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Loses connection with iOptron CEM40 after meridian flip

  • Posts: 62
  • Thank you received: 1
Hi,
Not after every night but often enough I wake up to find that I lost half of the night's lights due to lost connection with the iOptron mount right after the meridian flip.
Unfortunately I don't have a verbose log, but perhaps the below can help?
It started to behave like this after the latest software update. I'm currently on Stellarmate SM-110 Version 1.7.2.

[2022-09-05T02:44:36.601 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - ZWO CCD ASI2600MC Pro : "[INFO] Taking a 300 seconds frame... "
[2022-09-05T02:45:33.340 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.mount] - "Meridian flip waiting."
[2022-09-05T02:49:37.707 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - ZWO CCD ASI2600MC Pro : "[INFO] Exposure done, downloading image... "
[2022-09-05T02:49:37.766 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - ZWO CCD ASI2600MC Pro : "[INFO] Download complete. "
[2022-09-05T02:49:38.190 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - "FITS" file saved to "/home/stellarmate/Pictures/Light/Light_058.fits"
[2022-09-05T02:49:38.712 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.capture] - "Download Time: 0.71 s, New Download Time Estimate: 0.68 s."
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.480 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.capture] - "Received image 29 out of 65."
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.488 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.capture] - "Captured /home/stellarmate/Pictures/Light/Light_058.fits"
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.669 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.mount] - Meridian flip: slewing to RA= "00h 22m 58s" DEC= " 61° 48' 56\"" Hour Angle "00h 00m 41s"
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.669 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.mount] - "Meridian flip started."
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.700 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.guide] - "Autoguiding aborted."
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.728 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.align] - Target updated to JNow RA: "00h 22m 58s" DE: " 61° 48' 56\""
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.733 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.mount] - "Meridian flip slew started..."
[2022-09-05T02:49:39.842 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - iOptron CEM40 : "[INFO] Slewing to RA: 0:22:58 - DEC: 61:48:56 "
[2022-09-05T02:49:40.572 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.guide] - "Mount is moving. Resetting calibration..."
[2022-09-05T02:49:40.588 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.ekos.guide] - "Calibration is cleared."
[2022-09-05T02:50:13.810 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - iOptron CEM40 : "[ERROR] bool IOPv3::Driver::getCoords(double*, double*, IOPv3::IOP_PIER_STATE*, IOPv3::IOP_CW_STATE*): Expected 20 bytes but received 0. "
[2022-09-05T02:50:14.814 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - iOptron CEM40 : "[ERROR] Write Command Error: Write Error: Input/output error "
[2022-09-05T02:50:14.819 CEST INFO ][ org.kde.kstars.indi] - iOptron CEM40 : "[ERROR] Write Command Error: Write Error: Input/output error "
...
And the "Write Error" continues forever.

Any ideas? Since I ran out of ideas I'm planning on trying to control the mount through the HBX connector instead of through USB, what do you think, could that be more stable?

Cheers,
// Åke
1 year 6 months ago #86093

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Someone else posted that the USB port on the CEM40 can be a bit loose, and this can manifest in a disconnect during the meridian flip.

I would suggest using tape or double sided hook and loop to pull the USB plug to one side to create sideways tension on the USB cable in the port, preventing it from slipping backwards. It doesn't need to fall out to not connect properly.

I am having a similar disconnect although mine doesn't happen with excessive mount movement, and it isn't a simple disconnect, it takes down the entire Pi USB subsystem. Still trying to figure that one out.
1 year 6 months ago #86135

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Thanks for your info and thoughts. Yes, I suspect it can be the connector. I actually had to replace the cable once before due to this.
I tried to provoke it yesterday manually but didn't succeed to disconnect it (unless I almost plugged it out).
It's not fun when it happens during an unattended photo session...

Could it maybe be possible to make the driver more robust and less sensitive to short disconnects?
Because if I manage to disconnect it, it will not reconnect again, but rather get stuck in the endless "Write Error" loop.

Not sure who developed this driver, does anyone know? Could be worth a try to discuss with him/her/them.
Or is it open source? Maybe I could look into it myself.
1 year 6 months ago #86150

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1 year 6 months ago #86153

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I posted a request to StellarMate support and suggested to reconnect if the connection is lost. They will consider implementing it.
Meanwhile I will try the iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter and see if that resolves the issue.
1 year 6 months ago #86291

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