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ASI120MC-S problem (associated with EQMod?)

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Hello,
Just bought an ASI120MC-S.
It works but doesn't seem to play well along with EQMod.
I saw people reporting similar problems but that was associated with an USB2 version of the camera, I believe.

Here's what happens.
-- ASI120 with Telescope Simulator. No problem.
-- ASI120 with EQMod (AZ-GTi mount). Problem.
KStars/Ekos run on Stellarmate. Wired VNC connection from a desktop PC to Stellarmate.

If ASI120 is idle - no problem.
If I start Live View, after about 5 min Stellarmate stalls, VNC client freezes. No new VNC connection is possible. WiFi hotspot is visible but cannot be connected to.
Disconnecting the ASI120 brings the system back to life.

Tried with the latest nightlies and with a one-month old SD card backup. Same result.
Any idea anyone?
Thanks!
max

EDIT:
The setup .
RPI 3 B+ with Stellarmate OS.
AZ-GTi mount.
Mount connects to RPI via WiFi.
ASI120 (and Nikon DSLR) to RPI via USB.
KStars/Ekos (v. 3.0) are running on RPI.
VNC to RPI via wired connection.
-- Max S
ZWO AM5. RST-135. AZ-GTI. HEQ5. iOptron SkyTracker.
TPO RC6. FRA400. Rokinon 135 and other lenses.
ZWO ASI2600MC. D5500 modified with UVIR clip-in filter.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini x 2. ZWO 30F4 guider. Orion 50mm guider.
ZWO EAF x 2.
Last edit: 5 years 2 months ago by maxthebuilder.
5 years 2 months ago #33353

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Hi Max,

I have a similar set up and no problems. How is your ASI cam connected - via USB to the Pi or directly to your mount (ST4)?

You may have seen this Tutorial and know this already, which describes the two methods to connect:

indilib.org/about/ekos/guide-module.html

I have connected the ASI cam to the host computer. In the Guide Module I selected Via: EqMod Mount.

Best, Helge
5 years 2 months ago #33357

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My first suspicion is a USB power issue. The Wifi on the RPi is USB connected so having Camera, Mount and Wifi maybe too much of a power drain. A powered USB hub may be needed.
5 years 2 months ago #33359

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Maybe you can also address by increasing the current allowed for the USB port that the WiFi stick is attached to?

BTW: why WiFi? What pi are you using?
5 years 2 months ago #33365

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Helge/Ken,
I am using RPI 3 B+ (internal WiFi). WiFi is to connect to the mount and for VNC.
This is my first CCD. Eventually will be used for guiding but for now I just want to use it for polar and goto alignments.
I connect the ASI to RPI via USB.

So Ken could be right about the power drain. Will give a powered hub a try.

Thanks!
-- Max S
ZWO AM5. RST-135. AZ-GTI. HEQ5. iOptron SkyTracker.
TPO RC6. FRA400. Rokinon 135 and other lenses.
ZWO ASI2600MC. D5500 modified with UVIR clip-in filter.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini x 2. ZWO 30F4 guider. Orion 50mm guider.
ZWO EAF x 2.
Last edit: 5 years 2 months ago by maxthebuilder.
5 years 2 months ago #33387

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  • Thank you received: 86
OK. Tried a hub. Didn't help. Same symptoms. After 2-3 min the system slows down. After 5 min freezes. ASI cable disconnect brings the system back.

However, it looks like I fixed this by changing one setting in INDI Control Panel.
Options/Telescope was set to Primary for both ASI and Nikon DSLR. Changed it to Guide for ASI and it helped!
(Nikon wasn't connected but configured and its driver running).
FPS went up from 2-4 to 10-12 and no slow down after 40 min...

Beginner mistake...
Thanks!
-- Max S
ZWO AM5. RST-135. AZ-GTI. HEQ5. iOptron SkyTracker.
TPO RC6. FRA400. Rokinon 135 and other lenses.
ZWO ASI2600MC. D5500 modified with UVIR clip-in filter.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini x 2. ZWO 30F4 guider. Orion 50mm guider.
ZWO EAF x 2.
Last edit: 5 years 2 months ago by maxthebuilder.
5 years 2 months ago #33393

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