Hi Robert!
I was looking for a cheap serial GPS to use with EQMOD and this is the perfect Solution. This would be compatible with Synscan? To direct plug in in the goto controller?
Clear skies
André Mesquita
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I have already tried, the synscan uses a special protocol especially on the newer versions of firmware. I think since 3.2 or thereabouts, forcing users to buy their gps solution. It does not now accept straight NEMA sentences.
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If we knew what the protocol was, perhaps someone using a sniffer, it would be easy enough to reprogram the arduino. I doubt that they wouldve changed the serial comms. Considering the cost of GPS modules these days which are probably to the manufacturer around $1 or $2 each, I cannot see why the end user is being charged such excessive amounts for a GPS add-on,
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Totally agreed, thats why I like yours, and if we could work out the synscan that would be an added bonus. But its great for EQMOD and CDC combo in the field with lappie.
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I have found some info on skyscan protocol - apparently based on Sirf. I have done some code changes to talk to a synscan handset controller - but am unable to do any testing. I will uplad everything so far identified intpo Synscan HC folder including the test code, in case someone wants to have a play.
Cheers
Robert
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Now, if the myGPS unit was connected to the RS232 pins of the SYNSCAN HC, why cant the arduino just convert the myGPS data into the right command for the SynScan HC????
Answer is yes it can,.
Here are the connections for the myGPS
// MYGPS must be wired to the Hand Controller (RXD, TXD, and GND)
// myGPS - TXD = pin 31 -----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 5
// myGPS - RXD = pin 30 -----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 2
// myGPS - GND = pin GND ----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 3 or Pin 4
// see
// https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduino-gps/files/SynScan%20HC/SynScan%20HC%20Pinouts.png/download
Not all complete as I have limited time to do this. But it should work.
I think I have TXD/RXD the right way round, if not, simply reverse them. WHat it should do is send GPS data to the SynScan controller around every 4 seconds (same time as updating screen) - when a GPS fix has been extablished.
As usual - all disclaimers and accept no responsibility if anything bad happens.
Robert
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Just waiting for my GPS module arrive to test this Sysncan version of myGPS and as soon as possible I will send my results. Its really a good contribution to myGPS project.
Thanks Robert.
André Mesquita
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A further explanation. In the SynSCan folder there are two different INO folders for firmware.
Both require same hardware connection to SynScan controller but are different in code
My first approach was to try and intercept the syscan hc request for a GPS unit and return NACK instead of nothing. This is based on that when a synscan queries if a gps unit is attached, the synacn gps unit will return ACK and then look for information based in SIRF protocol.
The stuff I dound on the Internet suggested replacing the gps unit with an arduino and returning NACK instead, and that this would then switch the HC into looking for NMEA data. No details of code or connections was found, only a comment saying that the user had it going. Also no responses to email requests. So I wrote myGPS_007_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino to do just that. But have not tested it.
Then I read through the synscan user manual etc, found the pinouts of the RJ11 connector on the HC, and also found some portions of the SynSCan protocol, specific to Time/Location. So then I wrote myGPS_SYSNCAN_HC_100.ino to convert the NMEA commands and use that to send the required data to the HC (date/time/location) using the sysnscan protocol. So this is another option. Untested. I do not know if this requires the HC to be placed into PC-Direct mode. It just needs to be tested.
I would probably suggest
1. Make up a connector for the RJ11 HC connection to the arduino TXD/RXD pins.
2. Program controller with myGPS_008_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino
3. With power off everything, connect HC to myGPS
3. Turn on power to HC
4. I expect that the HC should say something like waiting for gps
5. Once fix obtained then should display GPS info into HC
If that does not work - then option 2 is to try myGPS_007_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS which attempts to send data using syncscan protocol. Same procedure applies as above.
If that does not work,. then will need to modify myGPS_008_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino so that it replies to Synscan request with ACK and then add code to return SIRF data to HC.
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I like to build my own "GPS mouse" to be used with the SynScan hand controller with similar stuff that myGPS uses. But since the Synscan HC apperently moved away from standard NEMA I wonder what format the messages have to be in so the HC recognizes them.
A few months went by and apperently the files linked in your earlier post you uploaded are no longer available, do you still have the file of the protocol used and can upload / post it somewhere? I couldn't find a recording/desciption of the protocol anywhere.
