LittleFoot Elegance Photo Community Forum
LittleFoot Elegance Photo => LittleFoot Elegance Photo => Topic started by: Antoon on Saturday, 04.05.13 - 20:15:28 - CEST
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Hi LFEP community,
An astro- friend of mine, who has a LFEP is in trouble. A year ago I told him to buy an LFEP for his ALT7 mount, because the old ALT steppercontroller was defective. I did the installation of the LFEP, and everything went well. But a month ago the trouble started. I must say he is an old guy (82 years) and I think he did something wrong while manipulating the controller-handbox. He has no internet connection. So I am his only hope.
It all began when he accidentely activated the password feature (I think). Fortunately I managed to give him the right password. And he told me everything was ok. But Yesterday he phoned me up with the message that his motors made a lot of noise and would not turn on slow speed. So today I went to his house and looked at the mount set-up. At my big surprise the step angles of both the motors were changed from 1.8° to 7.5° and the wormwheel parameters were changed from 272 and 210 to 180 and 180. ???
So I changed these parameters again, saved them, did a reset, and tried to start up again. Big disillution. The display only shows “display init…” and that’s it. It stays that way. No motors running, no nothing, and the LFEP seems to be dead. Pushing buttons or pull switches have no effect. The central led is on and that’s it.
Please help wanted ! I am lost here. :(
Thanks Guys
Antoon
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Did you try to disconnect everthing - for me it looks like a short curcuit on the extension or focus port. I would try to disconnect all except the hbx and try again.
If it does not work I would try to make a Firmware upgrade starting with the display firmware, we have a short checklist for that here:
http://www.lfep.de/updates
LFEP looses the parameters when making a reset, so looks that this could have happened but could also be that your controller chip was damaged.
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Hi Antoon,
be sure (with LFEP OFF) that the switch above the handbox connector (on the side of the LFEP unit) is on the right! ;)
CS
Armando
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Not sure not tested but doesnt it show nothing then?
But try out this could also be the problem,...
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Hi the_lizardking,
Not sure not tested but doesnt it show nothing then?
with the LFEP switch on the wrong (left) side the display stays locked on "Display init.." indefinitely.
I hope/think this is the case ;)
CS
Armando
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You made it more often than me :P
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Hi Armando and Lizardking,
Sorry i did'nt answered anymore yesterday, i had family on visit.
Armando thanks for bringing up the forum back. :)
I am very sure that the switch is in the right position.(to the right). And the display stays on "display init..."
If i switch it to the left, then there is no display at all. It stays dark.
I also switched everything off. Just the power and the handpad are connected.
It stays the same.
The controller is here with me. So i can do some testing.
Will look at what Lizardking said about the firmware upgrade today.
But i must say, i am absolutely no software or pc specialist.
So i will look and study this carefully first before doiing some stupid things. ;)
Thanks Guys for your answers, i will let you know.
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
Armando thanks for bringing up the forum back. :)
Thanks to Roman: he is the forum administrator. ;)
Maybe the temporary forum off state occurs periodically because of maintenance and so no issue occurred.
If i switch it to the left, then there is no display at all. It stays dark.
Maybe I was wrong! :-[
Unfortunately just now I can't check: I always power my LFEP by a battery and a few hours ago I found my 12V battery at 9V (fully discharged - probably damaged too).
Will look at what Lizardking said about the firmware upgrade today.
I would suggest to wait for a confirmation that the display should stay locked on "Display init.." with the switch on the left...
If it doesn't occur only on your LFEP unit then maybe the handbox cable is defective...
CS
Armando
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Hi Armando,
Thanks for the answer. Ok i'll wait for confirmation.
Yesterday i opened the handpad plug to see if maybe a wire was off, but it seemed to be ok.
But maybe i can measure the cable point to point to see if there is any broken wire.
I'll try to do this today and let you know. But we have (again) :-\ some family visit. Sorry :-\
Thanks and till later
Antoon
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Hello Antoon, i had a similar problem, i think the main problem is
A confused preference file . To solve this please reset the cu and videounit
With the help of ascom driver if can connect to LFEP . This problem is not new .
From time to time it was the same on my LFEP . Last attempt please load your FW again and the
LFEP will alive again 😀
I think how all another software the firmware of the LFEP have several bugs 😳.
That make it not so easy as i thinked at the start using LFEP 😥
Best regards
Rainer
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Hi Antoon,
I just recovered my battery and I was able to check what happens when powering on LFEP with the switch on the left.
You're right: the display shows nothing and is not backlighted at all.
Hi Rainer,
I think how all another software the firmware of the LFEP have several bugs
what bugs are you referring to (excluding EPEC and polar alignment)?
