My Argo Navis unit, which I recently purchased used here on Astromart, isn't receiving the signal from the altitude encoder. Both encoders and pigtails are working (I checked both with the azimuth cable). So, the problem is either in the altitude cable or in the Argo Navis unit. The cable is brand new, so my first hunch is that the problem is in the AN unit. I think maybe the connector where the cable joins the unit may be dirty or otherwise not functioning properly. Has anyone else experienced such a problem and have any advice to give me or other theories on where the problem may lie? Is there a good way to clean the contacts on the AN receiving connector without causing damage? Thanks.
Argo Navis Encoder Reading Error
Started by stuper1, 05/23/2008 12:17AM
Posted 05/23/2008 12:17AM
| Edited 05/23/2008 01:30AM
Opening Post
Posted 05/23/2008 02:36AM
| Edited 05/23/2008 02:38AM
#1
Stuart,
I once had a similar problem, and it turned out a grain of sand had become embedded
in one of the pins on the cable connector. Take a close look at that first.
You may want to sign up on the Argo Navis yahoo group, too. argo_navis_dtc at yahoogroups.com
Gary and others there are incredibly helpful. Stuff like this comes up often.
Linton
I once had a similar problem, and it turned out a grain of sand had become embedded
in one of the pins on the cable connector. Take a close look at that first.
You may want to sign up on the Argo Navis yahoo group, too. argo_navis_dtc at yahoogroups.com
Gary and others there are incredibly helpful. Stuff like this comes up often.
Linton
Posted 05/23/2008 04:44PM
| Edited 05/23/2008 04:46PM
#2
It happened quite strangely, but I finally got it working last night. I cleaned the contacts, but it still wasn't working. I took the unit apart, and there seemed to be some play and clicking noise when I pressed on the encoder input jack. I concluded that I needed to send it off to have the input jack re-soldered to the circuit board. Then, I was just fiddling around, and I decided to disconnect the az cable (which had been working all along) and just leave the alt cable connected, to see what would happen. For some reason, that fixed it. My alt readings started to work, and when I re-connected the az cable, that one worked also. I tested it thoroughly, and everything seems fine. I'm a happy camper, as a friend has invited me up to his place in the hills next week, and my new 16" ATM dob should be ready to go by then. I'm hoping to see Omega Centauri. Does anyone with knowledge of Central California think I have a shot from a location in Squaw Valley (in foothills 30 miles east of Fresno)?
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