Hi Robert,
I'm using 1.6.7 (for the UNO/L293 version which I'm actively using on the scope right now). It seems to be OK and causing no issues I can see, but then I;ve only used on one night due to poor weather! I have another backup assembly on the bench I'm playing with which also has no problems, and I have a NANO/DRV8825 version which I have not done much with other than test the motor functions. I've just seen the new version you've posted so will check that out ASAP ;-)
Thanks,
Chris
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Hi Chris
The latest version supports both the variable baud rate as well as temperature resolution. A few other bug fixes. One needs to update both the Arduino firmware and the windows app/ascom driver to the latest. Cannot use the latest win app/ascom with older firmware....
Just spent ths moring updating the firmware on all my focusers as well as the apps/ascom drivers on the observatory computer. Now waiting for the weather to improve.
Cheers
Robert
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08042016 MAJOR UPDATE: New PDF, New Arduino v222 firmware, new ASCOM app, New Windows app.
Please update to all the latest versions.
The major changes are support for multiple baud rates, as well as different temperature resolutions down to 0.0625 degrees.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Winapp 2.1.5.6 fixes bug in get stepmode introduced some versions back (would only allow you to use that function once).
It would be a good time to do updates now as there is not much planned in the pipeline.
The only changes in the pipeline are for the Wifi code but there is no timeframe for that yet. I am on the hunt for some testers though so if you are/have built it please contact me.
Cheers
Robert
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I have updated the PDF to include a section on "How to upgrade you myFocuserPro2 controller" as related to new drivers/application.and firmware. It outlines the steps I use when upgrading (as I have a lot of units used in testing and then others that are in actual use in the observatory). If you have not upgraded yet, then I hope this is helpful information for you to assist in the process.
Cheers
Robert
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WIFI - I have pulled the code as I will post updates very shortly. The existing code released should be discarded if you have downloaded it. The new releases to be posted shortly will address a lot of issues.
Cheers
Robert
PS: Nothing wrong with the hardware etc.
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Today I have released the updated WIFI files - Arduino firmware for myFocuserPro2 Wifi controller, firmware for the ESP8266 wifi board, the WIndows application, the TCPServer test program and the updated PDF.
Its taken two full on days to finish this off. I will post a new video of everything working, hopefully later today. It is possible to control the focuser from the windows app or a web browser interface. The video will show both.
The ASCOM driver will follow shortly. I think this has actually taken more effort to develop/code/test than the actual focus controller. There has been significant changes in code. Any previous code versions for the wifi that you may have downloaded can be tossed forthwith. We are good to go!
Cheers
Robert
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Saturday 16 April - Arduino firmware 221/222 has a major bug. Please update to latest 223 posted today. Wifi video posted today at https://youtu.be/gBOfEigV72M
New Wifi files uploaded today.
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Hi Robert,
I've not done any updates for a while for the 8825F setup, but 219 still appears to work. When tried just now 222 appears to connect OK but does not move the motor, 223 won't even connect to the driver board! (viaSGP+ ASCOM or using Win app). My ASCOM driver is supposed to be 226 but the config screen still says 222 - I look in Windows Control Panel to remind myself and yes, only ASCOM driver v.226 is installed and I had uninstalled 222 first. So I reloaded 219 and it works again...
Cheers, Chris
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ASCOM 226 is the latest. When u say the config screen shows 222, is that in the ASCOM choser?
I have checked 226 and when I click on the driver properties its saying 226.
If yours is saying 222 then i would try removing the driver via control panel. Then restart, then install the 226.
I cant offer any help on 223? Let me know what happens
Cheers
R
Thanks, that fixed it! The .dll file was still there and I guess it could not be overwritten by the installer. Version shows correctly as 226 on the properties dialog now (it was always showing as 226 in Control Panel though which was an error). Anyway, I will try the Arduino 223 firmware again later...
Chris
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Hi roberto, I find your very good work, and I wanted to thank you first of all, I have built the focuser with arduino nano and a4988 driver driving a motor nema 14 12V 350mA in ascom, I wanted to ask you can implement data of temperature and humidity sensor DHT22, in place of the probe DS12B20? I tried to change the code, but for the temperature okay, but the problem is that the ascom driver does not pass the data of humidity. Can you help me?
Last edit: alessio 2016-04-19
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Hi Alessio
The ASCOM standard does not support humidity for focusers. It only supports temperature.
Though there is a way round this in terms of using a local "action" is is not something that ascom client apps readily do, so most native apps like apt, sgpro, maxim, nebulosity etc would not know such an action exists.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
20-04-2016.
