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.
Hi, preparing the maxpcb2 i would like to use a NEO 6 gps module at the place of the clock. Since the footprint on the pcb is not designed for a gps i was wondering if anyone has integrated that
Hi, preparing the maxpcb2 i would like to use a NEO 6 gps module at the place of the clock. Since the footprint on the pcb is not designed for a gps i was wondering if anyone has integrated that
On Wed, Sep 21, 2022 at 06:42 AM, George Cushing wrote:
2.4Mhz external antennasSorry... A 2.4 MHZ antenna is a BIG DEAL...
and not that cheap. I believe you are quoting
a 2.4GHZ model instead.
On Wed, Sep 21, 2022 at 06:42 AM, George Cushing wrote:
2.4Mhz external antennasSorry... A 2.4 MHZ antenna is a BIG DEAL...
and not that cheap. I believe you are quoting
a 2.4GHZ model instead.
Thanks for your replies.
I have time and will re-think about my focuser solution.
I'll look for a 400 steps, micro sized motor.
I can spend 20 bucks in a better controler and motor (I'll buy another
Thanks for your replies.
I have time and will re-think about my focuser solution.
I'll look for a 400 steps, micro sized motor.
I can spend 20 bucks in a better controler and motor (I'll buy another
In the way back "EQ-3s" and the CG-4 had some differences, mainly because there were many EQ-3 types on the market and it was difficult to tell them apart. When SW introduced the EQ3-2 it was the same
In the way back "EQ-3s" and the CG-4 had some differences, mainly because there were many EQ-3 types on the market and it was difficult to tell them apart. When SW introduced the EQ3-2 it was the same
2.4Mhz external antennas and cables are about a buck and a half by 40 units. Probably most of the cost is in the brass SMA male/female RF coax connectors. The actual antenna is just a length of wire.
2.4Mhz external antennas and cables are about a buck and a half by 40 units. Probably most of the cost is in the brass SMA male/female RF coax connectors. The actual antenna is just a length of wire.
Hi Antoine
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, here's a tip about the 28BYJ-48 modification.
This motor is a 5-wire uni-polar motor, so you need to make some modifications to run it with
Hi Antoine
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, here's a tip about the 28BYJ-48 modification.
This motor is a 5-wire uni-polar motor, so you need to make some modifications to run it with
On my original generic EQ-5 conversion I used 138mm belts. The brackets (from Thingiverse) didn't provide any extra spacing between the motor and the worm block but I used a large washer about 2mm
On my original generic EQ-5 conversion I used 138mm belts. The brackets (from Thingiverse) didn't provide any extra spacing between the motor and the worm block but I used a large washer about 2mm
Thinking of it, using as you, the 48T:16T belt gear is far enough.
Maybe you know the right belt length for Vixen GPDX mod?
I'll receive it in two weeks, I can't measure now.
Thanks.
Thinking of it, using as you, the 48T:16T belt gear is far enough.
Maybe you know the right belt length for Vixen GPDX mod?
I'll receive it in two weeks, I can't measure now.
Thanks.
He means if you make the hole in the case to fit the size of the jack housing the "D" recess in the housing will have nothing to catch on and the housing will be free to rotate. So the hole has to be
He means if you make the hole in the case to fit the size of the jack housing the "D" recess in the housing will have nothing to catch on and the housing will be free to rotate. So the hole has to be
I have them for the D1-R32/Hujer controllers I'm building for sale. Someone in the group wants one, with or without parts, just contact me.
When the BluePill went away, there really was no kit that
I have them for the D1-R32/Hujer controllers I'm building for sale. Someone in the group wants one, with or without parts, just contact me.
When the BluePill went away, there really was no kit that
Well, if imitation is a form of flattery, adoption is a direct complement. Synta has been designing and producing mount electronics for years. This has brought moderate priced controlled mounts to the
Well, if imitation is a form of flattery, adoption is a direct complement. Synta has been designing and producing mount electronics for years. This has brought moderate priced controlled mounts to the
Hi George,
Thanks you.
I'll go back to 60T, and just ordered a TMC2209.
The TMC5160 are already ordered.
May you point me to a standard wiring schematic ?
Thanks.
Hi George,
Thanks you.
I'll go back to 60T, and just ordered a TMC2209.
The TMC5160 are already ordered.
May you point me to a standard wiring schematic ?
Thanks.
Generally, we use a 3:1 GR1 for this type of mount and you may find 80T are difficult to fit. I use 48T:16T for 3:1. 60T:20T will work too. Using 64 µsteps and 60T:12T results in an estimated 0.30
Generally, we use a 3:1 GR1 for this type of mount and you may find 80T are difficult to fit. I use 48T:16T for 3:1. 60T:20T will work too. Using 64 µsteps and 60T:12T results in an estimated 0.30
Well, it as been fast !
I juste found a Teensy 4.1.
So, forget questions about ESP32.
Updated BOM :
*1xTeensy 4.1
*1x D1 Mini Pro
1x DS3231
2x TMC5160
2x Nema 17/48, 0.9°, 1.68A
2x 12 teeth pulley
2x
Well, it as been fast !
I juste found a Teensy 4.1.
So, forget questions about ESP32.
Updated BOM :
*1xTeensy 4.1
*1x D1 Mini Pro
1x DS3231
2x TMC5160
2x Nema 17/48, 0.9°, 1.68A
2x 12 teeth pulley
2x
Hi All,
6 year ago I had to stop astronomy, but now, I can re-start !
I started with a ETX-90 and finished with a Dob-Newton 300mm, but that was far to big, heavy...
For my 40 and 41 birthday, I just
Hi All,
6 year ago I had to stop astronomy, but now, I can re-start !
I started with a ETX-90 and finished with a Dob-Newton 300mm, but that was far to big, heavy...
For my 40 and 41 birthday, I just
