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Communication Failure
At SBIG we have seen, on a regular basis, that the Serial3X
devices fail to properly communicate to each other – or at least
between the PC and the AllSky-340 camera. The failure could
mean that no communication is possible, or that some
communication is successful but that the image doesn’t
download.
We have seen this communication failure happen as frequently
as every few weeks.
To fix the problem, the Bluetooth link between the Serial3X
devices has to be reset. This can be done one of two (known
to us) ways. Both involve manipulating the “Master” Serial3X
device (the one connected to the PC).
Method 1. Push and hold the button on the Serial3X
device for approximately 10 seconds. The blue and
green light should go off. Release the button. The
Serial3X device will now reboot and should re-establish
a link to the “Slave” device connected to the AllSky-
340. After a few seconds, the blue LED should turn on
solid. Communication should now function normally.
Unscrew the external antenna from the Serial3X device. Set
the antenna aside. Place the antenna connector on the
Serial3X in the palm of your hand. Close your hand about the
connector while watching the blue LED. When the blue LED
turns off, the Bluetooth link has been broken. Reconnect the
external antenna. After a few seconds, the blue LED should
turn on solid. Communication should now function normally.
