The EQ8 Update. My thoughts on the mount. How it performs and through mount cabling, does it work?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

I just love watching that beast slew around Glenn! Thanks for the shout out as well. Glad to see you’re getting along well with PemPro.

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Joe. I must say I do love watching the mount slew. Pempro has done a great job on the PEC, it may not be cheap but I do think its worth the money

[@jackelrdhdhd4534]

My bad I was referring to your next installment. Thanks again for the informative / entertaining content.

[@Astrobloke]

No worries! My mistake. I will hopefully get that finished soon. Had some mixed experiences with the backlash and polar align tools in that program and need to make sure its not me and user error

[@nightscapejournals]

That noise is sublime!! 🙌

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Paul. You are not far behind. 👍

[@richardchurch4137]

I’ve been in the hobby about three years, got some nice equipment but not sure it’s what I want stick too long to , looking to get something like this very set up, more permanent and hopefully once installed collimation not too often etc in an obsy , so thanks for posting astrobloke :) 👍👍

[@Astrobloke]

Building an observatory takes your hobby to the next level. It makes capturing so much easier and removes a lot of the tedious processes like having to collimate every session or just setting it all up. It is definitely worth the effort and has many advantages. Wish you all the best and clear skies

[@davidleejenkins]

Thank you Glen. My EQ8-Rh is still in the box as I wait for my pier adapter plate. I really appreciate you showing me the challenges you've faced. I'm looking forward to seeing your follow-up video on PEMPro.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi David, Thank you. I bet you can't wait to get that up and running. What scope are you putting on it? I will try and get the Pempro video out soon.

[@davidleejenkins]

@@Astrobloke for now, my EdgeHD 8. Once I get that combination working properly, I’ll look at getting a bigger scope.

[@richardmarquardt6246]

So happy for you and your EQ8! That was a bit of heart stopper on that slew.

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Richard i am very happy. Even though it works flawlessly I still think its going to hit the roof and hold my breath

[@astrophotonics9470]

Glad it worked out with such tight quarters, Clear Skies.

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you, it really was quite tight. Kind of cool really or should I say Cozy...lol

[@raypace6981]

Great mount and video Glenn. Glad it works to your expectations. Keep your videos coming up! Cheers

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Ray, really appreciate your comments .

[@jackelrdhdhd4534]

Just found your channel / Look for the update on EQ-8 / I have the Orion HDX-110 G/ I'll wait for the update before I buy PEMpro , Your Pics are fantastic !!

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Jackeird and thank you for commenting. What update are you referring too? Is it a firmware for motors?

[@Br00se]

Nice Glen, I'm glad it is working out for you. I just upgraded my Orion Sirius EQ-G to an EQ6-R Pro this past weekend. That EQ8 is just a beast, I'm still a little jealous of you and Joe getting those huge mounts. My AT115EDT arrived the same day as my EQ6 and now I have to be careful when moving my roof because now my kit is too tall at it's highest point. I was holding my breath when you were slewing around with the roof closed.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Bruce. That sounds like a nice set up you have. Always a worry with the roof but so far I have not had any issues. Wish I had videos the look on my face when I first tried that slew, it would have been a picture lol

[@davidschaeffer5322]

Love the built in flat panel !! Brilliant!!

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Davis. It seems to work well too which is a bonus

[@markbayfield6381]

Such a cool set up, no wonder your images are so good

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Mark

[@paulholdsworth2502]

Really good video Glen . It's obviously an amazing mount with a massive payload capacity. When you can achieve guiding in the low .3's it's clearly worth every penny 👍

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Paul. I am over the moon actually and impressed greatly with the numbers. Unlike the numbers on my credit card and bank balance lol.

[@HogarthsAstrophotography]

Hey. Glad you got the cabling sorted. Looking forward to your Pempro video, I’ve been looking at it for probably two years, but could never bring myself to pull the trigger on it.

[@Astrobloke]

Thankyou and yes I was happy as it makes it so neat. Will hopefully sort the pempro video soon (weather permitting)

[@lukomatico]

Glenn! WOW! - What a video mate, broken down perfectly and full of totally easy to digest information - well done! Super glad to hear PemPro is working out well for you, 0.3 is supremely good guiding! 0.5 is still really very good I reckon, but that's a big boost in performance with the PemPro curve! Just wanted to say aswell, as a fellow EQ8 owner, I agree totally with your summary - it's a really wonderful mount to own and use, very happy indeed! (as you mention though, it's not exactly portable! hahah) Thanks for the shout out by the way! P.S - that flat panel slew set the heart racing a bit LOL!

