Since I aquired an Losmandy G11 mount without any goto provision I decided to create my own solution. I was a bit reluctant to use a Gemini, mainly because of the cost, but also due to the reliability since the servo motors are somewhat prone to failure. I also like to have complete control over the software/firmware so that no "show stopper" issues will ever be a problem for me. Looking around the 'net I saw other goto systems that seemed capable, but either they had needlessly complex hardware or were commercial systems that cost about twice what they should.
OnStep is a computerized goto system, usually for stepper motor equipped mounts though any step/dir interface motor driver (including servo) should work. It was designed, from the beginning, as a more or less general purpose system and provisions were made in the firmware to allow for use on a variety of mounts including Equatorial and Alt/Az (GEM, Fork, Dobsonian, etc.) It uses an LX200 like computer command set with a few extensions to suit hand controller-less operation.
There's a telescope hand controller App for Android (free in the Google Play Store,) an option to control through a website (Smart Web Server,) and a dedicated physical hand controller (Smart Hand Controller.) Or, on a PC there's ASCOM and INDI drivers for control. These options allow you to setup and control OnStep using a wide range of software including my Sky Planetarium, Cartes du Ciel, Stellarium, SkySafari, KStars, PHD2, etc. You can see most of the control possibilities in the diagram below:
Also, please visit my StellarJourney.comsite for updates, links toOnStep resources, my other astronomy software, or to see someImages taken with the assistance of my OnStep operated mounts.
If you find OnStep useful and would like to show your appreciation and support please consider making asmall monetary donation. This keeps me motivated and helps cover expenses associated with my projects.
On Mon, Jul 15, 2019 at 09:48 AM, Drew wrote:
Having it lock up when it doesn't find a connection prevents me from previewing the screens and functions.Those other screens require data from OnStep to
On Mon, Jul 15, 2019 at 09:48 AM, Drew wrote:
Having it lock up when it doesn't find a connection prevents me from previewing the screens and functions.Those other screens require data from OnStep to
Yes i tried various configuration....but It seems It doesn't receive any signal. I tried also different stepper drivers like drv8825, lv8729 and tmc2130. Nothing. It doesn't move
Yes i tried various configuration....but It seems It doesn't receive any signal. I tried also different stepper drivers like drv8825, lv8729 and tmc2130. Nothing. It doesn't move
My purpose is to replace the basic hand controller. I would use it only with planetarium software. Right now I am visual observing only. It would be used to fine tune the goto after slewing. Other
My purpose is to replace the basic hand controller. I would use it only with planetarium software. Right now I am visual observing only. It would be used to fine tune the goto after slewing. Other
On Mon, Jul 15, 2019 at 12:40 PM, <emadeg72@...> wrote:
Focuser on my mks gen L cant work. I put _ON in the Ramps 1.4 Onstep configuration , but i did not found any way to specify driver type. Is
On Mon, Jul 15, 2019 at 12:40 PM, <emadeg72@...> wrote:
Focuser on my mks gen L cant work. I put _ON in the Ramps 1.4 Onstep configuration , but i did not found any way to specify driver type. Is
Focuser on my mks gen L cant work. I put _ON in the Ramps 1.4 Onstep configuration , but i did not found any way to specify driver type. Is there any other step i forget? Thanks
P.s. i connected
Focuser on my mks gen L cant work. I put _ON in the Ramps 1.4 Onstep configuration , but i did not found any way to specify driver type. Is there any other step i forget? Thanks
P.s. i connected
Another note about this gamepad ...
The number of keys match what is on the SHC, though in different placements.
So in theory everything the SHC does can be mapped.
But the big obstacle is that it
Another note about this gamepad ...
The number of keys match what is on the SHC, though in different placements.
So in theory everything the SHC does can be mapped.
But the big obstacle is that it
Mount now finished final pictures added on Stargazers.
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/337103-vixen-porta-mount-ll-onstep-install/
I have now used the mount at two sites and making level and
Mount now finished final pictures added on Stargazers.
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/337103-vixen-porta-mount-ll-onstep-install/
I have now used the mount at two sites and making level and
Thank you, I thought I saw something but I am definitely suffering from information overload at this point. Enough of my hardware came in to breadboard my MaxESP2. Got it working but the servo wire
Thank you, I thought I saw something but I am definitely suffering from information overload at this point. Enough of my hardware came in to breadboard my MaxESP2. Got it working but the servo wire
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 08:58 AM, Drew wrote:
Has anyone already done this? Any input would be appreciated.No one that I know of, I thought about it before the SHC existed but never did anything about
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 08:58 AM, Drew wrote:
Has anyone already done this? Any input would be appreciated.No one that I know of, I thought about it before the SHC existed but never did anything about
Haha, I'm taking a break from tinkering on this thing. It's been non-stop for 3 months. Now that I can actually gather light with it I'm going to put the few things I still need to do to it on the
Haha, I'm taking a break from tinkering on this thing. It's been non-stop for 3 months. Now that I can actually gather light with it I'm going to put the few things I still need to do to it on the
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM, Aisling Lightworks wrote:
I gathered 3 hours on the Eastern Veil nebula last night.Very nice image.
Also 20 minutes on the elephant trunk to see if it would show up.
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM, Aisling Lightworks wrote:
I gathered 3 hours on the Eastern Veil nebula last night.Very nice image.
Also 20 minutes on the elephant trunk to see if it would show up.
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM, Aisling Lightworks wrote:
I've got nothing else to do to my controller now and am going to leave this thread alone, kick back, and enjoy the heavens.Hmmm ...
That is
On Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM, Aisling Lightworks wrote:
I've got nothing else to do to my controller now and am going to leave this thread alone, kick back, and enjoy the heavens.Hmmm ...
That is
OnStep group
1. I, Howard Dutton, established this group to share information about OnStep Telescope Controller and its use. These rules are here to keep things courteous and on-topic - and to keep
OnStep group
1. I, Howard Dutton, established this group to share information about OnStep Telescope Controller and its use. These rules are here to keep things courteous and on-topic - and to keep
I don't have a specific answer for your question, which is vague. Are you asking specifically
about when the mount is not leveled correctly?
But here is some info:
The first star alignment just brings
I don't have a specific answer for your question, which is vague. Are you asking specifically
about when the mount is not leveled correctly?
But here is some info:
The first star alignment just brings
On Sun, Jul 14, 2019 at 12:37 AM, Michael E. Burk wrote:
You count about as well as you readAnother instance of name calling towards another member ...
Mike, we don't need that here, please.
On Sun, Jul 14, 2019 at 12:37 AM, Michael E. Burk wrote:
You count about as well as you readAnother instance of name calling towards another member ...
Mike, we don't need that here, please.
