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 am in the process of acquiring all the parts. I bought a MiniESP3 from George which came with some LV8729's which I didn't know about so I also bought some TMC2130 stepstick SP1 drivers. And These
I am in the process of acquiring all the parts. I bought a MiniESP3 from George which came with some LV8729's which I didn't know about so I also bought some TMC2130 stepstick SP1 drivers. And These
Hey Dave, I have been toying with the idea of making it a package for sale. My designs are like 95% final. I am not out to get rich, just some return on my time and effort while keeping control over
Hey Dave, I have been toying with the idea of making it a package for sale. My designs are like 95% final. I am not out to get rich, just some return on my time and effort while keeping control over
Hello, Chad; One question, have you finalized the design of the motor mount adapter yet? As I have mentioned before, I have a customer's CGE Pro that has dead electronics, and we are planning a move
Hello, Chad; One question, have you finalized the design of the motor mount adapter yet? As I have mentioned before, I have a customer's CGE Pro that has dead electronics, and we are planning a move
It's difficult to say what would be suitable without a brief description of your intended project.
This NEMA17 produces about 18 watts power and 62 Oz-in torque before considering the gear reduction.
It's difficult to say what would be suitable without a brief description of your intended project.
This NEMA17 produces about 18 watts power and 62 Oz-in torque before considering the gear reduction.
I've sold about 125 kits and assembled controllers powered by the ESP32 and found it to be the least problematic of any of the processors. It powers the MaxESP32, which is a fairly feature rich and
I've sold about 125 kits and assembled controllers powered by the ESP32 and found it to be the least problematic of any of the processors. It powers the MaxESP32, which is a fairly feature rich and
I would appreciate input on the idea of using steppers with planetary gearboxes, or a source of small inline planetary gearboxes that have output shafts of 1/4" or less (4mm for instance).
Here is an
I would appreciate input on the idea of using steppers with planetary gearboxes, or a source of small inline planetary gearboxes that have output shafts of 1/4" or less (4mm for instance).
Here is an
I connected the motor, but in the Onstep app, pressing the focus down button only rotates in one direction. As long as I keep the button pressed, the motor rotates in one direction, as soon as I
I connected the motor, but in the Onstep app, pressing the focus down button only rotates in one direction. As long as I keep the button pressed, the motor rotates in one direction, as soon as I
I'm trying to use my OnStep controller with a Raspberry Pi. If I do not have power plugged into the controller, just the pi via USB, I can see OnStep and configure kstars, etc. But when I plug the
I'm trying to use my OnStep controller with a Raspberry Pi. If I do not have power plugged into the controller, just the pi via USB, I can see OnStep and configure kstars, etc. But when I plug the
Thank you both for the information. I will look better at both options.
In case I went with keeping the DC servo, and making the conversion to Step/Dir interface, is there a preferred micro/control
Thank you both for the information. I will look better at both options.
In case I went with keeping the DC servo, and making the conversion to Step/Dir interface, is there a preferred micro/control
I posted earlier about go- to going too far. This was resolved for DEC axis when I found a GT2. pully. which was in a package as 16 tooth was really 20.
Now a different problem: RA tracks at
I posted earlier about go- to going too far. This was resolved for DEC axis when I found a GT2. pully. which was in a package as 16 tooth was really 20.
Now a different problem: RA tracks at
You can see how I connected the focuser on the 2nd picture: The driver for the focuser is the 2nd from the left, purple in color. I used DRV8825 for focuser which is ok for this purpose
Here is my
You can see how I connected the focuser on the 2nd picture: The driver for the focuser is the 2nd from the left, purple in color. I used DRV8825 for focuser which is ok for this purpose
Here is my
Thank you for all the answers.
Indeed it's my fault because having a new mount (friction mount from JTW Astronomy) I wanted to see its behavior during changes of direction ..... without using a
Thank you for all the answers.
Indeed it's my fault because having a new mount (friction mount from JTW Astronomy) I wanted to see its behavior during changes of direction ..... without using a
It doesn't really depend on how close you are to Polaris. It has everything to do with true North and the direction you pressed on the controller.
Here is how I explain the behavior.
The basic rule is
It doesn't really depend on how close you are to Polaris. It has everything to do with true North and the direction you pressed on the controller.
Here is how I explain the behavior.
The basic rule is