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Luke. The guiding at 0.5 is great and I think the 0.3 will be the good seeing nights either way sharp stars and detailed images so very happy. I am loving the mount and thanks again for tour help and advice. Had to mention you as I’d picked up the whole rig and moved it a couple of times and was like any further than 10ft and I am not imaging tonight lol. Think I would end up strapping it to a sack barrow or something. Clear skies mate

[@lukomatico]

@@Astrobloke It was my genuine pleasure to be able to help in some small way mate, I'm just so happy to hear it's all worked out swimmingly and you're happy with the purchase! :-D here's to many happy years with our EQ8's matey!

[@deepdiver0101]

Good vid, thanks for the update. That's the issue with through mount connections from several vendors. The internal cabling add to the total allowed usb 3 cable length, too long is a problem. I think the cabling in the eq8 and some others is fairly long, leaving only a short extra outside cable allowance. I think skywaytcher discussed this on the What's up podcast from skywatcher recently, good info channel for their gear. Clear skies...

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you. I think you are right. I do have a long run but as usb 2 which would effect me if I was doing say planetary work. A powered hub just before the mount could work or if you had a NUC or similar mounted close to the EQ8 you could most probably have usb3 all the way through

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Interesting video, Glenn. I'm glad you figured out the USB cable issues Someday when I win the lottery ... well, you know.

[@Astrobloke]

I need to win the lottery now to pay off my cards lol. The dreaded usb issues. Lets be honest it happens all the time.

[@DSOImager]

Nice video Glenn. I have to say.. that my experiences with skywatcher support has been good... so that's another plus for this mount in my opinion. Very interested in your pempro video. In regards to star parties.. I have full confidence in the Astrovan hauling that thing where it needs to in comfort. Just get a dolly for the mount and hitch it to the rear. I'm sure that will work brilliantly! :)

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks James. Will hopefully sort the pempro video soon. I am looking forward to going to some star parties this year, will be my first

[@dereksmythe9042]

Just love that mount

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Derek, i love it too

[@erni898]

Nice video Glenn. Very interested in your pempro video.!!! we waiting

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Ernest. I will try and get that out very soon. I just need to look at and record the polar align and the backlash features

[@erni898]

@@Astrobloke Thanks Glen! I starting use EQ8R mount too, just waiting when dust mass (Calima) finally gone from our Island, already 3 weeks waiting good condition. Your Video about PPEC and other info about Guiding performance really cool. So Thanks a lot. Nice Chanel !

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Ernest. I hope those skies clear soon for you.

[@crm114.]

Great video, thanks. I've had no luck with mine and am in the process of returning my new EQ8-R. The first issue was the horrible dec backlash reported by PHD2 but I'm not sure the numbers are totally genuine. The deal-breaker for me was when the mount failed to complete its first flip. There appears to be binding in the RA axis when the mount is below 5C - it produced a very loud brief whining noise. I eliminated all the other causes I can think of: cable snags, power supply etc. So, it's going back - not sure where to go next.

[@Astrobloke]

That is a real shame Cliff. A big purchase like that not working as it should. I am dubious about the backlash report in PHD2 and I know from experience that binding can cause this to look like backlash in the Guide assistant. I think from what you are saying the worm gears on your mount are in a fraction too tight. With the fixed worm drive Temperature changes are a big factor. I seem to be lucky and here in the south of the UK there are very rarely big temp swings. The CEM120 or even 70 are worth considering and having a floating worm gear do not suffer from this issue as much. I do know that a friend of mine has issues however with his CEM120 that at -15C is stops working (paperwork says its good to -10C) He never had this issue with his EQ6 R PRO. Unfortunately during winter he can go down to -20C. I think he is looking at heat pads or dew tapes to keep it warmer.

[@crm114.]

Thanks for the reply. The Dec axis certainly was tight in places (no play at all). I can't decide whether or not to give the EQ8 another go or try something else such as the ioptron. I would have to get rid of my pier as well..

