I bought the kit from Losmandy because I felt things would go smoother. I did the upgrade and had no troubles. I printed out the instructions (13pages) and checked them off as I went. I have only used my scope indoors to test since updating . Weather in NC has not been cooperating. But everything seems to be working well. I have a GM811 also. Love it! I sent my kit back and got a 30.00 refund on the price. That helps Losmandy to repackage it and get out to other Losmandy owners to update.?
Greg Morris Vanceboro NC.
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Bill,
this occurs anytime I power up the Gemini 2 with a plugged in HC. It's constantly plugged in. The reconnection works. But just after the first try fails.
Bernd
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hmm, ok, I know that v1.57 added the automatic HC reconnect when the connection has failed. Based on what you’re describing it doesn’t try to reconnect. That’s what made me suspicious about the HC version number. ?Seems like that’s not an issue in your case.
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 10:43 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Paul,
?
Below is the firmware info.
- HC Firmware V1.57, Build Jun 13 2023 ?09:39:13
Himax8347 graphic chip
- Mainboard Firmware Level 6.00, Built Jun 13 2023 ?11:11:57
- Servo Firmware,? RA Version 3, DEC Version 3
?
Regards,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan,
?
Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good.
?
I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly.
?
I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try.
?
Thanks again,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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It then said Limits Reached. Is it supposed to say RA Stall before it reaches the Limits? The cord may have been wrapped up a bit also.
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Paul, ? Below is the firmware info.
- HC Firmware V1.57, Build Jun 13 2023 ?09:39:13
Himax8347 graphic chip - Mainboard Firmware Level 6.00, Built Jun 13 2023 ?11:11:57
- Servo Firmware,? RA Version 3, DEC Version 3
? Regards, Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 9:12 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan, ? Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good. ? I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly. ? I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try. ? Thanks again, Bill ? ? Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
|
My mount has been tracking Jupiter in my living room for a while. The mount is now making very erratic beeping noises. I look at the display and it says RA Stall!!. I know with Level 5 I would get a beep or 2 when the mount was approaching its limits, which it seems to be doing now but I am alarmed by the rather erratic beeps.
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Bernd, ? Interesting…. When you try the second time are you cycling power to the G2 or just unplugging and re-plugging the HC into the G2?? I think I noticed once that if I quickly cycle power on the G2, the HC will connect quickly. ? Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Bernd Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 1:37 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Brian,
hi Bill
After Level6 Upgrade the HC fails any first connect! The second try results in a connect. I'm using ethernet connecton with my PC but the behaviour is the same if no PC is connected.
Bernd
|
Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan,
?
Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good.
?
I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly.
?
I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try.
?
Thanks again,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
|
Hi,
I am new to Losmandy and recently acquired a GM811g (really liking it so far!)
I am looking to the Level 6 upgrade and wanted to read about the experiment here before ordering the kit.
Some posts on this forum reference mailing back the kit to Losmandy after they are done. I couldn't understand what that is about. As far as I can tell, one buys the kit and then keeps it permanently - or is there any other option that involves mail back?
Thanks!
Varun
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Brendan, ? Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good. ? I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly. ? I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try. ? Thanks again, Bill ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Brendan Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 7:43 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
|
Re: L6 - HC Brightness Not Saved
Hi Brian, ? Yes, this is the behavior I see.? At first the HC comes up at the lower brightness from startup through cold start.? It gets to the home screen and briefly shows the lower brightness but then quickly flashes and goes to full brightness.? I then go to the HC settings menu, lower the brightness, and store the settings.? It will remember this lower brightness until the next power-up of the G2.? As long as you don’t power down the G2 you can unplug and re-plug the HC into the main controller, and it will come up at the lower brightness level. ? The other strange observation is that the ASCOM driver always reports 100% brightness when you query the G2 settings, even though it may be at a lower brightness.? You can use the ASCOM driver to change the HC brightness but it immediately returns to showing 100% when you apply the change. ? Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian Valente Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 11:48 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] L6 - HC Brightness Not Saved ? Thanks again for posting this here BIll I have been testing this for a while on my hc here (1.57) and I am not able to duplicate the issue.
