Paramount GT-1100 TCS

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Cha, Sang-Mok. Posted: 02-17-2009 3:41 AM

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Hello,

We have observed using the paramount GT-1100 since 2003 in the Republic of Korea.

Recently, the TCS of Our G-1100 was out of order by the damage of electric shock passed on serial port.

Probably PCB of the TCS may be having the trouble.

We want to repair our TCS with your support.

Please know me your address to send out TCS.

What steps should I take?

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mothership replied on 02-26-2009 12:28 PM

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Unfortunately because the TCE-1 electronics have been discontinued by SBIG this can be time consuming.

It is possible that the serial controller chips are simply blown. If this is the case that is the easiest to fix and least expensive and least time consuming where the parts cost about $5.00 U.S. Does the mount work independently of the serial interface to the PC? Meaning does the mount power on, can you COMMUTATE the motors (RATE+F1 on keypad)? If so that is the first place to start diagnosis.

The worst case is complete removal of the main circuit board and sending this in for inspection and repair and possibly a firmware update to version 1.9. The turn around time is genereally about 1 week to 10 days dependending on exactly what has gone bad. If the replacing the serial controller chips is not the fix (does not require removal of main board) are you in a position to send the board back?? As far as cost my best guess without seeing the main board is on the order of $495.00 U.S. But that would be at the high end..

Thanks.

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 03-02-2009 12:50 AM

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Thank for your reply.

Maybe my case is the worst case...
We already replaced the serial controller chips with new parts. But although I tried to run the Func on keypad(joystick doubleclick), the motors did not move. And the fuze blew in test. It is caused by a short circuit on a board probably.
I think that need to send you all boards and joystick for inspection and repair. I need your help to know state of boards. First, I hope you will inspect our TCS boards. And we will decide for next stage after consultation about the cost.

Please know me your opinion..

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Tom Bisque replied on 03-02-2009 12:38 PM

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The next stage is removing the main board and sending in the hand paddle too.

This behavior I have not seen. Basically we will take one of the very few good working boards here and try to diagnose the bad board. I was attempting to point out that new TCE-1 boards are no longer available from SBIG the source so we have little choice but to fix the one you have. We won't know anything until that board is in hand, then we can go from there. If you choose to do this you will need an RMA so we can receive the hardware.

From the sounds of it you are capable of removing the main board since you have done chip level repair already. By having the board here it could also turn out to be (possibly) bad internal wiring causing the shorting as opposed to the board itself. First we start with the board only and hopefully it won't come down to shipping the whole mount back for repair. Guess that I should have stated that as the worst case scenario due to shipping costs on the heavy insured item.

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 03-07-2009 4:22 PM

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Hello, Thomas.

Thank for your reply..(I'm sorry for lated my response. I was not able to do it due to personal reasons.)

OK, I will order to ship the TCE-1 boards, a joystick and motors as soon as below items were confirmed. Probably I will do in this week.

1. The address is "Thomas M. Bisque, Software Bisque, Inc. 912 Twelfth St Golden, CO 80401 USA". Is it right to receive the hardwares?

2. I don't completely understand matters relevant to the RMA. Do I must have procedure to request an RMA number?
    If it is, please know me steps and related matters matters relevant to the RAM.

I'm sorry too that because the TCE-1 electronics have been discontinued by SBIG this can be time consuming.
I expect a good result for your try.

Thanks..

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 03-19-2009 2:04 AM

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Dear Tomas M. Bisque and mothership..

I have two questions.

Q1. Is the address "Thomas M. Bisque, Software Bisque, Inc. 912 Twelfth St Golden, CO 80401 USA" to receive our TCS boards?

Q2. What steps should I take for the RMA told me in the previous post? Please offer the solution to me.

I will transmit the TCE-1 boards, a joystick and motors by air freight as soon as I receive your confirmation about Q1.
I'm waiting your reply..

Thanks.

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 03-19-2009 6:21 AM

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Cha, Sang-Mok.:

1. The address is "Thomas M. Bisque, Software Bisque, Inc. 912 Twelfth St Golden, CO 80401 USA". Is it right to receive the hardwares?

Software Bisque, 912 12th St. Golden CO 80401-1114 USA is the correct address.

Cha, Sang-Mok.:

2. I don't completely understand matters relevant to the RMA. Do I must have procedure to request an RMA number?
    If it is, please know me steps and related matters matters relevant to the RAM.

"RMA" code stands for "Return Merchandise Authorization" code.  This code must be visible on the outside of the package that is returned to Software Bisque.  The RMA code indicates that Software Bisque has approved the product return and provides a mechism for our receiving department track returns.

Click the Conversations link above to read a message from me that contains the RMA for this issue;  Please print this code on the outside of the box.  Printing a copy of this thread and including it inside the package also helps expedite things.

Thanks.

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 03-23-2009 5:45 AM

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Hello, Daniel & the persons concerned.

Today I sent you the TCS with RMA code.  Maybe you'll receive the package this week.
It is including three TCE-1 boards, a joystick and two motors.

If you receive they, please post or send a message to me and inspect the TCS.

Thanks.

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 08-11-2009 1:07 AM

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Hello..

I'm concerned inspection of the TCS boards which I sent you to repair with the RMA.
How are you progressing? Please let me know about the progress of inspection.

I'm waiting for your reply..

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 08-12-2009 10:36 AM

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Software Bisque is unable to repair the electronics you returned.  Since the MKS 3000 electronics are no longer available (discontinued), Software Bisque is attempting to find a replacement set for you.  (We have not been able to do so at this time.)  We will keep you posted.  Sorry for the delay.

Have you considered upgrading your mount's electronics to the MKS 4000? 

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 08-13-2009 5:31 AM

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It seems that there have been a mistake. I think that my TCS is not MKS 3000.
I sent the TCS is composed of 3 boards. (It's the TCS for paramount GT-1100.)
I hope you will check my TCS again..

The work to upgrade from GT-1100 TCS to MKS 4000, is it possible?
(The harness of MKS 4000 seems that different from GT-1100 controller.)
If it's hard, is there a better way to repair or upgrade my TCS of GT-1100?

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 08-13-2009 11:20 AM

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Cha, Sang-Mok.:

It seems that there have been a mistake. I think that my TCS is not MKS 3000.
I sent the TCS is composed of 3 boards. (It's the TCS for paramount GT-1100.)
I hope you will check my TCS again..

The white box that SB received (with your tracking number) contained an MKS 3000 controller, not the TCS.  So, something is amiss.   (Be sure, no matter what, we'll get to the bottom of this and get your electronics repaired).

Can you please attach a photograph of your mount?

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 08-14-2009 1:10 AM

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I attach photographs of my mount and the TCS boards I sent.
(I don't have good a picture of mount now. If you want other pictures, please let me know.)

In the box that you received, there must be three boards, a joystick and two motors.
Please, check the pictures and the package..

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 08-14-2009 10:02 AM

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Excellent photos.

With 100% certainty, the photos demonstrate your mount is a Paramount GT-1100S, and the control system is the MKS 3000. 

Again, we're still looking for replacement MKS 3000 electronics.

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Cha, Sang-Mok. replied on 08-20-2009 2:25 AM

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OK.. I see. Thank you for your check and confirmation.
I think it good that my telescope control system(TCS) is MKS 3000,
because I think it's easier to upgrade TCE-1 than to upgrade MKS 3000 to MKS 4000.
According to your opinion, I'm considering upgrading my telescope electronics to the MKS 4000.

I'm a little concerned about the different configurations between my MKS 3000
and the figure of MKS 3000 pictures in your document "Paramount ME Electronics Upgrade".
It's seemed that the harness conectors of motors and sensors is different.
If the connectors of motors and sensors change for MKS 4000, is the problem solved?
Otherwise, is there need to replace motors and sensors for updating to MKS 4000?
Please let me know details for upgrading MKS 3000 of GT-1100 to MKS 4000.

I have another question..
I had received your e-mail related to invoice.
Will you send back my package to me now? I think that it's so early.
I hope you refer my controller package included joystick and motors
in the process of checking to upgrade the electronics.