Fix: DSI-Color Camera will not allow the Mono Check box to be unchecked

ReplyQuote
This problem has come up a few times with folks, so I thought I would post the solution to it
here:

Problem: The DSI-Color Camera (not the Pro) has the Mono check box checked and it is
grayed out so the user is unable to set the camera back to color:

Reason: The DSI-C has an EPROM inside of it that stores information about the capabilities
of the CCD chip. Due to some issue such as a power surge or some other reason, the
EPROM has been cleared and no longer contains the data. Due to this, the software does not
know this is a color camera and as such, forces it into a Mono Mode.

Solution: Perform the following steps exactly as they are detailed here. Once complete, you
should be able to check and uncheck the Mono check box once again:

1. Make sure the DSI application is closed and the camera is plugged in (If you
have more then one camera, ensure only the one wiht the issue is plugged in. If
more then one have this issue, do them one at a time)
2. Open a DOS window (in XP that is Start / Run, type CMD and hit enter)

3. At the DOS command prompt, set the current directory to the directory of the
DSI application (example CD C:\Program Files\Meade\AutostarSuite\DSI or whatever
directory the DSI software is in)

4. The chip must be registered again by starting the DSI application and telling
it the chip name.

5. Type the following. Envisage.exe ICX404AK and hit enter (make sure
ICX404AK is in all caps)

6. When the DSI application starts, it will still have the Mono checked and
grayed out.

7. Close the Application

8. Restart the application again normally (or type Envisage.exe and hit enter)

9. The app should open and the Mono box will be unchecked or checked but not
grayed out (and they can then uncheck it)
Meade DSI Pro II tiene el ICX429ALL chip. El ICX429AKL es para el chip de color.

red dwalf

Posted 26 September 2012 - 08:59 PM

red dwalf

Brown Dwarf
 
 Advanced Members

 2,735 posts

 Location:Nottingham

Hi, all,
i have a broken Meade DSI Pro Mono which has decided to die for some reason, all i get now is a few
strange lines on the screen before it goes totally black and i get nothing at all,
so was wondering if anyone has come across anyone that could potentially fix or confirm that it`s totally
nackered, i`ve looked high and low on the web for help but i`m totally stumped, so if there`s any
electronics experts out there that could help, i`d be gratefull.
cheers
Rob

SCOPE:- William Optics GT81, Altair Astro 10x60 guide scope MOUNT:- NEQ 6 Pro Synscan with belt drive mod

EYEPIECES:- 21mm Baader Hyperions CAMERA:- Canon 1100D, Atik 414EX Mono, Astronomik LRGB filters + ZWO ASI 120mm
EXTRAS:- Solar filter

My Website :- www.robslack1.webspace.virginmedia.com

In Loving Memory of all those lost to cancer & all those who defeated the beast

 Back to top

#2

BuzzBomb

Posted 26 September 2012 - 09:02 PM

BuzzBomb

Star Forming


  Advanced Members

 393 posts

 Location:SW London

Try different cables to connect at all? Often the weak point.

If not there is a Meade DSi Yahoo group that might be able to assist.

Sent from my GT-I9001 using Tapatalk 2

Buzz

We have nothing to fear, except fear itself - Roosevelt

 Back to top

#3

bigsteve101

Posted 13 October 2012 - 12:35 PM

bigsteve101

Vacuum


 New Members

 1 posts

 Location:Manchester

It is most likely to be the processor unit I have replaced a few. They are still available but will require
some specialist tools and surface mount rework skills to replace.
 Back to top
 #4

red dwalf

Posted 13 October 2012 - 02:18 PM

red dwalf

Brown Dwarf


 Advanced Members

 2,735 posts

 Location:Nottingham

Cheers for the info, is that repair expensive and is there anyway to test the circuitry of the board ?

