AFW 12-50 returns error (6) when changing to slots 6-12

Discussion in 'Filter Wheels' started by Al Ryan, Jan 3, 2025.

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  1. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Additional point:
    MaxIm 6.x and SBIG Driver Checker use 32-bit sbigudrv.dll (usually in Windows\SysWOW64, could be elsewhere too).
    MaxIm 7.x uses 64-bit sbigudrv.dll (in Windows\system32).
    Make sure you close all of them before trying to launch one and attempt to connect.
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 8, 2025
    #21
  2. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Same applies to TheSkyX 32-bit and 64-bit - that should not be running while you are trying to debug, because the TSX Camera Add On will try to use the 32-bit or 64-bit sbigudrv.dll.
    The 64-bit version of TSX ships with a 64-bit version usually found here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Software Bisque\TheSkyX Professional Edition\TheSky64\sbigudrv.dll
    So make sure none of these applications are running while you are trying to sort this out.
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 8, 2025
    #22
  3. Al Ryan

    Al Ryan Cyanogen Customer

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    I quit everything and still cannot connect to the SBIG server. I think that is a problem with my hardware that I will have to fix before going forward.
    The wheel does sound like it homes properly when all is reassembled and attached to the scope, even if I can't see it on the bench.
    Meanwhile, I substituted my laptop with Maxim 7.03. Updated the drivers with no problem. The connect to option presented the camera which I selected, but no matter what combination I used between the Universal driver or the SBIG w/AO for the camera and Universal or SBIG AO+FW for the filter wheel, it still only recognizes the first 5 slots and throws an error if I start an exposure on any other slot.

    It will be a few days before I can get back to the observatory and fix the computer problem and then get to work again on the filter wheel problem. I wonder though if I should try to communicate with the ethernet port the way I do with my home setup. But I can't see that as a reason for the wheel being limited to positions 1-5.
     
    Al Ryan, Jan 8, 2025
    #23
  4. Al Ryan

    Al Ryan Cyanogen Customer

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    Looks like this dll is not in my SysWow directory. I am using the 64-bit Win10 and Maxim 7. SkyX and Prism are normally run in 32-bit mode, although I haven't reached the point of testing with that software. Just using Maxim f or now.
    upload_2025-1-8_23-31-4.png
     
    Al Ryan, Jan 8, 2025
    #24
  5. Tim

    Tim Staff Member

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    The most ideal way to test to see if the hardware is at fault is to start with a fresh PC if possible so there are no software conflicts. Install only MaxIm DL, the camera, and filter wheel. If the issue persists, it is most likely hardware.

    Assuming there is an issue with the filter wheel, I am leaning towards a bad magnet causing the filter wheel to not initialize properly.
     
    Tim, Jan 9, 2025
    #25
  6. Al Ryan

    Al Ryan Cyanogen Customer

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    Tim,
    There are other computers in the observatory with no software loaded. With a long enough USB cord, I should be able to try this. Already though I'm convinced there is a problem in my main computer's hardware setup.
     
    Al Ryan, Jan 9, 2025
    #26
  7. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Colin Haig, Jan 9, 2025
    #27
  8. Tim

    Tim Staff Member

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    Ok. If after testing you determine it's likely the hardware, it's best you send it in and we will get it fixed.

    To begin the return process you will need to submit this RMA contact form. Once I receive it, I can provide you with the return instructions and an RMA number.

    http://diffractionlimited.com/request-rma
     
    Tim, Jan 9, 2025
    #28
  9. Al Ryan

    Al Ryan Cyanogen Customer

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    Colin,
    I'm familiar with these checks from working on my own equipment. Hadn't occurred to me to do this, but it has been a while since the PC there has had any maintenance.
    Tim,
    I will be trying to use a "virgin" computer and hopefully between your and Colin's recommendations, I won't have to use the RMA process.
     
    Al Ryan, Jan 9, 2025
    #29
  10. Al Ryan

    Al Ryan Cyanogen Customer

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    Colin and Tim,
    I took a fresh laptop and installed the SBIGChecker and MaximDL 7.13. The same results, everything works until I move the filter wheel past the 5th slot.
    I cannot bench test because the camera power cord will not reach from its limited range through the Paramount pier. I can remove the camera but is there anything I can check that doesn't require power? I already opened it and the little magnets all appear to be properly in place. If there is nothing else I can do, I will have to take up Tim's offer for an RMA to have your techs take a look.
    Note- Sorry for the delay. I can not get to the observatory that often as it is a 150 mile round trip and we haven't had the best of road weather conditions lately.
     
    Al Ryan, Jan 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
    #30
  11. Tim

    Tim Staff Member

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    Please submit the RMA contact form and once I receive it, I can provide you with an RMA number and return instructions.

    http://diffractionlimited.com/request-rma
     
    Tim, Jan 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
    #31
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