Re: Gemini 2 Serial Port Timed Out Error
Paul,
The connection from Gemini 2 to PC is through a USB cable, and passes through a powered USB HUB. I did try unplugging and re-plugging the cable, and also inserting into a different hub inlet. But to no avail. I could try another cable. I just did some flats last night and all was working while going to zenith. So error occurs at unpredictable times. About a week of bad weather is headed my way, so won't have a chance for any new runs soon. I will try to zip the file I have and send you a Dropbox link. When I get the Async error, the scope won't slew yet continues to guide in PHD2. So essentially it's still connected. I fear this may be a SGP to Gemini communication problem.
Thanks so much.
John
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Re: Gemini 2 Serial Port Timed Out Error
Hi John, you can compress the file using Zip or other compression and upload it to a file sharing site, Dropbox, or similar. It should compress really well, since it's all text. Or try running a short session where you can reproduce the problem and upload the log for that session.
It sounds like you're losing the connection between Gemini and your PC. Are you using Ethernet or USB? Any adapters in the path that may be failing? Also check that all the cables are plugged in and making good contact.
Regards,
? ? -Paul
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Gemini 2 Serial Port Timed Out Error
Hello folks,
A few days ago a new issue appeared when starting a new session with SGP. After connecting to the mount with the Gemini app, SGP would not connect to the mount and a Serial Port Timed Out Error kept appearing in the lower right hand corner. After a few computer restarts and mount power off/ons, the only solution appeared to be to do a COLD START from the hand controller. Then I was good for the evening.?
During the next evening, the Serial Port Timed Out Error started appearing at random times, during the middle of a sequence or when changing targets in SGP. Then an ASync Error kept appearing as in the attached screen shot. After that the mount would not move, even from the virtual hand controller. Each time this occurred, I had to park the mount at CWD with the true hand controller, restart the Gemini 2 and do a COLD START, and then reconnect everything.?
All this appears to have started after a Windows 10 update several days ago. If anyone can advise on how to troubleshoot this issue please advise. Doing a WARM START had been working for a number of months without problems. But having to do multiple restarts at any part of an imaging session is not a great way to travel. I do have the Gemini Log, but the file size is 200,000KB or 200MB.
Thanks,
John
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Preserving Gemini 2 alignment while switching between controller software
I often need to switch between Sharpcap and NINA when setting up an imaging session but I seem to lose plate-solving alignments when I do. Is there any way to preserve the settings between the programs? Are the settings stored in Gemini 2 memory or the programs'?
Thanks in advance for any assistance on this matter.
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Re: G1 won't do a warmstart
Freimut
The CY62128ELL-45SXI is wrong SRAM.?? I've tried it.? It doesn't completely go into low power standby mode and draws ....from memory 180+micro amps...or more....this drops as VBatt drops.? As said it will chew batteries but also wont properly power down.?? Which could easily be causing your issues (allowing data to be entered when it shouldn't) .?? You can probably fiddle with /CE1 and CE2 to force the SRAM into standby (re:lower pwr) and fix this. ? I never got to this.....it was easier to get the specified SRAM.? ?
You said above......"I already get the warm start options and can choose them but it always does a cold start."?? Ok, that changes everything.?
I said above the "-45SXI" SRAM doesn't fully power down in Vbatt mode. ? So it's more than possible for it to read/write corrupt data as it hasn't fully shut down.?? Its possible spurious spikes can cause it to corrupt.? Its possible .....a bad U3 can allow bad data to be written to the SRAM while in power down or when powering down.?
Ok Change U3 but IMHO the new info you mentioned, "I already get the warm start options and can choose them but it always does a cold start."......is also possible from the wrong SRAM for the reasons mentioned.?
I think you also should go back and replace the SRAM with the correct specified. ??
Cheers tell us how you go....
Brendan
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Re: G1 won't do a warmstart
Hi Brendan, loads of informations¡.
You mentioned you had WD resets! A WD reset is a catch all to stop looping program or errors unresolved. It us usually caused by a U3 problem. As said U3 is a voltage supervisor that checks pwr on and down status as well as monitor brownouts and stop CPU data processing if there is a low power.
What happens is this IC goes faulty causing the WD message and interfering with the things it was supposed to protect! Well kinda but not quite yes it does go faulty can causes these issues.
I would strongly urge you to replace U3 regardless of anything else as first step. Since you said you had WD resets.....replace U3. Since you said you are not seeing "warm start options"....again leads me to U3 as this has been seen before.
oK, I¡¯ll replace it. I already get the warm start options and can choose them but it always does a cold start.
Ok all that said....what else could it be..........It Could also be the SRAM IC you replaced!
Since you said you replaced it I'm unsure what SRAM IC you used. So I'll write what I know so you can compare.
The type of SRAM fitted is quite specific in speed and low power standby current draw. "-70LL" SRAM only! I have tried "-45LL" and it failed to enter standby lo power. You must fit the correct SRAM IC or you will have issues! This I know! I need to know the part number of SRAM you fitted?
The SRAM generally used is 128K x 8 must be low power standby SRAM....that is its standby current draw must be in order of 2.5 - 6micro Amps. Many of the SRAM offered are not low power versions so be very specific what IC is fitted. Message me on this if you want. As said I've tried other SRAM and it won't work mainly the manner of the Chip Enables work (/CE1 and CE2):
UPD431000AGE-70LL
UPD431000AGW-70LL
CY62128BLL-70SC
soooo, thats are my thoughts too¡ I didn¡¯t get the recommended SRAM chip at that time when I repaired these G1, so I choosed a CY62128ELL-45SXI. The low power standby seems to work with this chip, otherwise it should eat batteries? But yes, I¡¯ll try to get a correct SRAM and swap it. All in all it¡¯s not that big problem because I use this G1 mostly in the field, so a warm start is only exceptionally possible. Thanks so far Freimut Matheus N 51¡ã43'10.73'' E 14¡ã39'05.52''
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Re: G1 won't do a warmstart
Freimut Warning big read lots info to give to you on this! OK after some long research its one of 2 things.? This issue has been seen before and its either of the 2 below.? Mainly this info is from Rene and good old Tom Hilton...bless him (bless them both) some more.? /g/Gemini_users/topic/17926148#26106/g/Gemini_users/topic/17926357#26711U3, MCP809-450 voltage supervisor.? Its a voltage detector to tell the system (CPU) if pwr is ok and stop if voltage is not as you get corrupt data.....this is the core bit "corrupt data".? If you get corrupt data....on reboot (or shutdown)...you will be forced into a Cold Start Only!?? How do you get corrupt data...read on. This is from Rene and Tom on this exact problem:
"The voltage supervisor has the important task to shut down Gemini in
case of a power loss." (I'll add in here power interruption...aka brownout...)"
If it doesn't work, coordinates and time at shutdown are not saved, meaning
that only a Cold Start remains possible."
"It has the second task to check if the internal +5V voltage has
established at startup. As long as the main processor is waiting for its
power good signal, only the one dot is displayed. If it stays forever,
either the voltage does not reach the nominal value or Q3 is defective.
With your description I suppose the latter."
So what they are saying is that U3 can cause corrupt data. ? Now here's the key! You mentioned you had WD resets!?? A WD reset is a catch all to stop looping program or errors unresolved.? It us usually caused by a U3 problem.? As said U3 is a voltage supervisor that checks pwr on and down status as well as monitor brownouts and stop CPU data processing if there is a low power. What happens is this IC goes faulty causing the WD message and interfering with the things it was supposed to protect!? Well kinda but not quite yes it does go faulty can causes these issues. I would strongly urge you to replace U3 regardless? of anything else as first step.?? Since you said you had WD resets.....replace U3.? Since you said you are not seeing "warm start options"....again leads me to U3 as this has been seen before.? Ok all that said....what else could it be..........It Could also be the SRAM IC you replaced! Since you said you replaced it I'm unsure what SRAM IC you used.? So I'll write what I know so you can compare. The type of SRAM fitted is quite specific in speed and low power standby current draw.? "-70LL" SRAM only!? I have tried "-45LL" and it failed to enter standby lo power.?? You must fit the correct SRAM IC or you will have issues!?? This I know!? I need to know the part number of SRAM you fitted? The SRAM generally used is 128K x 8 must be low power standby SRAM....that is its standby current draw must be in order of 2.5 - 6micro Amps.? Many of the SRAM offered are not low power versions so be very specific what IC is fitted.?? Message me on this if you want.?? As said I've tried other SRAM and it won't work mainly the manner of the Chip Enables work (/CE1 and CE2): UPD431000AGE-70LL UPD431000AGW-70LL CY62128BLL-70SC So check your SRAM ensure it is low power standby versions and only use the above chips due to the manner CE works.?? That said the PCB does have some latitude to change how CE is sent to the SRAM as it has D12 (fitted) and U21 (Not fitted, was MCP810-475, goes to pin 22 /CE1 and pin 32) on the PCB. So please check your SRAM version as this has a huge effect. OK lots for you to Absorb.? Its a complex issue but I'm pretty sure its U3 and the SRAM fitted could be effecting! Get back on the type of SRAM you fitted and replace U3! cheers, do get back.... Brendan
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Re: G1 won't do a warmstart
Hi Brendan,
yes, yes, yes and yes¡
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I¡¯m assuming it¡¯s saved all data ok and isn¡¯t giving any errors in the HC on boot? ?
Are there the¡± ?on the HC ?display or any other messages on the HC display on boot? ?
Is the system time ok?
Are you sure you haven¡¯t changed the system HC to ¡±reduced menu¡±. ?Which hides some of the menu operations?
Brendan
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Re: G1 won't do a warmstart
I¡¯m assuming it¡¯s saved all data ok and isn¡¯t giving any errors in the HC on boot? ?
Are there the¡± ?on the HC ?display or any other messages on the HC display on boot? ?
Is the system time ok?
Are you sure you haven¡¯t changed the system HC to ¡±reduced menu¡±. ?Which hides some of the menu operations?
Brendan
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Hi all,
a while ago, I bought a not working G1 which had a WD_Reset error and an SRAM_failure. After changing the SRAM and the serial chip all works fine so far with one exception: The G1 won¡¯t do a warmstart nor a warm restart. The HC always shows me a ?cold started at¡¡° regardless of what I selected at startup. Some ideas?
thanks
Freimut Matheus
N 51¡ã43'10.73'' E 14¡ã39'05.52''
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Hi All,
You need two parts, the programed IC and a crystal to change #492 controller between GM8 and G11 use.?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather for Imagers - Click on my sig!
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>>> As far as I know, the 492 for the G8 and the G11 differ in that the firmware is different to handle the different gearing.
Correct - the EPROMs are different
we sell them for $30 (you can order and DIY) or if you want to send it in we can swap them out for $65
As far as I know, the 492 for the G8 and the G11 differ in that the firmware is different to handle the different gearing. ? I¡¯m not sure if it is possible to re-programme the 492 for the other mount.? It¡¯s probably worthwhile asking Losmandy. ? David ? ? Hi.? I just upgraded to a Gemini on my G11 so have a 492 to sell.? If they were different on the GM8 then it may not work but they look the same to me....Have motors and cable.? The hand controller has a broken (and removed) slide switch, waiting for response from Losmandy re a replacement switch....Does not function without the switch. Email me at kpp1@... if you are interested.... Kirk Patterson On 10/9/2020 1:45 PM, grapril1996@... wrote: Greetings from Alaska.? I'm new to the group and green as grass, so you can probably expect me to say some dumb things and ask some questions that don't make sense, but don't be afraid to set me straight.
My immediate problem is I'm looking for a 492 digital drive system for my recently acquired, used Losmandy GM-8.? I figure there must be one out there somewhere with my name on it.? The mount has the stepper motors but no control system, so I'll need the DDS, the remote, and the wiring to the motor.? I can probably set up the battery supply wiring myself, but if you have that too, it would save me some time.
Thanks.
?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Kirk,
I repair the 492s, and have a replacement switch to repair yours.
I also have, and can make, the plug-in Eproms to convert a 492 from G11 to GM8 or vice versa.? The Eproms have been known to eventually lose data and act weird.? Mine did!
Contact me privately if interested (or whomever buys your 492).
Michael
On Sat, Oct 10, 2020, 6:08 AM KIRK PATTERSON < kpp1@...> wrote:
Hi.? I just upgraded to a Gemini on my G11 so have a 492 to
sell.? If they were different on the GM8 then it may not work but
they look the same to me....Have motors and cable.? The hand
controller has a broken (and removed) slide switch, waiting for
response from Losmandy re a replacement switch....Does not
function without the switch. Email me at kpp1@... if you
are interested....
Kirk Patterson
On 10/9/2020 1:45 PM, grapril1996@... wrote:
Greetings from Alaska.? I'm new to the group and green as grass,
so you can probably expect me to say some dumb things and ask
some questions that don't make sense, but don't be afraid to set
me straight.
My immediate problem is I'm looking for a 492 digital drive
system for my recently acquired, used Losmandy GM-8.? I figure
there must be one out there somewhere with my name on it.? The
mount has the stepper motors but no control system, so I'll need
the DDS, the remote, and the wiring to the motor.? I can
probably set up the battery supply wiring myself, but if you
have that too, it would save me some time.
Thanks.
|
Re: Problems with Gemini 1 and RS232 connector
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Show quoted text
El s¨¢b., 10 oct. 2020 a las 15:47, Paul Kanevsky (< yh@...>) escribi¨®: Hi Jose,
Yes, over the years and many reports, FTDI seems to be the better chipset, more stable and reliable when used with Gemini and Windows. Glad you were able to fix the problem.
Regards,
? ? -Paul
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Re: Problems with Gemini 1 and RS232 connector
Hi Jose,
Yes, over the years and many reports, FTDI seems to be the better chipset, more stable and reliable when used with Gemini and Windows. Glad you were able to fix the problem.
Regards,
? ? -Paul
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Problems with Gemini 1 and RS232 connector
To whom it may concern, Recently we have had problems with a G11 mount remotely controlled. It was impossible to connect Gemini? to any COM port. After several attempts?we have checked?an incompatibility?between Windows 10 and Prolific USB-RS242 connector. The problem was resolved changing the connector from prolific to FTDI.?
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As far as I know, the 492 for the G8 and the G11 differ in that the firmware is different to handle the different gearing. ? I¡¯m not sure if it is possible to re-programme the 492 for the other mount.? It¡¯s probably worthwhile asking Losmandy. ? David ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KIRK PATTERSON
Sent: 09 October 2020 23:01
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini_users_io] 492 DDS? Hi.? I just upgraded to a Gemini on my G11 so have a 492 to sell.? If they were different on the GM8 then it may not work but they look the same to me....Have motors and cable.? The hand controller has a broken (and removed) slide switch, waiting for response from Losmandy re a replacement switch....Does not function without the switch. Email me at kpp1@... if you are interested.... Kirk Patterson On 10/9/2020 1:45 PM, grapril1996@... wrote: Greetings from Alaska.? I'm new to the group and green as grass, so you can probably expect me to say some dumb things and ask some questions that don't make sense, but don't be afraid to set me straight.
My immediate problem is I'm looking for a 492 digital drive system for my recently acquired, used Losmandy GM-8.? I figure there must be one out there somewhere with my name on it.? The mount has the stepper motors but no control system, so I'll need the DDS, the remote, and the wiring to the motor.? I can probably set up the battery supply wiring myself, but if you have that too, it would save me some time.
Thanks.
?
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Hi.? I just upgraded to a Gemini on my G11 so have a 492 to
sell.? If they were different on the GM8 then it may not work but
they look the same to me....Have motors and cable.? The hand
controller has a broken (and removed) slide switch, waiting for
response from Losmandy re a replacement switch....Does not
function without the switch. Email me at kpp1@... if you
are interested....
Kirk Patterson
On 10/9/2020 1:45 PM, grapril1996@... wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Greetings from Alaska.? I'm new to the group and green as grass,
so you can probably expect me to say some dumb things and ask
some questions that don't make sense, but don't be afraid to set
me straight.
My immediate problem is I'm looking for a 492 digital drive
system for my recently acquired, used Losmandy GM-8.? I figure
there must be one out there somewhere with my name on it.? The
mount has the stepper motors but no control system, so I'll need
the DDS, the remote, and the wiring to the motor.? I can
probably set up the battery supply wiring myself, but if you
have that too, it would save me some time.
Thanks.
|
HI Greg
OnStep is a widely used system, not specific to Losmandy
You can find out more about it here:
you should read through this info - the hardware is DIY so make sure you are good with what it takes to build one.
Brian
Thanks, Brendan. Is that system readily available?
Greg
OP best to put a name at the bottom of your posts so we know who we are replying to. It¡¯s just Posting forum etiquette
In reply There is an Arduino system called which is a lot more feature rich than a 492DD unit.? Lan/wireless, can act as a goto system... and more. ? A few members use this to run their GM8s just fine. ? In fact is far more modern ?It¡¯ll run your steppers just fine. ?
FWIW
Brendan
?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Thanks, Brendan. Is that system readily available?
Greg
OP best to put a name at the bottom of your posts so we know who we are replying to. It¡¯s just Posting forum etiquette
In reply There is an Arduino system called which is a lot more feature rich than a 492DD unit.? Lan/wireless, can act as a goto system... and more. ? A few members use this to run their GM8s just fine. ? In fact is far more modern ?It¡¯ll run your steppers just fine. ?
FWIW
Brendan
?
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Paul Kanevsky
Chip Louie
Michael Herman
David C. Partridge