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 breadboarded a new design for the OnStep design. It will have all the functions of the MaxSTM but no stepper drivers and using a standard wall 5VDC adapter.
When you start looking at the prices for
I breadboarded a new design for the OnStep design. It will have all the functions of the MaxSTM but no stepper drivers and using a standard wall 5VDC adapter.
When you start looking at the prices for
For OnStepX, I used this:
#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE GPS
#define TIME_LOCATION_PPS_SENSE HIGH
#define SERIAL_GPS Serial3
#define SERIAL_GPS_BAUD 9600
It compiles.
But
For OnStepX, I used this:
#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE GPS
#define TIME_LOCATION_PPS_SENSE HIGH
#define SERIAL_GPS Serial3
#define SERIAL_GPS_BAUD 9600
It compiles.
But
Khalid, sorry... The OnstepX code(10.05f) is setup to use softserial on PA2 PA3. Also alternately can I use the DS3231 on the I2C buss pins already on the board.
Khalid, sorry... The OnstepX code(10.05f) is setup to use softserial on PA2 PA3. Also alternately can I use the DS3231 on the I2C buss pins already on the board.
That is Khalid ... common error though ...
No.
I have always used the following:
#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE GPS
#define SERIAL_GPS Serial3
#define SERIAL_GPS_BAUD
That is Khalid ... common error though ...
No.
I have always used the following:
#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE GPS
#define SERIAL_GPS Serial3
#define SERIAL_GPS_BAUD
Kahlid, Did you move the GPS from RX3/TX3 to the softserial pins?
was this done to shutup the incessant spewing from the GPS?
We only need the info once a night.
Kahlid, Did you move the GPS from RX3/TX3 to the softserial pins?
was this done to shutup the incessant spewing from the GPS?
We only need the info once a night.
Hi, Ken,
Right now, we have taken absolutely everything off of the mount, except for some bolts: all four OTAs, all of the finders, all of the counterweights, the large steel plate all of that was
Hi, Ken,
Right now, we have taken absolutely everything off of the mount, except for some bolts: all four OTAs, all of the finders, all of the counterweights, the large steel plate all of that was
OnStep does need a PPS source unless the board's clock is inaccurate.
It is true that the Arduino Mega 2560 clock is one such case.
But the MKS Gen-L has a good clock, and it should not drift. That
OnStep does need a PPS source unless the board's clock is inaccurate.
It is true that the Arduino Mega 2560 clock is one such case.
But the MKS Gen-L has a good clock, and it should not drift. That
Hello, If i want to use USB serial to connect my OnStep computer via ASCOM/INDI to OnStep, are there OnStep computers that you cannot use a USB cable with power?
Say i have my 12volt going into the
Hello, If i want to use USB serial to connect my OnStep computer via ASCOM/INDI to OnStep, are there OnStep computers that you cannot use a USB cable with power?
Say i have my 12volt going into the
No, but if your board have temperature compensated crystal oscillator of good accuracy then you don't need a PPS at all. MCU already getting CLK from that oscillator and there is nothing to sync. Just
No, but if your board have temperature compensated crystal oscillator of good accuracy then you don't need a PPS at all. MCU already getting CLK from that oscillator and there is nothing to sync. Just
MKS Gen-L v2 have a crystal oscillator.
Can we use crystal ocillator as a pps source? Or the Mega2560 should be synchronized with the crytal oscillator?
Why can't I run OnstepX on the Mega2560? The
MKS Gen-L v2 have a crystal oscillator.
Can we use crystal ocillator as a pps source? Or the Mega2560 should be synchronized with the crytal oscillator?
Why can't I run OnstepX on the Mega2560? The
Currently I am at 26667 steps/°:
#define AXIS1_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 26667
I have a drift of about 11.4 "/ min, or about 1.27%.
I will try to configure at 27000 steps per °:
#define
Currently I am at 26667 steps/°:
#define AXIS1_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 26667
I have a drift of about 11.4 "/ min, or about 1.27%.
I will try to configure at 27000 steps per °:
#define
First you need to define RTC source in order to initialize 1Hz square wave signal to be used as PPS source. If you have DS3231 on I²C bus it would go something like this:#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE
First you need to define RTC source in order to initialize 1Hz square wave signal to be used as PPS source. If you have DS3231 on I²C bus it would go something like this:#define TIME_LOCATION_SOURCE
Having done clocks in HTML/Javascript they are not accurate. Well, they are susceptible to in-accuracy.
My only input is to double check that the time on the computer is the same as the web browser.
Having done clocks in HTML/Javascript they are not accurate. Well, they are susceptible to in-accuracy.
My only input is to double check that the time on the computer is the same as the web browser.
Hello,
I use this topic because I have a problem with time drift and therefore an RA drift at -11"/min.
I am using an MKS Gen-L v2 with OnstepX.
Normally the crystal oscillator should avoid time
Hello,
I use this topic because I have a problem with time drift and therefore an RA drift at -11"/min.
I am using an MKS Gen-L v2 with OnstepX.
Normally the crystal oscillator should avoid time
Hi Paul,
Found your messages in spam folder and hopefully sent you a reply
The 3.3V generated on the blue pill is the rail labelled VCC that is the supply for everything except the Wemos D1 Mini
Hi Paul,
Found your messages in spam folder and hopefully sent you a reply
The 3.3V generated on the blue pill is the rail labelled VCC that is the supply for everything except the Wemos D1 Mini
Guy, etc...
2 points to make...
1. The steppers on the bench... If they will not run at Guide or Slewing speeds on the bench
then they will surely NOT be able to drive the Telescope mount out there in
Guy, etc...
2 points to make...
1. The steppers on the bench... If they will not run at Guide or Slewing speeds on the bench
then they will surely NOT be able to drive the Telescope mount out there in
