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 edit the config.h file directly in the IDE with the new Steps per Degree that is generated via the spreadsheet, then save it, and upload to the controller board. Here is a pic of my prototype. I am
I edit the config.h file directly in the IDE with the new Steps per Degree that is generated via the spreadsheet, then save it, and upload to the controller board. Here is a pic of my prototype. I am
Dear all,
I start to have issue with the wifi...from phone or from pc I loose often the connection...I mean...Wi-Fi remain connected but thé webpage show me error to the connection or page not
Dear all,
I start to have issue with the wifi...from phone or from pc I loose often the connection...I mean...Wi-Fi remain connected but thé webpage show me error to the connection or page not
John,
I would like to reflash my EthernetAddOn with the latest stable changes you have for the board that would work with MaxPCB v3.16q but I have lost track of what
source I should be using with all
John,
I would like to reflash my EthernetAddOn with the latest stable changes you have for the board that would work with MaxPCB v3.16q but I have lost track of what
source I should be using with all
Which means the LV8729 cannot mode switch on these two boards, although it can on others (e.g. Blue Pill, ...etc.)
So it is the speed limit of the microcontroller.
You are better off with a faster
Which means the LV8729 cannot mode switch on these two boards, although it can on others (e.g. Blue Pill, ...etc.)
So it is the speed limit of the microcontroller.
You are better off with a faster
I'm on the Ramps now... the cncv3/wemos combo fried last night. At least the wemos.
But I believe the ramps have only jumpers like the cncv3.
Reflashed it with desired slew rate set to 4.0. No
I'm on the Ramps now... the cncv3/wemos combo fried last night. At least the wemos.
But I believe the ramps have only jumpers like the cncv3.
Reflashed it with desired slew rate set to 4.0. No
By
Pedro Miguel Barbosa Moutinho Nunes dos Reis
·
#31944
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Thank you for the info Ken. I do have to adjust the backlash settings still. That has some impact on tracking. I am going to pin down the exact radius of the Alt bearing today, and with that info,
Thank you for the info Ken. I do have to adjust the backlash settings still. That has some impact on tracking. I am going to pin down the exact radius of the Alt bearing today, and with that info,
They can, as far as the driver itself is concerned.
But the question is : is the board wired for dedicated pins going to each of MS0/MS1/MS2 for each axis?
Usually, the 3D printer and CNC boards use
They can, as far as the driver itself is concerned.
But the question is : is the board wired for dedicated pins going to each of MS0/MS1/MS2 for each axis?
Usually, the 3D printer and CNC boards use
Hi Pedro, I may have been wrong, it seems the LV8729 drivers can mode switch on the fly, according to the Wiki Step Stick Driver summary
If true, then changing the microsteps used during goto/s will
Hi Pedro, I may have been wrong, it seems the LV8729 drivers can mode switch on the fly, according to the Wiki Step Stick Driver summary
If true, then changing the microsteps used during goto/s will
Hi Larry, thanks for the response. I am using my laptop computer with chrome browser. I have a feeling whatever image of wiring everyone is referring to is missing now.
Chad
Hi Larry, thanks for the response. I am using my laptop computer with chrome browser. I have a feeling whatever image of wiring everyone is referring to is missing now.
Chad
Two notes:
- You can speed this up by using Faster and Fastest from the Android App.
- What is your SLEW_RATE_BASE_DESIRED set to? Try setting it to 3.0 or 4.0 degrees.
The Arduino Mega2560 may not
Two notes:
- You can speed this up by using Faster and Fastest from the Android App.
- What is your SLEW_RATE_BASE_DESIRED set to? Try setting it to 3.0 or 4.0 degrees.
The Arduino Mega2560 may not
Hi Mod,
I have this in my config.h file:
// TIME AND LOCATION -------------------------------------------------- see https://onstep.groups.io/g/main/wiki/6-Configuration#TLS
#define
Hi Mod,
I have this in my config.h file:
// TIME AND LOCATION -------------------------------------------------- see https://onstep.groups.io/g/main/wiki/6-Configuration#TLS
#define
Hi Chad,
If you're after an SHC using the ESP32, this might be of interest. For the basic hand controller, it seems that you don't need more than 4 pushbuttons (from the ST4 lines to ground) and of
Hi Chad,
If you're after an SHC using the ESP32, this might be of interest. For the basic hand controller, it seems that you don't need more than 4 pushbuttons (from the ST4 lines to ground) and of