Just love the focuser! It's inspired me to do even more 'automation' of my astro setup. I like the added bluetooth capability and was thinking of implementing that upgrade to my existing system. BUT, the short distance limitation of bluetooth communication, especially if communicating through walls and over 20 or so feet makes me think there has to be a better way. I am asking for your thoughts on how the existing design might be extended to allow a solution to the limitation of distance. Wifi seems to offer hope, but it may not be feasible without a major effort in re-design and programming. Is there any effort to extend the wireless distance at which the focuser can operate? If Wifi is integrated into the Arduino Nano config, can the Windows Focuser software still operate as it does with bluetooth? Any other thoughts would really be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Stefancic
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Hi Jim, thanks for the +ve feedback. Very good questions.
Concerning remote distances, yes BT is limited. There is now BT4 which can communicate over about 300m, but the BTv4 modules for an Arduino are hard to come by and are expensive. Also requires the computer to have a BTv4 stack available. The HC-05 we have now, operating over about 20m using BT1. I am waiting for the BT4 adapters to come down in price.
Of course there is usb powered hubs operating over an extension cable. Similar sorts of distance.
We basically rule out an Ethernet link (100mps) as its too slow to be of any use except for slow traffic (focuser and dew controller is fine). And USB-Ethernet -USB adapters are not that cheap. But distance is good with Cat5/6 cable for around 100m.
"If Wifi is integrated into the Arduino Nano config, can the Windows Focuser software still operate as it does with bluetooth?" - answer to that would be Yes it is possible.
I have an experimental network aware version TCPIP sockets version of the ASCOM app, which allows one to connect to the ASCOM driver via TCPIP - but it means you have to have a remote pc actually running the ascom driver at the remote site. It is running and has been tested. Below is the docs for that, for wifi there is some more info below
TCIP Client Overview
This is documentation concerning the myFocuserASCOMTCPIP driver, based on the myFocuser design and code provided by Robert Brown. This is the ASCOMTCPIP driver that supports all the various Arduino and driver board combinations (version1), and extended to support a TCPIP client (demo code, port 23000)
Supported commands via TCP/IP are shown below. Other commands can be easily added into the ASCOMTCPIP codebase. This is an example that demonstrates what is possible.
// :GQ# Client wants to exit gracefully
// :GP# get position
// :GM# get maxsteps
// :GZ# read temperature
// :GI# check if moving
// :PH# focuser to home to position 0
// :FG# focuser to move
// :SN# set new focuser position
The driver runs on a PC that has direct USB/RS232 connection to the myFocuser controller, as well as connection to the Internet or Wifi network The user then starts an application program on that computer and loads the ASCOMTCPIP driver (for instance using ASCOMAPP program (its purpose is just to load the ascom driver)
On a remote computer (at home), the user can use the TCPIP-Client application to connect to the ASCOM driver and monitor the focuser position and temperature (or change the focuser position) etc.
I am currently experimenting with a wifi module, which would act just like BT but with greater distance, esssentially can operate as a access point or join an existing wifi network (using SSID and password). Its not ready for release yet. No timeframe yet available on when it might be ready. I see the basic TCPIP windows program (and ascom driver) being ported, and would run on a remote computer. The controller, fitted with a wifi module would connect to a network and await commands. There would be no need for a remote computer.
I believe that we will be able to use the existing BT code versions (and hardware) to use wifi by adding a wifi module in place of the BT adapter. Range wise, with an antenna, probably up to 100m (more in open space). As such, there is basically no change to any harware or Arduino firmware except swapping the BT adapter for the wifi module. One catch, the wifi module will need to be programmed though (complex but not beyond the realms of the possible)
And the other good news to convert from BT to Wifi is cost: under $10 USD
Fingers crossed!
