This is the new version 2 site for the myFocuser Project.
Please note that all v2 code, firmware and drivers cannot work with v1 code, firmware or drivers.
The differences in V2 are
- better synchronous and re-entrant support
- better logging and debugging options
- cleaner interface code, better error handling
- no support for "Moonlite"
- layout differences
In essence, v1 based controllers can be upgraded to v2 simply by uploading the new v2 firmware. Existing ASCOM drivers and Windows application must be uninstalled, then the newer v2 ASCOM drivers and Windows application installed to work with the updated v2 firmware.
Files will be uploaded as time permits
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have finally had a chance to update everything here with the latest so its all up to date as of right now. All the latest changes have been implemented in both v2 and v138.
Schematics and layout are the same now in both.
CODE IS NOT.
You cannot run a v138 controller with the v2 software or the v1x software with a v2 controller - they use a different serial handshake method and thus will not work.
Attempting to use v1x controllers with v2 sofware should report an error message such as "Error connecting to focuser: Invalid response"
v2 Arduino code is no longer moonlite compatible so cannot be used with any of the moonlite drivers or on INDI systems.
However, v1x code remains moonlite compatible and is still supported at this time.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
For the absolute ultimate in heavy imaging trains - combining the easydriver or drv8825 with the L298N to create a microstepping driver with 2A current capability - driving super torque focusers that will power the most demanding and heaviest of imaging trains (rotaters, filters, focusers, imagers, reducers) you name it, the ultimate in lifting and pulling power. Users beware, there is enough torque available here to lift a very heavy load with a geared stepper motor, and hence, if you are not very careful, do some very serious damage if you have not set up your focuser correctly. Use at your own risk.
Personally I would be using a plastic gear somewhere in the train to ensure there was a way to break the drive torque in the event of something going wrong..... or a belt drive system that would at least slip......
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Oh, only HW changes required - see the schematic - note the changes. Be careful of the power to the easydriver and drv8825 boards (its now VCC not 12V).
No changes to software is necessary - existing Arduino firmware (DRV8825) works without issue.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Robert, realizing the full scheme with Easydriver I notice a discrepancy. Especially in the full scheme it is instructed to connect pin MS1 of EasyDriver board to pin D7 Arduino while in EasyDriver picture that shows the Arduino links are instructed to connect pin MS1 of EasyDriver board to pin D5 Arduino. I also tried to read in the Focuserv250_DRV8825_HW203_F_RE code that is what I intend to load but the thing I can do is clear. So, I have to use the pin D7 or the D5 to connect the pin MS1?
Thank you
Biagio
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
// On a :FQ (Halt), will write position to EEPROM after delay (in case user turns off focuser later on without any further moves)
// Added serial commands :DS0# :DS1# and :DG# to enable and disable display
// Both green AND blue IN/OUT LEDS light with Buzzer to indicate power on OR reset
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
07062015 myFocuser2App_v2090.zip
// 07062015 v2090
// Added TFT check box - it increases connect delay to 10s as the TFT takes so long to initialize
// Added Force Exit to Menu Bar, Disconnects Port and Exits in case of Serial Port Hang and unresponsiveness
// see send command string for a tidy up bug fix
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
10062015 2.2TFT DRV8825 Released
I have released the schematic, layout, documentation, parts list, library files, ardunio firmware etc for the TFT 2.2" display option. Only one controller type supported from one supplier. No others supported. The library files have been heavily modified to support only that one controller and no other. It was the only way I could get it to work in the memory space of the nano. The latest windows application already supports it. The ASCOM driver will be updated and related shortly. It requires a 10s delay on connect() before sending data to the controller as the tft takes so long to initialize. See the pdf document for more information.
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2015-06-10
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I'm trying to adjust the temperature offset in the WinApp 207 version , but I can't enter decimals in the offset box. It seems that it is only accepting a 'point' as decimal seperator and here we use the 'comma' as a decimal seperator wich it isn't accepting. Is it possible to add this to your program?
Thanks,
Jacques
Last edit: Jacques 2015-06-10
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Jacques
Look in the Beta folder for a Windows version to test, let me know what happens. Still working on the ASCOM as there are other changes to the ASCOM that are also required (TFT support etc) that need to be coded in.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
It seems to work well now from both the windows app and the ASCOM driver! I can enter a compensation temperature with decimals seperated by a comma and that value is now added or substracted correct from the measured temperature. Great and fast work Robert!
One other thing I noticed is that when I installed the new ASCOM driver, it said that it is deinstalling the old driver and installing the new one. When I connect to the ASCOM driver after the installation, I stil get the old driver. After I deinstalled the ASCOM driver from Programs and Features, and installed the ASCOM driver again, it worked OK.
Thanks for the very fast change!
By the way, I used the minimal arduino sketch and added the temperature part of the full version to it. That's all I need in my setup.
