the code is now stable. The latest version (both ASCOM driver and Windows Application) support session state remembering of the following
1. Focuser position
2. Reverse Direction Setting
3. Half-Step setting (only for Nema17)
4. Coil Power on after Move setting
The ASCOM driver has been tested with numerous applications.
For standalone operation use the windows application.
Please post any issues here.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have updated the pdf with more information about recent changes to the drivers, such that one can now set half-steps, initial focuser position etc before you connect (both in ASCOM and the standalone windows application). I have also added a table of contents, and information related to critical focus zone with an example of why half-steps is necessary with the NEMA17 when used with an f6 telescope. So a decent amount of new information that should prove useful.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have done another quick update, but added some significant info in the pdf document related to how to setup the focuser and the various settings. Because now that the setup dialog box allows you to set initial settings for the controller (such as start position, maxSteps etc) it was important to document how you would determining these for your system and then configure the setup dialog box with the right parameters. I think you will find this information very useful.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I had to change a few things in the documentation, so I added a lot more info on setup, attachment, selecting a stepper motor etc. The latest pdf is version 6 and is quite comprehensive. I have ordered a Nema17-PG5 stepper (planetary geared) as my final choice, I could have gone with the Nema17-PG14 but that was overkill (even though it cost just a couple of dollars more). Details in the pdf. The code is pretty much stable now unless there are bugs I have not found. I also went with a different buzzer as the one I had did not work properly on the A3 pin, so I ordered a continuous sound piezo which will do the trick (I had one from another project which I tried first). I have tried the controller with a highres stepper (8000 steps/rev) and it worked flawlessly with the L293D shield. All looks good. Just waiting for the link extension for the case to arrive when everything can be mounted. For the L293D shield, it is important to wire connector pins/posts to A0-A5, D2, GND and +5V holes on the board. In addition, must remove the EXTN PWR jumper.
Happy building.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
The next major update will occur once the build is finished in its case, which will include the build pictures, video and final code release. Estimate a couple of weeks. At present am more than confident that it works - certainly on the breadboard with everything wired the focuser is moving, stopping, going to the correction positions, observing the boundaries of 0 and maxstep etc. Will wait for the NEMA17-PG5 to arrive before making the L bracket necessary to attach the motor to the focuser.
I connected the controller to the focuser stepper on my telescope (I have a professional version that I paid hundreds of dollars for, 8000steps/rev) and it controlled the focuser like the professional version! No issues. Hence the confidence that it works.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
A bunch of updates today as I had some time. Needed to make a change in the Push button code (so that if you held it down it repeats steps, and press once it does one step), as well as separate out the lcd routines as the code was executing so fast the display was flickering badly, but its now fine with the new changes. Added a photo of the breadboard test. Have designed the focuser bracket for attaching the stepper to the focuser, just need to find the time to mill it on the lathe. Will post photos and dimensions probably next week. The latest pdf you should download.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Nearly finished, have yet to upload the final version of the document/pdf. There may have been an issue with the one-click myfocuser114 windows application, if there was the latest upload should address that. Have yet to post photos of the l bracket dimensions, or the myFocuser driving my Canon EOS 200mm lens. Might do one final video in a week or so covering initial setup (setting zero point and MaxSteps). Will upload the final version of document at that time. Yes, there are a few important changes in the doc/pdf so you will need to download it.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Last of the updates, its in a pretty much finished state now. Have uploaded another youtube video showing the Nema17-PG5 working and some of the features of the focuser controller.
Happy building.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have uploaded two photos of the minimal Nano myFocuser (only two leds, no push buttons or LCD or temp probe), which shows how small you can make it, and it is operational. I used an RS232 connector like on the larger UNO+Shield build, just to keep consistency in wiring. I cut the cable of the 28BYJ-48 stepper motor in half. One half plugs into the ULN2003 driver board and is wired to the RS232 female connector on the case, the other part is the stepper motor which I wired to an RS232 connector. It all works, no issues, running v120 of the code.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have ended up completely rewriting the serial handling code in the windows app. This now closely mirrors the ascom code (with enhancements). I will upload the new protocol text document. I am happy with the code changes. It also now supports the standard moonlite and I have just tested the controller with the moonlite app v1.07 and it worked fine.
So, with this then, the v121 arduino code works with the ASCOM 121 driver and the Windows 121 code. You should not attempt to use any of the previous code with the 121 versions.
So I will release all the v121 code base now.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Unless there are major/minor bugs I have overlooked, its pretty much in a finished state and no further changes are in the pipeline. I may add MaxIncrement as a parameter for the ASCOM/Application but its not critical and no plan to do that right now. I uploaded a revised version of the protocol as well as the final pdf build document for now (they have the same file versions)
If you have any feedback, would appreciate (good and bad) that as well as thoughts, suggestions, bug reports etc.
Happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Minor change to schematic and layout - concerning buzzer on A3, have removed the resistor because I am now using a 5V continuous sound buzzer and the 330ohm resistor is not required.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Some latest files into the Latest folder. The only change is a 100ohm resistor for the 5V continuous buzzer. I was previously using this without a resistor, the current draw is around 30ma so the 100ohm resistor limits this to an acceptable value.
Happy building
If you have the time/interest, visit the myDew controller project. It has features galore (too many to mention) and is Arduino based (NANO). For automated or manual dew control this dew controller has virtually every feature you will ever require.
The mySQM Sky Quality Meter has been breadboarded and tested. Schematics and code completed. I am awaiting an enclosure case then will proceed with the prototype build and post the pictures etc at that time.
happy building
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
11112014 myFocuserAppv_122 and myFocuserDRV8825_App_v123 Applications
Added icons to both focuser Apps
Added +500 -500 +1 -1 push buttons
rearranged button layout to be consistemt across both
fixed code error in push buttons -ve steps (-100, -10)
fixed errors of GUID and assembly info in myFocuserDRV8825, will now install if the myFocuserApp is already installed
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have redesigned the PCB layout for the Nano+DRV8825 - now all on the same board, much cleaner and less wires. Will post this as soon as its been tested. In the meantime I will remove the v1 DRV885 layouts.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Was able to test the DRV8825 board today so have uploaded the necessary changes/fixes. I have used the sub-board layout so that I can interchange between the DRV8825 and EasyDriver sub boards which are connected to the Nano board via dupont header connectors.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Watch out for a major update of all software over the next week.
I have been testing the code using variables stored in EEPROM of the controller instead of the ASCOM or Windows APP.
The issue has been the limited number 10,000 writes available for EEPROM. Depending upon how the code is written one could easily write 500 or 1000 times in one imaging session, meaning the EEPROM would be useless after 10 imaging sessions. I think I have found a way to significantly reduce this writing and still remember key data. I have been mulling over this ever since the initial design; it was easier to go the app/ASCOM driver way of storing the settings there.
The advantage of the new method is that it becomes much harder to break the software by interchanging the windows app and ASCOM driver usage. Disadvantage is that once the number of writes to EEPROM nears 10,000 then the controller becomes near to useless (unless you solder in a new controller and one can no longer save the data there and it could end up corrupted).
Anyhows, its working (tested on the minimal ULN2003 code and apps) and I will port this over to the DRV8825 code, drivers and app this coming week. If it passes my final testing then I'll release it.
I estimate that the EEPROM should last about 3 years if one imaged every night. A lot lot longer if you image once a week or several times a month.
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
The EEPROM is limited to around 10,000 writes. Using the method/algorithms I have come up with, the numbers are suggesting that if one images every night, one should get around 4.54 years before the controller needs replacing (if using focusMax then this figure is very very conservative and in reality would be much greater). If imaging once a week, except around 31 years!
Cheers
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Latest News
I have rewritten things so that
- One ASCOM driver supports all boards
- One Windows application supports all boards
Once finished testing I will upload all the new files (.ino code, ascom driver and windows app). The Arduino .ino code for most options needed to be slightly changed to support the new single ASCOM and Windows App solution. Changes at .ino level are very minor.
Having one application and one ASCOM driver will be a better long-term support solution.
No time frames are available for the next release. It is a fairly big test job with lots of different combinations of hardware so it will take some time (probably weeks).
