Skywatcher synscan software upgrade problem

[Ryan101]

Hoping someone can help.
I recently attained a large skywatcher dob with synscan and the like.
I tried updating to the newest software release but unfortunately it wouldn't work.
It seemed as though it started to then kept stopping part of the way through the update.

Now my hand controller seems stuck between the old and new software. I can't change my coordinates though they do display at my old input. I can change my time and date though. In allignment it now gives me the option of a 3 star allignment, where before it didn't, but it won't allow me to access this option.
Does anyone know what is going on?
Is there a way to revert back to the previous software release?


Cheers Ryan

[Startrek]

Ryan,
Any reason why you wanted to update the Synscan software ?
My SW 12” Goto Dob is 5years old now ( Synscan version 4 ) and works fine, there’s no need for an upgrade to V5
I have read folk on CN having issues with updating to version 5
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it , that’s the advice they gave
A friend of mine recently bought an SW 8” Goto dob and wanted to tighten up the Altitude motor drive as this model does not have external clutches
He spoke to Graeme Almond , QA , service and support for Tasco Sales ( Australian Agent for Skywatcher ) and he sent information on how to perform this work.
Hopefully Graeme may be able to help or advise you regarding Synscan upgrades
Email: returns@tasco.com.au

Hopefully other IIS folk chime in to to help you

I have 3 EQ mounts with Synscan and 1 AzAlt Dob with Synscan and unless the handcontrollers die on me I’m not going to touch them or upgrade them

Good luck with it

Martin

[m11]

Hi Ryan,

What does your Synscan Hand controller show as the version now?

What is the Hand Controller V model v3/v4/v5?

It maybe the wrong version software for the handcontroller?

Once validated its the right software version - can you go through the upgrade process again?

Firmware: SynScan V5 Hand Controller For All GOTO Mounts, Version 6.00.06

Please note that this hand controller firmware is applicable for those hand controllers with version 6.00.00 or later only. This firmware is not compatible with SynScan V4/V5 hand controllers with version 4.xx.xx. If the hand controller is with version 4.xx.xx, please do NOT update with this firmware. The outlook of the hand controller with version 6.00.00 or later is identical to the SynScan V5 controller with version 4.xx.xx except that the LCD modules are different. Both the firmware with version 4 and version 6 have the same functions and features, we will keep updating and maintaining them simultaneously.


http://skywatcher.com/download/software/

When I upgraded I had alot more issues finding a serial to usb converter to work with the Hand Controller and Laptop - this was for v4 going to 4.39.

Hope it helps,

Mel

[Ryan101]

Mel, I think it's a much older version than anything you have mentioned.


I wanted to update because I wanted the 3 star alignment option and my hand control only had an option for 2 star alignment. That's the only feature I wanted to get. I wish I hadn't now.


I'll look tomorrow at what version it's displaying now and post.


Thanks for the help.

[m11]

Hi Ryan,

No problems. :thumbsup:

Yah understand on wanting to update.

Once you know the firmware version you can tell if the update worked or not.

[Ryan101]

I've just fired up the mount and the hand controller says

V 04.37.03
I believe this is different from what it used to say. I think it used to say V2 point something. I may be wrong about that though.

[m11]

Do you know what Synscan Hand Controller version you have?
From memory there was V3, V4 and V5.

[Ryan101]

I don't know which version controller it is. It doesn't seem to say anywhere.
I've attached some pics though.

[Ryan101]

Looking at some pictures on the differences I believe it is a version 4 hand controller.

[m11]

Yah it look like the v4 handset.

I have a 14" Skywatcher goto and it looks the same.

Confirmed also with the below link:
https://www.astro-baby.com/astrobaby/help/rebuilding-the-skywatcher-heq5orion-sirius-mount/appendix-hardware-and-software-history/

Can you control the dobsonian with it, like use the buttons and the scopes moves up and down , left and right?

Can you go through the brightest star alignment or two star alignment process at all?

[Ryan101]

Yes I can control the scope and do a 2 star alignment. The only things I found that won't work are; changing my coordinates and elevation, brightest star and 3 star alignment.
It's quite frustrating because the coordinates are stuck on my home location and I don't always observe at home.

[Ryan101]

When doing the initial setup, at the coordinates part, I can change the coordinates but it won't let me enter to the next input, elevation I think.
I have press escape to go to the next input and it reverts back to the previous coordinates. It's the same when I enter the elevation.

I can enter the time and date and it's fine.
Maybe it's just that firmware release had bugs but I'm not sure.

[m11]

At least you have control of the scope with the hand controller even if some of the input functions are not working.

You are at a point where if you cant input that information is going to cause you issues or if they are a minor inconvenience. Since you have partial control, you could make things worse. A new hand controller last time I got one was around $230.

It also depends whether you are willing to risk doing another upgrade/downgrade again in the hope to gain the full functionality of the handcontroller.

I would say contact Skywatcher as Martin has suggested if you do decide to proceed with the upgrade. I am not sure what occured during the first upgrade and what went wrong as well.

[Ryan101]

Yeah I'll contact them I think.
Thanks for your help

[m11]

I hope it all works out well for you.

