Great pics. I have bought some diodes but probably not needed as I only ever use half steps on he focusers I have. Those microswitches used for home position really are very small. I wonder what the reliability is on them in terms of activations? Do they need to be waterproof in case of dew? I dont know how dew or moisture will affect the switch readings? If the switch does not operate (perhaps corrision etc) when moving in that could be somewhat of an issue as the focuser would want to drive till the switch changes state... Could pay to have a spare etc. I would think that the drive current might go up when the focuser hits the home position and the switch did not activate, that would probably mean some form of overload current measurement to kill the power if that happened, hmmm
Sorry mind is buzzing, should stop drinking red bull at my age
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Just thinking on that, The switch could have a membrane of sorts put over it. or something like that, small problem to solve.
Now I know how you keep burning there, 'RedBull' maybe I need some too!
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Clive, One solid block there, nicely machined, always am a fan of good metalwork skills. Still tend to thing it was one of the most valuable things I learnt at secondary school when they used to teach trades (smart kids = chemistry, physics and maths, not too bright kids = metal work, woodwork ).
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
25052016 - New firmware 237 and new WinApp 2308. These should resolve issues with the home position switch. A great debt of thanks to Clive for testing and perservance over this, he has been ennormous help in getting things working better than before!
You will not on the newWinApp there is now a mechanism for saving and restoring settings. This is covered in the new PDF, but basically the idea is before updating to the next firmware or windows release, you connect the focuser and save the settings. Then you uplaod the new firmware and/or windows app and after installion then run restore settings (with the controller connected) and MOST every setting will be as before (logfilenames and paths excluded, tempcomp enabled). Should make updating to new revision much easier. I would recommend still writing down the values just in case! as this is new.
Cheers
Robert
Of course any changes you make AFTER saving the settings and BEFORE restoring them would not be preserved when restored. It configures to the state which existed during the save.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Whoa!!! Seems a gremlin popped into firmware 239 (actually its been in a few previous releases too.
A patch 240 firmware that fixes that issue will be posted tomorrow. Issues revolve around temperature precision not being saved correctly.
Thanks to the beta team for the feedback, so dont bother downloading 239, wait for tomorrow and get 240 instead. Will also be posting updates for the WinApp and WinAppmini at same time. ASCOM drivers are still good to go.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
New Winapp because I forgot to tie in the extra presets to the settings menu so it was impossible to goto preset5-8
Work on the Pro2 firmware and Pro2 windows app will stop for a while now (barring serious bugs) so I can go back to port all the new changes to the Wifi version.
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
June 3 2016. New ASCOM drivers (only changes is to support sending of temperature coefficient value to controller on connection and validation of all setup dialog form parameters before connecting, new Windows MiniApp - quite a few code changes ported from main application.
Now to work on porting changes to Wifi code.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
21 Jun 2016 - Bug discovered in v241 of code, fix will be posted tomorrow. Affects temperature compensation check when jogging is enabled.
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
21 June 2016 - Firmware update v242 posted. Also updates to Windows application (you will notice a few more options on the settings menu to try) with associated PDF and also an updated FAQ. I also had time today to do a OLED version (128x64) and its passed test so I also uploaded that. TFT is at then end really due to code space restrictions so the OLED offers something else. The only comments I can report is that wear 2x glasses to see the small font. and it is much faster than the TFT by a country mile and some think even faster than the LCD2004/1602.
On the Wifi front, all changes have been ported and its in final testing for a release soon.It also has had major improvements under the hood. Its taken much longer than anticpated as there has been a lot of changes/additions from the initial release which was a copy of the arduino firmware 227, so the release at present being tested is has all changes since then..
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Dear Robert, I am pleasantly surprised to see that you also offer support for the OLED screen. I have been using that screen for a while, although I am still on the version 203. I am thinking of upgrading to the new versions of the code and Windows software. I have one question, is the rotary encoder supported on the OLED version? I have one on my old OLED version. Also, I am using a Bluetooth module connected to the hardware tx and rx pins on Arduino. I am not sure if I would have any advantages moving to the Wi-Fi communication with the focuser if I am not able to use my laptop to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi – or perhaps I am wrong, and it is possible to connect to the Internet on one side and control the focuser on the other side via Wi-Fi?
Miloš
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Milos
Let me know what version of the firmware (actual filename) and I will do the ino file for you tommorrow.
BT is around 20meters of so.
You can make the Wifi controller an access point and then connect to it from your PC as long as you are in close proximity (say 200 feet or so).
If you had local wifi you could connect the station of the wifi controller to that wifi network, then you could connect to it from anywhere (Internet - meaning say in another part of town or country - there is a little bit of work left to do this but nothing stopping it from being done except time to write the code).
It gives better performance than BT (faster and more reliable), because it uses TCP/IP as the underlying protocol all commands are automatically retried etc so its much more stable.
I have the wifi running on a focuser unit *yes just attched to txd/rxd like you mentioned above, and connect to it from my pc (by joining its own wifi network).
The cost of making it is like under $10 if you already have a focuser controller built.
As with the OLED and wifi and RE and IR and BT is was always a case of lets see if it works....
and happy to report that it does.
Good to hear from you again,
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
No bought it second hand
Clive.
Diodes added for stepper, lumpy add on, and focuser under testing, The way the weather is going to be this week, might as well get it all right
Hi Clive
Great pics. I have bought some diodes but probably not needed as I only ever use half steps on he focusers I have. Those microswitches used for home position really are very small. I wonder what the reliability is on them in terms of activations? Do they need to be waterproof in case of dew? I dont know how dew or moisture will affect the switch readings? If the switch does not operate (perhaps corrision etc) when moving in that could be somewhat of an issue as the focuser would want to drive till the switch changes state... Could pay to have a spare etc. I would think that the drive current might go up when the focuser hits the home position and the switch did not activate, that would probably mean some form of overload current measurement to kill the power if that happened, hmmm
Sorry mind is buzzing, should stop drinking red bull at my age
Robert
Just thinking on that, The switch could have a membrane of sorts put over it. or something like that, small problem to solve.
