuit'.?

Gary Myers
StellarCAT




------ Original Message ------
From "Richard" <rmille64@...>
Date 1/19/2023 8:58:04 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

I have considered that adding a bank of capacitors in the rocker box would provide fault tolerance to the rotating contacts.

Richard


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

I have considered that adding a bank of capacitors in the rocker box would provide fault tolerance to the rotating contacts.

Richard


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

This problem has now been successfully resolved.? It was the rings on the PGB.? When Mike Zammit built my scope in 2020, he was sourcing the rings from a third party (not StellarCat).? He discovered quality control issues with those rings and now is using rings of his own design.? I was very fortunate to contact Mike when he had some open time in his schedule and he was kind enough to drive half a day to come up and fix my scope by replacing the rings on my scope.? Mike really goes the extra mile to support his customers.

Placing batteries in the AN worked as a fix while I was waiting for the rings to be replaced.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.? Very much appreciated!

Paul


If my telescope had a compas and a zenith limit switch¡­

 

All,

if my telescope had gps coordinates, knew where North and where the Zenth was could Argo Navis and ServoCAT do away with a 2 star alignment and support remote observing?

Richard


Locked TechSupport email

 

Good morning all and happy new year...?

So as has been reported here due to 2 factors I've decided to retire. First covid has made it for all practical purposes impossible to get parts. Parts that have been historically, and we're talking over 15+ years, in stock - 10's of thousands of pcs or more depending on the part - multiple vendors... at reasonable prices... now some are 20 - 30 ... even 50, 80 and one at 93 weeks lead time! Could I have designed around the issue? - yes and no. The availability issue was at one point last year so broad that even generic parts like headers (connectors) and switches were 10 - 20 weeks. And picking another part just means you shift the issue to that part. The other factor is I'll be 68 in May. I'm in good health - exercise every day - am trying to eat better (like we all should I suspect) ....?

I will be here for support and service so the existing customers and those that are buying 2nd hand (3rd, 4th...) scopes with the ServoCAT on it can rely on help when needed. That said as I wind things down I'm getting more and more use to planning other activities, non-business activities to fill my time so it won't be the 'same day' response I tried for for 2 decades... necessarily. Email is as always the best way to get ahold of me for that reason. Just it might be a couple days before I get back. If it goes more than a few days hit me up again. Apologies for delays. If you need immediate help you can call and leave a message.?

Last the emails through the website: techsupport and sales ... both are turned off. Over the last couple months at an ever increasing rate I was getting more and more emails - the vicious kind that want to steal everything from you with a single click - the ones where if you happen to get fooled and click on something by mistake you hope that the promised protection from virus tools works... so in frustration I just set them to no reception of emails. Please use the oldest email - there since 2003 - rxdesign at ssvecnet com. Sorry for the inconvenience.?

I wish all a super 2023 and beyond.?

Gary Myers
Owner/Designer/part time janitor at StellarCAT/RXDesign


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

Gary, I have reached out to Mike and expect to speak with him after his holiday vacation.? Thanks, Paul


Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session

 

Paul,? Just re-read your initial post: StarStructure does not use any of our PGB hardware - check with Mike on this.

Gary Myers
StellarCAT


Re: Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Many many thanks Gary very sorry that you had to write the whole thing out again! Soul destroying.


Dale




------ Original Message ------
From: "Wildcard Innovations" <wildcard@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, 27 Dec, 22 At 00:55
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN

Hi Dale,

It was a pity my original response got lost. Even more so because I had spent considerable time composing it into what would have clearly been the best response to any question ever asked on the Internet. LOL

I will have a second go but I promise you it won't be as good as my original attempt which appears lost to the ether. :)

Normally with the ServoCAT the preferred wiring topology is :-

Planetarium <-> ServoCAT <-> Argo Navis

One then selects ServoCAT on the planetarium program (assuming you are using, say, Sky Safari that supports it) and then the ServoCAT relays commands and responses forward and back from the Argo Navis as required.

To do this, one uses the ServoCAT port marked as PC. However, all late model ServoCATs have a USB PC socket rather than an RS-232 connection (internally it converts back to RS-232).

Now with newer devices like the SkyFi 3, this is not a problem because SkyFi 3 supports USB and RS-232 connectivity.

However, the SkyWire device only supports RS-232, so that means the topology you will have to use is :-

Planetarium <-> Argo Navis

So you can use the "other" Argo Navis serial port, the one not interfaced to the ServoCAT, to do this.

On the Argo Navis side, set the startup command protocol to 'meade' and the Baud rate to 9600.

Whenever changing the STARTUP setting, be sure to press EXIT or ENTER to escape the menu and save the setting to non-volatile memory.

