Updating to Current ZWO Driver ---> SharpCap Freeze

cpc925

After updating to the current ZWO driver package to be used with a 120 mono (guiding), a 290 mono and a 224 color, it appears that SC (both v2.9 and v2.10) will freeze after about 400 frames when two ZWO cameras are connected to the same PC, unless one of them (in this case the 120 is already in use by PHD2 v6.3).

Formerly I could switch seamlessly between cameras in one instance of SC.

Each of the three cameras has its own scope and ride the same mount.

https://forums.sharpcap.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59 has additional detail.

yang

the driver updating of V2.0.1.3 only impacts ASI120S and other USB2.0 cameras, you should use the latest Sharpcap, Firecapture and OpenPHD to support this new driver if you use ASI120S and USB2.0 cameras

cpc925

yang wrote:
the driver updating of V2.0.1.3 only impacts ASI120S and other USB2.0 cameras, you should use the latest Sharpcap, Firecapture and OpenPHD to support this new driver if you use ASI120S and USB2.0 cameras

Thank you for the reply.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I use the very latest versions of SharpCap. I installed the ZWO driver pack. The problem appeared. I upgraded to the current version of PHD2 and the problem does not occur if PHD2 is connected to the 120mono camera, but returns if PHD 2 is stopped.

The problem is real and not caused by old versions of other software.

I also wonder about the drivers in the current pack, because after I installed it Device manager shows the 120 and the 290 using the same driver-- ZWO 1.0.0.5 (11/25/2014). That might be intent but a 2014 date seems wrong for a 2017 release.

Please read Robin's post about this problem at https://forums.sharpcap.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59https://forums.sharpcap.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59

I am familiar with the advice given here against using hubs or longer cables with ZWO USB 3 cameras. However after reading comments elsewhere suggesting that the oem cables are a problem, I switched to an aftermarket cable and found I could connect any three of the four USB devices at the scope via a USB 3 hub and cable. For example two USB 3 cameras and the USB to serial adapter for mount control.

Then after the 120mono was switched to the current driver this fails also.

If there is a limitation in the ZWO hardware for example in the chipset used or in the driver or a combination of both that precludes using sharing a USB port, or precludes them from using a longer than supplied cable or both, it might avoid customer issues if ZWO clearly stated this in the product descriptions. This is a serious limit on usability because it my require locating the PC at the mount.

I have a permanent setup, with a work station a few feet away from the mount. It would be unsafe and impractical to run three or four 2m USB 3 cables to the workstation.

If this limitation is fixed and had I known about it before hand I would have had the option to try and accommodate it or consider another option. But any workaround could be much more expensive.

I am very happy with the performance of the three ZWO cameras that I have, but not nearly as pleased with this USB 3 or driver problem. If I was rating the cameras I would have to knock off one star. Others may not see this as a problem, but clearly at least a few of us do.

yang

On my PC ASI224MC and ASI290MM preview in two instance of SharpCap2.9 and 120MM exposures in PHD2.6.2dev8-1, all three cameras work normally

cpc925

If there is a Chinese equivalent of the idiom "egg on my face" : I accept it with a smile . After reading your post and Robin's post I went back to check my setup. A new 3m USB 3 cable had just arrived from Amazon, so wanted to try it out also.

What appears to be the root cause or combination of causes is a damaged cable (jacket has a small hole with interior wire or shield just visible) and the particular USB 3 port on the PC. I read somewhere reports that the front panel and the rear on the motherboard ports are not always equally robust/fast. The small hole in the cable jacket would certainly admit moisture and at this time of year every upward facing surface at the the mount gets wet from dew, sometimes so wet that beads of water appear.

The active 3 m cable allowed me to reach all of the USB 3 ports, front and back on the PC. As I write this the 3m USB 3 cable is connects a back panel port to a 4 port powered USB 3 hub at the mount. A 120 USB 2 and 290 USB 3 camera are connected to the plug as is the USB serial adapter for mount control.

Everything operates as it should. :)

When my 224 returns with the v1.3 board if it also works in this setup I will be very happy. What could garnish three good cameras, except a clean setup with only one data cable and one power cable.

Sam@ZWO

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