Well, I have to admit it. My logic was flawed. While it is tru that the rotator did home correctly when I restarted post meridian flip, this did sat the connections were tight, but what it didn't exclude is an obstruction to rotation when the mount apporaches the meridian from the East. In that position the rotator came close to the pier shelf on the west side of the pier. When it rotated it was blocked by that shelf and the clutch slipped while it rotated. This was totally apparent when I was in the light of day, but I didn't see it at all with the dim red lights during a night time run.

So, I'm bad! The software is fine and the Optec USB to serial converter is fine, this was me being dense! Thanks for pushing me to look. I think that by lowering the shelf 6 inches I should be fine. I can look at it more closely at my next session.

Sorry to drive you nuts, John, but boy am I happy that I figured it out!

Glad you worked it out, Chris. At least the Pyxis clutch prevented burning out the motor.