CS
Armando
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Hello Rainer and Armando,
Thanks for the reactions. As i said i checked the cable between the HP and de CU. No failure found. As a proof i changed the HP with mine, and the fault remains.
So i'm absolutely sure that the cable is ok.
I think Rainer and Lizardking are right. The fault must be in the firmware. So i have to install new firmware. Very strange tough, Saturday i was able to change some parameters in the mountsetup menu, and after saving and resetting the LFEP is dead ???
Ok, new firmware then. ::)
Can someone direct me to a clear procedure were i have to begin. The user manual is not so clear for me. But maybe there is a good discription on the intenet (i hope). Where can i find this "illustre" updateengine ?
I have not a single clue :-\
As i said before i am not so familiar with these things. I am a hardwareman from the babyboom generation. ;)
Sorry to be such a dummy Guys.
Thanks for reading
Antoon
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For the firmware you will need to register on this WEB Site:
http://forum.rajiva.de/forum/phpBB2/index.php
After registration you will need to add serial and type of your LFEP in your profile with the following format:
LFEP, Serial, 0, 0;
After updating or saving your profile you will need to push the firmware anfordern button at the end of the profile page and then you should get an email with the firmware - this may take a while. If it does not work, which could be if you never registered you will need to wait for confirmation of the admin.
Checklist for Updates, in your case you can start from here:
Update der Display-Firmware:
- Adapterkabel (Y) einstecken und (am besten die USB-Verbindung nutzen) mit PC verbinden
- EXE ausführen und dem Assistenten folgen
- die Option LittleFoot Elegance Photo Display auswählen
- der Prog. Schalter MUSS nach links verschoben werden (falls nicht schon geschehen)
- als Com-Port den von Windows der Steuerung zugewiesenen Port auswählen
- den Anweisungen weiter folgen
- Steuerung ausschalten
Update der CU-Firmware:
- EXE ausfuhren und dem Assistenten folgen
- die Option LittleFoot Elegance Photo auswählen
- der Prog. Schalter MUSS nach rechts verschoben werden
- als Com-Port den von Windows der Steuerung zugewiesenen Port auswählen
- den Anweisungen weiter folgen
- Steuerung ausschalten
Nacharbeit:
- Adapterkabel abziehen
- Steuerung einschalten
- ins Display Menu gehen und das Masterpasswort eingeben
CS
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Hello,
the first indication that my english is terrible, so be lenient with me.
Perhaps it should be said that not every LFEP can be updated.
Controls a specific serial number pools are excluded if they were not authorized by Rajiva.
Also, a firmware update is available on the larger 6:00 only with appropriate hardware update.
CS Volker
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Of course everything depends on Rajiva,... but if he got a Firmware once should be possible to get it again normaly,...
This is one of the things that hopefully will change in future for LFEP if it gets non commercial - for one step back software or open developement it should not be a problem.
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Thanks Lizardking for the answer.
I'll give it a try, and let you know.
Best Regards
Antoon
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Hello Guys,
Just as i feared. Nothing is working !
When I open my profile and look for a request for updates, I see my own serial number.
When I change it into my astrofriend (Maurice) ‘s number and push “request”. I only get this screen:
See photo
When I push “confirm” I go back to my profile with my own serial number.
What do I do wrong ? I thought maybe I’m not authorized to download the firmware for Maurice ? But when I try my own serial number, the result is the same.
Why is this all so complicated ????? Normally if one buys a device, you get all the necessary software on a disk. In this case all we have is a few drivers and a manual.
Why is there not a possibility for downloading a sort of “basic firmware” without all the horns and bells. Hugh !
I experimented a while with the defective LFEP
I connected it to my computer and started up my planetarium program, and tried to connect. At this moment the HP display shows “No catalog data” and a moment later it says “ Elegance photo loading…” but nothing happens.
I give up. :(
Please help me folks (in Maurice’s name). Next week wednsday I’m going to Cochem (Mösel) for a few days. I buy a couple of bottles Möselwine for the one who solves this problem. :)
Thanks and Best Regards
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
I think that to receive an update the owner of the LFEP is to be registered on the old forum. Then he has to click on profile and enter the required field (LFEP:xxx:0:0; where xxx is the serial number) and click on Request.
The software is licensed to the owner of the LFEP unit.
Anyway I suggest to check if a reset is still possible with no need to reflash the LFEP.
Maybe the unit is still able to receive commands. So, does RA motor rotate when you power on the LFEP?
Let me know...
CS
Armando
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Hi Armando,
I am registered on the old forum. (see several postings from me earlier). Otherwise i don't think i would be able to do a request for an update.
So i did a logon with name and psswd and the rest is as i wrote.
But you said to reset the LFEP.
How am i able to do that without the possibility to come further then "display init..." on the HP.
Thanks for reading
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
I am registered on the old forum. (see several postings from me earlier). Otherwise i don't think i would be able to do a request for an update.
