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.
Sorry Howard,
I missed seeing your link to SWS 2 in a previous message but found it now.
I have loaded it up does the same no go on the android 4.2 & the ipads.
One thing I have noticed since its
Sorry Howard,
I missed seeing your link to SWS 2 in a previous message but found it now.
I have loaded it up does the same no go on the android 4.2 & the ipads.
One thing I have noticed since its
I bought this mount for $25 and it seems to be in good shape. I was told it was a CG5, but I don't think that's right. I'd like to do an OnStep conversion and it would help to know the model name. Any
I bought this mount for $25 and it seems to be in good shape. I was told it was a CG5, but I don't think that's right. I'd like to do an OnStep conversion and it would help to know the model name. Any
UPDATE:
OK my WiFi is working again, connects to all devices but only one works (one at a time in case you assume I mite be trying all at same time). ;)
So I'm back to where I was before original
UPDATE:
OK my WiFi is working again, connects to all devices but only one works (one at a time in case you assume I mite be trying all at same time). ;)
So I'm back to where I was before original
IMPO, Sky Safari 6 Pro is better then SkySafary 7 Plus and it is even more cheaper. Both Plus and Pro can control the telescope, but Pro versions have ton of other useful features. I didn't tried yet
IMPO, Sky Safari 6 Pro is better then SkySafary 7 Plus and it is even more cheaper. Both Plus and Pro can control the telescope, but Pro versions have ton of other useful features. I didn't tried yet
On Tue, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:31 AM, Vladimir wrote:
But I never could use two apps at the same timeBluetooth classic is the problem here, it allows only one connection at a time.
Great, although not
On Tue, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:31 AM, Vladimir wrote:
But I never could use two apps at the same timeBluetooth classic is the problem here, it allows only one connection at a time.
Great, although not
Bluetooth:
At some point I had similar issue: after phone firmware update, I couldn't connect to OnStep via bluetooth anymore, but unlike you, I couldn't connect neither OnStep app nor Stellarium+ but
Bluetooth:
At some point I had similar issue: after phone firmware update, I couldn't connect to OnStep via bluetooth anymore, but unlike you, I couldn't connect neither OnStep app nor Stellarium+ but
On Sun, Sep 25, 2022 at 06:25 PM, T.L. wrote:
Hi Howard, Thank you so much for your quick reply. I am sorry, but where do I enable or disable "runtime axis settings"? -Tong
These runtime settings//
On Sun, Sep 25, 2022 at 06:25 PM, T.L. wrote:
Hi Howard, Thank you so much for your quick reply. I am sorry, but where do I enable or disable "runtime axis settings"? -Tong
These runtime settings//
Hello,
I use the Onstep app for Android along with Stellarium to control my mount. However, after an update to my phone, Stellarium no longer works with Onstep, as it does not recognize it anymore.
Hello,
I use the Onstep app for Android along with Stellarium to control my mount. However, after an update to my phone, Stellarium no longer works with Onstep, as it does not recognize it anymore.
It would seem that with a 600MHz clock the 4.1 will be no faster in pulse than square.
Looking at the MaxPBC3.6 board I note that there is no connection for the DS3132's 32K (PPS) pin. That would
It would seem that with a 600MHz clock the 4.1 will be no faster in pulse than square.
Looking at the MaxPBC3.6 board I note that there is no connection for the DS3132's 32K (PPS) pin. That would
Thanks for this. You just took a ton of work off my plate. I'm gathering parts to convert my zhumell 8" and your timing couldn't have been better. I think your gear on the alt is just about exactly
Thanks for this. You just took a ton of work off my plate. I'm gathering parts to convert my zhumell 8" and your timing couldn't have been better. I think your gear on the alt is just about exactly
Is it normal that Teensy 4.1 compilation require SQUARE Step wave form ?
#error "Configuration (Config.h): Setting STEP_WAVE_FORM SQUARE is required for the Teensy4.0 and 4.1"
I was trying to set it
Is it normal that Teensy 4.1 compilation require SQUARE Step wave form ?
#error "Configuration (Config.h): Setting STEP_WAVE_FORM SQUARE is required for the Teensy4.0 and 4.1"
I was trying to set it
On Mon, Sep 26, 2022 at 02:13 AM, Antoine Cesbron wrote:
In Constants.h, I saw :
#define MaxPCB3 10 // improved third generation for alum. case, Teensy4.1So, I started with it
On Mon, Sep 26, 2022 at 02:13 AM, Antoine Cesbron wrote:
In Constants.h, I saw :
#define MaxPCB3 10 // improved third generation for alum. case, Teensy4.1So, I started with it
H All,
I'm new to OnStep, and like to use it on my setup (parts are shipped) :
1x-Teensy 4.1 16mb (received)
1x-DS3231
1x-D1-Mini-Pro 16mb
1x-HC-06
3x-TMC5160 v1.3
OnStepX
All will be on my own
H All,
I'm new to OnStep, and like to use it on my setup (parts are shipped) :
1x-Teensy 4.1 16mb (received)
1x-DS3231
1x-D1-Mini-Pro 16mb
1x-HC-06
3x-TMC5160 v1.3
OnStepX
All will be on my own
Another 10" Dobsonian I picked off Craigslist got some motors onboard.
Lets call it Zero Woodworking GOTO Dob
Design compatible with scopes having these premium Altitude bearing adjusters:
Orion
Another 10" Dobsonian I picked off Craigslist got some motors onboard.
Lets call it Zero Woodworking GOTO Dob
Design compatible with scopes having these premium Altitude bearing adjusters:
Orion
Hello,
Have found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEvuvyM_T84&t=9s it shows a very simple set up for a G11 it appears ok.I have ordered all the bits and will give it a go.No
Hello,
Have found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEvuvyM_T84&t=9s it shows a very simple set up for a G11 it appears ok.I have ordered all the bits and will give it a go.No