NOTICE

The object of this project is to create an improved control program for the HEQ-5/6 Update Kit For the HEQ-5 EQ-6 mounts.

The HEQ-5/6 Update Kit was created by Anand Rajiva and is available from him directly. It has only been with Rajiva's help that I have been able to create the program to the point that it is ready for Beta testing

This kit is easy to install and is available as a pre-built package, or for those more adventurous as a kit.

This program is still under development. As the program now stands, it incorporates most of the features of the MCU_Update, PecExplore, and LX200_Tester available at the MCU Update site.

Some of the advantages of this program are.

(new functions in red)

Uses Serial Ports up to Com16
Displays the present settings stored in the mounts EEPROM
Allows sending manual commands to the MCU
Will display the current MCU Update firmware version and act accordingly
Save the present settings to the mounts EEPROM
Displays the Mounts current RA and DEC
Supports synchronization to an object by it's manually entered RA and DEC
Supports GoTo an Object by it's manually entered RA and DEC
Displays approximate time it will take to slew an object from the mounts current positon
Focuser control (has anyone tested this? I don't have the necessary equipment)
Displays the stored PEC data and will show a graph of the data
Saving current PEC data to a file with multiple files possible
Make changes to the stored setting
Support for firmware version 3.31+
Catalog of Objects to enhance the Go To function (Messier, NGC, ... etc)
Saving and restoring multiple PEC tables **
Increased the size of the PEC Chart window to make it easier on my old eyes
Allow custom gear ratio for those with other than the 132, 120, or 100 gear reduction ratios
Night Vision Mode
User Defined labels for the User Defined pins

** The new saved PEC file is not compatible with the previous version but is compatible with the file that Rajiva's PEC explorer used.

Other Features soon to be added:

Editing the current or other stored PEC tables and saving them to the mount

Future wish list items to be implemented as time permits

Click here to see screen shots

If you would like to download the current version, you are welcome to do so, but the software is to be used at your own risk.

Since the software is in it's beta testing phase, I would appreciate any and all feedback.

I have tested the software on Win98, WinME and WinXP pro and didn't find any problems.

I have tested the serial port operation on several different systems and the only problem noted was using the Rockport USB to 4 serial port adaptor, but this particular USB to serial adaptor has given problems with other programs as well. If anyone has other serial adaptor and is willing to give it a try I'd like to hear the results.

You can email me directly about this project.

Things I'd like to see added in the future:

(good place to submit your ideas)

Auto guiding using a web cam ( I could probably use help on this one)
Any other nifty idea that someone may come up with

This Program

MCU Update Kit

****NOTICE****