[@SimonsAstro]

Great vid Glenn. That mount is a beast! I’d like to see you take it to a star party😀 Glad it’s working out for you mate👍

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Simon. Are you volunteering to help me carry it?? Lol Lets hope we can get to some and catch clear skies too this year

[@SimonsAstro]

@@Astrobloke I like you’re thinking! Apart from the ‘me carrying’ it bit 😀

[@Astrobloke]

@@SimonsAstro lol

[@barryallen5744]

Good stuff Glen, my EQ6-R Pro is currently performing very good. An upgrade to a mount like the EQ8 will be necessary when I receive my C 14...

[@Astrobloke]

The EQ6 is a great mount and I still love mine but with the larger scopes and payloads the bigger mounts are needed.

[@TheWonkyAstronomer]

Looks great. I almost bought one but the delivery time was too long here in Australia so I ended up getting the iOptron CEM120. It's nice that you can slew to the flat panel with the roof closed.

[@Astrobloke]

I almost got the CEM120 but fate guided me to the EQ8. My mate Joe has the CEM120 though and it looks a superb mount so you must be very happy with it. It is great that I can slew to the panel but boy is it close lol

[@kmh032008]

Good video. Regarding Pempro....anyone else noticed all their download links are dead on their site?

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you. I will have to check that out

[@Antiath]

I think the backlash in the DEC axis reported by PHD2 is quite accurate. It's not that difficult to measure anyway. My EQ8r also has quite a lot of it, according to PHD2. I am not that worried about it as it doesn't affect my guiding that much. Thing is, as long as you are properly polar aligned, you won't have to really guide inb the DEC axis. There are situations though where this backlash can be annoying. The first is when you have a sudden jump ( because of a wind gust for example) that throws the mount into the backlash . The mount will then need some time to catch up and bring back the guide star where it's supposed to be. It's not that frequent as the mount is so sturdy that it barely feels the wind, as you mentionned. But I did see this happening a couple times. The other issue, and this one is a little more annoying, is that you can't do dithering in the DEC axis. I tried and yep, it fails. Each time a dither move is issued to the mount, generaly a few pixels, the dec part of the move doesn't occur because the axis is lost in the backlash. I only dither in the RA axis. Not perfect but heh. Again I can still guide really well and get those oh so satisfaying RMS numbers, but there is clearly a manufacturing issue with the DEC worm wheel that is causing this backlash. And, for the price we pay, I think Skywatcher could do a better job on that.

[@Astrobloke]

Totally agree with your points but the EQ8 like a lot of mounts are still built to a price point. Mounts with worm gears that are machined to precision are 10K plus and in this respect the EQ8 is a cheap mount. The reason I question the backlash measurement in PHD2 is that if you run the guide assistant multiple times the results differ and are rarely consistant.

[@Duncy123456]

Great and honest video , thanks . From my understanding of your wiring configuration you seem to be taking your camera data through the saddle and out of tbe mount via usb3 cables bug then into a usb2 cable to your computer , does this mean that the data transfer speed is throttled back to usb2 ? I am impressed that it works as most groups /posts seem to be saying it's an issue unless you have a new mount where sw seem to have replaced electronics and porentially upgraded the internal cabling . Thanks for sharing your experience with us all. Duncan

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Duncan and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment so kindly, It did step down to USB 2 but was never an issue as I always take long exposures. Lucky imaging or planetary would cause a bottleneck. I have since changed that lead to a USB 3,1 by Lindy. Basically by buying a quality lead it all worked. The one I had previously was a cheaper lead and caused the camera connection issues. Everything now works great and I love the mount. Clear skies, Glenn

[@Duncy123456]

@@Astrobloke Glenn , thanks , I am just on the verge of picking up a 2020 mount that has the USB issue and any heads up on how to overcome the USB 3 data transfer issue is appreciated, I had read that better cables helped but the number of discussions ref these older ( 2020) machines still seem to be saying that there was a hub issue initially that SW resolved with later mounts .Good to talk all the same , keep up the good work .

[@Astrobloke]

@@Duncy123456 i wonder if SW offer an upgrade to the older mounts as I would look to do that. I may enquire

[@CaptRescue2]

Would love to have one.....one of these days....

[@Astrobloke]

I do consider myself lucky.

