Serial DB9 cable to autoguide Losmandy Gemini?

[omaroo]

Hi all

I'm a tad new to autoguiding, even newer to the Gemini, and have a question in reference to using a standard USB ToUcam on laptop with serial port running PHD or GuideDog. I want to connect the webcam to the lappy with a standard USB cable. This gives me visual star input, so all fine there. Now the only port free on my laptop is a serial DB9 port. I'd like to run autoguider software that takes the input from the USB camera and outputs guide control via the serial port to the Gemini's autoguider port.

Can it be done, or are ST-4 compatible autoguider ports and serial ports basically mutually exclusive? My guess is that they are as RS-232 is a comms standard for transmission of data, while ST-4 is probably a switch interface of some sort. The Gemini also has an RJ-12 6-pin RS-232 port. Can I talk to it using the serial port on my laptop (which is otherwise free and USB ports aren't) and use it to guide through? If planetarium software can move the mount through this port i assume that it could work for guiding?

Much obliged for any help!

[Radar]

Hi Chris,

I'm not sure about using the serial port. I have one of these adapters from shoestring astronomy, works like a charm for webcam guiding.

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/gpint_pt.htm

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/images/gpint_pt.jpg

I see no reason why the rj-12 rs232 port could not be used for autoguiding should you set it up that way either.

Ray

[omaroo]

There's one thing my old "field lappy" DOES have Ray - a spare and very un-loved Parallel port! Excellent advice - thank you!

[Radar]

Chris do you use a GPS with your mount? I am about to use some kind of software to control my mount with my computer, I have the GPUSB plug and I'm wondering if they both use the same port.

Ray

[Jimbot]

Can it be done, or are ST-4 compatible autoguider ports and serial ports basically mutually exclusive? My guess is that they are as RS-232 is a comms standard for transmission of data, while ST-4 is probably a switch interface of some sort. The Gemini also has an RJ-12 6-pin RS-232 port. Can I talk to it using the serial port on my laptop (which is otherwise free and USB ports aren't) and use it to guide through? If planetarium software can move the mount through this port i assume that it could work for guiding?

Much obliged for any help!
All you have to do is ensure that when you wire up the DB9 plug to your laptop does it need to be wired as a null modem ie the appropriate CTS and RTS wires configured. I assume that the info with the Losmandy will have some data for you to use.
Cheers
Jim:crazy:

[Radar]

All you have to do is ensure that when you wire up the DB9 plug to your laptop does it need to be wired as a null modem ie the appropriate CTS and RTS wires configured. I assume that the info with the Losmandy will have some data for you to use.
Cheers
Jim:crazy:

Hi Jim, thanks for the tip, but that's probably over my head to be honest. I'm getting one of these -

http://astronomystores.net/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16&category_id=17

Anyone know if these sell in Australia?

Thanks

Ray

[Radar]

Just in case someone else is chasing one of these cables, Advanced Telescope Supplies in NSW, Australia make them up.

Ray