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.
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?
I don't think there are many sources of inexpensive NEMA 17 step motors. The red, green, blue & black color scheme seems to be universal among them.
The motor manufacturers are fairly consistent There
I don't think there are many sources of inexpensive NEMA 17 step motors. The red, green, blue & black color scheme seems to be universal among them.
The motor manufacturers are fairly consistent There
Howard,
Disabling status worked. I do not have jumpers on my board, MISO has dedicated pins, but I will go over the pinmap to see if here any conflicts. If this helps, the same board has status and
Howard,
Disabling status worked. I do not have jumpers on my board, MISO has dedicated pins, but I will go over the pinmap to see if here any conflicts. If this helps, the same board has status and
I examined it and It has significant drawbacks.
From what I recall the stepper drivers sockets have no mode switching at all not even SPI.
It uses 3x 74HC595 SSR's (to make 24 output pins from 3 MCU
I examined it and It has significant drawbacks.
From what I recall the stepper drivers sockets have no mode switching at all not even SPI.
It uses 3x 74HC595 SSR's (to make 24 output pins from 3 MCU
Take a look at the under $20 Makerbase MKS TinyBee: w/ESP32 MCU & Wifi WEB Control. Support for 5 external drivers. The layout looks less constrained.
GitHub page.
Take a look at the under $20 Makerbase MKS TinyBee: w/ESP32 MCU & Wifi WEB Control. Support for 5 external drivers. The layout looks less constrained.
GitHub page.
Maybe I should changethe values of the resistors (12k,8.1k,3.3k,100k) to have a proper digitallevel.
Why does it useSchottky diodes, shouldn't they be zener diodes, to protect against voltage peak?
Maybe I should changethe values of the resistors (12k,8.1k,3.3k,100k) to have a proper digitallevel.
Why does it useSchottky diodes, shouldn't they be zener diodes, to protect against voltage peak?