[@redabdab]

Hi again. did you get around to posting a video about Pempro? I'm being told that loading a PEC curve is a really good idea with the EQ8, but I don't have a clue how to make one! Thanks

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Stuart. I know I said I was doing a video but I had some issues when making it and never got around to finishing it. I have recently moved and in the process of building a new obsy and will be using PEMPRO to set everything up so will do a video of that at the same time. Its going to be a good month or 2 but hopefully will be up and running properly again soon.

[@redabdab]

@@Astrobloke cool! Thanks

[@OutlandishJourneys]

Great stuff, Glen! Glad you’re enjoying the Mount…nice to have the larger capacity, especially with a beefy Newtonian! :) Can I please ask what Losmandy plates you’re using on your CT10? The look pretty sturdy and I’m looking for some for a couple of my larger rigs? Thanks so much for your time and have a great day! 😃

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you so much and I hope all is well with you. The bottom Losmandy was supplied by Orion Optics and came on the scope but the top one is by firstlightoptics and its very well priced. www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/stellamira-universal-losmandy-style-dovetail-bar.html Clear skies

[@PierreVandevenne]

Good review. The one I own behaved as well out of the box in terms of tracking. As far as the USB hub is concerned, on top of the cable length issue, the in-saddle hub relies on a Genesys Logic 0x612 chipset (3.1 compatible) and the Lenovo external hub that was delivered with my mount on a Genesys Logic 0x626 (3.2 compatible). Things would work a bit better by default if they used the newer chipset in their saddle (but it wouldn't solve the USB power delivery issue for hungry components unless they decide to go for a real powered hub). I got the saddle hub to work by using the Lenovo hub and the short cable delivered with the mount however it is less reliable (at USB3 speeds) with cameras than connecting them to the Lenovo hub so, in the end, I don't use the saddle hub anyway. Maybe that will change when I start using an industrial powered USB 3 hub. The power part is very useful though. As far as the big Dec backlash is concerned, it is there and seems real to me but it doesn't matter much, if at all, if you have a good polar alignment because you don't really guide much in Dec. The first 2-3 seconds of the guiding session might be slightly affected but it settles at once in my case and I do ultimately get slightly better guiding in Dec than I do in RA (Dec typical is 0.2" to 0.3" RMS, RA typical 04" to 0.5" - 24 kg load). I don't attempt to optimize it as my setup is mobile and not wind-protected anyway. BTW, one big plus of the mount is its weight and stability: I used it in very windy conditions, so windy that my open laptop was blown off the table and I was still getting around 1" RMS :). The mount shows more PE in some positions than others (possibly a balance issue) but nothing that GSS PPEC can't handle. I don't think I will attempt to optimize guiding at this point, given that I am well below my seeing and Nyquist for my sampling. Your review and Martin's review are great, keep them coming!

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Pierre and thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. Its a shame that Sky Watcher did not make a proper job at the through mount cabling and they really should fix the issue and supply upgrades to people with mounts already. I have mine working reliably but at usb 2 speeds. Thats fine for me as I don't do planetary or lucky imaging but for some that would be an issue. I was wondering about industrial graded powered usb hubs and if that would fix things. What one are you looking at?

[@PierreVandevenne]

@@Astrobloke I have received a Pegasus Astro USB Control Hub a couple of days ago. The EQ8 usb hub remains a PITA unfortunately. USB 2.x, no problem. As far as USB 3.x some things are recognized and connect fine (Omegon/Altair Touptek based 178MM, 224MC) but aren't totally reliable in long runs through the night, no luck getting the ASI 2600MC or 6200MM recognized though, even with the powered hub and a very short external cable. I've got a lot of USB traffic with a relatively large USB 3 guider and live view in APT with +/-100 MB frames on the 6200MM so there's that... Will keep experimenting. Skywatcher should indeed really fix that. ZWO has no problem with reliable HS transfers on their their flimsy-looking long flat cables from the 6200MM, which also includes a USB 2.1 hub...

[@tadassiksnius3402]

Hi bud, could you tell me where have you plugged white usb b cable thats currently plugged to the top usb connection ( next to hand controller port )? Is it going to your pc too? And you have two usb cables plugged into your pc? Thanks man

[@Astrobloke]

Hi. I did have that as a long lead to the computer but now run a much shorter lead from the mount to the Pegasus powerbox that is connected to the through mount cabling. Only one usb cable and power cable up through the mount now.