Now I know how you keep burning there, 'RedBull' maybe I need some too!
More of the Home switch. first video is overall view
Second Viideo is closeup of Focuser Observe the action of the black line you can see a small number of steps as it backs off the home button.
Really shows the home position code working overtime there. impressive work, thanks Clive
I redesigned the fitting of PG5 stepper to a Bintel or GSO focuser for my Newt
Clive, One solid block there, nicely machined, always am a fan of good metalwork skills. Still tend to thing it was one of the most valuable things I learnt at secondary school when they used to teach trades (smart kids = chemistry, physics and maths, not too bright kids = metal work, woodwork ).
ok Version C test, perfection and with LCD update on the fly, home button perfect
In full flight testing on telescope mount. coldddddd !
It was so cold where I am I didnt bother to go out! Only 9c, you must be lucky!
25052016 - New firmware 237 and new WinApp 2308. These should resolve issues with the home position switch. A great debt of thanks to Clive for testing and perservance over this, he has been ennormous help in getting things working better than before!
You will not on the newWinApp there is now a mechanism for saving and restoring settings. This is covered in the new PDF, but basically the idea is before updating to the next firmware or windows release, you connect the focuser and save the settings. Then you uplaod the new firmware and/or windows app and after installion then run restore settings (with the controller connected) and MOST every setting will be as before (logfilenames and paths excluded, tempcomp enabled). Should make updating to new revision much easier. I would recommend still writing down the values just in case! as this is new.
Cheers
Robert
Of course any changes you make AFTER saving the settings and BEFORE restoring them would not be preserved when restored. It configures to the state which existed during the save.
Newt crayford, now with home button. I have done several measure of travel and it is precise every time.
31May2016. Firmware 239 has bug fix for Celsius/Fahrenheit
Whoa!!! Seems a gremlin popped into firmware 239 (actually its been in a few previous releases too.
A patch 240 firmware that fixes that issue will be posted tomorrow. Issues revolve around temperature precision not being saved correctly.
Thanks to the beta team for the feedback, so dont bother downloading 239, wait for tomorrow and get 240 instead. Will also be posting updates for the WinApp and WinAppmini at same time. ASCOM drivers are still good to go.
v240 firmware uploaded. New versions of Windows App and Windows MiniApp uploaded.
New Winapp because I forgot to tie in the extra presets to the settings menu so it was impossible to goto preset5-8
Work on the Pro2 firmware and Pro2 windows app will stop for a while now (barring serious bugs) so I can go back to port all the new changes to the Wifi version.
Cheers
Robert
:)
June 3 2016. New ASCOM drivers (only changes is to support sending of temperature coefficient value to controller on connection and validation of all setup dialog form parameters before connecting, new Windows MiniApp - quite a few code changes ported from main application.
Now to work on porting changes to Wifi code.
June 20 2016. New Windows App, please Uninstall previous version before installing this update. Firmware 241 for all versions.
21 Jun 2016 - Bug discovered in v241 of code, fix will be posted tomorrow. Affects temperature compensation check when jogging is enabled.
Cheers
Robert
21 June 2016 - Firmware update v242 posted. Also updates to Windows application (you will notice a few more options on the settings menu to try) with associated PDF and also an updated FAQ. I also had time today to do a OLED version (128x64) and its passed test so I also uploaded that. TFT is at then end really due to code space restrictions so the OLED offers something else. The only comments I can report is that wear 2x glasses to see the small font. and it is much faster than the TFT by a country mile and some think even faster than the LCD2004/1602.
On the Wifi front, all changes have been ported and its in final testing for a release soon.It also has had major improvements under the hood. Its taken much longer than anticpated as there has been a lot of changes/additions from the initial release which was a copy of the arduino firmware 227, so the release at present being tested is has all changes since then..
Cheers
Robert
Dear Robert, I am pleasantly surprised to see that you also offer support for the OLED screen. I have been using that screen for a while, although I am still on the version 203. I am thinking of upgrading to the new versions of the code and Windows software. I have one question, is the rotary encoder supported on the OLED version? I have one on my old OLED version. Also, I am using a Bluetooth module connected to the hardware tx and rx pins on Arduino. I am not sure if I would have any advantages moving to the Wi-Fi communication with the focuser if I am not able to use my laptop to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi – or perhaps I am wrong, and it is possible to connect to the Internet on one side and control the focuser on the other side via Wi-Fi?
Miloš
Hi Milos
Let me know what version of the firmware (actual filename) and I will do the ino file for you tommorrow.
BT is around 20meters of so.
You can make the Wifi controller an access point and then connect to it from your PC as long as you are in close proximity (say 200 feet or so).
If you had local wifi you could connect the station of the wifi controller to that wifi network, then you could connect to it from anywhere (Internet - meaning say in another part of town or country - there is a little bit of work left to do this but nothing stopping it from being done except time to write the code).
It gives better performance than BT (faster and more reliable), because it uses TCP/IP as the underlying protocol all commands are automatically retried etc so its much more stable.
I have the wifi running on a focuser unit *yes just attched to txd/rxd like you mentioned above, and connect to it from my pc (by joining its own wifi network).
The cost of making it is like under $10 if you already have a focuser controller built.
As with the OLED and wifi and RE and IR and BT is was always a case of lets see if it works....
and happy to report that it does.
Good to hear from you again,
Cheers
Robert