Paramount GEM User Guide
165 | P a g e
Controlling Multiple USB Devices with USB Hubs
Software Bisque cannot guarantee the Paramount will work with every possible USB/USB Hub/USB
Extension/USB Device configuration. The number of hardware permutations is virtually unlimited, and,
based on Software Bisque’s experience, USB extenders and USB hubs, even “industrial grade” hubs, can
introduce communication problems.
For example, Software Bisque has encountered configurations where an “innocent looking” USB hub in
the chain of computer/Paramount/ CCD camera not only caused artifacts on the CCD photos, TheSky
Professional would lose communication when the camera downloads photos. No USB hub, no problems.
In another observatory, two of the ports on a four-port “industrial-grade” hub began to fail, and the driver
would then terminate communications with the camera and focuser. Again, removing the hub and
connecting all devices directly to the computer’s USB port solved the communication issue.
Again, Software Bisque has positive results powering multiple USB devices using the USB 2.0 Ranger
Extenders from Icron Technologies. Expensive, but worth the investment.
Troubleshooting Communication Problems
After adding a USB hub, USB cable
extender or any other USB peripheral
device to the Paramount USB cable, if
TheSky Professional is unable to
connect to the Paramount (with
frequent timeout errors or poor
communication errors).
• Remove the USB hub, or USB cable extender, and plug
the 15-foot USB cable supplied with the Paramount
directly into the computer’s USB port and port
labeled USB on the Electronics Box.
Be very wary of USB hubs, especially inexpensive or
unpowered hubs. They can introduce intermittent
communication failures and wreak havoc with your
observing sessions.
Windows OS and USB Port Power Settings
To minimize issues related to operating-specific power management features, Software Bisque strongly
recommends reviewing your computer's power options before attempting to automate observatory
control.
By default, Microsoft Windows can suspend power to USB devices connected to the computer. Once
power is suspended, mounts, cameras and other USB devices that are connected to TheSky Professional
or the Camera module will report communication errors, time out errors and potentially other unexpected
device to PC transmission errors.
To avoid this, edit the computer's power management settings and disable the USB Selective Suspend
setting.
• Launch the Windows Control Panel and double-click the Power Options icon.
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