CEM70 Disconnects via USB - Forums

Topic starter

Nov 26, 2023

Hi All, I've been having a recent issue with my CEM70 dropping connections. I have the CEM70 connected via USB to a mini PC. It is powered by a 12v 5a adapter that is plugged into the wall. (via power brick) I've run this same config for about 17months without issue and this has occurred maybe 4-5 times in the last month. I've swapped out 12v and USB cables several times. I've swapped the power adapter and investigated the windows PC for issues. It's on the latest firmware available.

When this happens, the ioptron commander just seems to lose connection via comms and cannot see the mount. I usually have to manually reset the power or usb in order for commander to again see the mount and connect.

Any thoughts or ideas? The CEM70 has been a workhorse for me, so i'm wondering what could have changed

CS
~Nick

Helpful

Ian McIntyre

Nov 26, 2023 · Edited: Nov 26, 2023

Hey Nick,

This sounds identical to the issue I had with my GEM45 for the first year I had it. After swapping cables multiple times, I thought it probably had something to do with the USB B receptical on the mount. Eventually I just opened all the wiring boxes revealing circuit boards and re-seated all the plugs. That seemed to do the trick.

I would try that first. There should be a main circuit board where the power and USB plugs are, as well as separate boards for DEC and RA control.

Helpful Supportive

Nick Grundy

Topic starter

Nov 26, 2023

thanks Ian, I'll give that a shot

Ollie Aplin

Nov 26, 2023

Nick I had a similar experience with my CEM70 though slightly different set up. Constant disconnects using ASIAIR when slewing, turning on tracking, basically any mount command. I tried absolutely everything, even had new boards installed. For me in the end, I fixed it by distributing the power supply to my downstream equipment across as many of the CEM70 outputs as poss. Simply using a 10A supply, or powering the mount and ASIAIR (and connected stuff) separately with 2 separate 5A supplies did not do the trick. I think the CEM70 was disconnecting when a high-current command was sent at the same time as (for example) the camera sensor dew heater and my two dew straps just happen by chance to pulse in unison.

Now I use a single 10A supply split to the CEM70 and ASIAIR (and downstream via the input by the iPolar which routes solely to the single output on the dec saddle), I then power the camera via one of the 3A outputs. Effectively, I’m sort of spreading the load and it’s worked flawlessly for me ever since.

It took me 4/5 months and 2 returns to work this solution out. Not sure it quite aligns with what you’re seeing but could be something to try if the logic feels plausible!

Helpful Insightful Respectful Engaging Supportive

Jeff Horn

Nov 26, 2023

I would think that it has to be a power problem. Like above post I recently had a bunch of disconnects on my mount and figured out that it was due to an additional extension cord that I had used from my house. I'm not an electrical engineer, but realized that there had to be a significant voltage drop when adding that extra distance. Once I removed the additional extension all seemed to play nice again. I have the Nuc version of this mount and have one 10A brick powering the mount, and one brick powering the Asi off the saddle (plugged into rear of RA input).

Helpful

Steve Jones

Nov 26, 2023

I have had similar problems with my CEM40 on two occasions. The first time it was caused by a slow motion failure of the usb hub in the saddle. It started with random disconnects, progressing eventually to not connecting at all regardless of the software or computer being used. iOptron fixed it under warranty but I was still stuck with the tab for shipping.

The second time it was definitely being caused by loose or strained connections in the mount. Disconnects always happened when the mount was pointing to the same general area of sky or in the midst of a meridian flip.

iOptron sent me a procedure for disassembly and reseating of the connections. The fact that they have a written procedure suggests that this must be a pretty common issue. I followed the procedure and also made sure that the wires were positioned so that no tension was placed on the connections as the mount moved through its entire range of motion. It worked.

Good luck with tracking down your gremlin!

Well Written Helpful Engaging Supportive

Nick Grundy

Topic starter

Nov 26, 2023

Thanks guys. I went down the power route as well, and had the mount split to its own 5a brick (everything else was powered off a powerbox with it's 10a adapter). Monitoring the mount in the past gave me the impression it never spikes above 3a generally (and only that was on high speed slewing). I'm sure there could still be some inconsistency, but it hasn't changed in months and only has trouble lately.

I may try the "reseat" guide from them. It's unfortunate that it would be common, but at least they are responsive.

Unfortunately, I've got a new issue. I rebuilt my software stack on windows this morning and tested connections. I upgraded the firmware as well, but it's way worse now. On power up, I get a "no connection to main board" message on the hand controller. I think i'm dead in the water now and sounds like I'll be shipping soon.

daywalker

Nov 26, 2023

when i upgraded firmware on gem45 i think i had to upgrade the hand controller firmware aswell.. not sure if its applicable in this case.
I take it you would of followed the ioptron firmware procedure for your mount handcontroller combo.

Nick Grundy

Topic starter

Nov 26, 2023

Yes, followed to the letter except for the location of the usb3 port (mine is on the housing instead of the base)

Andrei Gusan

Sep 23, 2024 · Edited: Sep 23, 2024

Steve Jones:
iOptron sent me a procedure for disassembly and reseating of the connections. The fact that they have a written procedure suggests that this must be a pretty common issue. I followed the procedure and also made sure that the wires were positioned so that no tension was placed on the connections as the mount moved through its entire range of motion. It worked.

Can you please share the procedure sent by iOptron? I have the same issue.

Thank you!

Well Written Respectful

Tommi Liinalampi

Sep 23, 2024 · Edited: Sep 23, 2024

Ollie Aplin:
Nick I had a similar experience with my CEM70 though slightly different set up. Constant disconnects using ASIAIR when slewing, turning on tracking, basically any mount command. I tried absolutely everything.

I haven't seen this topic before. I had exactly this kind of problem two days ago and I have now wondered it a lot! Every time I slew or do something mentioned above all the USB connections on saddle fail. I use Asiair but the reason wasn't Asiair. Even if I slew using hand controller USB connections fail.

This is a new problem for me, but I have updated CEM70 recently (from factory state) so could it be a reason? I have always had two power supplies: one 10A for mount, another for Asiair so I haven't consider this a power issue.

I would be very pleased if I get a solution for this!