Major updates. Arduino firmware 224, Windows App, Min App, ASCOM drivers and PDF Do not attempt to update one without the other. Because of a number of protocol and code changes, do not attempt to use the latest Window apps with older firmware, or vice versa.
I have actually rewritten all the temperature code. So that means getting rid of a few things like tempwait delay and update temp on lcd and so on. All gone. Temperature is now always shown on the LCD. This means that temp is automatically updated on the lcd display on each refresh as well meaning a lot of other code also got removed.
Barring the obvious, this is the last change planned for the immediate future. Please report any issues.
Robert
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All new Arduino Firmware. All new Windows Application. All new ASCOM drivers. MiniApp discontinued. All new ASCOMAPP Client Tester.
I have rewritten all the temperature code and some of the stepper code. Huge changes under the hood, which also meant getting rid of a few things like tempwait delay and update temp on lcd and so on. All gone. The main loop handles the updating of the LCD, temperature triggering and reading, displaying current temperature on the LCD etc. This helps to reduce errors between request and read if the time lapse is < 750ms. Also means that temp is automatically updated on the lcd display on each refresh as well meaning a lot of other code also got removed. And temperature compensation has been added in this release (must use the latest Windows application v2.1.6.2 or higher. Please read the Readme.txt file (in the CODE ARDUINO folder) for the latest firmware changes and the Readme.txt file (in the CODE WINDOWS folder) for the latest changes to the windows application.
Temperature compensation is disabled whenever the Arduino is restarted. This prevents the focuser from trying to compensate and change focus position when you might be doing an intital focus run. So temperature compensation must be specifically enabled each time after starting the focuser.
With ASCOM one can only test if temperature compensation is available, and turn it on or off. There is no method for specifying the value in ASCOM, so this will have to be done using the Windows application. After connecting and achieving initial focus, disconnect the ASCOM client and then reconnect ASCOM with enable temperature compensation.
We end up with a system that cooperates with SGPRO, MaximDL, Nebulosity 4 and FocusMax. It should also work with APT because you can enable the temperature compensation on the ASCOM setup dialog form (APT does not yet have a way of enabling/disabling temperature compensation).
Please do not try and mix and match these updated versions with older ones. If you update one file/application, then you must update all ( Windows App, Arduino firmware, ASCOM driver, ASCOM app ) to the latest version.
For the record
Windows Application 2.1.6.7
Arduino Firmware 228
ASCOM Driver 228
ASCOMAPP Client 1.2.9.7
Please email me with any issues (or further info) and they will be resolved asap. For temperature compensation info look in the documents folder,
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2016-04-28
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Arduino Firmware 228. I am going to leave the code as is for now (barring bugs) and try and focus on actually using this stuff, I havent imaged for a very long time (well over a year) and these projects have taken up all my spare time. I think I have eliminated all the bugs out of the temp code now as well.
Any issues please post here or email me,
Cheers
Robert
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After updating the firmware to v228, if the LCD flickers, then start the windows app, connect to the focuser and reset the LCD display time - Settings, Set LCD Display Page Time,
You should also check the Temperature Precision value (Settings, Temperature Precision, Get) and if it returns -1 then send the new Temperature Precision value you want to use,
This only needs to be done ONCE after upgrading the firmware to v228
Cheers
Robert
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Roberto hello, I switched from version 220 to version 228, but I have some lag issues. MI explain: I have no errors at compile arduino code, last used app for windows, clikko to connect and already it takes a while before it all goes online. for example when I press the +100 button passes about half a second before the command is executed, in the old version, however, it was instantaneous. It seems to lose too much time updating the app windows. Also I believe that no data is saved on the EEPROM because every time I turn it on the position value of 5000 and coilpwr is on. Also changing the point of focuser with rotary encoder, windows app does not update the value of the position window.
Can you help me? My com port is set to 9600 baud.
PS Is possible download the old version v220_DRV8825_F_RE
Last edit: alessio 2016-05-02
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Hi Alessio
Please email me direct so I can work on this with you to resolve issues,
On saving data to eeprom, that is controlled by the line
long interval = 10000L; // interval in milliseconds to wait after a move before writing settings to EEPROM, 10s
So there is at least a 10s interval from the time a command is sent to the time that any value is updated in EEPROM. So if you send a move command, after the command has been executed, there is 10s from that time till the new value is written to eeprom,
I have some thoughts on the slowness, please email me and I can send you an update to try.
Regards
Robert
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Hi Robert,
I'm using 1.6.7 (for the UNO/L293 version which I'm actively using on the scope right now). It seems to be OK and causing no issues I can see, but then I;ve only used on one night due to poor weather! I have another backup assembly on the bench I'm playing with which also has no problems, and I have a NANO/DRV8825 version which I have not done much with other than test the motor functions. I've just seen the new version you've posted so will check that out ASAP ;-)
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris
The latest version supports both the variable baud rate as well as temperature resolution. A few other bug fixes. One needs to update both the Arduino firmware and the windows app/ascom driver to the latest. Cannot use the latest win app/ascom with older firmware....
