StarChaser 3 Non-Responsive

Discussion in 'Guiding and Adaptive Optics - StarChaser and AO' started by Mark McComiskey, Feb 10, 2022.

  1. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    I have had my StarChaser3 for two years, but have never used it as my FL/camera/mount combination has allowed by to go unguided. With a new scope and smaller pixel camera, I now need to start guiding.

    Last night I sat down to configure things. I hooked up the starchaser to the computer and powered it using the supplied power brick, but the computer can't find it. I've tried 3 different USB cables and 5 different USB ports on the computer.

    Any idea what might be happening?
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 10, 2022
    #1
  2. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Does it show up in the Windows Device Manager?

    We've had an issue with Windows sometimes lately where you have to update the FTDI driver on the system in order to get it to work. (Yes that's weird but our drivers are based on FTDI's.) Check Windows Update / Optional Updates and see if there's an FTDI driver update available.
     
    Doug, Feb 10, 2022
    #2
  3. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    Okay - I've updated the FTDI driver. Nothing showing up in the device manager, no program I have tried can find the camera. I know the power brick has power, because its green light is on. No sign of life from the StarChaser 3 though. Anything else I can try?
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 11, 2022
    #3
  4. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    The SC-3 shows up with two "halves" in the Windows Device Manager - It should be showing up as SBIG Camera A and SBIG Camera B.
    Check under Unknown Device and see if something is there with a yellow triangle.
    1devmgr.png
    There's a couple in the above, not exactly an SC-3, but similar.

    Do you have the USB cable from the SC-3 plugged into the PC directly?
     
    Colin Haig, Feb 11, 2022
    #4
  5. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    The USB cable is plugged directly into the PC. I have tried 3 different cables, and verified that all three work with other devices on the same PC.

    Nothing at all is showing up in device manager that relates to the StarChaser. See screenshot: Capture.JPG
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 12, 2022
    #5
  6. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Does the camera's shutter click when you power it up?

    Make sure the power cable is properly inserted. The connector latches into the camera, and pulling on the outer shell of the connector unlatches it. Try pulling on the shell a couple of times to loosen it up, and then insert firmly (and straight!) into the power connector.
     
    Doug, Feb 12, 2022
    #6
  7. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    I've reseated the power cable several times now, and no click or noise of any type whatsoever.
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 12, 2022
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  8. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    And you know the power cable black plastic hood is spring-loaded, and it retracts, so when you push in the connector and let go of the hood, it engages the latch mechanism?
     
    Colin Haig, Feb 12, 2022
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  9. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    I pull back the hood, insert the connector firmly, let go of the hood and the hood springs forward. Is there anything more to it?
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 12, 2022
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  10. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    That should do it. If you tug lightly on the wire, the connector should not fall out.
     
    Doug, Feb 12, 2022
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  11. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    Connector is in and does not budge when I tug on the wire. A design I really like.

    That said, there is no apparent life in my SC3. What should I do? I just saw your note on the PL cables, and am beginning to wonder if I might have received a bad cable that shorted the camera board. From your description that would have shorted the USB ports in the Eagle, also, and they are all fine.

    In any case, just to be clear, at the moment, I am using the original OEM power supply. but not getting any response.
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 12, 2022
    #11
  12. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Yikes - I sure hope you didn't get a bad cable! If you plug in a reversed power cable and a PrimaLuce USB port at the same time it fries the main board. It's not something we can protect against because it shorts 12V directly to the USB ground.

    What is the StarChaser's serial number?

    When did you purchase the PL cable?

    There is a small LED light between the AUX connector and the GUIDE port. Does it light up when power is applied?

    Does the shutter click when you power up?

    If you gently shake the camera side-to-side with power applied, does the shutter make a sound? (It should do with the power off, but not with the power on.)
     
    Doug, Feb 12, 2022
    #12
  13. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    SN: SC1300M-19121701

    I got the cable in November of 2020. It was one of the first ones they manufactured with this connector - they literally didn't know there were Aluma cameras with this kind of connector when I ordered.

    The shutter does not click when I power up. The light between the Aux connector and the GUIDE port does not light up.

    The shutter does make a sounds when I shake the camera gently, even when it is plugged in.
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 12, 2022
    #13
  14. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Oh no! It is possible that this was caused by a bad cable.

    https://forum.diffractionlimited.com/threads/alert-primaluce-power-cables.8567/

    A reversed cable would have destroyed your StarChaser, by shorting 12V directly to USB ground.

    Regardless, it sounds like your StarChaser is going to need a replacement main board.

    Please contact PL and return the StarChaser here for investigation and any necessary repairs.
     
    Doug, Feb 12, 2022
    #14
  15. Mark McComiskey

    Mark McComiskey Cyanogen Customer

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    I have been in contact with PrimaLuce. Filippo is skeptical that their cables are to blame, but suggests I send you the camera and the cable for you to check, and that if the cable is in fact at fault he will reimburse me for the associated costs.

    Since the StarChaser is currently functioning only as a spacer in my system, I was going to need to send it in anyway. Can you let me know how I should proceed?
     
    Mark McComiskey, Feb 14, 2022
    #15
  16. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    @Tim will provide you with an RMA number and instructions. Please follow the shipping instructions carefully to avoid having inappropriate duty/taxes owing.
     
    Doug, Feb 14, 2022
    #16

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