So i did a logon with name and psswd and the rest is as i wrote.
I already read your message...
Did you fully read my answer?
The software is licensed to the owner of the LFEP unit.
I also told to use LFEP:xxx:0:0;
Maybe this is the reason why you receive no updates for your LFEP.
Anyway, as for the LFEP reset, maybe LFEP doesn't answer any more but it's still able to execute the received commands...
Could you send me your email privately? I'll send you 3 files to try to reset the LFEP.
You'll need to copy each of them to the COM port used by LFEP.
Before sending these files you could start by sending #:GV# to see if LFEP will answer with the FW release.
If it won't answer then you could power cycle the LFEP and send the f command: it should make RA and Dec motors moving at different speeds. So the idea is to send these commands and see what happens.
This could be useful just to see if LFEP receives the commands and executes them...
To send #:GV# (or f) command to LFEP you can try to useHyperterminal.
You need to open the COM port used by LFEP in 9600/8-N-1 mode.
Let me know...
CS
Armando
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Hi Armando,
Thank you very much for this answer. I'm sorry i'm an incredible stupid. I'm ashamed of myself. :-[
Of course i forgot the : and ;
I think it will be ok now. I received a message;
"The Firmwarerequest has been received and will be processed.
If you do not get a eMail within 1-2 Days please try a new request"
So let's see what it brings now.
My e-mail is astrofan@skynet.be in case it does not work.
By the way, how do you send #:GV# to a port (in my case COM3) ?
Thanks for reading and sorry again
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
By the way, how do you send #:GV# to a port (in my case COM3) ?
You can use HyperTerminal. I prefer RealTerm because of the available settings. But to send a command to which LFEP should answer in ASCII mode HyperTerminal is good too.
In any case you need to open COM3 port @ 9600bps, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 bit stop with no flow control.
If you opt for RealTerm be sure to send the indicated commands in ASCII mode.
CS
Armando
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Hi Armando,
Wooowww!!! That's too high for me. I won't take the risk. I know way too little from computers to do this.
Sorry, not for me. ;) Thanks anyway !!!
In the mean time i received two files from the update engine;
one is a .lf file (43 bytes) the other one is a txt file that says;
your request has been received and a new database entry was created.
The new entry needs to be checked before the request can be processed.
Please make sure the Forum "Real Name" matches the Licenced User of the firmware!
Please create a new request after 12-24 Hours as this request will NOT
create a new firmware. Also read the note about the registration fee
at http://forum.rajiva.de/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4270
Thanks
The DB Engine
I remember that i did a donation to Mr Rajiva (i look it up in my bankfiles) so i believe i won't have to pay a fee.
But i don't know on what name Maurice's LFEP is registered.(if it is anyway) I bought it for him, but don't know anything about registering,
and Maurice has no internet connection. so we will find out.
Let's wait and see.
Thanks for reading.
I surely let you know the continuation of this story.
Antoon
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Armaondo is right,... sorry this was my fault you need a ":" instead of "," - you will see a table with your specified information then.
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No problem Lizardking. Indeed i used , instead of :
But it is me who has to take care. Armando did his best to tell me how, and i looked over it.
I'm mad at myself to make such a stupid mistake.
In the meantime i wait for an answer from the update-engine (Mr Rajiva)
Oooh i'm getting too old for this s*** :-\
Thanks
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
I sent you an email with 3 attached files useful to reset the LFEP. You can skip the HyperTerminal test if you prefer.
Be sure to save the attached file exactly as received: don't copy their content as shown by your mail program.
Save them locally and use them as descibed in my mail message...
I hope it helps. Let me know...
CS
Armando
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Yes ok you where never registered,... this is the situation we feared before. I understand totaly this is frustrating in your case as it only waists time. However having the correct firmware will help in future,... maybe Armandos workaround will help, but this works only if there is still a way to talk to your LFEP over the RS232 what I am not sure of. I think there will be the need to reinitialize the display firmware first to get communication running again.
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Hi the_lizardking,
maybe Armandos workaround will help, but this works only if there is still a way to talk to your LFEP over the RS232 what I am not sure of.
I agree with you and I'm not sure it will work. But I think it's worth it.
I also want to point out that after upgrading the LFEP there is the need to unlock it by entering the master password. So before going to upgrade the firmware the user has to know the master password!
CS
Armando
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absolutely!
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Hi Armando,
You are a Genius !!! 8)
The LFEP works. But…..i have a lot of explaining to do.
I first did the copy of the 3 little files via the Com3 port to the LFEP.
I noticed that it only started up again with the “lfep_reset1.txt” file (not with the other two)
So I think this the CU reset file. So far so good, but now the story begins.