SCOPE:- William Optics GT81, Altair Astro 10x60 guide scope MOUNT:- NEQ 6 Pro Synscan with belt drive mod

EYEPIECES:- 21mm Baader Hyperions CAMERA:- Canon 1100D, Atik 414EX Mono, Astronomik LRGB filters + ZWO ASI 120mm
EXTRAS:- Solar filter

My Website :- www.robslack1.webspace.virginmedia.com

In Loving Memory of all those lost to cancer & all those who defeated the beast

 Back to top

#5

Clancy Lane

Posted 11 November 2012 - 02:45 AM

Clancy Lane

Vacuum
 
 New Members

 4 posts

 Location:Australia

This sounds like the same problem I had with my DSI 3 so I have sent you a PM with info on what I did to
fix it.
TAL 2, TAL 200K, Meade 127 ED series 5000, Megrez 90, Skywatcher 10"& 12", Orion RC6, Orion &
Skywatcher MN190, HEQ5, NEQ6, Meade DSI 111, Atik 314E, Canon 40D, Orion SSAG.

DSI Pro II Problem

Started by ijohnb, Apr 01 2008 03:31 PM

 Please log in to reply

5 replies to this topic

#1 ijohnb

Newbie


 Members

 9 posts

Posted 01 April 2008 - 03:31 PM

I read TRKR75's question "my niw dsi" and found it interesting. Only because I set up and found that now I am having the same problem. I
connect the dsi and all I get is a black screen with 2 columns of white horizontal white lines. They look like broken 'bar code' lines. I switched
the cable... no difference. So I put my lpi in and tried it. The Lpi works fine! I don't know if it matters; but I just got MaxIm DL and installed it
on the computer. Don't think that would be the problem. What is frustrating is the DSI Pro II worked fine the last time I used it. Can anyone
help?

 Back to top
 #2 akhnaton

Advanced Member


 Members

 67 posts

Posted 02 April 2008 - 03:28 AM

I wonder if it is the same problem that I've encountered a few months ago. If it is so, I am sorry to tell Mark that it is not a USB hub problem.
I had to buy a new DSI II. There are many cases similar to this one on the forum. Does your screen look like that?

Ishak Benbanaste
Tekirdag - Turkey
LX200GPS - 14"

 Back to top

#3 ijohnb

Newbie


 Members

 9 posts

Posted 02 April 2008 - 06:23 PM

YES! It looks just like that! Do I dare ask what that means? In for repairs? or what? Did you have yours repaired? If so, what did they say was
the problem? If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost to repair? Thanks for your help.

 Back to top
 #4 akhnaton

Advanced Member


 Members

 67 posts

Posted 03 April 2008 - 12:55 AM

Hi, ijohnb...
I really can not say what it means but I am sure that it is not good. I still don't know what happened. One possibility is that the MOBO of my
PC was faulty. A friend of mine brought my first DSI ProII from Germany. Since I live in Turkey, the repair option was quite complicated. I've

decided to buy a new one . I am sure that you may find a better way if you live in the US.

Regards...

Ishak Benbanaste
Tekirdag - Turkey
LX200GPS - 14"

 Back to top

#5 MTaylor

Advanced Member


 Moderators

 61 posts

Posted 04 April 2008 - 08:59 PM

Quote

I read TRKR75's question "my niw dsi" and found it interesting. Only because I set up and found that now I am having the same problem. I connect the dsi
and all I get is a black screen with 2 columns of white horizontal white lines. They look like broken 'bar code' lines. I switched the cable... no difference. So
I put my lpi in and tried it. The Lpi works fine! I don't know if it matters; but I just got MaxIm DL and installed it on the computer. Don't think that would be
the problem. What is frustrating is the DSI Pro II worked fine the last time I used it. Can anyone help?

Here's the thing, in many many cases over the years that Mark and I have been on the beta testing team this issue has come up, and many
many times it has been a power issue and giving the camera more power via a powered USB hub has solved it. Of course, this is not to say
that it will solve the issue for everyone, this issue could be caused by any of a number of things, for example, Maxim has it's own driver for the
DSI cameras and if you try to run the DSI Pro II using Maxim 4.53 or earlier you'll get this same double dashed bar screen that you're seeing
now.
 So, for all anyone knows it could be a driver issue after having installed Maxim, it could be a power problem caused by low output from the
USB port, a weak or leaky cable, a cable that is over 12 feet long, a cable that is meant for USB 1.1 & not rated for USB 2.0, or any number of
other things that can go wrong with electronic components.

