Hi,
I have fitted mouse encoders to our 16 inch scope here at Cleethorpes
Observatory (UK. Thanks to one of our members we have started to use
his Guide 7 program. I am using the "encoder" program which outputs in
the MG3 protocol as default. This program is being run on a 486 machine
and is connected to the "Guide" Pentium 166 machine via the null-modem
cable between the com ports. Running Windows guide gives the following
result which I cannot explain:
I have selected the correct com port and MG3 in the settings menu. I
have tried several encoder resolution settings but on pressing OK, each
time I get a message back confirming the resolution sent and saying
that 82(R) has been returned. This sound like an error message but I
cannot find details about this in the manual or help files. Getting
this far shows that the program has managed to open the com port but
presumably does not fully recognise the format of the signal received.
At this point I am supposed to get a choice of Equatorial or Altaz
scopes.
The program then allows me to select the scope control pad and I can
select "Slew Telescope" which gives the red target circle on the chart
and encouragingly moves around on the screen as you move the scope, so
it must be getting something it finds intelligible from the "encoder"
program. On setting the first guide star it should give me a choice of
equatorial R/A types. It does not, which suggests its taking the
encoders as if they were on an altaz mount. It takes a second guide
star too and writes info to the Align.dat file. I have'nt had chance
yet to try it on actual stars due to bad weather or traditional
observing requirements.
Is there any point in doing any further tests, since it looks like its
stuck on Altaz?
I would appreciate some help on this matter.
Thanks,
Paul