I checked the “Mount set-up” in menu 3 and found that the step angle from both motors was set at 7.5° and both wormwheels on 180. This had to be 1.8° for the motors and 272 resp 210 for the wormwheels.
I changed this parameters, did a “save set-up” and a “reset”, and…. the LFEP was dead again. With only “Display init…” on the HP.
Then I changed only both motor stepsizes, save-setup and reset, and….it stayed ok !!!
Then I changed both wormwheels, save-setup, reset and BANG, faulty again !
Then my eurocent began to fall (at my age, that takes more and more time ;))
Maurice gave me as gear ratio’s 132x so that set into the parameters. I made a little calculation, 132 x 272 gives a total reduction of 35.904 In my humble opinion this is way too high !!
So I think Mr Rajiva build a max. reduction in his LFEP (I Think)
As a test I keyed in the parameters from my own telescope and the LFEP worked as it should do !
A remark for evt. later updates, It would be nice if there should be a warning on the display. I.e “Total reduction too high”. Then all these frustration and trouble would have been unneccesary. :(
So Maurice gave me wrong figures for his gear ratio’s. >:(
I cannot reach him now, cause he is in the “Ardennen” for a few days.
Anyway, the problem is solved
Thank you all Guys, for your help and specially patience with me. I’ve learned a lot, and that is maybe the positive side of the coin.
Now let’s do some stargazing again. That’s why we do it for !!! :)
Best Regards
Antoon
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Hi Antoon,
I'm glad to have been of help. ;)
The LFEP works. But…..i have a lot of explaining to do.
I first did the copy of the 3 little files via the Com3 port to the LFEP.
I noticed that it only started up again with the “lfep_reset1.txt” file (not with the other two)
So I think this the CU reset file. So far so good, but now the story begins.
Yes, the lfep_reset1 is the one that causes the CU reset. But it's worth starting the reset sequence from Video/Lan.
I checked the “Mount set-up” in menu 3 and found that the step angle from both motors was set at 7.5° and both wormwheels on 180. This had to be 1.8° for the motors and 272 resp 210 for the wormwheels.
I changed this parameters, did a “save set-up” and a “reset”, and…. the LFEP was dead again. With only “Display init…” on the HP.
Interesting. ;)
Then I changed only both motor stepsizes, save-setup and reset, and….it stayed ok !!!
Then I changed both wormwheels, save-setup, reset and BANG, faulty again !
Then my eurocent began to fall (at my age, that takes more and more time ;))
Maurice gave me as gear ratio’s 132x so that set into the parameters. I made a little calculation, 132 x 272 gives a total reduction of 35.904 In my humble opinion this is way too high !!
I also know there is a max overall reduction.
So I think Mr Rajiva build a max. reduction in his LFEP (I Think)
If you try to set also gear ratio you see a failure message by the handbox if the overall reduction is not supported. So this check is already implemented.
A remark for evt. later updates, It would be nice if there should be a warning on the display. I.e “Total reduction too high”. Then all these frustration and trouble would have been unneccesary. :(
According to your report when a LFEP internal settings corruption occurs only some parameters are restored to factory default values. And this causes wrong/unsupported overall reduction.
We need to define if the LFEP corruption occurs occasionally or when the user starts playing by ASCOM to set them. Maybe in this case the overall reduction computation is to be checked before going to set (by ASCOM) the user defined parameters...
I'm going to post a new topic about this issue. I'll also publish the files required to reset the LFEP.
Clear Skies!
Armando
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Hello,
again the first indication that my language is German and I use the Google translator to understand the meaning of the English texts.
My answer is also a translation from German into English by Google.
I hope the translation in this sense remains approximately preserved and is understandable.
I made a little calculation, 132 x 272 gives a total reduction of 35.904 In my humble opinion this is way too high !!
So I think Mr Rajiva build a max. reduction in his LFEP (I Think)
A limitation of the max. possible reduction there must be.
Somewhere at the clock frequency of the MCU simply closing.
The max. possible reduction is currently 2150000:1.
Maximum reduction = (360/Stepangle) * GearRatio * Wormwheel = 2150000
360/1,8 * 132 * 272 = 7180800 > 2150000 -> wrong!
In a Wormwheel = 272 and Stepangel of 1.8 is GearRatio max = 39
360/1,8 * 39 * 272 = 2121600 < 2150000 -> good!
or Stepper with Stepangel = 7.5
360/7,5 * 132 * 272 = 1723392 < 2150000 -> good!
As long as this value is not exceeded each factor plays no role.
To control the mount parameters before input to the controller but there is a small tool of Rajiva.
It indicates when the parameters are in the range of error.
I've added it as an attachment.
An extension of this value would be at the expense of max. GOTO speed or
the Controler needed an MCU with a higher clock frequency.
CS Volker