You mentioned it might be the SIRF binary protocol, but wich message(s) specificly? is it just "Geodetic Navigation Data – Message ID 41" (SIRF protocol) or more?
I would really like to try to combine a GPS module and a esp8266 to enable also WIFI abilities to the synscan HC.
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Hi
We could never get this to go, no its not SIRF but a variation of it, we could never determine it and really needed a logic analyzer to do the decoding. We just abandoned it and linked the GPS straight into EQMOD as that was much easier. No idea even if the files still exist, sorry
Robert
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Hi André
That is so cool! I googled the town and I really like the history and feeling that one gets from admiring the views. Looks awsome! How are the night skies?
Cheers
R
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The nights here where I live are pretty good because I live a bit distant (5 km) from the city. A friend of mine work with fiberglass and build domes. Im in the mild process of build my own backyard. observatory. The automation of dome it was finished using Lesvedome software and it is ascom compatible. Im just waiting the dome be finished.
The above image is the dome controller it uses a Velleman K8055N board and a lot of DPDT relays I tried to look for an arduino solution but I didn't find. I buid it myself. And this is the dome that I will install.
Hi Robert!
I was looking for a cheap serial GPS to use with EQMOD and this is the perfect Solution. This would be compatible with Synscan? To direct plug in in the goto controller?
Clear skies
André Mesquita
Hi Andre
Have not tried it with a Synscan. I guess you would need to know the pinout but I do not see why it could not be done.
Also, they use an AUX splitter to connect the SkyGPS to the SynScan HC? Or is that the CGEM? You would need one of those too.
For an even cheaper one that works direct into EQMOD on the computer see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxqXoIreEx0
and
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VK-162-GMOUSE-G-MOUSE-GPS-Navigation-USB-Interface-Support-Google-Earth-/161933604124?hash=item25b3feb51c:g:vJQAAOSwLN5WhKbW
for around $12 USD.
Cheers
Robert
I have already tried, the synscan uses a special protocol especially on the newer versions of firmware. I think since 3.2 or thereabouts, forcing users to buy their gps solution. It does not now accept straight NEMA sentences.
If we knew what the protocol was, perhaps someone using a sniffer, it would be easy enough to reprogram the arduino. I doubt that they wouldve changed the serial comms. Considering the cost of GPS modules these days which are probably to the manufacturer around $1 or $2 each, I cannot see why the end user is being charged such excessive amounts for a GPS add-on,
Totally agreed, thats why I like yours, and if we could work out the synscan that would be an added bonus. But its great for EQMOD and CDC combo in the field with lappie.
I have found some info on skyscan protocol - apparently based on Sirf. I have done some code changes to talk to a synscan handset controller - but am unable to do any testing. I will uplad everything so far identified intpo Synscan HC folder including the test code, in case someone wants to have a play.
Cheers
Robert
Another update
I think I may have stumbled onto the answer, or at least a good part of the answer in terms of SynScan HC and GPS.
What we know is the RJ11 pinout as shown here
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduino-gps/files/SynScan%20HC/SynScan%20HC%20Pinouts.png/download
What we also know is the command required to set the gps information to the handcontroller via rs232, see here
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduino-gps/files/SynScan%20HC/SynScan%20HC%20Controller%20Commands.txt/download
Now, if the myGPS unit was connected to the RS232 pins of the SYNSCAN HC, why cant the arduino just convert the myGPS data into the right command for the SynScan HC????
Answer is yes it can,.
Here are the connections for the myGPS
// MYGPS must be wired to the Hand Controller (RXD, TXD, and GND)
// myGPS - TXD = pin 31 -----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 5
// myGPS - RXD = pin 30 -----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 2
// myGPS - GND = pin GND ----> SynScan HC RJ11 Pin 3 or Pin 4
// see
// https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduino-gps/files/SynScan%20HC/SynScan%20HC%20Pinouts.png/download
Now the Arduino Code - beta, yet to be tested.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduino-gps/files/SynScan%20HC/myGPS_SYSNCAN_HC_100/
Not all complete as I have limited time to do this. But it should work.
I think I have TXD/RXD the right way round, if not, simply reverse them. WHat it should do is send GPS data to the SynScan controller around every 4 seconds (same time as updating screen) - when a GPS fix has been extablished.
