Serial-USB adapters not working with RPi 4

Submitted by OregonAstronomer on #1

Hello,
I'm testing the waters to see if VirtualHere can help me break the tethers to my astronomical imaging equipment. I have a digital camera, guide scope and automated focuser all plugged into the USB ports of a Raspberry Pi 4, 8 MB version running Buster. The mount, however, still uses the older serial connection to the laptop, running Windows 10. I've tried two different Serial-USB converters, both of which work with a StarTech USB over Ethernet device. While both adapters show up in the VirtualHere client window, one of them gives an error message when I try to use it and then disappears. I was able to briefly make a connection with the second adapter, but it didn't last long and I have not been able to make a connection since. It will allow me to use the second adapter, but the PC application times out without being able to connect. As these are both older serial-USB adapters, I was wondering if there are certain brands known to work better with VirtualHere that I could buy, or if there is something else I need do in order to connect to the mount?
Thanks so much,
Arnie

Submitted by OregonAstronomer on Sat, 2021/04/24 - 08:33

#3

Hello Michael,
Thanks for the reply. I am connecting the RPi to the network over WiFi as the plan is to finally eliminate wires crossing the yard from the telescope to the house. Because of small children and wildlife the wires currently have to be laid down every night and picked up every morning!
I will try the Windows selective suspend this weekend and get back to you with results.
Thanks again,
Arnie

Submitted by Michael on Sat, 2021/04/24 - 09:17

#4

OK its almost certainly the wifi signal is too poor then. I dont think it will work without better wifi. The pi4 doesnt have a good wifi antenna.

Submitted by OregonAstronomer on Tue, 2021/04/27 - 04:49

#5

Hello Michael,
Thank you so much for the information on the poor WiFi antenna in the RPi4. I solved the problem by connecting the Pi to a WiFi range extender/repeater using a short Ethernet cable at the telescope and then I connect to the extender from the laptop in the house. Great signal, everything is working wonderfully!
Thanks again for your help,
Arnie

Submitted by Michael on Tue, 2021/04/27 - 07:30

#6

OK great! Thanks again for letting me know