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2016-02-15
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Thank you for your responses, Robert. I am going to try to adapt the focuser to act as a tuning unit for a ham radio magnetic loop antenna! That's why I need a little more distance and am going to try wifi. I have ordered some of the parts (HC-21 WiFi Module, level shifter board, stepper, threaded drive screw with bearing blocks, etc...). This will take a bit of time to put together and get working, but I'll let you know how things fair once I try it all out. FYI, the tuning mechanism for the mag loop is going to be a "trombone style capacitor" made with coaxial copper pipe. I have made this in the past and it worked very well. I just need to "automate" the process and that is why the focuser stuff that you have developed is so promising.
Thanks again,
Jim
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Sounds way too cool - please keep us informed as that is really awesome!
The major problem I have had with the "wireless" type modules was needing to have 2, one on the PC and one on the controller, as they really do not accept connections from a "wifi" device such as a laptop or PC. I am playing with the ESP8266 module, which you can run your own servers on and make it connect to a wifi access point (or connect from your PC to it) and it handles all the hi-level stuff. I wont be running a web server on it, just some handbuilt tcpip based cose I developed ages ago, but it means all the headache disappears. Meant to have good range, esp if you buy one of those with an external antenna. So, briefly then, the focuser app (windows or ascom) talks via wifi to the ESP8266 which then talks to the nano controller on the focuser......
Cheers
Robert
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Hi Jim
Making very good progress on the wifi option (its now under myfocuserpro2 project). Will probably end up with 3 low cost wifi options.
I have played with the following (I purchased serveral months ago). Basically you use a usb-rs232 adapter at your pc, then a usb-rs232 at the other end, and these nifty little devices establish a radio link between the pc and the end device. They do work a treat, but are a bit costly.
Robert,
Just love the focuser! It's inspired me to do even more 'automation' of my astro setup. I like the added bluetooth capability and was thinking of implementing that upgrade to my existing system. BUT, the short distance limitation of bluetooth communication, especially if communicating through walls and over 20 or so feet makes me think there has to be a better way. I am asking for your thoughts on how the existing design might be extended to allow a solution to the limitation of distance. Wifi seems to offer hope, but it may not be feasible without a major effort in re-design and programming. Is there any effort to extend the wireless distance at which the focuser can operate? If Wifi is integrated into the Arduino Nano config, can the Windows Focuser software still operate as it does with bluetooth? Any other thoughts would really be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Stefancic
Hi Jim, thanks for the +ve feedback. Very good questions.
Concerning remote distances, yes BT is limited. There is now BT4 which can communicate over about 300m, but the BTv4 modules for an Arduino are hard to come by and are expensive. Also requires the computer to have a BTv4 stack available. The HC-05 we have now, operating over about 20m using BT1. I am waiting for the BT4 adapters to come down in price.
Of course there is usb powered hubs operating over an extension cable. Similar sorts of distance.
We basically rule out an Ethernet link (100mps) as its too slow to be of any use except for slow traffic (focuser and dew controller is fine). And USB-Ethernet -USB adapters are not that cheap. But distance is good with Cat5/6 cable for around 100m.
"If Wifi is integrated into the Arduino Nano config, can the Windows Focuser software still operate as it does with bluetooth?" - answer to that would be Yes it is possible.
I have an experimental network aware version TCPIP sockets version of the ASCOM app, which allows one to connect to the ASCOM driver via TCPIP - but it means you have to have a remote pc actually running the ascom driver at the remote site. It is running and has been tested. Below is the docs for that, for wifi there is some more info below
TCIP Client Overview
This is documentation concerning the myFocuserASCOMTCPIP driver, based on the myFocuser design and code provided by Robert Brown. This is the ASCOMTCPIP driver that supports all the various Arduino and driver board combinations (version1), and extended to support a TCPIP client (demo code, port 23000)
Supported commands via TCP/IP are shown below. Other commands can be easily added into the ASCOMTCPIP codebase. This is an example that demonstrates what is possible.
