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Date

Re: Beta-test of new HC firmware v1.62

 

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Good to hear you like it! You've really made a very helpful proposal, thank you!

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Am 17.10.24 um 14:38 schrieb criscopenneys via groups.io:

Btw: Have you already used the HC firmware (looking at the main screen) with the mount being near the Western Safety Limit (an hour or less)?

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Yes!? Last night I had to try out the new updates after updating yesterday (L6.05, HC 1.63).? I targeted M2 and let the mount track. When the MI-250 got within an hour of needing to flip, the new "Limit" feature appeared on the HC!? What a useful feature!? Instead of looking at the mount's physical position and trying to guess when it will get to the safety limit, now I know exactly how much time is left just by glancing at the Hand Controller.? VERY convenient!
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Thanks to all who worked on this update and made it possible. Another feature that makes Gemini easier to use.
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Chris


Re: Beta-test of new HC firmware v1.62

 

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the L6.05 and HC v1.63 test versions are available and provide HC brightness fixes and flip-point configuration is now available from Gemini Web pages:

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Regards,
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? ?-Paul


Re: Beta-test of new HC firmware v1.62

 

Btw: Have you already used the HC firmware (looking at the main screen) with the mount being near the Western Safety Limit (an hour or less)?

¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
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Yes!? Last night I had to try out the new updates after updating yesterday (L6.05, HC 1.63).? I targeted M2 and let the mount track. When the MI-250 got within an hour of needing to flip, the new "Limit" feature appeared on the HC!? What a useful feature!? Instead of looking at the mount's physical position and trying to guess when it will get to the safety limit, now I know exactly how much time is left just by glancing at the Hand Controller.? VERY convenient!
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Thanks to all who worked on this update and made it possible. Another feature that makes Gemini easier to use.
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Chris


Re: Update Process Question

 

First, I regularly use the ASCOM service without issue. I always keep up to date with the latest releases.? Never had a connection issue with ASCOM.
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I'm not a computer guy by any means but could there be an issue with a firewall setting preventing something from being transferred back and forth? It may be a dumb question but I had to ask.
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BUT....I think finally success!? I did rename the NewGem.bin to HGM.Gem2.bin using a SD card reader, reinstalled the card, powered it on and Gemini updated.? See attachments.? It did create that M: file again if that matters but everything appears to work.
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For my configuration and for future updates, for whatever reason, it would appear that I need to grab any new or updated NewGem.bin file, rename to HGM.Gem2.bin then load onto the SD card via a reader, reinstall and power on.? I do save the Gemini.cfg and any Modelxxxxx.bin file to a safe place before updating so I can reload.? I also saved screenshots of important webpages so I can make sure everything gets reconfigured correctly.
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I think it will be clear tonight so hopefully everything will work like it did before (after I get the model sync'd up).? Heading out to the observatory to get Gemini reinstalled on the old MI-250.
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Thanks to all who have been helping me.? I've learned more than I wanted to but that's a good thing! Now if I could just retain all this knowledge!
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Great group.? Great support.
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Chris
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Re: Update Process Question

 

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 03:31 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
it did not.
Chris,
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My dongle only permits the same setup.? Considering the ping, I suggest trying to connect with Paul's Gemini Telescope ASCOM service, which uses that Ethernet connection.? My device connects in this manner to the specified Ethernet port. This doesn't resolve the issue, but it would imply that the problem may exist at a higher layer of the Browser application.
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Doug


Re: Update Process Question

 

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 03:46 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
To Paul:
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Should I remove the NewGem.bin file from the SD card and replace with the HGM_Gem2.bin file?? I can easily do that using my card reader and place the "HGM" file on the card at the same time.
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Sure, do that.
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Re: Update Process Question

 

To Paul:
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Should I remove the NewGem.bin file from the SD card and replace with the HGM_Gem2.bin file?? I can easily do that using my card reader and place the "HGM" file on the card at the same time.
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Re: Update Process Question

 

Wayback...
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My connection at the PC from the G2 is at the ethernet port of the PC.? There is no dongle.? Internet is obtained via WiFi from a USB device but I never have that device plugged in unless I am doing a software update.
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The result of the "Ping" test is attached.
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If the "Sign In" page is supposed to appear after the test, it did not.
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Re: Update Process Question

