See my post above. www.indilib.org/forum/ekos/2820-eqmod-alignment.html#20981

I use a FTDI USB-RS232 converter on a RJ45 plug, as depicted at eq-mod.sourceforge.net/eqdirect2.htm. That is all that is needed.

The only thing I would improve on that hardware part is the slack in the mount's poor RJ45 plug, which was causing disconnections while the mount was rotating before I had that better secured.

This, and the voltage applied to the mount. Currently I have the same supply on both the dew heater and the mount, and this is a bad idea looking at the stability of the voltage. Sometimes the mount gets as low as 11V for a short period of time.

-Eric

I re-read a few things and yes, EQMOD says they can't guarantee reliable operation with the HC because its undocumented. However, it is documented (in my synscan manual). I'm not sure why they say that and makes me wonder to what interface spec they are working. And I wonder who wrote the INDI EQMOD mount driver and who's interface they are working to.

Edit: There is also a INDI synscan driver but I was advised to use the eqmod even though working through the HC.

I re-read a few things and yes, EQMOD says they can't guarantee reliable operation with the HC because its undocumented. However, it is documented (in my synscan manual). I'm not sure why they say that and makes me wonder to what interface spec they are working. And I wonder who wrote the INDI EQMOD mount driver and who's interface they are working to.

Yes, if I remember correctly, this item you are referring to: "EQMOD says they can't guarantee reliable operation with the HC because its undocumented." is when you connect with the PC-Direct setting on the Synscan hand controller, and this is everything that the Manual has to say about that:

"Currently, the PC direct mode is mainly used to update the motor controller’s firmware."

See page 19:
www.telescope.com/assets/product_files/i...ions/29526_03-14.pdf

In my experiments the PC-direct mode did in fact work, but it dropped the connection after a certain amount of time went by

I guess if you want to call voltage shifting TTL an electronics box, you would be correct. It is more than just a simple pass-through. One such provider that I have used with great luck is Shoestring Astronomy: www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/index.htm - there are others, just a happy customer. It is still simpler than a full hand controller with its extra connections.