Why SkyWatcher 150i slews 180 degrees off?
Thanks to Alan Galitz for submitting this detailed HOWTO.
TLDR: Fixed with mount firmware update to 3.59.45, and using SynScan App to first AutoHome mount, then power cycling before starting StellarMate. See Cloudy Nights discussion and AutoHome/Connection/Power sequence below.
Brief Procedure
- Update firmware 150i Mount to 3.59.45 from 3.58 (download from Skywatcher Global site) - best done with USB printer cable
- Use SynScan App (latest version from global site), rather than Hand Controller to AutoHome Wave 150I mount
- Power OFF Mount
- Connect StellarMate and equipment
- Ideally connect StellarMate controller to Mount via mount USB (Mount internal USB path works well for this)
- Power up StellarMate
- Check/enter TIME, LOCATION, EPOCH (JNow likely best)
- Verify OTA/mount pointing at Home position set by AutoHome from SynScan APP (RA=0h Dec=90)
- Pier Side (Northern Hemisphere) = west pointing east (initial default)
- Proceed to alignment
More Details
Firmware Update
- Update firmware 150i Mount to 3.59.45 (17 Sep 2024) from https://www.skywatcher.com/download/software/motor-control-firmware/
- Firmware: MC030 Motor Controller, Version 3.59.45 - Download ZIP
- Best done via USB cable from Windows PC using Motor Controller Firmware Loader, Version 1.87
- While a wifi updater is available, users have reported incomplete updates. On an Asus NUC, the USB-A to USB-B (printer cable) update completed in ~20 seconds, though others reported longer times. Watch the Mount power light and be patient.
- Mac users can try the Mac version (v1.84) via the Wave 150i built-in USB port (not personally tested)
StellarMate Initialization Procedure
- Power On Wave 150i and let it establish wifi
- AutoHome the mount using SynScan App rather than Hand Controller
- Verify AutoHome is correct: RA 0, Dec +90
- Optional: Clear previous alignment data using SynScan App menu
- POWER OFF mount, leaving it in Home Position
- Connect and Power On StellarMate (see Power On Sequence below)
Source: Cloudy Nights Forum Discussion
Suggested StellarMate Power On Sequence
- 12V Source → ON (feeds to power boxes: PPBADV2 etc)
Wait 5–8 seconds (LED solid) - Mount (Wave 150i) → ON
Wait ~10 seconds (electronics ready, USB stable) - USB-only Accessories → ON (cameras, focuser, dew heaters via PPBADV2)
Do this before 12V & MeLE/PC/etc boots - Dual-power cameras (USB + 12V):
- Connect USB first (PC sees device)
- Then connect 12V (cooler/heater gets clean power)
- Wait ~5 seconds
- MeLE PC/StellarMate X/AsiAir etc → ON
Wait 30–60 seconds (Linux boot complete, devices enumerated)