Then power OFF the unit and power it back ON so the new STARTUP command starts.

On the SkySafari side, use a setting of Meade LX200 GOTO, not the PUSHTO setting.

SkySafari will then track the telescopes movements. If you select an object on Sky Safari and issue a "GOTO", the Argo Navis

FROM PLANETARIUM entry will be filled and you can guide to the target in the normal way.

The SkyWire and newer SkyFi 3 devices have a DB-9 connector.

If you are using the standard Argo Navis Serial Cable, then you should be good to go. Simply mate it with the DB-9 on the SkyWire/SkyFi 3.

Though other serial cables might look similar, chances are they are wired completely different. There is no standard and the Argo Navis Serial to PC cables are custom made. For DIY types you need to refer to the Argo Navis User's Manual in Appendix C which has the port pinouts and Google a PC DB-9 connector and remember to cross RXD and TXD. Many DIY enthusiasts get their cables wrong and that in itself can represent a false economy as we then can then all lose a lot of time attempting to assist.

For example, the RJ-to-RJ plug cable can be wired with the connections straight through or reversed.

Inside the DB-9 header there can be a multiplicity of permutations for the wires that go from the RJ socket to the DB-9 pins.

For a DIY cable you would need to buzz out the cable from end to end with a multimeter ensuring the three critical wires match the Appendix C and IBM PC pinouts with RXD and TXD crossing over.

The SkyBT device has a DB-9 connector that mimics that of a COM port of an IBM PC.

https://www.db9-pinout.com/

Only three wires are used.

GND needs to be connected to GND.

RXD on one side needs to be connected to TXD on the other.

TXD on one side needs to be connected to RXD on the other.

--

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@...
https://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au




Re: Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN

 

Hi Dale,

It was a pity my original response got lost. Even more so because I had spent considerable time composing it into what would have clearly been the best response to any question ever asked on the Internet. LOL

I will have a second go but I promise you it won't be as good as my original attempt which appears lost to the ether. :)

Normally with the ServoCAT the preferred wiring topology is :-

Planetarium <-> ServoCAT <-> Argo Navis

One then selects ServoCAT on the planetarium program (assuming you are using, say, Sky Safari that supports it) and then the ServoCAT relays commands and responses forward and back from the Argo Navis as required.

To do this, one uses the ServoCAT port marked as PC. However, all late model ServoCATs have a USB PC socket rather than an RS-232 connection (internally it converts back to RS-232).

Now with newer devices like the SkyFi 3, this is not a problem because SkyFi 3 supports USB and RS-232 connectivity.

However, the SkyWire device only supports RS-232, so that means the topology you will have to use is :-

Planetarium <-> Argo Navis

So you can use the "other" Argo Navis serial port, the one not interfaced to the ServoCAT, to do this.

On the Argo Navis side, set the startup command protocol to 'meade' and the Baud rate to 9600.

Whenever changing the STARTUP setting, be sure to press EXIT or ENTER to escape the menu and save the setting to non-volatile memory.

Then power OFF the unit and power it back ON so the new STARTUP command starts.

On the SkySafari side, use a setting of Meade LX200 GOTO, not the PUSHTO setting.

SkySafari will then track the telescopes movements. If you select an object on Sky Safari and issue a "GOTO", the Argo Navis

FROM PLANETARIUM entry will be filled and you can guide to the target in the normal way.

?

The SkyWire and newer SkyFi 3 devices have a DB-9 connector.

If you are using the standard Argo Navis Serial Cable, then you should be good to go. Simply mate it with the DB-9 on the SkyWire/SkyFi 3.

?

Though other serial cables might look similar, chances are they are wired completely different. There is no standard and the Argo Navis Serial to PC cables are custom made. For DIY types you need to refer to the Argo Navis User's Manual in Appendix C which has the port pinouts and Google a PC DB-9 connector and remember to cross RXD and TXD. Many DIY enthusiasts get their cables wrong and that in itself can represent a false economy as we then can then all lose a lot of time attempting to assist.

For example, the RJ-to-RJ plug cable can be wired with the connections straight through or reversed.

Inside the DB-9 header there can be a multiplicity of permutations for the wires that go from the RJ socket to the DB-9 pins.

For a DIY cable you would need to buzz out the cable from end to end with a multimeter ensuring the three critical wires match the Appendix C and IBM PC pinouts with RXD and TXD crossing over.

The SkyBT device has a DB-9 connector that mimics that of a COM port of an IBM PC.

https://www.db9-pinout.com/

Only three wires are used.

GND needs to be connected to GND.

RXD on one side needs to be connected to TXD on the other.

TXD on one side needs to be connected to RXD on the other.

?

--

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@...
https://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au