Specifications

18
SECTION 5.0
TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
Contact Optec technical support for trouble-shooting any problems with the Pyxis camera field
rotator.
1) A serial connection to the Pyxis with a USB-to-Serial converter can sometimes be frustrating.
We have found that those converters using the FDIC chip set are the most compatible. The
Pyxis.exe control software will not work with converters using the Prolific chipset. However,
3rd party software may be compatible with the Prolific chipset. The converters sold by Optec
use the FDIC chipset. In order to see if the problem is with the USB-to-Serial converter, it is
suggested that the Pyxis be used with a computer having a native COM port with 9-pin
connecter. This would determine if the problem is with the converter or the interface driver on
the circuit board.
2) If wobble affects the camera, the three nylon tipped setscrew may be tightened slightly to
steady the camera. However, it is recommended that these screws only be adjusted by Optec.
These screws are located around the plate on the telescope side and press against the large
gear to remove any play. In addition, these screws are secured with a thread retaining
compound which may make adjusting by the user difficult. A special warning seal tape is
placed over the screws reminding the user that only Optec should adjust them. Over
tightening these screws will lock the gear and the stepper will stall. In extreme case, users
have been known to push the main bearing out causing more extensive repairs.
3) At the current time, there is no commercially available field reducer that is compatible with
the Pyxis (2-inch model) and the AOL or AO-7 from SBIG. The back focus using these
products exceeds the dimensions of any know reducer. Mounting the reducer on the camera
side of the Pyxis will usually vignette the image since the clear aperture of the Pyxis is 1.65
inches. The Pyxis 3-inch is large enough to accommodate the reducer on the camera side and
would be the ideal choice for cameras using the AO-7/AOL with or without field reducers.
4) The Pyxis 2-inch model uses a high torque motor that generates significant amount of heat.
This is normal and the rise in the case temperature is an unfortunate but necessary
consequence. The total amount of heat generated is about 6 watts. The heating can be turned
off by placing the Pyxis in the SLEEP state. This reduces 90% of the power to the unit but
may allow the Pyxis to rotate since the holding torque is cut. For camera systems that do not
add any gravity generated torque to the Pyxis, this may be a way to reduce the heating. In any
case, the 6 watts of heating should be of little consequence. The Pyxis 3-inch uses a motor
that uses only 3.5 watts and the heating effect is much reduced.