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.
In my case it looks like it counts 210 degrees from west most position CW and 210 degrees from east most position CCW which results in 8-16h. Minus/plus sign is just direction indicator and possible
In my case it looks like it counts 210 degrees from west most position CW and 210 degrees from east most position CCW which results in 8-16h. Minus/plus sign is just direction indicator and possible
There are 2 voltage regulators on the D1 R32. The first is a MP1482 with 5V output, max input 18V. The second is a NCP1117 3.3V output max input 20V. so you are wise to keep the power in at 12V.
The
There are 2 voltage regulators on the D1 R32. The first is a MP1482 with 5V output, max input 18V. The second is a NCP1117 3.3V output max input 20V. so you are wise to keep the power in at 12V.
The
The only official support for doing this exists in OnStepX which is still beta (user testing phase.)
OnStep release-4.24 and earlier can NOT switch between GEM and ALTAZM unless you flash the
The only official support for doing this exists in OnStepX which is still beta (user testing phase.)
OnStep release-4.24 and earlier can NOT switch between GEM and ALTAZM unless you flash the
I struggled trying to make the focuser work and I noticed that only a few people only ever post their success with it on the MiniPCB2. So here's mine.
I'm using a BigtreeTech TMC2208 and a 400 steps
I struggled trying to make the focuser work and I noticed that only a few people only ever post their success with it on the MiniPCB2. So here's mine.
I'm using a BigtreeTech TMC2208 and a 400 steps
I had a Vixen GP-DX mount, and it had that same feature.
The previous owner made a small plug from a piece of wood that makes this easier, and shoved it on the base of the mount.
The handset for the
I had a Vixen GP-DX mount, and it had that same feature.
The previous owner made a small plug from a piece of wood that makes this easier, and shoved it on the base of the mount.
The handset for the
Ken,
Yes, I am aware of that. But in this case, SkySafari is giving a set of coordinates to Onstep. It is Onstep's job to move the scope there. The question is: what are the limits
Ken,
Yes, I am aware of that. But in this case, SkySafari is giving a set of coordinates to Onstep. It is Onstep's job to move the scope there. The question is: what are the limits
Hi all
Its is my new OnStep lite board for EQ 6 Pro
Because its previous OnStep version for EQ6, on the ESP32 platform has shown random signs of instability and freezing. She also sometime refused
Hi all
Its is my new OnStep lite board for EQ 6 Pro
Because its previous OnStep version for EQ6, on the ESP32 platform has shown random signs of instability and freezing. She also sometime refused
The wiki page SHC user manualhas been updatedby Dave Schwartz <Dave.Schwartz@...>.
Reason: Add spiral search and auxiliary feature control options
Compare Revisions
The wiki page SHC user manualhas been updatedby Dave Schwartz <Dave.Schwartz@...>.
Reason: Add spiral search and auxiliary feature control options
Compare Revisions
By
main@onstep.groups.io Notification <noreply@...>
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#39023
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I don't see that I'd ever add this feature to OnStep. I'd be more inclined to add code to (optionally) have Alt/Az guide on the equatorial coordinate system; wonder how PHD2 would react to that.
I don't see that I'd ever add this feature to OnStep. I'd be more inclined to add code to (optionally) have Alt/Az guide on the equatorial coordinate system; wonder how PHD2 would react to that.
"Turn Left at Orion" is a wonderful book. I understand the question. I started writing code to work directly with hardware 50 years ago, but I picked up astronomy only a year ago and have been
"Turn Left at Orion" is a wonderful book. I understand the question. I started writing code to work directly with hardware 50 years ago, but I picked up astronomy only a year ago and have been
if you just use the onstep blinky test prog it should end up saying
Erasing memory corresponding to segment 0:
Erasing internal memory sectors [0 10]
Download in Progress:
File download
if you just use the onstep blinky test prog it should end up saying
Erasing memory corresponding to segment 0:
Erasing internal memory sectors [0 10]
Download in Progress:
File download
The Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 Pro (and some other mounts) has this capability. Essentially, you crank the altitude screw until the RA axis goes vertical. But it doesn't use OnStep, does it?
The Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 Pro (and some other mounts) has this capability. Essentially, you crank the altitude screw until the RA axis goes vertical. But it doesn't use OnStep, does it?
Hi.
forgot to add. I don't understand about the "but it won’t show up as mounted". I am using the arduino IDE are you? i didn't get anything when i plugged it in, but then i don't think i do for
Hi.
forgot to add. I don't understand about the "but it won’t show up as mounted". I am using the arduino IDE are you? i didn't get anything when i plugged it in, but then i don't think i do for
Hi,
i hacve just started with a bluepill verson, 2 nights ago so new to me as well.
firstly i had to get the bits togeather in the arduino ide. there are 2 diiferent versions in the wiki depending
Hi,
i hacve just started with a bluepill verson, 2 nights ago so new to me as well.
firstly i had to get the bits togeather in the arduino ide. there are 2 diiferent versions in the wiki depending
Sorry, I wasn’t clear i didn’t use the micro usb on the module, I connected it through the CP2102 and I did power it with an 18 volt power supply via the DC-Dc converter, and I had the flash
Sorry, I wasn’t clear i didn’t use the micro usb on the module, I connected it through the CP2102 and I did power it with an 18 volt power supply via the DC-Dc converter, and I had the flash
It's been like that for so long I really don't recall exactly why other than about 16 seconds seems like a very long pulse-guide and I seriously doubted anyone would ever need more.
Probably.
I will
It's been like that for so long I really don't recall exactly why other than about 16 seconds seems like a very long pulse-guide and I seriously doubted anyone would ever need more.
Probably.
I will
Okay, I found that GUIDE_TIME_LIMIT is in seconds of time and that only applies to manual guide commands issued by App/SHC/SWS. On the other side, PulseGuide is definitley limited to 16399ms
Okay, I found that GUIDE_TIME_LIMIT is in seconds of time and that only applies to manual guide commands issued by App/SHC/SWS. On the other side, PulseGuide is definitley limited to 16399ms