[@Seanjones1990]

i had the eq6r in its own shed and a "automated 1 switch go" setup.. sold it all, became too automated and boring gone back to an eq3 so i can move around bearing modded it myself so i am getting 0.5 arcseconds happy days.

[@Astrobloke]

I have been mindful of that and why I also have the mobile rig. If I just had the Obsy all automated you do lose the drive to get out there as its too easy to be lazy. I really do not want to do that ever. I am in fact sorting another mobile set up so that will keep me out for longer

[@Seanjones1990]

@@Astrobloke yeah keeps it interesting going places especially in winter where you can be on site at 6 pm and its nearly dark already and just image till 1 am or something then go home. its perfect and if ur with a friend or something. even better :)

[@Astrobloke]

@@Seanjones1990 i definitely agree with the ‘with a friend’. I often end up at a secluded dark site on my own allowing my imagination to scare myself lol

[@Seanjones1990]

@@Astrobloke mate i wouldn't go alone for a fact. axe murderer. lol

[@Astrobloke]

@@Seanjones1990 Exactly....lol

[@redabdab]

I'm a bit confused about your cabling here Glen. Is the long USB 2.0 the only connection to the laptop? (i.e. is the USB into the Pegasus from the mount) If so, how are you managing to transfer images reliably from the camera? I'm also puzzled that your short USB3 lead from the pier is plugging into the bottom of the mount. My understanding was that those sockets on the bottom were only outputs and you can only control the mount from the USB type B on the side of the mount as this is an input USB. Or are you using the base of the mount as a hub and then taking a separate lead into the side of the mount to control it?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Stuart. I run a separate lead to the mount. The usb2 was to connect the pc to the through mount cabling provided on the EQ8. I have since found that spending a little extra and buying high quality cables like Lindy i can now connect fully via usb 3 and the camera is detected as it should. It all worked fine under usb2 for file transfer as I never did anything fast like video.but now I can. I posted an update via a community post but will follow up with a new video

[@redabdab]

@@Astrobloke Got it. Thanks 👍

[@afryhover]

That's a lovely OTA and mount 👍 Is there somewhere we can see your images?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Andrew and thankyou. If you look up Astrobloke on Insta, facebook, twitter etc I should pop up or there is my website Www.Astrobloke.co.uk

[@chrispoupart7231]

More EQ8R videos please !!! Love these. Quick question: I've let PHD2 develop the PEC curve for my EQ8R by having a LONG calibration cycle (2 full worm cycles) and then guiding is perfect. However, when doing a meridian flip, it's like it forgets to invert the adjustments and then I loose all tracking. It's like I need to re-calibrate after a meridian flip. Is that happening with your EQ8R?

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you Chris and noted. I am not having that issue but the is a setting in PHD2 that reverses the DEC after meridian flip. Tick the box to enable, it may help

[@chrispoupart7231]

Cheers mate ! Will try that, as soon as the weather clears up :)

[@dcastro4041]

Hi Glenn, great video. In your observatory it is quite dark and I have not seen the wiring well, as far as the solution to make it work in USB 3.0 mode is concerned. I also have an EQ8-R for a year, but I have not been able to use the connections on the mount. I also saw the video of Martin who, like you, also says to use a USB3.0 cable of half a meter maximum, but I don't understand with which power supply and with which ampere power, and you also say that from your Laptop you start with a USB2.0 cable ?? frustration ;-) Thank you very much

[@Astrobloke]

Hi sorry for the the video being too dark to see it all. I have a small tower PC that I control everything from. I have an Active USB2.0 cable that is 3m long and plugged into this is a 0.5m USB3.0 cable that plugs into the mount at the bottom. From the saddle I have a very short USB3.0 (0.3m) lead to the camera. I use a Nevada Power supply unit to power the the mount both directly and to the pin input to power the top plate. From that one runs to my camera via the Pegasus power box. I am obviously not running at UBS3.0 speeds because of the USB2.0 lead in the chain. They do sell active USB3.0 extenders but I have not tested them so not sure if they would work on not. I only do DSO imaging so the high speeds are not needed for me but if you did planetary I think the USB2.0 would cause a lag.

[@dcastro4041]

@@AstroblokeThank you Glenn very Kind your Explanation..