My setup:
Arduino Nano
Big Easy Driver
Nema 17 Stepper Motor (17HS13-0404S-PG27) with Planetary Gearbox
DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Temperature Probe
Sequence Generator Pro to test the ASCOM driver
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Jacques
Thanks for testing it. Yes, I shouldve told you to uninstall the old ASCOM. The installer does remove the old version, but the problem is the driver uses an application setting file that is difficult to uninstall. I had to modify the setting file for the new version hence the need to use programs and features instead....
I could not find a way to get the , separator to stay (internally it all has to be converted and work with . anyway as there are a number of math conversions done) in the text box so after validation I just changed it to . and wrote it back. One day I might figure out a cleaner way.
I think the PG27 is a fantastic choice, a great stepper with plenty of torque and low current, it is in fact my stepper of choice now on all my scopes.
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
13062015 Update Windows App and Mini App
WARNING - Use Control Panel Programs and Features to Uninstall prior versions before installing
The changes are in the namespace of the program that now reflect myFocuser2
Some old references still existed to the previous v1 and these have now been removed.
For the mini app have also added some tool tips to the focuser buttons.
Cheers
Robert
Previous versions no longer supported.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
25062015 myFocuser2ASCOM1Setup207.exe updated
This file has been replaced. It was conflicting with the myFocuser v1 ASCOM driver so has been updated. First uninstall the existing ASCOM myFocuser2ASCOM1 focuser driver using Control Panel Programs Features, rhen run the install program to install the new driver.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
01/07/2015 New pdf, new focuser windows app, supports up to 4 preset focuser positions (you can save up to 4 focuser positions, handy when using different cameras or focal reducers etc, now these positions can be remembered and recalled).
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
This is the new version 2 site for the myFocuser Project.
Please note that all v2 code, firmware and drivers cannot work with v1 code, firmware or drivers.
The differences in V2 are
- better synchronous and re-entrant support
- better logging and debugging options
- cleaner interface code, better error handling
- no support for "Moonlite"
- layout differences
In essence, v1 based controllers can be upgraded to v2 simply by uploading the new v2 firmware. Existing ASCOM drivers and Windows application must be uninstalled, then the newer v2 ASCOM drivers and Windows application installed to work with the updated v2 firmware.
Files will be uploaded as time permits
Robert
All existing v1 hardware will work with the newer v2 code!
I have finally had a chance to update everything here with the latest so its all up to date as of right now. All the latest changes have been implemented in both v2 and v138.
Schematics and layout are the same now in both.
CODE IS NOT.
You cannot run a v138 controller with the v2 software or the v1x software with a v2 controller - they use a different serial handshake method and thus will not work.
Attempting to use v1x controllers with v2 sofware should report an error message such as "Error connecting to focuser: Invalid response"
v2 Arduino code is no longer moonlite compatible so cannot be used with any of the moonlite drivers or on INDI systems.
However, v1x code remains moonlite compatible and is still supported at this time.
For the absolute ultimate in heavy imaging trains - combining the easydriver or drv8825 with the L298N to create a microstepping driver with 2A current capability - driving super torque focusers that will power the most demanding and heaviest of imaging trains (rotaters, filters, focusers, imagers, reducers) you name it, the ultimate in lifting and pulling power. Users beware, there is enough torque available here to lift a very heavy load with a geared stepper motor, and hence, if you are not very careful, do some very serious damage if you have not set up your focuser correctly. Use at your own risk.
Personally I would be using a plastic gear somewhere in the train to ensure there was a way to break the drive torque in the event of something going wrong..... or a belt drive system that would at least slip......
Oh, only HW changes required - see the schematic - note the changes. Be careful of the power to the easydriver and drv8825 boards (its now VCC not 12V).
No changes to software is necessary - existing Arduino firmware (DRV8825) works without issue.
Error in easydriver full schematic (temperature probe) fixed - Thanks Mickael
Hi Robert, realizing the full scheme with Easydriver I notice a discrepancy. Especially in the full scheme it is instructed to connect pin MS1 of EasyDriver board to pin D7 Arduino while in EasyDriver picture that shows the Arduino links are instructed to connect pin MS1 of EasyDriver board to pin D5 Arduino. I also tried to read in the Focuserv250_DRV8825_HW203_F_RE code that is what I intend to load but the thing I can do is clear. So, I have to use the pin D7 or the D5 to connect the pin MS1?