 
Edited

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:11 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
Gemini has always functioned correctly with the standard cable.? I only have had issues with the updates.
If it works fine to access Gemini with the standard cable then the network configuration is fine.
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One thing you could try is to extract the NewGem.bin file from the L6.05 zip archive, rename it to HGM_Gem2.bin?on the PC hard disk.
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Then, using Gemini web pages SD Card screen upload this HGM_Gem2.bin file to the top folder on the SD card. Once uploaded, restart Gemini, let it boot up fully, then check to see what firmware version it shows. Also check and post a screen shot of the SD Card screen. I want to see if the HGM_Gem2.bin?gets properly renamed, as it should be during a normal bootloader flashing process.
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Regards,
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? -Paul


Re: Update Process Question

 

The founders gave us "ping" on the Gemini-2 server, try type typing > ping 192.168.0.111 (the Gemini-2 definition) in the command window when patched together.
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If an issue, check on the attempt that the PC does not also use another Ethernet port (unplug) or the home WiFi (turn off).? ?I did not turn mine off but less is best when testing.? I connected as you suggested and also used a straight patch cable.? Tested with an inexpensive dongle on a USB-A port at the PC to the Gemini-2.?
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Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22631.4317]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
C:\Users\Doug>ping 192.168.0.110
Pinging 192.168.0.110 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.0.110: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.110: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.110: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.110: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Ping statistics for 192.168.0.110:
? ? Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
? ? Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 1ms, Average = 0ms
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Re: Update Process Question

 


Re: Update Process Question

 


Re: Update Process Question

 

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No, you probably don¡¯t need a X-over cable.? Almost all ethernet ports these days will auto-detect that.

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You need to ensure:

  1. That both the computer and Gemini are on the same subnet (e.g.192.168.1.???)
  2. They both have different IP addresses.
  3. If direct connecting, make sure that DHCP in the Gemini is OFF.

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D.

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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of criscopenneys via groups.io
Sent: 16 October 2024 17:12
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Update Process Question

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After stepping away for a time to clear my head, I went back to the Gemini 2 site to read about how to connect Gemini directly to a computer (gotta start with the basics since I haven't looked at this for awhile).? If I'm reading this section correctly and since my (new computer) ethernet port speed is 100mbps, it looks like I need a crossover cable versus the standard cable that I am using.? Could that be what is causing the timeout errors and all my subsequent headaches??

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Gemini has always functioned correctly with the standard cable.? I only have had issues with the updates.

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Re: Update Process Question

 

After stepping away for a time to clear my head, I went back to the Gemini 2 site to read about how to connect Gemini directly to a computer (gotta start with the basics since I haven't looked at this for awhile).? If I'm reading this section correctly and since my (new computer) ethernet port speed is 100mbps, it looks like I need a crossover cable versus the standard cable that I am using.? Could that be what is causing the timeout errors and all my subsequent headaches??
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Gemini has always functioned correctly with the standard cable.? I only have had issues with the updates.
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?


Re: Update Process Question

 

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 10:17 AM, criscopenneys wrote:
connected by a standard 3' patch cable to the computer
A direct connection, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), necessitates being on the same network. There are three basic classes of networks, with Class C being the most common for home use, typically represented by a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask, which allows for 256 addresses. Without a router on the LAN, I cannot use other addresses within the network, to establish a direct connection.
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With these musings in mind, I need to know the IP address the PC uses.? I'd open a "CMD" window (Windows_Key+R, CMD) and type > ipconfig.? ?The IP will list for the Ethernet support for the motherboard or dongle if powered and active (maybe a few).
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C:\Users\Doug>ipconfig
Windows IP Configuration

Ethernet adapter Ethernet:
? ?Connection-specific DNS Suffix ?. :
? ?IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.110
? ?Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
? ?Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
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For the direct wire connection at Gemini-2 I enter the same address used to access the controller modifying the last number.? I pick "192.168.1.100".?
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If you did not change the PC-side then any IP other than the laptop's IP suffices but if you defined the prior IP in the PC Hosts file, then look up and use that one or reset this.? Otherwise type the IP to access the controller and not the NetBIOS name of "gemini".
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As an example, using my iPad beside me, but the same concepts (I'm not moving the controller as you did, very nice).? I end up at the sign in screen of the controller using the IP of the controller for the browser address in this example.
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Re: Update Process Question

 

I've just spent the last 2 - 3 hours trying to do this update.? Partial progress.? I did use the GFU Utility to reformat the SD card and load 6.02.? Both the Flashing and Reboot gave me the timeout messages? ?Powered off and turned back on Gemini. It appears that 6.02 did load and that M: file is gone. I then went to the "Advanced" tab and loaded the current file.? Once again, I got the timeout messages during Flashing and Reboot.? I powered off and powered on Gemini but 6.02 was still there.? I then went to the Firmware webpage and attempted to flash the firmware from there.? Got the? "Hmmmm...." message (see below).? Powered off and on Gemini but still on 6.02.??
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I must have something set up wrong with my Ethernet connection somehow since no one else seems to have this difficulty.? The computer is an Optiplex 9020 that I have had less than a year.? Direct connection from computer to Gemini. Below is a screenshot of some of the properties.? I normally have Gemini out in the observatory about 200' away but I have it indoors now connected by a standard 3' patch cable to the computer so distance shouldn't be a factor.? If anybody sees anything, let me know because I'm stuck and I'm not a network expert.
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings

 

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I updated to HC 1.63cbeta and G2 L6.05beta and the brightness settings now work as expected.? I assigned three different levels of brightness to the Daytime, Dawn and Nighttime, selected the Adaptive Color option and saved the settings.?? I tested the HC startup during the day, twilight and at night and it works perfectly!!

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Thanks ¸é±ð²Ô¨¦ & Paul,

Bill

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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 6:51 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings

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On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 02:58 PM, Rene Goerlich wrote:

The end of this full brightness is very near! In fact, it is already history, but the numbers stay the same 8)

The end is here! :) New versions of mainboard firmware (L6.05) and HC firmware (v1.63c) are available:

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Please update both. As before, the simplest way is just to use the Advanced tab in GFU. Drop the gemhc_V163c firmware zip file directly into Hand Controller list, and L605 firmware zip file into Gemini CPU list, press Start.

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(Don't forget to press Store Settings after changing HC brightness, and unselect Adaptive Color if you don't want the setting to change automatically.)

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In addition to fixing the HC brightness reset, this also adds the meridian flip point configuration settings to the Mount menu in the Gemini web pages:

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A fix for Gemini.NET ASCOM driver advanced settings window for showing 100% brightness level is also coming soon :)

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Regards,

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? ?-Paul

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Re: Update Process Question

 

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 06:59 AM, criscopenneys wrote:
The best way is to close the browser after pushing the "Flash Firmware" button and restart it a minute later.
Also, if you use a fixed IP address then you need to use the Hand Controller and reset the Gemini-2 IP address manually and uncheck DHCP on the new default factory image.? It's the address you used in your /windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts file for gemini.


Re: Update Process Question

 

On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 06:59 AM, criscopenneys wrote:
After rebooting and restarting Gemini and the PC, I can connect to Gemini but the firmware is still on 6.02.?
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So, it looks like I have no choice but to reformat the SD card and reload the files.? Unless someone has something else I can try or some setting I can check.....
Trust me, Chris :) I've gone through this a number of times: just reformat the SD card. You can do this from the web page or from GFU directly, and then upload the full firmware file using GFU (do the L6.02, since that's the latest one available there). Don't worry if you get a timeout on reboot, that's just Gemini taking too long to restart. Everything that GFU needed to do was already done, so the timeout at that point doesn't hurt anything. For good measure, turn off and then on Gemini to make sure everything is reset properly. After this, you can try to apply later firmware files.
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Regards,
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? -Paul


Re: Update Process Question

 

On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 11:49 PM, Rene Goerlich wrote:
But you don't need to do this. Just use Paul's great GFU and ignore this M: file! 8)
First off, thanks for all this great info.? I'm going to screen snip this and keep it for future reference.? I would like nothing better than to use Paul's GFU but I keep getting the "timeout" error message when the utility tries to do the SRAM Reset and Reboot steps.? I have had this happen with every update - 5.21 to Beta 5.22, (L6 I bought the chip from Losmandy), 6.00 to 6.02 and now this update.
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You can also flash a new firmware (Newgem.bin or another filename) with the Firmware page. Be aware: The browser will loose the TCP connection and won't update the page after displaying the Wait message. The best way is to close the browser after pushing the "Flash Firmware" button and restart it a minute later.
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I tried again to flash the firmware from the "Firmware" webpage and this time closing the browser as you suggested.? Attempting to restart the webpage after 3 minutes I get this message:
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After rebooting and restarting Gemini and the PC, I can connect to Gemini but the firmware is still on 6.02.?
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So, it looks like I have no choice but to reformat the SD card and reload the files.? Unless someone has something else I can try or some setting I can check.....
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BTW: I have not trained PEC yet (was going to this full moon cycle after this update) so I will omit the PEC file.
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