[@ShevillMathers]

Put a USB 3.0 cable from the mount to your PC, set up how you have it is throttling back your transfer rate by a factor of at least 8-10. Use a high quality 3.0 -3.1 cable.

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Shevill. I have it all working but will look into the cables as I am sure there is a huge difference between the makes in performance

[@ShevillMathers]

@@Astrobloke The average USB 2.0 cable works fine for printers but the majority are not the best option for what we are doing in astrophotography, where there is a lot more data flow, especially as camera pixel count increases. USB 3.0 when working with a genuine USB 3.0 chipset in the PC along with a good quality USB 3.0 cable is 10 times faster in data throughput. If nothing else, use a good quality USB 3.0 cable all the way from camera to to PC, don't put a USB 2.0 cable in that link. Speaking from a lot of experience working with a large range of professional equipment over many years. Clear skies.

[@fiorenzomanganiello2853]

Hi, I had a gem45g and with the 'usb hub I had a bad experience as connected my 294 on it and lately did not download the images. Now I would like to buy an EQ8 R PRO, if I connect my 294 on the USB 3.0 hub, then the connection will always be stable?

[@Astrobloke]

I use the 294mm and 2600mm and both have been completely stable with no issues. The only issue I had was the first cable I tried which was a 5m usb3 (non active) the cameras would not be detected. Since buying a Lindy usb3.1 active cable 5m I have had solid connection with no drop outs at all

[@fiorenzomanganiello2853]

@@Astrobloke Actually I have Lindy Chromo Line 1 mt.

[@drrenberg]

Hello, First of all Id like to thank you for your content. Its been helping me out allot! I have the same mount you do and im running it out of the box. I found the PPEC to be difficult to get to work. Thanks for the recommendation PEMPro, ill try it out when the skies are dark again (my observatory is in a dark site in Norway so summer months are off season for me). I have a question regarding EQMod VS GSS. I know EQMod is a tried and tested software that works but its also not evolving. I hear the PPEC is way easier and its supposed to work nicely too. If you or anyone else in here has any experience with it id love to hear your thoughts on this.

[@Astrobloke]

I have never used GSS but know people who do, They all recommend it and often tell me to try it. I would like to but its difficult because everything works for me that I have set up and I worry to upset it. Thank you for your question though and I think I will take a look at it and see what it is like. Look for a future video

[@actudoran]

So many classes above me 😂... Ah well ... My tired Celestron AS-GT was guiding at 0.48 RMS ... And then like 15 minutes later ... 1.3 ... Heck ... I don't know what to do to it to make it better to be honest ... Will try PEM Pro to see if that makes a difference, but I can only see half of the sky from here.

[@Astrobloke]

Pempro may help, depends whats causing the guiding to go off by so far. 0.48rms is brilliant so its just keeping that constant

[@actudoran]

@@Astrobloke trust me ... When it works ... It's astounding ... When it doesn't ... It's shite ... So frustrating 😔 my pixscale is 0.95 so yeah ... Unless I get that Starizona reducer I'm vulnerable to its whims ... I so wish I had you level of precision :) Good stuff!!!

[@roland775]

USB3 cables have a limited length. I placed a powered USB3 hub at the mount with a short cable between the mount and hub. I have no issues with both a guide camera and imaging camera using the through the mount cabling.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Roland and thank you for the information. I did try this but unfortunately it did not work, however the powered usb hub I was using was not expensive and I think of low quality and it caused other usb devices to detach. Can I ask which usb 3.0 hub you used?

[@roland775]

@@Astrobloke i purchased it from Best Buy in the US. The brand is Insignia, model NS-PH3A4AP. It's nothing special.

[@MrCervelo2]

coooool

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks thomas

[@ShevillMathers]

PS, Using Lindy USB 3.0 CABLES I have no problem getting up to 25 metres from the 1 metre telescope to the control room for the odd time we use USB cameras on the big scope. All makes of cables are not always what they claim, as I have experienced since the first ever USB cameras became available.

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks again Shevill. I am going to order some Lindy 3.1 usb 3.0 and try them out

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Shevill. I wanted to say thank you ever so much for your advice on this and to let you know I now have it working perfectly. I bought the LINDY 5M active usb3.1 cable and no connection issues at all. Brilliant advice and I am very grateful. I have sent out a community post to help other EQ8 users as I know many have this issue. I mentioned you which I hope you don't mind. Many thanks again and clear skies.

