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.
AFAIK the MOSFETs of TMC5161's are on-die where the TMC5160 has the MOSFETs off-die and that is the only difference.
Thinking the second board they plug into is one of these
AFAIK the MOSFETs of TMC5161's are on-die where the TMC5160 has the MOSFETs off-die and that is the only difference.
Thinking the second board they plug into is one of these
Bob,
Re the S5160s that I ordered, the vendor says send them back if they are not compatible.
Thanks for the info re TMC5160s back in stock on 26th May. I pre-ordered 4 pieces and using the discount
Bob,
Re the S5160s that I ordered, the vendor says send them back if they are not compatible.
Thanks for the info re TMC5160s back in stock on 26th May. I pre-ordered 4 pieces and using the discount
Do you have the PEC correction on? if so TURN IT OFF! I had a similar problem with my CGE Pro and I couldn't understand why the stars/mount would jump around..then I turned the PEC off and voila!..try
Do you have the PEC correction on? if so TURN IT OFF! I had a similar problem with my CGE Pro and I couldn't understand why the stars/mount would jump around..then I turned the PEC off and voila!..try
Eugene,
I just looked at what you are buying, they look identical to what I purchased, yet they are rated at only 35V. Note my comment about board overhang in my previous post. This will apply to
Eugene,
I just looked at what you are buying, they look identical to what I purchased, yet they are rated at only 35V. Note my comment about board overhang in my previous post. This will apply to
Agreed.
My point is the "chip" alone can drive 3.5A, and the board below has the Mosfets. The pins seem to be pass through, from pin to header and to pin again, so I am curious as to how the pins
Agreed.
My point is the "chip" alone can drive 3.5A, and the board below has the Mosfets. The pins seem to be pass through, from pin to header and to pin again, so I am curious as to how the pins
Because the STM32F103/303 micros do not have onboard EEPROM, if the DS3231 isn't working, OnStep won't boot.
There are some test utilities in the Files section under STM32, there is one specifically
Because the STM32F103/303 micros do not have onboard EEPROM, if the DS3231 isn't working, OnStep won't boot.
There are some test utilities in the Files section under STM32, there is one specifically
A good summary Otto.
I would add that versions of OnStep prior to the current release-4.24 (that is, anything earlier than version 4.24q) may have a bug where the variable guide rate guide commands
A good summary Otto.
I would add that versions of OnStep prior to the current release-4.24 (that is, anything earlier than version 4.24q) may have a bug where the variable guide rate guide commands
Niki,
I use an EQ5 as well with an ASI120 (though on a 50mm SVBony guidescope). I will go through my workflow for guiding:
- Polar drift align in PHD2 (be sure tracking is ON when doing this)
- 3
Niki,
I use an EQ5 as well with an ASI120 (though on a 50mm SVBony guidescope). I will go through my workflow for guiding:
- Polar drift align in PHD2 (be sure tracking is ON when doing this)
- 3
No, you need Roman's pinmap. There's a link somewhere on the page. I just copied it over the InsteinESP1 pinmap. It seems to slip through OnStep validation there. I think I shall never see an
No, you need Roman's pinmap. There's a link somewhere on the page. I just copied it over the InsteinESP1 pinmap. It seems to slip through OnStep validation there. I think I shall never see an
There is a common misperception as to what the buttons do and what the tracking rate is showing. The tracking rate is reporting the requested tracking rate. The heavens move at 60.164 Hz, change it to
There is a common misperception as to what the buttons do and what the tracking rate is showing. The tracking rate is reporting the requested tracking rate. The heavens move at 60.164 Hz, change it to
I am just thinking about this:
If the EEPROM on the DS3231 is not working properly, will this result in the behaviour? How can I test the EEPROM?
Frank
Am 14.05.2022 um 10:31 schrieb Merowinger:
I am just thinking about this:
If the EEPROM on the DS3231 is not working properly, will this result in the behaviour? How can I test the EEPROM?
Frank
Am 14.05.2022 um 10:31 schrieb Merowinger:
Hi
my name is Stefan. I'm newbie in terms of telescopes and just bought a Skywatcher Dobson 10" 250p.
I came across this awesome site full of great ideas and switched my former Intention to build a
Hi
my name is Stefan. I'm newbie in terms of telescopes and just bought a Skywatcher Dobson 10" 250p.
I came across this awesome site full of great ideas and switched my former Intention to build a
hi guys is it possible to use the teensy 4.1 instead of the 4.0? i am looking everywhere but i can't find it anywhere on amazon ebay even aliexpress is not available while 4.1 is easier to find.
I
hi guys is it possible to use the teensy 4.1 instead of the 4.0? i am looking everywhere but i can't find it anywhere on amazon ebay even aliexpress is not available while 4.1 is easier to find.
I
Hi!
I am calibrating wherever i am looking at. So most of the time near the object i plan to photograph. With my other two mounts (Skywatcher) this always worked flawless. I AM northern hemisphere,
Hi!
I am calibrating wherever i am looking at. So most of the time near the object i plan to photograph. With my other two mounts (Skywatcher) this always worked flawless. I AM northern hemisphere,