Since your DSI Pro II worked the last time you used it, it stands to reason that something that you've done on your computer between then
and now has caused this issue. Why don't you try using system restore to restore your system to a restore point where you know for sure the
camera was operating correctly. It you do this and the camera works then you'll know for sure that something you've done on your computer
caused this problem, you'll then need to use the process of elimination to determine what that something is or was.

Best Regards,

Matt Taylor
Antique Photons Observatory
Claremore, Okla.
DSI Gallery http://www.pbase.com/mataylor

 Back to top

#6 MTaylor

Advanced Member


 Moderators

 61 posts

Posted 05 April 2008 - 04:55 AM

And if that does not work, then do this....

1. Make sure the DSI Envisage application is closed and the camera is
plugged in.

2. At the DOS command prompt, set the current directory to the

directory of the DSI Envisage application (for example CD C:\Program
Files\Meade\AutostarSuite\Envisage)

3. At the DOS prompt type the following: Envisage.exe ICX429ALL and

hit enter. The Envisage application starts and everything should be ok
again!

That should force the issue with the software.

Matt Taylor
Antique Photons Observatory
Claremore, Okla.
DSI Gallery http://www.pbase.com/mataylor


 o starcruzer1100 Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
Autostar.Suite...3.18
o
Envisage....4.0
o Joined on 02-17-2008
DSI Pro and DSI Color works ok
o

o Posts 3 Download the Autostar Suite Update 4...........install........then reboot

o Points 0 open Suite then open Envisage from within Autostar Suite before Envisage
opens get the following message.............................versions are Autostar
o Suite...3.23 and Envisage...5.85

System.Argument Out Of Range Exception:Index And Lengh must

Refer to a Location within the String

Parameter Name:lengh

at System.string.substring(int32 start index,Int32lengh)

at meade.imager.dsi.init imager(string imager name)

When Envisage opens fully then I get the Message "Could not send
command"and no response from DSI's no live mage or anything

Happens on two computors both ran as Admin. Laptop 1.7ghz with 2gigs of
memory Win XP Home never no propblem before.............desktop 4.8ghz
3gigs of memory WinXP Pro

Saved dsiusb.sys from 3.18 version over wrote it with 3.23 version (slight
size diff)still same error

Do I need to search register for string and what do I look for?

Any Ideas anyone?

o Post Points: 0

o Report abuse


02-17-2008, 7:37 PM
 o ChuckR54 Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working

Hi, starcruzer

I have not heard of the update causing this sort of problem before...I'm
thinking something else is at work here.
o
Is the camera being recognized at all? Did you rename it (under the "Color"
o dialog) to something long, or with "illegal" characters?

o Joined on 02-09-2005 If that's not it, one thing you migh try is reflashing the firmware:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/2343/showpost.aspx#2343
o Minneapolis, MN
HTH - let us know!
o Posts 1,597 Chuck
o Points 6,285
Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
o
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx
o Post Points: 0

o Report abuse


02-18-2008, 4:59 PM
o starcruzer1100 Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
You know what the DSI Pro is fine after upgrade ............But you might be
o on to something I think it is named DSI-C or DSI-Color wonder if the "-"
has something to do with it but if is DSI-C or -Color wouldnt the earlier
o Joined on 02-17- version be affected? I will check later and get back and check into the
2008 firmware. Tks alot.

o Posts 3 o Post Points: 0

o Points 0 o

o o Report abuse


02-18-2008, 5:37 PM
 o starcruzer1100 Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
Hey man your a life saver.............here is what i did
o
o Checked name it was DSI-C but ok in version 4.0
o Joined on 02-17-2008 o Upgraded....came up the error mentioned

o o Tried changing name wouldnt change it................. version

5.85
o Posts 3
o Down graded back to 4.0
o Points 0
o Changed name to DSI COLOR it accepted the change
o o Went ahead and did the firmware reset

o Upgraded back to 5.85

o Checked it is OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am almost certain it was the "-" and not the firmware Wish I done the name
change and checked first to be sure but when you said "illegal" characters I
knew that was it even though it was ok in version 4.0. Again thanks
ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
o Post Points: 0

o Report abuse


04-23-2008, 8:10 AM
 o gemwun Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
Hello !
o
I got some problems about Meade Dsi Imager Pro II
o Joined on 04-23- Monochrome CCD (chip:ICX429ALL ).
2008

o I saw http://autostarsuite.net/forums/2343/showpost.aspx#2343
and tried.
o Posts 4

o Points 0 But it did not work for me.

o My problems like this but my CCD is Monochrome CCD

(chip:ICX429ALL ).

