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.
This mount is a CG3/CG5 hybrid. The DEC axis conversion works just like the CG5 as it has that appendage sticking out from where you slide the mounting plate. The RA axis may be more difficult, but
This mount is a CG3/CG5 hybrid. The DEC axis conversion works just like the CG5 as it has that appendage sticking out from where you slide the mounting plate. The RA axis may be more difficult, but
I have recently built the STM bluepill v1.8.
The initial flash of OnStep into the bluepill look good. Yellow LED light up and RA motor start autotrack.
I got a D1 mini from a friend who previously
I have recently built the STM bluepill v1.8.
The initial flash of OnStep into the bluepill look good. Yellow LED light up and RA motor start autotrack.
I got a D1 mini from a friend who previously
I connected my port monitor to Serial2 and setup logging:
#define DEBUG VERBOSE // OFF, Use ON for background error messages only, use VERBOSE for all Infreq
I connected my port monitor to Serial2 and setup logging:
#define DEBUG VERBOSE // OFF, Use ON for background error messages only, use VERBOSE for all Infreq
To the diode question. Yes and no. For starters, the top diode is backwards. The voltage will never go below 3V. Series strings are useful if you want to keep a tight reign on the voltage and keep
To the diode question. Yes and no. For starters, the top diode is backwards. The voltage will never go below 3V. Series strings are useful if you want to keep a tight reign on the voltage and keep
I have not updated my OnStepX MiniESP3 to the latest SWS yet. I will do that tonight.
Here is what i am running now and i have the data under "advanced".
I have not updated my OnStepX MiniESP3 to the latest SWS yet. I will do that tonight.
Here is what i am running now and i have the data under "advanced".
Everything seems to be working fine, but some things are different. In the SWS config tab, the advanced settings for axis 1&2 no longer have access to the Steps/deg, microsteps, and currents. All it
Everything seems to be working fine, but some things are different. In the SWS config tab, the advanced settings for axis 1&2 no longer have access to the Steps/deg, microsteps, and currents. All it
So, I'm getting a new mount, and because I like Onstep so much, I decided to build a stand alone focuser for it. I have built 2 Onstep mounts with focusing and not had any issues. This time
So, I'm getting a new mount, and because I like Onstep so much, I decided to build a stand alone focuser for it. I have built 2 Onstep mounts with focusing and not had any issues. This time
Hi to all,
I have taken the plunge last night and ordered a bunch of MaxSTM3.6 boards. When considering UK postage, it seemed pointless just ordering a couple of them. So either i will need all of
Hi to all,
I have taken the plunge last night and ordered a bunch of MaxSTM3.6 boards. When considering UK postage, it seemed pointless just ordering a couple of them. So either i will need all of
Hi
I am having a bit of problem while verifying the code..
The Arduino ide is not able verify the code
The error is :
OnStep:65:10: fatal error: src/sd_drivers/Models.h: No such file or directory
Hi
I am having a bit of problem while verifying the code..
The Arduino ide is not able verify the code
The error is :
OnStep:65:10: fatal error: src/sd_drivers/Models.h: No such file or directory
Sorry I forgot to mention, if it makes any difference, that I live in New South Wales.. I allow the OnStep app to use my location to get date & time etc which works fine.
Darryl.
Sorry I forgot to mention, if it makes any difference, that I live in New South Wales.. I allow the OnStep app to use my location to get date & time etc which works fine.
Darryl.
Hi
I am having a bit of problem while verifying the code..
The Arduino ide is not able verify the code
The error is :
OnStep:65:10: fatal error: src/sd_drivers/Models.h: No such file or directory
Hi
I am having a bit of problem while verifying the code..
The Arduino ide is not able verify the code
The error is :
OnStep:65:10: fatal error: src/sd_drivers/Models.h: No such file or directory
Hi, Background: My scope is a GSO 12" Dob that I have added 2 nema23 stepper motors to the mount which run along timing belting, one for alt and one for az. I am trialling a goto system from Byers
Hi, Background: My scope is a GSO 12" Dob that I have added 2 nema23 stepper motors to the mount which run along timing belting, one for alt and one for az. I am trialling a goto system from Byers
I assume you intend to keep the existing drives?
Looks too tight to permit much modification. What the gear reduction between the RA drive and the worm?
I assume you intend to keep the existing drives?
Looks too tight to permit much modification. What the gear reduction between the RA drive and the worm?