I'm using my trusty STL-11000 on my new Mach 2 mount and tried using ASCOM Direct to eliminate another cable. Having some issues and wanted to test using the guider cable from camera to mount (AP CP5 Controller) but can't find my RS232 adapter. Looking at the manual I see the pin out and have several RS232 adapters that have the leads color coded (hopefully universal) and have used the 5 listed wires on the adapter. I seem to remember that the cable was a certain configuration, like if you held the cable connects with one having the tab up and other down it would be the same or maybe it was both tabs up and side by side the same or maybe even .....you get the idea. What's the best way to check and correct the cable, if needed? I've looked through my manual and the best I can come up with is on pages 67 + 68. Any ideas? Don't want to do something stupid...... Also, is the RS232 adapter and cable available somewhere just in case? I will check the mount and telescope again to be sure nothing is loose or snagging. My calibrations with ASCOM Direct looked like this when using a star at 0 DEC east of the Meridian.
It's NOT an RS232 adapter. It is a DB9 to RJ12 adapter. Also know as a "TIC" or Telescope Interface Cable. We no longer sell them. If I get a spare minute, I'll try to dig up a wiring diagram/photos.
Documented in the user manual, Appendix A. https://cdn.diffractionlimited.com/downloads/legacy/ST-L-Operating-Manual.pdf
RJ12 6p6c Guider cable: Digi-Key part number: A2663R-14-ND Manufacturer part number: AT-S-26-6/6/S-14/R https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/assmann-wsw-components/AT-S-26-6-6-S-14-R/1972688 Adapter for DB9M to 6p6c RJ12 jack: Digi-Key part number: AE10307-ND Manufacturer part number: AT-23064 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/assmann-wsw-components/AT-23064/1630267
Thanks guys. The issue was simpler than I had thought. It wasn't a guider issue but rather a polar alignment one. What eludes me, and that's not so hard these days, is how it became so off. Prior to changing mount plates, a longer one for the FSQ-106 for easier/better balance, the mount was doing 180 second unguided test images without an issue and calibrated just fine. Guider corrections were very minimum and typical of 0.1 to maybe 0.2 and calibration showed the typical L shaped. Finally getting a decent enough night to check PA with my Pole Master and it proved to be just that and a fare ways off in RA. That resolved after two runs and re-calibrated back to normal I was able to get some 10 minute guided images of M31 for a 3 hour RGB weak image. I think if weather permits I may be back to imaging with the FSQ-106 and STL-11000. Thanks again and I will likely get the cable and adapter as a standby as it can be used on both the STL and STX.
Changing the weight distribution of the instrument can affect the polar alignment due to flexure, especially if your mount is at (or beyond) its weight limit. Or, maybe you just bumped the alignment while working on it.