[@ShevillMathers]

@@Astrobloke Hi Glen, not a problem my friend. I have been building telescopes since the early 1960's. computers and video since the mid 1980's and combining experiences gained since the early days of the first analogue and digital cameras, both in my medical work and in astronomy. One thing I have learnt in electronics, if it's cheap it's probably useless, or close to it. USB cables vary in grade and quality and there are no standards. Only the top makers such as Lindy and others do make/supply what is claimed on the package. I have seen so many guys spend a fortune on their scope, mount, camera, only to skimp on the one vital link from mount and or camera to their computer, using a crap USB 2.0 cable (some 'might' work) instead of quality USB 3.0-3.1 designated cables. Having taught these subjects at university and tech college level, and used all this gear myself, I have an advantage that a new guy buying and setting up his gear does not, and it is a steep learning curve for many. Video and computers have not been natural partners for as long as I have been involved with both. Chipsets in USB ports vary enormously and many that claim to be USB 3.0 are often using cheap chipsets that don't have the actual data throughput claimed. When I was using my SDI video systems for projects with NASA, I learnt a lot about computer motherboards and their USB ports, not all can handle the data rate from my broadcast quality HD- SDI Video cameras. We are talking about a huge leap from standard video at 30 megabytes a second (every video frame is approx 1.1 MB in size) so 30 odd MB/second. HD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) pro cameras output data at gigabyte rates and need computers with full spec ports and full spec cables. We have come a long way in camera & computer design, I would like to be around in 20 years time to see where we have got to. Clear skies and share any of my comments, all hard earned knowledge from actual use, I am not an armchair astronomer, as you may have noticed from my pics inside my observatories.

[@tadassiksnius3402]

Hey man, could you please help with advise, again..... Is pegasus powerbox a MUST for eq8? I have recently upgraded to eq8r pro, and only using main camera with guide cam. I would like to control all with NINA, directly from my pc ( as its only couple meters away ). And at this point unsure if i need to purchase anything else to make things work. Many thanks

[@Astrobloke]

Hi there. The Pegasus powerbox is not a must but a nice solution for powering all the different pieces of equipment and reduce how many cables you have running from the floor. There is nothing wrong with not using one of these and just powering your camera, mount and other equipment with separate power supplies. Hope this helps answer your question. Clear skies

[@tadassiksnius3402]

@@Astrobloke thanks man. I have used 1m usb3.0 last night to connect mount to pc, got all connected to nina, but NINA would constantly bring up random connection error that camera disconnected. Connected camera cable directly to pc, and not a single error, something tells me that hub is somehow messed up. Will email FLO shortly. Thanks again

[@stargaizerss]

The only issue I see with your setup is the USB 2 extension to your mount. You are hooking up a USB3 to USB2 and you are limiting the bandwidth to 480 MB/S instead of the 5 GB bandwidth of the USB3. Change out that USB2 for USB3 and you will have more bandwidth and power for faster transfer speeds to your PC.

[@Astrobloke]

I have since this video found a LINDY usb 3.1 active that worked fine and upgraded to that. The usb 2 was fine though as I only ever take long subs of DSO. Planetary requiring video or short EAA subs would have been an issue with the slower transfer speeds. Clear skies

[@ticcc3]

finally got my eq8r its pritty stiff im currently looking into it any idears?

[@Astrobloke]

I would see how the guiding and general performance before tinkering with anything.

[@ticcc3]

@@Astrobloke im not going to touch anything, i want to see how it performs and gather as much info i can. will be speaking with the dealer too. iv found the eq8 yahoo group useful too. thanks for the reply (:

[@hael8680]

So you are running everything at a USB 2.0 datarate?

[@Astrobloke]

At the moment I am yes. I am thinking and will test that if you had a pc close you could just run a usb3 from that to mount. A NUC or something similar would do this. I only do long subs on DSO images so usb 2.0 works fine. If you needed fast download for planetary work or lucky imaging it would be restricting.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi. A quick update for you. I have run a usb 3.0 to a powered hub and then run a 1m usb 3.0 from that to the mount and now the usb 3.0 works all the way through. In an observatory a powered usb hub is easy to add not so much if outside. Hope this helps

[@InfiniteBeautyOfficial]

I want to play with your equipment🙄

[@Astrobloke]

🔭