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 Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 05:36 AM, Chris Vaughan wrote:
I've finally got back into trying this CGEM mod. I've currently got
- 400step NEMA17 motors (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846)These motors
On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 05:36 AM, Chris Vaughan wrote:
I've finally got back into trying this CGEM mod. I've currently got
- 400step NEMA17 motors (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846)These motors
On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 06:03 AM, Wayne Hilliard wrote:
I would like to control a dew heater with the board.This is supported in the WiFi Addon. Look at the Addon's Config.h file and also OnStep's
On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 06:03 AM, Wayne Hilliard wrote:
I would like to control a dew heater with the board.This is supported in the WiFi Addon. Look at the Addon's Config.h file and also OnStep's
Hi everyone.
Just a quick note.
Onstep is performing almost perfectly.
So kudo's to Howard for a amazing example of how well you can make micro-controllers run. The problems I have left to fix are
Hi everyone.
Just a quick note.
Onstep is performing almost perfectly.
So kudo's to Howard for a amazing example of how well you can make micro-controllers run. The problems I have left to fix are
On Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 04:29 PM, Joe wrote:
If you can point me in that direction I’ll show my appreciation for the project there!I feel better about donations that happen after the build reaches
On Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 04:29 PM, Joe wrote:
If you can point me in that direction I’ll show my appreciation for the project there!I feel better about donations that happen after the build reaches
On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 03:49 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
and it has been my experience that the fastest slews happen at 30-50% of the rated currentI would try running at about 0.8A for those motors.
Also
On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 03:49 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
and it has been my experience that the fastest slews happen at 30-50% of the rated currentI would try running at about 0.8A for those motors.
Also
As always feel free to experiment, but it is difficult to imagine why a 4:1 reduction isn't more optimal for reaching higher slew speeds...
The motors are high current/low inductance type so should be
As always feel free to experiment, but it is difficult to imagine why a 4:1 reduction isn't more optimal for reaching higher slew speeds...
The motors are high current/low inductance type so should be
I've finally got back into trying this CGEM mod. I've currently got
- 400step NEMA17 motors (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846)
- 4:1 gear reduction using the mxl pulleys (as described by
I've finally got back into trying this CGEM mod. I've currently got
- 400step NEMA17 motors (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846)
- 4:1 gear reduction using the mxl pulleys (as described by
I see your point, keeping it simple is the best course for the end user.
It’s really shows how much time and effort you spend on this project. I can’t imagine how many days/months/years that are
I see your point, keeping it simple is the best course for the end user.
It’s really shows how much time and effort you spend on this project. I can’t imagine how many days/months/years that are
This article shows photos of how StarLink's satellites interfere with imaging, specially large sky surveys.
Even though the trails can be removed programmatically, that process results in data loss.
This article shows photos of how StarLink's satellites interfere with imaging, specially large sky surveys.
Even though the trails can be removed programmatically, that process results in data loss.
On Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 02:55 PM, Joe wrote:
I’m using 2.22 still, after I get everything working perfectly I’ll try another branch.Ok
Using an external style sheet would certainly makes sense for
On Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 02:55 PM, Joe wrote:
I’m using 2.22 still, after I get everything working perfectly I’ll try another branch.Ok
Using an external style sheet would certainly makes sense for
Howard,
I’m using 2.22 still, after I get everything working perfectly I’ll try another branch. Using an external style sheet would certainly makes sense for ease in making display changes. The
Howard,
I’m using 2.22 still, after I get everything working perfectly I’ll try another branch. Using an external style sheet would certainly makes sense for ease in making display changes. The
The master branch has this change except I went with a 600px width, 500 is really a bit too narrow for the pages to all render correctly.
Site is still tiny on my phone but pinch and zoom makes it
The master branch has this change except I went with a 600px width, 500 is really a bit too narrow for the pages to all render correctly.
Site is still tiny on my phone but pinch and zoom makes it
Kahlid,
I just started a new topic regarding this, please move if appropriate.
It looks like the site is using all inline styles, there are 2 properties that are interfering with the display width. I
Kahlid,
I just started a new topic regarding this, please move if appropriate.
It looks like the site is using all inline styles, there are 2 properties that are interfering with the display width. I
Yes there is a bush.
I totally stripped the mount down after I bought it following these instructions.
I will have to take the worm gear apart again and check all the bits are present and not worn
Yes there is a bush.
I totally stripped the mount down after I bought it following these instructions.
I will have to take the worm gear apart again and check all the bits are present and not worn
I would suggest that you unscrew the set screws all the way and remove the worm assembly to inspect the spots where the set screws made contact. If the screws had been "over-tightened" (previously)
I would suggest that you unscrew the set screws all the way and remove the worm assembly to inspect the spots where the set screws made contact. If the screws had been "over-tightened" (previously)
I did not notice that. I wouldn't expect a bearing but rather at least a bronze bushing. Are there internal threads in that hole around the loose shaft?
I did not notice that. I wouldn't expect a bearing but rather at least a bronze bushing. Are there internal threads in that hole around the loose shaft?
I dont know how you set it up on this mount but on my exos1 which is similat, the end you say is ok comes loose allowing the worm to slide in the housing. Then backlash goes through the roof. Pull
I dont know how you set it up on this mount but on my exos1 which is similat, the end you say is ok comes loose allowing the worm to slide in the housing. Then backlash goes through the roof. Pull
This is the loose end of the worm gear.
Is there even a proper bearing or just a hole in the metal?
All other bearings in this mount are metal to metal. Not a ball bearing in sight.
The other end is
This is the loose end of the worm gear.
Is there even a proper bearing or just a hole in the metal?
All other bearings in this mount are metal to metal. Not a ball bearing in sight.
The other end is
This is a common problem with any worm gear reduction system. If the meshing between the worm and gear is tight you will achieve very little backlash but you will also run into plenty of friction
This is a common problem with any worm gear reduction system. If the meshing between the worm and gear is tight you will achieve very little backlash but you will also run into plenty of friction
