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.Ā 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.)Ā 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.)Ā Or, on a PC there's ASCOM and INDI drivers for control.Ā 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.Ā This keeps me motivated and helps cover expenses associated with my projects.
Cursor went missing in SP during slews at 32us. I had the SHC plugged in but not, for example, 1-Wire running which would slow things down more.
Same results WiFi or nothing, I didn't check BT.
Cursor went missing in SP during slews at 32us. I had the SHC plugged in but not, for example, 1-Wire running which would slow things down more.
Same results WiFi or nothing, I didn't check BT.
Wally, which "module" are you using NodeMCU 38 pin 0.9 or 1" pitch, D1-R32 (UNO R3 shield), ESP32 D1 Mini NodeMCU (dual DIPs) or ESP32 DOWD-6 Lite (26 pin, USB-C)?
Wally, which "module" are you using NodeMCU 38 pin 0.9 or 1" pitch, D1-R32 (UNO R3 shield), ESP32 D1 Mini NodeMCU (dual DIPs) or ESP32 DOWD-6 Lite (26 pin, USB-C)?
On Thu, Nov 24, 2022 at 11:15 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
32us didn't crash, but responsiveness suffered.OK, I'll test further. I didn't notice that, even with my full setup. Bluetooth, debug, etc.
On Thu, Nov 24, 2022 at 11:15 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
32us didn't crash, but responsiveness suffered.OK, I'll test further. I didn't notice that, even with my full setup. Bluetooth, debug, etc.
On Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 08:51 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
I added step rate limits to the ESP32 HAL in OnStepX so it detects the ESP32 library version and if > 2.0.0 keeps step rates >= 40us;How did you
On Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 08:51 AM, Howard Dutton wrote:
I added step rate limits to the ESP32 HAL in OnStepX so it detects the ESP32 library version and if > 2.0.0 keeps step rates >= 40us;How did you
On Thu, Nov 24, 2022 at 03:04 AM, Peter Boreland wrote:
1. Sidereal tracking accuracy?No.
2. Slewing rates?I'd call it Step rates, but basically, Yes. Only matters in practice if you can't microstep
On Thu, Nov 24, 2022 at 03:04 AM, Peter Boreland wrote:
1. Sidereal tracking accuracy?No.
2. Slewing rates?I'd call it Step rates, but basically, Yes. Only matters in practice if you can't microstep
If SkySafary Pro was somewhat cheaper, I could easily write an essay on how amazed I am with that app. It's superior to any other planetarium but that comes with great cost that makes me doubt. What
If SkySafary Pro was somewhat cheaper, I could easily write an essay on how amazed I am with that app. It's superior to any other planetarium but that comes with great cost that makes me doubt. What
I was wonder what the relative advantages of the Teensy 4.1 processor has over the ESP32.
For instance, does the greater processing power affect:
1. Sidereal tracking accuracy?
2. Slewing rates?
3.
I was wonder what the relative advantages of the Teensy 4.1 processor has over the ESP32.
For instance, does the greater processing power affect:
1. Sidereal tracking accuracy?
2. Slewing rates?
3.
Guy,
Sky Safari can also allow you to build observing lists. You can use this to be a sequence generator of sorts. Play with this at home or in CCCC to get comfortable with the features and I think
Guy,
Sky Safari can also allow you to build observing lists. You can use this to be a sequence generator of sorts. Play with this at home or in CCCC to get comfortable with the features and I think
Howard, does the ":GVP#" command require CR or CR/LF or LF termination?
I uploaded one of the example sketches for the ESP32, one that prints the chips ID, It worked fine, showing the 6 byte data
Howard, does the ":GVP#" command require CR or CR/LF or LF termination?
I uploaded one of the example sketches for the ESP32, one that prints the chips ID, It worked fine, showing the 6 byte data
Yes that is exactly what I tried. I have been using ESP8266 chips for years so I have experience with them in the Arduino world.
I always have a Serial.print( "Project name - Ver xx.yy"); as the first
Yes that is exactly what I tried. I have been using ESP8266 chips for years so I have experience with them in the Arduino world.
I always have a Serial.print( "Project name - Ver xx.yy"); as the first
Thanks for all the additional information and testing. I will dig up my config and post. From memory it is 2.0.0 library. I use 19200 steps per degree and 3 deg/sec. ~17us?
sounds like website then
Thanks for all the additional information and testing. I will dig up my config and post. From memory it is 2.0.0 library. I use 19200 steps per degree and 3 deg/sec. ~17us?
sounds like website then
On Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 04:27 PM, Guy Brandenburg wrote:
With an Amazon Fire Tablet, on which I placed SkySafari Pro ($15), we can now get the OnStep mount at Hopewell Observatory to go to any
On Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 04:27 PM, Guy Brandenburg wrote:
With an Amazon Fire Tablet, on which I placed SkySafari Pro ($15), we can now get the OnStep mount at Hopewell Observatory to go to any
Yes, I use the settings as shown in the image.
I may be wrong, but this is my impression of uninterrupted communication.
If the SWS is ESP8266, something might change if you increase the serial
Yes, I use the settings as shown in the image.
I may be wrong, but this is my impression of uninterrupted communication.
If the SWS is ESP8266, something might change if you increase the serial
Hi Claudio
Your onstep or OnstepX seems to be unable to communicate with the ASCOM driver.
Can RA/DEC axes slew or guide via ASCOM drivers?
If possible, could you post a screenshot of the ASCOM driver
Hi Claudio
Your onstep or OnstepX seems to be unable to communicate with the ASCOM driver.
Can RA/DEC axes slew or guide via ASCOM drivers?
If possible, could you post a screenshot of the ASCOM driver
Hello,
I am having a weird problem...
The focuser moves with the hand controller and the SWS.
But if connected with ASCOM, it doesn't move.
It does show the correct focuser motion, which updates if I
Hello,
I am having a weird problem...
The focuser moves with the hand controller and the SWS.
But if connected with ASCOM, it doesn't move.
It does show the correct focuser motion, which updates if I
