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.
An advantage of those 5-phase motors is that they could be connected with just 1:1 pulleys for EQ4 (144 teeth at 1/64 microstep).
That can be helpful in cramped situations where a bigger pulley is
An advantage of those 5-phase motors is that they could be connected with just 1:1 pulleys for EQ4 (144 teeth at 1/64 microstep).
That can be helpful in cramped situations where a bigger pulley is
I would use a PC and ASCOM + planetarium software to get a better sense of what OnStep thinks is happening with the movements...
My guess is the stepper drivers aren't in 16x micro-step mode and
I would use a PC and ASCOM + planetarium software to get a better sense of what OnStep thinks is happening with the movements...
My guess is the stepper drivers aren't in 16x micro-step mode and
Does manually setting the time zone help? Do you have the WiFi add-on? You could try checking the webpage, if that shows the correct date, time and location.
Does manually setting the time zone help? Do you have the WiFi add-on? You could try checking the webpage, if that shows the correct date, time and location.
G'day,
I'm fitting a OnStep drive to a SkyWatcher 14" Dobsonian and I'm having trouble trying to debug the setup.
The circuit is based on the Solderless Breadboard/Teensy3.2. The circuit and the
G'day,
I'm fitting a OnStep drive to a SkyWatcher 14" Dobsonian and I'm having trouble trying to debug the setup.
The circuit is based on the Solderless Breadboard/Teensy3.2. The circuit and the
There was a topic a year or so ago about a base alignment method that set to a star and then cleared the current correction offsets, I do not remember the names, and then performed goto. The base alz
There was a topic a year or so ago about a base alignment method that set to a star and then cleared the current correction offsets, I do not remember the names, and then performed goto. The base alz
Very nice Roman!
Today I tested a MiniPCB v. 1.27 that is intended to replace a friend's dead Vixen dual drive controller. My friend says he just want to replace his controller, no goto desired. In
Very nice Roman!
Today I tested a MiniPCB v. 1.27 that is intended to replace a friend's dead Vixen dual drive controller. My friend says he just want to replace his controller, no goto desired. In
Found these voltage regulators on Alibaba that are dead ringers for the OKI78SR5/1.5W36C used on the MiniPCB controllers. They are under $2 shipped for single unit compared to about $6 for the OKI. I
Found these voltage regulators on Alibaba that are dead ringers for the OKI78SR5/1.5W36C used on the MiniPCB controllers. They are under $2 shipped for single unit compared to about $6 for the OKI. I
MinutesPastMeridianE, MinutesPastMeridianW Parameters are not in the 3.0 config.h file.
Have they been replace by a different parameter and how are they set?
Thanks, Brent
MinutesPastMeridianE, MinutesPastMeridianW Parameters are not in the 3.0 config.h file.
Have they been replace by a different parameter and how are they set?
Thanks, Brent
For the STM32, are you unplugging the USB from the CP2102 and removing the power from the STM32 PCB when you change the flash/run switch to 'flash' mode', then reconnecting the USB to the CP2102 and
For the STM32, are you unplugging the USB from the CP2102 and removing the power from the STM32 PCB when you change the flash/run switch to 'flash' mode', then reconnecting the USB to the CP2102 and
I just set up a BP with the CO2012 for the first time 2 days ago. I am not yet trying to incorporate it into the pcb or run onstep rather just getting familiar with these 2 devices.
I have had
I just set up a BP with the CO2012 for the first time 2 days ago. I am not yet trying to incorporate it into the pcb or run onstep rather just getting familiar with these 2 devices.
I have had
I didn't really find a measurable improvement in tracking with my G11 when switching from a DRV8825 to the TMC2130 either. And that's at 360:1 where you might actually see it. Not something like say
I didn't really find a measurable improvement in tracking with my G11 when switching from a DRV8825 to the TMC2130 either. And that's at 360:1 where you might actually see it. Not something like say
