BENDUN NEWS
by Gary Bennett
NEWS! April 2011 - 2 New Mount Control Kits
These 2 new kits rid the electronics pier of the remaining troublesome "phone plugs".
Kit # 1 - Hand Controller / AUX1 / AUX2 Kit # 2 - PC Port / Guide Port / Power
The original "phone plugs" cannot tolerate the environment extremes they are subjected to. Namely; heavy dew, frost, dirt, tree sap (airborne), and every other environment conditions that Mother Nature throws our way.
These kits are the permanent cure for mount failures caused by weak or broken contact between the control devices and the mount. We've all seen the dreaded "Error Codes 16/17" and wasted far too many hours of precious clear, dark skies recovering mount failure caused by the inferior factory "phone plugs".
NEW - Mount Control Kit Installation Service Available
These kits require some minor soldering! These new kits are easy to install for someone who has used a soldering iron at least once in their lifetime. But, if you wish, a installation service is available. See "Installation Service" for more details. The solding work is very minor. Consult the Installation Guides for more details.
This kit eliminates the factory original "phone plugs" with robust "military style" circular plugs and threaded metal locking rings. The kit also replaces the original coiled cord (they are WAY too short) with an ample 8' flat cord. A flat cord allows you to use the entire length of the cord without putting strain on the plugs and handset cord grommet.
6-pin circular chassis connectors (3) and ready to install wiring harnesses.
8’ Cord with 6-pin circular plug pre-installed and “pre-tinned” (ready for soldering) wire leads
“Molex Style” internal connector with “pre-tinned” wire leads
CNC Machined, Black Anodized chassis connector mounting plate.
Stainless mounting screws.
2 vinyl caps (not shown in the photo) – use these to cover the chassis connectors that are not being used.
Cable ties.
Heat Shrink tubing.
GPS (CN16) Cord (4’) with 6-pin circular plug and internal “Molex Style” plug. Not everyone uses a GPS unit, but if you do, you will want to order this cord.
Extension Cord (4’) for Hand Controller or GPS Unit (interchangeable).
Phone Plug Adapter Cable - This converts your Hand Controller or GPS (interchangeable) back into a “phone plug” cable. This would be useful for those who want to use the same HC/GPS for other non-modified NexStar mounts.
This kit eliminates the factory original "phone plugs" with robust "military style" circular plugs and threaded metal locking rings. The kit includes all new PC (Programming) Cable, Guide Cable, and Power Supply Cable.
There are NO optional accessories (†) Everything you need is included in this kit.
†An ST-4 Guide Cable is included in the kit. ST-7-RC and Lodestar cables are also available at additional cost (see pricing page)
6-pin circular Guide Port Chassis connector and wiring harness.
5-pin circular PC Port Chassis Connector and wiring harness
2-pin circular Power Supply Chassis Connector and wiring harness.
CNC Machined, Black Anodized chassis connector mounting plate.
Stainless mounting screws.
Cable ties.
10’ ST-4 Guide Cable (conventional “phone plug at the camera end of the cable).
8’ PC Port Cable with a DB9 (serial) plug (a “real” Serial Port or USB Serial adapter required).
8’ Power Supply Cable with Cigarette Lighter Adapter Plug.
2 brass “stand-off” extensions (not shown in the photo).
2 vinyl caps (not shown in the photo) – use these to cover any chassis connectors that are not being used.
10' Guide Cable 8' PC Programming Cable 8' Power Cord