Thank you
Biagio
Uploaded today
// On a :FQ (Halt), will write position to EEPROM after delay (in case user turns off focuser later on without any further moves)
// Added serial commands :DS0# :DS1# and :DG# to enable and disable display
// Both green AND blue IN/OUT LEDS light with Buzzer to indicate power on OR reset
18052015 Arduino Firmware v205 All versions update today
18052015 -> 28052015 Arduino Firmware v205
28052015 Windows App 2.0.6.7 released
05062015 New Windows Application uploaded
07062015 myFocuser2App_v2090.zip
// 07062015 v2090
// Added TFT check box - it increases connect delay to 10s as the TFT takes so long to initialize
// Added Force Exit to Menu Bar, Disconnects Port and Exits in case of Serial Port Hang and unresponsiveness
// see send command string for a tidy up bug fix
09062015 myFocuser2App_v2093
Major changes to internals and bug fixes, recommended to upgrade
10062015 2.2TFT DRV8825 Released
I have released the schematic, layout, documentation, parts list, library files, ardunio firmware etc for the TFT 2.2" display option. Only one controller type supported from one supplier. No others supported. The library files have been heavily modified to support only that one controller and no other. It was the only way I could get it to work in the memory space of the nano. The latest windows application already supports it. The ASCOM driver will be updated and related shortly. It requires a 10s delay on connect() before sending data to the controller as the tft takes so long to initialize. See the pdf document for more information.
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2015-06-10
Hi Robert,
I'm trying to adjust the temperature offset in the WinApp 207 version , but I can't enter decimals in the offset box. It seems that it is only accepting a 'point' as decimal seperator and here we use the 'comma' as a decimal seperator wich it isn't accepting. Is it possible to add this to your program?
Thanks,
Jacques
Last edit: Jacques 2015-06-10
Hi Jacques
Yes, that will affect the Winapp version and the ASCOM version, yes I will look at it, I know what that is.
Cheers
Robert
Hi Jacques
Look in the Beta folder for a Windows version to test, let me know what happens. Still working on the ASCOM as there are other changes to the ASCOM that are also required (TFT support etc) that need to be coded in.
It seems to work well now from both the windows app and the ASCOM driver! I can enter a compensation temperature with decimals seperated by a comma and that value is now added or substracted correct from the measured temperature. Great and fast work Robert!
One other thing I noticed is that when I installed the new ASCOM driver, it said that it is deinstalling the old driver and installing the new one. When I connect to the ASCOM driver after the installation, I stil get the old driver. After I deinstalled the ASCOM driver from Programs and Features, and installed the ASCOM driver again, it worked OK.
Thanks for the very fast change!
By the way, I used the minimal arduino sketch and added the temperature part of the full version to it. That's all I need in my setup.
My setup:
Arduino Nano
Big Easy Driver
Nema 17 Stepper Motor (17HS13-0404S-PG27) with Planetary Gearbox
DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Temperature Probe
Sequence Generator Pro to test the ASCOM driver
Hi Jacques
Thanks for testing it. Yes, I shouldve told you to uninstall the old ASCOM. The installer does remove the old version, but the problem is the driver uses an application setting file that is difficult to uninstall. I had to modify the setting file for the new version hence the need to use programs and features instead....
I could not find a way to get the , separator to stay (internally it all has to be converted and work with . anyway as there are a number of math conversions done) in the text box so after validation I just changed it to . and wrote it back. One day I might figure out a cleaner way.
I think the PG27 is a fantastic choice, a great stepper with plenty of torque and low current, it is in fact my stepper of choice now on all my scopes.
Cheers
Robert
12/06/2015 New Updates
Documentation
myFocuser_202.pdf
Windows Application
myFocuser2appv2096.zip
ASCOM drivers
must uninstall old ascom driver first using Programs Features
myFocuser2ASCOMSetup206.exe
myFocuser2ASCOM1Setup206.exe
Arduino Firmware - Full Versions Only
Focuserv206_DRV8825_F.ino
Focuserv206_L293D_F.ino
Focuserv206_ULN2003_F.ino
Focuserv206ir_DRV8825_F.ino
Focuserv206re_DRV8825_F.ino
ChangeLogs
12062015
Mini Focuser App (Windows) uploaded
13062015 Update Windows App and Mini App
WARNING - Use Control Panel Programs and Features to Uninstall prior versions before installing
The changes are in the namespace of the program that now reflect myFocuser2
Some old references still existed to the previous v1 and these have now been removed.
For the mini app have also added some tool tips to the focuser buttons.
Cheers
Robert
Previous versions no longer supported.
17062015
New mini app and new ASCOM drivers uploaded
25062015 myFocuser2ASCOM1Setup207.exe updated
This file has been replaced. It was conflicting with the myFocuser v1 ASCOM driver so has been updated. First uninstall the existing ASCOM myFocuser2ASCOM1 focuser driver using Control Panel Programs Features, rhen run the install program to install the new driver.
01/07/2015 New pdf, new focuser windows app, supports up to 4 preset focuser positions (you can save up to 4 focuser positions, handy when using different cameras or focal reducers etc, now these positions can be remembered and recalled).