Just spent ths moring updating the firmware on all my focusers as well as the apps/ascom drivers on the observatory computer. Now waiting for the weather to improve.
Cheers
Robert
08042016 MAJOR UPDATE: New PDF, New Arduino v222 firmware, new ASCOM app, New Windows app.
Please update to all the latest versions.
The major changes are support for multiple baud rates, as well as different temperature resolutions down to 0.0625 degrees.
Also new files for WIFI - arduino wifi focuser code, esp8266 code (includes web server), new winwifi app, new tcpserver, new wifi pdf.
Winapp 2.1.5.6 fixes bug in get stepmode introduced some versions back (would only allow you to use that function once).
It would be a good time to do updates now as there is not much planned in the pipeline.
The only changes in the pipeline are for the Wifi code but there is no timeframe for that yet. I am on the hunt for some testers though so if you are/have built it please contact me.
Cheers
Robert
I have updated the PDF to include a section on "How to upgrade you myFocuserPro2 controller" as related to new drivers/application.and firmware. It outlines the steps I use when upgrading (as I have a lot of units used in testing and then others that are in actual use in the observatory). If you have not upgraded yet, then I hope this is helpful information for you to assist in the process.
Cheers
Robert
There was an error in the layout for the ESP8266 StripBoard Wifi- a new corrected version has been uploaded
WIFI - I have pulled the code as I will post updates very shortly. The existing code released should be discarded if you have downloaded it. The new releases to be posted shortly will address a lot of issues.
Cheers
Robert
PS: Nothing wrong with the hardware etc.
Today I have released the updated WIFI files - Arduino firmware for myFocuserPro2 Wifi controller, firmware for the ESP8266 wifi board, the WIndows application, the TCPServer test program and the updated PDF.
Its taken two full on days to finish this off. I will post a new video of everything working, hopefully later today. It is possible to control the focuser from the windows app or a web browser interface. The video will show both.
The ASCOM driver will follow shortly. I think this has actually taken more effort to develop/code/test than the actual focus controller. There has been significant changes in code. Any previous code versions for the wifi that you may have downloaded can be tossed forthwith. We are good to go!
Cheers
Robert
Saturday 16 April - Arduino firmware 221/222 has a major bug. Please update to latest 223 posted today. Wifi video posted today at https://youtu.be/gBOfEigV72M
New Wifi files uploaded today.
Hi Robert,
I've not done any updates for a while for the 8825F setup, but 219 still appears to work. When tried just now 222 appears to connect OK but does not move the motor, 223 won't even connect to the driver board! (viaSGP+ ASCOM or using Win app). My ASCOM driver is supposed to be 226 but the config screen still says 222 - I look in Windows Control Panel to remind myself and yes, only ASCOM driver v.226 is installed and I had uninstalled 222 first. So I reloaded 219 and it works again...
Cheers, Chris
ASCOM 226 is the latest. When u say the config screen shows 222, is that in the ASCOM choser?
I have checked 226 and when I click on the driver properties its saying 226.
If yours is saying 222 then i would try removing the driver via control panel. Then restart, then install the 226.
I cant offer any help on 223? Let me know what happens
Cheers
R
Chris
If you see v222 after installing v226
1. Use control panel to remove the ascom driver
2. After this goto
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\ASCOM\Focuser
and delete the ASCOM.myFocuserASCOM.Focuser.dll file
Sometimes windows does not remove the DLL when a new version is updated.
Last edit: brownrb 2016-04-18
Thanks, that fixed it! The .dll file was still there and I guess it could not be overwritten by the installer. Version shows correctly as 226 on the properties dialog now (it was always showing as 226 in Control Panel though which was an error). Anyway, I will try the Arduino 223 firmware again later...
Chris
Hi Chris
There are new versions which will be released in a few days, email me and I will send them to you
Hi Chris
Sorry but email bounced from the address you gave me.
Hi roberto, I find your very good work, and I wanted to thank you first of all, I have built the focuser with arduino nano and a4988 driver driving a motor nema 14 12V 350mA in ascom, I wanted to ask you can implement data of temperature and humidity sensor DHT22, in place of the probe DS12B20? I tried to change the code, but for the temperature okay, but the problem is that the ascom driver does not pass the data of humidity. Can you help me?
Last edit: alessio 2016-04-19
Hi Alessio
The ASCOM standard does not support humidity for focusers. It only supports temperature.