All the best. :thumbsup:

[Startrek]

I’ve been following discussions and checked many posts on Cloudy Nights and Stargazers Lounge regarding Synscan firmware updates etc….
These forums are plastered with folk having issues with version 3 and version 4 updates
I hate throwing money at problems but if I were in your shoes , I’d buy a new handset and be done with it.
By all means call Tasco or email them to get advice , but my guess is that they will preferably opt for supplying a new handset to you either from themselves or a vendor

Again Good Luck !!!
Martin

[gaseous]

Not to throw a spanner in the works, but for less than the cost of a new hand controller, would the OP consider buying the Synscan wifi dongle and controlling the mount off their phone via the Synscan app, or even Stellarium? I know there's a bit of initial stuffing about to get everything talking properly if you choose Stellarium to run things, but even the Synscan app should be better than the hand controller, surely? Each to their own I guess, but my hand controller is gathering dust, and I hope to never need it again.

[m11]

Patrick brings up a good point that you could use the wifi dongle to control the scope. :thumbsup:

It also brings up a point that you could put up a wanted ad for anyone with a Synscan v4 Hand Controller they are not using and get that to replace your current handset? Might be more reasonably priced.

[Ryan101]

Yes I have the wifi thing already.
I used it with just the synscan app before I tried updating the handset and I found I preferred actual buttons to press. I'll give it another go as I had forgotten about that.

And I may just chuck up a wanted ad too.
Cheers

[AstroViking]

Hey Ryan,

Firmware upgrades are always a bit nerve-wracking, as there's usually no way back if they stuff up.

Have you tried re-installing the upgrade?

I see that you're in Melbourne as well. I have a v5 Synscan controller (the model with the built-in USB port) that I'm not using. If you want to borrow it to check out the 3-star alignment routine, you're welcome to try it.

Cheers,
V

[Ryan101]

Hi V,
Yeah I've tried the update a number times and it keeps failing part of the way through.
I might try a 3 star alignment on the synscan app first and see how I go.

[m11]

Just thinking, are you using a usb to serial converter? I found a number of them don't work properly and it was only until I found an old laptop to do the upgrade on my Synscan handset.

If so , it could be that impacting the upgrade - do you have an old laptop with a serial port that could be used if thats the case?

[gaseous]

To be honest I've never found any real difference in accuracy between the 3 star, 2 star, and brightest star alignment. I used the brightest star alignment (which still needs 2 stars) on the weekend at it slewed and tracked beautifully all night. I might revisit the 3 star method to see if it's slightly better. Good luck!

[Ryan101]

No, I was using a normal handset plug to USB cable, not an old serial cable.

[m11]

hmm ok I thought v4 handsets had serial cabling and v5 was usb.

I guess options now are kinda limited - will be worth testing with the dongle if you already have it.

[Ryan101]

I never had a serial cable, the joys of buying used I guess.
I ended up buying an rj45 (I think) to USB so I could use it with a more modern laptop. But as you hinted maybe this could be the problem.

[m11]

It might be worth trying again with a dedicated serial port connection - need an old pc or laptop with the serial cable to the handset.

I found I had alot of issues with the usb to serial converter when doing the Synscan updates.

[Ryan101]

Unfortunately I just don't have an old laptop or computer.
Ive just tried again and now it won't even connect to the hand controller.
I'll throw it out there, if there's anyone in the east or outer east of Melbourne that has the ability to update a V5 handset and is willing to help me out, please let me know.

[Ryan101]

That should have been V4 handset sorry

[m11]

Hey Ryan,

I just tested with an old pc and serial cable to upgrade my Syncscan handset.

I had the firmware downloaded onto the c:\ drive
Firmware loader 3.5 for v4

The connection is flaky, and the instructions are off. I found you need to connect the serial cable into the handset and power from the goto dob for the handset to get it working.
I then held 0 and 8 buttons to get the synscan update screen, showed version 2.4.
Then i tested connectivity with the firmware loader by checking handset version. The version I had onthe v4 handset prior to starting was 4.39.03.

I then turned everything off and repowered on holding 0 and 8 and then used the firmware loader to browse for the firmware file. Once done I click update and it showed the handset updating to 80% and then it goes update complete straight away. Version of the hand controller shows 4.39.21 now.

Testing the handset i can set latitude and longitiude, elevation , date and time and daylight savings and begin alignment.

I will post some screenshots.

[m11]

Photos of upgrade.

[m11]

Photos continued.

[m11]

In regards to your post, I guess willing to give a go as its stuffed anyway.:confused2:


I haven't tried downgrading the firmware or reapplying the same version as a caveat.

Maybe better to pm?

[m11]

Just a thought if the handset doesn't allow input of the coordinates - if you have one or could find a gps unit may be worth testing?

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p7035_Orion-GPS-Module-for-GoTo-Mounts-and-GoTo-Dobsonians.html

It will plug into the handset and then when you turn the goto dob it will say gps found and do its gps searching and then set the date/time and location details. You have to input the timezone and if its daylight saving.

It wouldn't be worth currently to buy one if you don't have one - it is to test.

I have one of those gps units i use with my synscan handset.

[Ryan101]

No I don't have a GPS thing

[m11]

Yep, understand.

It could be one of the tests if you can get one to use.