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.
On Wed, Jun 22, 2022 at 06:05 AM, Drew 🔭📷🚴♂️ wrote:
Howard, that needs some elaboration. In Config.h we have the following parameters:
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_DECAY_GOTO OFF // OFF, Decay
On Wed, Jun 22, 2022 at 06:05 AM, Drew 🔭📷🚴♂️ wrote:
Howard, that needs some elaboration. In Config.h we have the following parameters:
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_DECAY_GOTO OFF // OFF, Decay
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 04:19 PM, Howard Dutton wrote:
No, use "TMC5160".Howard, that needs some elaboration. In Config.h we have the following parameters:
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_DECAY_GOTO OFF // OFF,
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 04:19 PM, Howard Dutton wrote:
No, use "TMC5160".Howard, that needs some elaboration. In Config.h we have the following parameters:
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_DECAY_GOTO OFF // OFF,
Hey Peeps,
Haven’t built a big electronics project for about a decade and my my how things have changed. Somethings are easier and somethings have become harder.
I’m currently stuck working out
Hey Peeps,
Haven’t built a big electronics project for about a decade and my my how things have changed. Somethings are easier and somethings have become harder.
I’m currently stuck working out
Things have changed in OnStepX and that pinmap file isn't going to work.
I see only two changes from the MaxESP3 pinmap AUX3 and AUX4 are on different pins.
I guess you are looking to change the home
Things have changed in OnStepX and that pinmap file isn't going to work.
I see only two changes from the MaxESP3 pinmap AUX3 and AUX4 are on different pins.
I guess you are looking to change the home
On Wed, Jun 15, 2022 at 03:34 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
On Tue, Jun 14, 2022 at 11:57 PM, <milcha001@...> wrote:
but I have no idea how/where (RX1/TX1?) to connect HC05 bluetooth moduleIt's on the
On Wed, Jun 15, 2022 at 03:34 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
On Tue, Jun 14, 2022 at 11:57 PM, <milcha001@...> wrote:
but I have no idea how/where (RX1/TX1?) to connect HC05 bluetooth moduleIt's on the
Progress.
I had both ST4_Interface on AND ST4_Hand_Control "on" at the same time. I turned on ST4_Interface OFF and it uploads. Still not functioning properly, I could not get the SHC communications
Progress.
I had both ST4_Interface on AND ST4_Hand_Control "on" at the same time. I turned on ST4_Interface OFF and it uploads. Still not functioning properly, I could not get the SHC communications
Chad, Thanks for the preferences, that allowed me to find the 2.0.0. I had 1.0.6 loaded, but not sure it made any difference.
Howard, I created this pinmap based on some discussions months ago. I
Chad, Thanks for the preferences, that allowed me to find the 2.0.0. I had 1.0.6 loaded, but not sure it made any difference.
Howard, I created this pinmap based on some discussions months ago. I
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 12:51 PM, Robert Benward wrote:
Also, is the driver TMC5160_QUIET no longer valid?No, use "TMC5160".
You don't seem to be using a supplied pinmap.
If making your own I suggest
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 12:51 PM, Robert Benward wrote:
Also, is the driver TMC5160_QUIET no longer valid?No, use "TMC5160".
You don't seem to be using a supplied pinmap.
If making your own I suggest
Read the wiki, then decide the complexity or feature set you need, then follow over to the right column and select that controller series. Further choices will be presented. Select one of those
Read the wiki, then decide the complexity or feature set you need, then follow over to the right column and select that controller series. Further choices will be presented. Select one of those
Obviously I have to connect the cell phone to a PC and use the android debug bridge to set the screen resolution on my Samsung S3. Never done that before so let's see where this leads...
Obviously I have to connect the cell phone to a PC and use the android debug bridge to set the screen resolution on my Samsung S3. Never done that before so let's see where this leads...
Hi Howard,
I am trying out OnstepX. I put in the basic configuration, basically repeating what I have running on 4.24C. I got the following errors below, near the end of compilation. The only thing
Hi Howard,
I am trying out OnstepX. I put in the basic configuration, basically repeating what I have running on 4.24C. I got the following errors below, near the end of compilation. The only thing
So far this little hall effect module is working well. I tested it with 5volts and the analog output does ramp up/down as it gets closer to a magnet. Ranging from 1volt to 4 if i remember
So far this little hall effect module is working well. I tested it with 5volts and the analog output does ramp up/down as it gets closer to a magnet. Ranging from 1volt to 4 if i remember
OK i am on OnStepX on the MiniESP3.
The Ethernet module is showing the same symptoms (i reflashed with clear NV on/off). I get an IP 10.11.0.55. I see ports 80 9996-9999 for a while then they
OK i am on OnStepX on the MiniESP3.
The Ethernet module is showing the same symptoms (i reflashed with clear NV on/off). I get an IP 10.11.0.55. I see ports 80 9996-9999 for a while then they
There is also a section in the OnStepX Wiki page below dealing with Home switch setup:
Axes, enables and configures the Mount, Rotator, and Focusers associated drives.
There is also a section in the OnStepX Wiki page below dealing with Home switch setup:
Axes, enables and configures the Mount, Rotator, and Focusers associated drives.
