CEM60-Issue w/Adding Custom Comets
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 1:15 am
I wanted to share this issue with other iOptron mount users, especially mounts with hand controller 8407+ (iEQ Pro/CEM60). A few days ago I attempted to add a custom comet to my HC database (C/2019 Y4 Atlas). After looking up the orbital parameters from the JPL Small Body Database, attempting to input those parameters and saving the comet in the database would cause some strange behavior with the HC . The back light of the HC would turn off and the HC would freeze on the confirmation screen. The only way to bring it out of that state was to recycle power. I tried several times to save the comet but to no avail. I tried a different comet thinking that the parameters for Y4 were screwy and somehow causing the issue but that wasn't it. I also double checked to see if the HC had the latest firmware version, and it indeed did. Strangely, the hand controller would allow me to add a custom object as long as it wasn't a comet. Normal objects that are static just require RA and DEC coordinates to be stored, which works fine. Moving objects like comets require orbital elements, and my guess is that the HC is hanging up on processing the info. I gave up and emailed iOptron last Sunday.
Today iOptron got back with me and provided a new firmware upgrade to try. I was confused, because I checked the firmware already. The site has v190429 available which is what myHC currently has but they sent me v200113. I am planning on upgrading the firmware tonight and trying to add the comet again. I will let you know if the issue is fixed or not. Hopefully if anyone currently has this problem or encounters it in the future this thread may be of some help.
Today iOptron got back with me and provided a new firmware upgrade to try. I was confused, because I checked the firmware already. The site has v190429 available which is what my