Though there is a way round this in terms of using a local "action" is is not something that ascom client apps readily do, so most native apps like apt, sgpro, maxim, nebulosity etc would not know such an action exists.
20-04-2016.
Major updates. Arduino firmware 224, Windows App, Min App, ASCOM drivers and PDF Do not attempt to update one without the other. Because of a number of protocol and code changes, do not attempt to use the latest Window apps with older firmware, or vice versa.
I have actually rewritten all the temperature code. So that means getting rid of a few things like tempwait delay and update temp on lcd and so on. All gone. Temperature is now always shown on the LCD. This means that temp is automatically updated on the lcd display on each refresh as well meaning a lot of other code also got removed.
Barring the obvious, this is the last change planned for the immediate future. Please report any issues.
Robert
New PDF uploaded.
All new Arduino Firmware. All new Windows Application. All new ASCOM drivers. MiniApp discontinued. All new ASCOMAPP Client Tester.
I have rewritten all the temperature code and some of the stepper code. Huge changes under the hood, which also meant getting rid of a few things like tempwait delay and update temp on lcd and so on. All gone. The main loop handles the updating of the LCD, temperature triggering and reading, displaying current temperature on the LCD etc. This helps to reduce errors between request and read if the time lapse is < 750ms. Also means that temp is automatically updated on the lcd display on each refresh as well meaning a lot of other code also got removed. And temperature compensation has been added in this release (must use the latest Windows application v2.1.6.2 or higher. Please read the Readme.txt file (in the CODE ARDUINO folder) for the latest firmware changes and the Readme.txt file (in the CODE WINDOWS folder) for the latest changes to the windows application.
Temperature compensation is disabled whenever the Arduino is restarted. This prevents the focuser from trying to compensate and change focus position when you might be doing an intital focus run. So temperature compensation must be specifically enabled each time after starting the focuser.
With ASCOM one can only test if temperature compensation is available, and turn it on or off. There is no method for specifying the value in ASCOM, so this will have to be done using the Windows application. After connecting and achieving initial focus, disconnect the ASCOM client and then reconnect ASCOM with enable temperature compensation.
We end up with a system that cooperates with SGPRO, MaximDL, Nebulosity 4 and FocusMax. It should also work with APT because you can enable the temperature compensation on the ASCOM setup dialog form (APT does not yet have a way of enabling/disabling temperature compensation).
Please do not try and mix and match these updated versions with older ones. If you update one file/application, then you must update all ( Windows App, Arduino firmware, ASCOM driver, ASCOM app ) to the latest version.
For the record
Windows Application 2.1.6.7
Arduino Firmware 228
ASCOM Driver 228
ASCOMAPP Client 1.2.9.7
Please email me with any issues (or further info) and they will be resolved asap. For temperature compensation info look in the documents folder,
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2016-04-28
Arduino Firmware 228. I am going to leave the code as is for now (barring bugs) and try and focus on actually using this stuff, I havent imaged for a very long time (well over a year) and these projects have taken up all my spare time. I think I have eliminated all the bugs out of the temp code now as well.
Any issues please post here or email me,
Cheers
Robert
After updating the firmware to v228, if the LCD flickers, then start the windows app, connect to the focuser and reset the LCD display time - Settings, Set LCD Display Page Time,
You should also check the Temperature Precision value (Settings, Temperature Precision, Get) and if it returns -1 then send the new Temperature Precision value you want to use,
This only needs to be done ONCE after upgrading the firmware to v228
Cheers
Robert
Roberto hello, I switched from version 220 to version 228, but I have some lag issues. MI explain: I have no errors at compile arduino code, last used app for windows, clikko to connect and already it takes a while before it all goes online. for example when I press the +100 button passes about half a second before the command is executed, in the old version, however, it was instantaneous. It seems to lose too much time updating the app windows. Also I believe that no data is saved on the EEPROM because every time I turn it on the position value of 5000 and coilpwr is on. Also changing the point of focuser with rotary encoder, windows app does not update the value of the position window.
Can you help me? My com port is set to 9600 baud.
PS Is possible download the old version v220_DRV8825_F_RE
Last edit: alessio 2016-05-02
Hi Alessio
Please email me direct so I can work on this with you to resolve issues,
On saving data to eeprom, that is controlled by the line
long interval = 10000L; // interval in milliseconds to wait after a move before writing settings to EEPROM, 10s
So there is at least a 10s interval from the time a command is sent to the time that any value is updated in EEPROM. So if you send a move command, after the command has been executed, there is 10s from that time till the new value is written to eeprom,
I have some thoughts on the slowness, please email me and I can send you an update to try.
Regards
Robert