I have an Indi setup on a Raspberry Pi so I need to build the Pro rather than the Pro2.
Are there any hardware differences or is it purely the software that differs?
I have read the PDF and I get the impression its just a software difference but before I start ordering parts I want to be sure. I would like to go the PCB route but if that is not possible for a Pro (rather than a Pro2) then I will do it with the stripboard.
This looks like a fun project, many thanks to Rob for putting this all together!
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Jon
I've checked the links to Aisler for the MyFocuserPro PCB - they resolve to the pages for the MyFocuserPro2 PCBs so I'm 99% certain that, as you suggest, it's purely a software difference.
I know that the MyFocuserPro2 build can be loaded with the MyFocuserPro firmware, so I guess that means the reverse is true!
HTH
Rich
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Thanks. My only concern was how prominently "MyfocuserPro2" is printed on the PCB but reading the whole PDF I could not really find any differences. The only difference is the protocol so I am going to assume it just software. Its really nice to find a project where it actaully makes sense to build it yourself.
Cheers
Jon
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
No worries, it really is a fantastic project and I can't speak highly enough about the quality of the Aisler boards. I've had three test runs under the stars with mine and after a bit of tweaking it's the best focuser I've used - the software and driver are rock solid, Robert is a top guy!
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Jon
Richard is quite correct that the same board is used for both myFocuserPro and myFocuserPro2. He has given you excellent advice.
It is indeed the firmware/software that is the difference. But there is also a sutle hardware inference - for example the PCB under myFocuserPro2 may have a circuit for stepper power detecdtion or home position switch - both features of which are NOT implemented in the myfocuserpro firmware.
Yes the protocol is different. The reason why features like HPSW are only in myfocuserpro2 and not in myfocuserpro (even though the same PCB is used) is that the myfocuserpro firmware is pretty much at its memory limit - meaning additional features could not be added. Hence we went to myfocuserpro2, rewrote the protocol, streamlined the code and freed up space for additional features.
You are right that the PCB will be fine, just do not add the extra circuits which are not supported, load it with the myfocuserpro firmware, it will be moonlite compatible and work just fine with the myfocuserpro ascom driver or the moonlite driver.
Best wishes
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Thanks for the confirmation. Just ordering all the bit and pieces now. I am going to build 2, one for a little refractor and one for my reflector.
I think I am going with the Nema17PG5 as the focusser will be carrying a DSLR and later a ASI1600 with focus wheel. This should future proof me. My only concern is the weight. My little refracter is not the issue but I Iove using my 200mm reflector on a HEQ5 mount which is getting close to the limits. I have converted the finderscope to a guidescope to save weight but I think as long as I balance it carefully and don't try to use it in high winds I should be OK. The spot I use in my backyard is very sheltered.
Really looking forward to this project as it combines a couple of skills that I have not used in a long time, electronics and C. Thanks for puting this all together!
Cheers
Jon
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have an Indi setup on a Raspberry Pi so I need to build the Pro rather than the Pro2.
Are there any hardware differences or is it purely the software that differs?
I have read the PDF and I get the impression its just a software difference but before I start ordering parts I want to be sure. I would like to go the PCB route but if that is not possible for a Pro (rather than a Pro2) then I will do it with the stripboard.
This looks like a fun project, many thanks to Rob for putting this all together!
Hi Jon
I've checked the links to Aisler for the MyFocuserPro PCB - they resolve to the pages for the MyFocuserPro2 PCBs so I'm 99% certain that, as you suggest, it's purely a software difference.
I know that the MyFocuserPro2 build can be loaded with the MyFocuserPro firmware, so I guess that means the reverse is true!
HTH
Rich
Hi Rich
Thanks. My only concern was how prominently "MyfocuserPro2" is printed on the PCB but reading the whole PDF I could not really find any differences. The only difference is the protocol so I am going to assume it just software. Its really nice to find a project where it actaully makes sense to build it yourself.
Cheers
Jon
No worries, it really is a fantastic project and I can't speak highly enough about the quality of the Aisler boards. I've had three test runs under the stars with mine and after a bit of tweaking it's the best focuser I've used - the software and driver are rock solid, Robert is a top guy!
Hi Jon
Richard is quite correct that the same board is used for both myFocuserPro and myFocuserPro2. He has given you excellent advice.
It is indeed the firmware/software that is the difference. But there is also a sutle hardware inference - for example the PCB under myFocuserPro2 may have a circuit for stepper power detecdtion or home position switch - both features of which are NOT implemented in the myfocuserpro firmware.
Yes the protocol is different. The reason why features like HPSW are only in myfocuserpro2 and not in myfocuserpro (even though the same PCB is used) is that the myfocuserpro firmware is pretty much at its memory limit - meaning additional features could not be added. Hence we went to myfocuserpro2, rewrote the protocol, streamlined the code and freed up space for additional features.
You are right that the PCB will be fine, just do not add the extra circuits which are not supported, load it with the myfocuserpro firmware, it will be moonlite compatible and work just fine with the myfocuserpro ascom driver or the moonlite driver.
Best wishes
Robert
Hi Robert
Thanks for the confirmation. Just ordering all the bit and pieces now. I am going to build 2, one for a little refractor and one for my reflector.
I think I am going with the Nema17PG5 as the focusser will be carrying a DSLR and later a ASI1600 with focus wheel. This should future proof me. My only concern is the weight. My little refracter is not the issue but I Iove using my 200mm reflector on a HEQ5 mount which is getting close to the limits. I have converted the finderscope to a guidescope to save weight but I think as long as I balance it carefully and don't try to use it in high winds I should be OK. The spot I use in my backyard is very sheltered.
Really looking forward to this project as it combines a couple of skills that I have not used in a long time, electronics and C. Thanks for puting this all together!
Cheers
Jon