Resolved New operating system and usb connection to stx 16803

Discussion in 'STX and STXL Series Cameras' started by chrisscottmaier, Jan 26, 2025.

  1. chrisscottmaier

    chrisscottmaier Standard User

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    Had a win 8.1 computer running everything with TSX die. getting new win 10 computer up and running. I've loaded and updated the newest drivers from the website with driver checker. When I first turn the camera on after a fresh boot, I see an error from windows that a usb device isn't recognized and cannot connect to the camera. When I remove the usb plug from the computer and immediately reinstall it, the camera is recognized and can connect to TSX. Shutting off the computer or reboot makes this process start again. Seems like after boot, it can't see the driver, but can after cycling the usb plug. Any help appreciated...thnx.
     
    chrisscottmaier, Jan 26, 2025
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  2. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Oh that can frustrating. It's probably a missing update for the computer or OS itself.

    Give this a read - many folks have been down the same road, (with SBIG and third party hardware issues) so I've pulled all the tips together into one place:
    https://forum.diffractionlimited.com/threads/new-computer-installation.10016/

    Be sure to reboot and re-run the Updates a few times. Sometimes they don't arrive all at once.

    The other thing is that flaky USB hubs, extenders or cables tend to show up when you change equipment. Make sure you are using a powered USB hub if any, and stick to the USB 2.0 cable length limits.
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 27, 2025
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  3. chrisscottmaier

    chrisscottmaier Standard User

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    Thank you Colin, will read through this...
     
    chrisscottmaier, Jan 27, 2025
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  4. chrisscottmaier

    chrisscottmaier Standard User

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    One other thing, when connected, the device manager shows the camera as USB composite device, not SBIG USB camera. Is this important? thnx.
     
    chrisscottmaier, Jan 27, 2025
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  5. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    What operating system (exactly) is this? eg Windows 11 Professional 24H2?
    The STX is not a USB composite device. Likely some other device on the USB bus is failing, or there is a problem with a port, hub, extender, or cable.
    Go fix the BIOS, hardware drivers, and OS, then try again.

    Where have you plugged in the camera?
    If you are using a Paramount, don't use the USB ports in the Versaplate area of the mount - they are a bit notorious.
    Perhaps you should try connecting the camera directly to the computer, to a USB port on the back (motherboard, not computer case front ports), with a short (6 foot) cable and see what happens.
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 27, 2025
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  6. chrisscottmaier

    chrisscottmaier Standard User

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    It's windows 10. It's plugged into the back of the computer using a powered USB extender. It's been running like this with no problems for the last 9 years with the old 8.1 computer. I will try to connect directly. But I should see SBIG USB camera in the device manager, correct? Even when connected, I don't see this..
     
    chrisscottmaier, Jan 27, 2025
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  7. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Just because it worked with the old computer and old operating system, does not mean the "new" computer is happy or up-to-date.
    The "new" PC likely has completely different electronics in it - different motherboard, chipset, firmware, and so it may or may not work with your stuff.
    Is it actually a brand new PC? Or just "new" to the observatory? Windows 10 end of support is October 14, 2025.

    Spend some time on the items in the article.

    Once you've done that, if things are still not working:

    Do you see any Unknown Device or any item with a yellow triangle /!\ ?
    Did you using SBIG Driver Checker 4.05 to install the device drivers for the camera? You have to remove the camera USB and power, before doing so.
    Try the short cord directly to the camera.
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 27, 2025
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  8. chrisscottmaier

    chrisscottmaier Standard User

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    For closure, it was the cable. As you mentioned, something with the new computer is slightly different as the cable was fine with the old computer. Thanks for your help and patience...
     
    chrisscottmaier, Jan 28, 2025
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  9. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Thanks for letting us know that it was the cable. I'm glad to hear it is resolved.
    Clear skies!
     
    Colin Haig, Jan 28, 2025
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