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.
I just got a couple of these for experimentation. $6
They will drive a small stepper. The remote is a clone of a Sony car stereo unit.
Decoding IR remotes with an Arduino. Controlling relays with IR.
I just got a couple of these for experimentation. $6
They will drive a small stepper. The remote is a clone of a Sony car stereo unit.
Decoding IR remotes with an Arduino. Controlling relays with IR.
We have an expression here: "Making a silk purse out of a sow's ear." As you say these were sold through out the EU about a decade ago. IIRC these were from Jinghua (Explorer Scientific/Bressler) and
We have an expression here: "Making a silk purse out of a sow's ear." As you say these were sold through out the EU about a decade ago. IIRC these were from Jinghua (Explorer Scientific/Bressler) and
The obvious indication would be that there's something wrong with the wiring of the DIR pin to the RA driver. Try switching the RA and DEC drivers and see if the problem follows the driver (problem
The obvious indication would be that there's something wrong with the wiring of the DIR pin to the RA driver. Try switching the RA and DEC drivers and see if the problem follows the driver (problem
DRV8825's can often be really poor performers and so are not generally recommended. Like most rules there are occasional exceptions (as in... I already have them and they work or using for focuser
DRV8825's can often be really poor performers and so are not generally recommended. Like most rules there are occasional exceptions (as in... I already have them and they work or using for focuser
Something to be avoided? Not at all probably the way to go for you given you already have the CNCV3.
What stepper drivers do you have and "is about 748.75 steps per degree" based on full step mode?
Something to be avoided? Not at all probably the way to go for you given you already have the CNCV3.
What stepper drivers do you have and "is about 748.75 steps per degree" based on full step mode?
Hi Khalid!
I use a MKS board with DRV8825 .
According to you comment:
For example, the 3D printer boards (MKS Gen-L, FYSETC S6) and the CNC board (R32/CNCv3),
are not wired the same way as dedicated
Hi Khalid!
I use a MKS board with DRV8825 .
According to you comment:
For example, the 3D printer boards (MKS Gen-L, FYSETC S6) and the CNC board (R32/CNCv3),
are not wired the same way as dedicated
So there’s a problem with pcb,
maybe the soldering, or the female pin header?
controller is fine, i can connect it with usb.
Is there anyone know where’s the problem?
So there’s a problem with pcb,
maybe the soldering, or the female pin header?
controller is fine, i can connect it with usb.
Is there anyone know where’s the problem?
Ummm... Reading the comment/reviews reveals that these are NOT the STM32 chips... They are different
clones that are sub-par and probably not usable in this project.
Sorry for the wasted
Ummm... Reading the comment/reviews reveals that these are NOT the STM32 chips... They are different
clones that are sub-par and probably not usable in this project.
Sorry for the wasted
Just found these on Amazon... https://www.amazon.com/s?k=STM32F103C&ref=nb_sb_noss
Is this the "BluePill" we are looking for?
Is the "wemos/cnc3" mentioned earlier a replacement, another way, or
Just found these on Amazon... https://www.amazon.com/s?k=STM32F103C&ref=nb_sb_noss
Is this the "BluePill" we are looking for?
Is the "wemos/cnc3" mentioned earlier a replacement, another way, or
Hello Khalid...
Thanks for the info even though I am fast approaching info overload.
Such a steep learning curve for something I thought would be an easy solution.
I am not familiar with the (MKS
Hello Khalid...
Thanks for the info even though I am fast approaching info overload.
Such a steep learning curve for something I thought would be an easy solution.
I am not familiar with the (MKS
Generally, the RPi4 has all 4 USB ports tied into a single PCIe lane limited to 4Gb/s (the SD card uses USB also). The whole Pi, has a max current limit of 1.2a, including board power, and whatever
Generally, the RPi4 has all 4 USB ports tied into a single PCIe lane limited to 4Gb/s (the SD card uses USB also). The whole Pi, has a max current limit of 1.2a, including board power, and whatever
Ken,
Each board has its features and provisos.
So read the Wiki on each of them before you buy ...
For example, the 3D printer boards (MKS Gen-L, FYSETC S6) and the CNC board (R32/CNCv3),
are not
Ken,
Each board has its features and provisos.
So read the Wiki on each of them before you buy ...
For example, the 3D printer boards (MKS Gen-L, FYSETC S6) and the CNC board (R32/CNCv3),
are not
For those who face challenges putting the hardware together ...
In this video, I show how a FYSETC S6 can be used in a minimal setup for OnStep.
The TMC SPI drivers are the recommended ones (TMC2130
For those who face challenges putting the hardware together ...
In this video, I show how a FYSETC S6 can be used in a minimal setup for OnStep.
The TMC SPI drivers are the recommended ones (TMC2130
Hi Guys..
Thanks for the comments, I'll take them under advisement and check out those options.
How do I contact or find George? I don't see him listed in the Directory.
I may decide to use the
Hi Guys..
Thanks for the comments, I'll take them under advisement and check out those options.
How do I contact or find George? I don't see him listed in the Directory.
I may decide to use the
I run all my capturing hardware (Onstep, CCD, guider, filterwheel) directly from Pi without a hub.
Here is a script for installing all the required software on
I run all my capturing hardware (Onstep, CCD, guider, filterwheel) directly from Pi without a hub.
Here is a script for installing all the required software on
Your WeMos is functioning, its just not connecting to the controller. Someone with a MaxPCB will have to help you with the details. As far as the ESP_xxxxxx SSID, that's just what it does before the
Your WeMos is functioning, its just not connecting to the controller. Someone with a MaxPCB will have to help you with the details. As far as the ESP_xxxxxx SSID, that's just what it does before the