There definitely has been work in this area to address prior undesirable behavior on brightness.
Right now if I set the brightness low using the HC, store that setting, then power cycle the gemini, it comes up at the lower brightness from startup through cold start, and it brightens once I hit back to get to the home screen. is that what you are saying as well?
Brian --
Brian
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Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Brian, ? I did try disabling DHCP and setting the DHCP timeout value to 0 but no change.? ? Just to be clear, I don’t see the HC flashing the “Connecting to Gemini…” message. ?It just comes on steady, no flashing.? However, I did see it flashing this message after the first time I updated the firmware to L6 using the GFU utility.? However, I repeated the firmware update manually a second time using the firmware in the zip file provided with the update when I got sidetracked trying to “fix” the cable wrapping prevention feature that was showing a DEC stall at -180 degrees.? Since this second firmware update, I have not seen the “Connecting to Gemini…” message flashing, it just comes on steady. ? Thanks, Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian Valente Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 11:42 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill - thanks for posting this.?
Some of this behavior may relate to the new underlying DHCP features and underlying code we are now using.?
In the new hand controller firmware, the flashing and 'rebooting' of the hand controller is a fix to prior situations in L5 where if it didn't connect, it would just hang. Now it will reboot itself and attempt to connect again.?
Your fix to unplug and re-plug in the HC is a good one for now
You can also try disabling DHCP if you are not using ethernet, and/or set the DHCP timeout value to 0 (both available under network in hand controller, make sure to store settings)
Brian
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Brian
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I don't understand this exactly. Even though the box is checked for Adaptive, I can still change from Dawn Day and Night.
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... Gemini always uses UTC internally.
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Hi Rene,
? I just played with it, even though the box is checked, I can
still change it by pressing the day, dawn and night settings.
Also, I have UT set and Offset to zero even though I am at Eastern
Standard Time. Does the Gemini still adjust the adaptive function
properly for me based on my Long and Lat settings?
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Hi Peter,
You're the boss. Of course yo can override it anytime. If you have
stored it in the eeprom for permanent use by pushing Store Settings the HC will use
this setting during the next startup.
搁别苍é
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Hi Rene,
? I just played with it, even though the box is checked, I can
still change it by pressing the day, dawn and night settings.
Also, I have UT set and Offset to zero even though I am at Eastern
Standard Time. Does the Gemini still adjust the adaptive function
properly for me based on my Long and Lat settings?
|
Hi Rene,
? I just played with it, even though the box is checked, I can still change it by pressing the day, dawn and night settings. Also, I have UT set and Offset to zero even though I am at Eastern Standard Time. Does the Gemini still adjust the adaptive function properly for me based on my Long and Lat settings?
|
Ah, I forgot to mention... To make the Display
settings permanent you have to go back to the HC: Parameter Setup
screen and push "Store Settings" to store it into the HC eeprom to
be used at startup.
搁别苍é
?
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After the update my screen was green. This morning on power up it
is now blue. Why is this?
|
Peter,
The HC has an "Adaptive Color" option that you find under
MENU->HC->Display. If this is checked it overrides the color
settings for Daytime/Dawn/Nighttime Mode by selecting the mode
that is appropriate, based on your location, date and time. As
long as these values are not set correctly it may look strange,
but once all is set, it is nice. If you don't like it just uncheck
the checkbox.
In L6 there is an additional precaution. If you wake up after a
night of observing, having used Nighttime Mode and having dimmed
the display it is brightened up that you can read the display
although the Sun is in the sky now. If you can't read it anyway,
you can use Gemini.net to adapt the screen brightness.
搁别苍é
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After the update my screen was green. This morning on power up it
is now blue. Why is this?
|
After the update my screen was green. This morning on power up it is now blue. Why is this?
|
Re: FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up
Hi Brian,
hi Bill
After Level6 Upgrade the HC fails any first connect! The second try results in a connect. I'm using ethernet connecton with my PC but the behaviour is the same if no PC is connected.
Bernd
|
Greg
Bernd
Paul Kanevsky