2000xm camera Relay not working in S direction

Discussion in 'Legacy Models - Community Support' started by Steve Limeburner, Apr 11, 2022.

  1. Steve Limeburner

    Steve Limeburner Standard User

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    Hello,
    I have an ST-2000xm that has been operating well for approximately 5 years with normal use. The camera relay now is inoperable in the S direction. I have removed and reconnected the autoguider cable several times but still have the same issue. I have seen it recommended to try a new autoguider cable but I am sure I have the right one (unless there is a disconnected wire or faulty connection )since it has worked well for five years.
    The relays work in the N, E, and W directions but not S. The telescope drive is operable at guide speed in the S direction but the relay will not activate in that direction. I have read some previous threads about this issue and I assume it is a common problem which may be caused by an integrated circuit failure inside the camera or maybe an autoguider cable with a disconnected wire or faulty connection. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
    Steve Limeburner, Apr 11, 2022
    #1
  2. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Hi Steve, which mount do you have - you didn't say?
    Do you have the small extender with the 4 RED LED lights on it? If so, you could check if the camera is activating the 4 relay directions.
    Are you using the camera guide port directly, or with an actual SBIG relay box?
    If you compare the ends of the cable, are the wires aligned the same orientation in the RJ12 connectors (eg white on same edge) or flipped (straight through like the made-in-China cameras, or flipped telephone style like SBIG)?
    The multi-talented @Bill who is the repair wizaard may be able to help.
     
    Colin Haig, Apr 11, 2022
    #2
  3. Steve Limeburner

    Steve Limeburner Standard User

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    Hi Colin; thanks for your reply! I have an 8 inch LX200 Classic mounted on a field tripod. I believe there is a red LED on the camera but I do not have the extender that you mentioned. I am using the camera guide port with a relay box for the CFW-8 filter wheel. I will try to disconnect that and plug directly in the guide port next chance I get(Tues. probably)
    The cable wires are flipped as in your "telephone standard wiring" diagram from a previous thread. This cable has worked for years, as I mentioned. Look forward to Bill's insight. Thanks again for your assistance.
     
    Steve Limeburner, Apr 11, 2022
    #3
  4. Bill

    Bill SBIG Service and Repairs Staff Member

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    If the cable is correct then it's likely the IC, U2, on the digital board (the one that the power and USB plug in to).
     
    Bill, Apr 11, 2022
    #4
  5. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Don't plug the camera guide port into the classic LX200 - the Classic's chassis is not at ground potential, and the ST2000 isn't optoisolated.
    Send the camera to Bill for repair.
     
    Colin Haig, Apr 11, 2022
    #5
  6. Steve Limeburner

    Steve Limeburner Standard User

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    Colin, your question regarding the relay box has me on the way to resolving the problem! It seems there is no problem with the camera OR cable!
    I took out the CFW-8A relay box and replaced it with another SBIG relay box. All 4 directions now are working! I looked inside the two relay box ports and I am guessing that there is a bad connection on at least one of the pins inside the CFW-8A box because it seems a couple of the pins are pushed back a little more compared to the other SBIG relay box.
    So it appears that I can image in monochrome with all 4 relays but will have to fix the CFW-8A port? in order to use the CFW-8A. Do you think I should try to adjust the positioning of the "pushed back " pins inside the CFW-8A port? If so, how would you recommend doing so?
     
    Steve Limeburner, Apr 12, 2022
    #6
  7. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Can you use Upload a File to post a photo of the connector problem?
     
    Colin Haig, Apr 12, 2022
    #7
  8. Steve Limeburner

    Steve Limeburner Standard User

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    I found a spare CFW-8A filter wheel so I am planning to replace the CFW-8A that is causing the issue. As I said the camera relays work fine with the standalone SBIG relay box which has a more secure connection to the camera. I am certain there is some issue either in the CFW-8A relay box and/or in its connections . When I install the spare CFW-8A I will let you know if the camera relays work with it.
     
    Steve Limeburner, Apr 12, 2022
    #8

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