// :GQ# Client wants to exit gracefully
// :GP# get position
// :GM# get maxsteps
// :GZ# read temperature
// :GI# check if moving
// :PH# focuser to home to position 0
// :FG# focuser to move
// :SN# set new focuser position
The driver runs on a PC that has direct USB/RS232 connection to the myFocuser controller, as well as connection to the Internet or Wifi network The user then starts an application program on that computer and loads the ASCOMTCPIP driver (for instance using ASCOMAPP program (its purpose is just to load the ascom driver)
On a remote computer (at home), the user can use the TCPIP-Client application to connect to the ASCOM driver and monitor the focuser position and temperature (or change the focuser position) etc.
I am currently experimenting with a wifi module, which would act just like BT but with greater distance, esssentially can operate as a access point or join an existing wifi network (using SSID and password). Its not ready for release yet. No timeframe yet available on when it might be ready. I see the basic TCPIP windows program (and ascom driver) being ported, and would run on a remote computer. The controller, fitted with a wifi module would connect to a network and await commands. There would be no need for a remote computer.
Appreciate your thoughts
Robert
I believe that we will be able to use the existing BT code versions (and hardware) to use wifi by adding a wifi module in place of the BT adapter. Range wise, with an antenna, probably up to 100m (more in open space). As such, there is basically no change to any harware or Arduino firmware except swapping the BT adapter for the wifi module. One catch, the wifi module will need to be programmed though (complex but not beyond the realms of the possible)
And the other good news to convert from BT to Wifi is cost: under $10 USD
Fingers crossed!
Cheers
Robert
Last edit: brownrb 2016-02-15
Thank you for your responses, Robert. I am going to try to adapt the focuser to act as a tuning unit for a ham radio magnetic loop antenna! That's why I need a little more distance and am going to try wifi. I have ordered some of the parts (HC-21 WiFi Module, level shifter board, stepper, threaded drive screw with bearing blocks, etc...). This will take a bit of time to put together and get working, but I'll let you know how things fair once I try it all out. FYI, the tuning mechanism for the mag loop is going to be a "trombone style capacitor" made with coaxial copper pipe. I have made this in the past and it worked very well. I just need to "automate" the process and that is why the focuser stuff that you have developed is so promising.
Thanks again,
Jim
Sounds way too cool - please keep us informed as that is really awesome!
The major problem I have had with the "wireless" type modules was needing to have 2, one on the PC and one on the controller, as they really do not accept connections from a "wifi" device such as a laptop or PC. I am playing with the ESP8266 module, which you can run your own servers on and make it connect to a wifi access point (or connect from your PC to it) and it handles all the hi-level stuff. I wont be running a web server on it, just some handbuilt tcpip based cose I developed ages ago, but it means all the headache disappears. Meant to have good range, esp if you buy one of those with an external antenna. So, briefly then, the focuser app (windows or ascom) talks via wifi to the ESP8266 which then talks to the nano controller on the focuser......
Cheers
Robert
Hi Jim
Have you had a look at Linear stepper motors?
Would these be of any use in your project?
http://www.omc-stepperonline.com/threaded-rod-nema-17-external-linear-stepper-motor-34mm-body-150mm-t8-x-8-p-216.html
They might make the connection of parts a bit easier?
Cheers
Robert
Robert,
This is the item I will be using.
http://www.mpja.com/Leadscrew-Assembly-8mm-X-400mm-Shaft/productinfo/32396+HD
I had also looked at the ESP8266 modules. Not sure why I decided against them and went with the HC-21. I think it was because it would act as a virtual serial port. Again, here's where I started on that track:
http://www.electronhacks.com/2014/10/hc-21-simple-wifi-serial-for-arduino-tutorial/
Take care,
Jim
Hi Jim
Making very good progress on the wifi option (its now under myfocuserpro2 project). Will probably end up with 3 low cost wifi options.
I have played with the following (I purchased serveral months ago). Basically you use a usb-rs232 adapter at your pc, then a usb-rs232 at the other end, and these nifty little devices establish a radio link between the pc and the end device. They do work a treat, but are a bit costly.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IOT-Link-2-pcs-UHF-433MHz-RS232-Serial-adapter-1-to-many-link-200m-/291655526092?
Cheers
Robert