As usual - all disclaimers and accept no responsibility if anything bad happens.
Robert
Just waiting for my GPS module arrive to test this Sysncan version of myGPS and as soon as possible I will send my results. Its really a good contribution to myGPS project.
Thanks Robert.
André Mesquita
Just my single contribution to your project.
myGPS PCB
Google Drive Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-iokhsmL4VtUTVrOUhGcHZ2YU0/view?usp=sharing
PCB copper side
Eagle PCB File
Version 2 With Synscan out
Copper side version 2
Eagle PCB file
Many thanks Andre, fantastic.
A further explanation. In the SynSCan folder there are two different INO folders for firmware.
Both require same hardware connection to SynScan controller but are different in code
My first approach was to try and intercept the syscan hc request for a GPS unit and return NACK instead of nothing. This is based on that when a synscan queries if a gps unit is attached, the synacn gps unit will return ACK and then look for information based in SIRF protocol.
The stuff I dound on the Internet suggested replacing the gps unit with an arduino and returning NACK instead, and that this would then switch the HC into looking for NMEA data. No details of code or connections was found, only a comment saying that the user had it going. Also no responses to email requests. So I wrote myGPS_007_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino to do just that. But have not tested it.
Then I read through the synscan user manual etc, found the pinouts of the RJ11 connector on the HC, and also found some portions of the SynSCan protocol, specific to Time/Location. So then I wrote myGPS_SYSNCAN_HC_100.ino to convert the NMEA commands and use that to send the required data to the HC (date/time/location) using the sysnscan protocol. So this is another option. Untested. I do not know if this requires the HC to be placed into PC-Direct mode. It just needs to be tested.
I would probably suggest
1. Make up a connector for the RJ11 HC connection to the arduino TXD/RXD pins.
2. Program controller with myGPS_008_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino
3. With power off everything, connect HC to myGPS
3. Turn on power to HC
4. I expect that the HC should say something like waiting for gps
5. Once fix obtained then should display GPS info into HC
If that does not work - then option 2 is to try myGPS_007_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS which attempts to send data using syncscan protocol. Same procedure applies as above.
If that does not work,. then will need to modify myGPS_008_OLEDI2C_NGPS_AGPS.ino so that it replies to Synscan request with ACK and then add code to return SIRF data to HC.
I like to build my own "GPS mouse" to be used with the SynScan hand controller with similar stuff that myGPS uses. But since the Synscan HC apperently moved away from standard NEMA I wonder what format the messages have to be in so the HC recognizes them.
A few months went by and apperently the files linked in your earlier post you uploaded are no longer available, do you still have the file of the protocol used and can upload / post it somewhere? I couldn't find a recording/desciption of the protocol anywhere.
You mentioned it might be the SIRF binary protocol, but wich message(s) specificly? is it just "Geodetic Navigation Data – Message ID 41" (SIRF protocol) or more?
I would really like to try to combine a GPS module and a esp8266 to enable also WIFI abilities to the synscan HC.
Hi
We could never get this to go, no its not SIRF but a variation of it, we could never determine it and really needed a logic analyzer to do the decoding. We just abandoned it and linked the GPS straight into EQMOD as that was much easier. No idea even if the files still exist, sorry
Robert
Robert you are really fast. I will test all sketches when receive my gps unit and promptly leave you a feedback.
André Mesquita
Protoboard LCD1602 version
Protoboard LCD1602 version
Hi Andre
Great photos. Thanks. You have it going which is great. You live in a high area above sea level?
Cheers
Robert
Yes Robert, I live in a small city called Amparo a small country city of Sao Paulo 674 m above sea level.
Best Regards
André Mesquita
Hi André
That is so cool! I googled the town and I really like the history and feeling that one gets from admiring the views. Looks awsome! How are the night skies?
Cheers
R
The nights here where I live are pretty good because I live a bit distant (5 km) from the city. A friend of mine work with fiberglass and build domes. Im in the mild process of build my own backyard. observatory. The automation of dome it was finished using Lesvedome software and it is ascom compatible. Im just waiting the dome be finished.
The above image is the dome controller it uses a Velleman K8055N board and a lot of DPDT relays I tried to look for an arduino solution but I didn't find. I buid it myself. And this is the dome that I will install.