System.Argument Out Of Range Exception:Index And Lengh must

Refer to a Location within the String

Parameter Name:lengh

at System.string.substring(int32 start index,Int32lengh)

at meade.imager.dsi.init imager(string imager name)

When Envisage opens fully then I get the Message "Could not send
command"and no response from DSI's no live mage or anything.

I need your help.

-----------------------------------------
Chien-Wen Wu (吳建文)
Department of Physics
National Sun Yat-Sen University
Kaohsiung 804
Taiwan

TEL:(07)5252000#3735
e-mail: gemwun123@yahoo.com.tw
http://www2.nsysu.edu.tw/nsplab
o Post Points: 0

o Report abuse


08-29-2008, 6:31 PM
o Ali Killen Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
Hi All,
o

o Joined on 08-28- I would be extremely grateful I for your help with this problem,
2008 I was given my telescope and camera as a birthday gift from my
family (yep it was one of the big ones) and seem to have run in
o
to trouble from the start trying to get the camera to work. After
o Posts 2 leaving it for a while I have searched online and found that a lot
of you seem to have had the same trouble. I had at that stage
o Points 0
built and rebuilt my PC 5 times trying all combinations of thing
to get the camera working before I stumbled upon your good
o
advice. I have followed it to the letter and must be almost
there, however I cannot get to rename the camera in order to
reset the flash memory on the camera.

Any help you could provide would be extremely welcome.

I have a meade DSI II Colour CCD Camera Sensor ICX429AKL

and I keep getting the following sequence of errors. I know that
some of you folk have faced this challenge before me and have
succeeded in getting your camera back to good working order,
so fingers crossed. Unfortunately I cant get the envisage
software to allow me to reset the camera name. Is there
another way to do this, is there a separate utility available for
resetting the camera memory ?

Here is the sequence of events that occur after applying the

commands “envisage.exe ICX429AKL “ or by going directly from
autostarsuite after applying those commands.

Yep the dreaded initial error.

Then the cannot connect / send command error

The new error that occurs when I try to click on CTRL to reset
the camera.

After another click on the CTRL button I get to the CTRL screen
itself, however no matter what I set the device name to it
simply does not get applied and stays DSI1h. I don’t pretend to
understand why this name is upsetting things, however if you
could help me re-gig it to something that works I would be
most grateful …. Especially as I can then get to show the family
some nice pic’s that I have taken with their kind and generous
 o Post Points: 0

o Report abuse


08-29-2008, 6:42 PM
o Ali Killen Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working
o
Attachment: Meade DSI II Colour CC Camera Problem.docx
o ooops sorry folks the pic's did not stick to the posting, please see
attached files.
o Joined on 08-28-2008
Thanks Ali.
o

o Posts 2 o Post Points: 0

o Points 0 o

o o Report abuse


09-02-2008, 10:20 PM
o ChuckR54 Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working

Hi, Ali

I responded on the Meade_DSI group...here's an additional though triggered

by some later posts there - I would recommend you ensure you are updated
o to the latest & greatest version of Dot Net as that seems to generate a variety
of otherwise unexplainable errors. Your current camera name does not appear
o to be a problem to me, I think it should work.
o Joined on 02-09- Chuck
2005
Chuck Reese
o Minneapolis, MN CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
o Posts 1,597 For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx
o Points 6,285
o Post Points: 0

o
o
o Report abuse


09-02-2008, 10:22 PM
o ChuckR54 Re: Upgrade to 4.0 and DSI COLOR stops working

Hi, Chien-Wen Wu

One must substitute the correct chip name for the mono camera...did you
do this?
o
The camera must be connected when you issue the command
o
It is best to be in the target directory when you type the command...less
o Joined on 02-09-2005
typing = less chance for errors
o Minneapolis, MN
Good luck!
o Posts 1,597
Chuck
o Points 6,285
Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
o CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx