This is the first time I have ever tried controlling a mount with a computer, so I’m certain I’m doing something very wrong. I can not get kstars/EKOS to communicate or even find my Orion Sirius Mount.
Connection: the SynScan handset has a USB b port in the bottom that I am connecting directly to my MacBook Air with a USB b to USB a cable that I had laying around from an old printer. I’m reasonably certain that the cable works because I used it to update the firmware on the hand unit connected to my desktop PC (running Windows 7).
I have gone through the device manager and every time I try to connect, it says that the device is not found. I have tried manually changing the port to USB0, USB1, and USB2 with no success.
I have tried connecting with the handset in regular mode (after aligning) and in PC direct mode.
I’m pretty certain that I’m missing something at a very basic level but I have no idea what it is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If you go to the mount Connection tab, what ports do you see detected in the system ports? Are you sure your Mac system does not need drivers for whatever chip (FTDI?) is in use?
I have no idea whether or not I need a driver. I went to the FTDI website (I never heard of that before you mentioned it) and I see quite a few options for drivers. I'm guessing this is my big hurdle right now- finding a driver that will allow my computer to recognize the SynScan hand unit.
Try the port /dev/cu.usbserial. That should be the right one.
I'm thinking I'm missing a driver but for what, I don't know. I'm connected directly to the handset via USB cable (nothing in between) and I don't think SynScan makes a driver for Macintosh computers.
Despite having a USB output on the handset, there still is a usb to serial chip in there somewhere.
My MacBook Air can now control the mount through the handset.
Awesome, I knew it was probably either Prolific or FTDI, but couldn't remember for sure which.
Just went through this myself. Wish I would have read your post earlier. I haven't made it back out to my scope yet. Which connection did you use? EQMOD or Synscan? Thanks!