Existing code and drivers are ok to use. Report any bugs to me direct.
Cheers
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
the code is now stable. The latest version (both ASCOM driver and Windows Application) support session state remembering of the following
1. Focuser position
2. Reverse Direction Setting
3. Half-Step setting (only for Nema17)
4. Coil Power on after Move setting
The ASCOM driver has been tested with numerous applications.
For standalone operation use the windows application.
Please post any issues here.
I have updated the pdf with more information about recent changes to the drivers, such that one can now set half-steps, initial focuser position etc before you connect (both in ASCOM and the standalone windows application). I have also added a table of contents, and information related to critical focus zone with an example of why half-steps is necessary with the NEMA17 when used with an f6 telescope. So a decent amount of new information that should prove useful.
I have done another quick update, but added some significant info in the pdf document related to how to setup the focuser and the various settings. Because now that the setup dialog box allows you to set initial settings for the controller (such as start position, maxSteps etc) it was important to document how you would determining these for your system and then configure the setup dialog box with the right parameters. I think you will find this information very useful.
I had to change a few things in the documentation, so I added a lot more info on setup, attachment, selecting a stepper motor etc. The latest pdf is version 6 and is quite comprehensive. I have ordered a Nema17-PG5 stepper (planetary geared) as my final choice, I could have gone with the Nema17-PG14 but that was overkill (even though it cost just a couple of dollars more). Details in the pdf. The code is pretty much stable now unless there are bugs I have not found. I also went with a different buzzer as the one I had did not work properly on the A3 pin, so I ordered a continuous sound piezo which will do the trick (I had one from another project which I tried first). I have tried the controller with a highres stepper (8000 steps/rev) and it worked flawlessly with the L293D shield. All looks good. Just waiting for the link extension for the case to arrive when everything can be mounted. For the L293D shield, it is important to wire connector pins/posts to A0-A5, D2, GND and +5V holes on the board. In addition, must remove the EXTN PWR jumper.
Happy building.
The next major update will occur once the build is finished in its case, which will include the build pictures, video and final code release. Estimate a couple of weeks. At present am more than confident that it works - certainly on the breadboard with everything wired the focuser is moving, stopping, going to the correction positions, observing the boundaries of 0 and maxstep etc. Will wait for the NEMA17-PG5 to arrive before making the L bracket necessary to attach the motor to the focuser.
I connected the controller to the focuser stepper on my telescope (I have a professional version that I paid hundreds of dollars for, 8000steps/rev) and it controlled the focuser like the professional version! No issues. Hence the confidence that it works.
Happy building
A bunch of updates today as I had some time. Needed to make a change in the Push button code (so that if you held it down it repeats steps, and press once it does one step), as well as separate out the lcd routines as the code was executing so fast the display was flickering badly, but its now fine with the new changes. Added a photo of the breadboard test. Have designed the focuser bracket for attaching the stepper to the focuser, just need to find the time to mill it on the lathe. Will post photos and dimensions probably next week. The latest pdf you should download.
Happy building
Nearly finished, have yet to upload the final version of the document/pdf. There may have been an issue with the one-click myfocuser114 windows application, if there was the latest upload should address that. Have yet to post photos of the l bracket dimensions, or the myFocuser driving my Canon EOS 200mm lens. Might do one final video in a week or so covering initial setup (setting zero point and MaxSteps). Will upload the final version of document at that time. Yes, there are a few important changes in the doc/pdf so you will need to download it.
Happy building
Last of the updates, its in a pretty much finished state now. Have uploaded another youtube video showing the Nema17-PG5 working and some of the features of the focuser controller.
Happy building.
Small bug discovered in windows app - could not exit if user "disconnect" then "exit"
Fixed and uploaded same version number 117
Another youtube video posted -showing connection to ed80 as well as setting up focuser for first time use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH5izUvj9Ck
Happy building
I have uploaded two photos of the minimal Nano myFocuser (only two leds, no push buttons or LCD or temp probe), which shows how small you can make it, and it is operational. I used an RS232 connector like on the larger UNO+Shield build, just to keep consistency in wiring. I cut the cable of the 28BYJ-48 stepper motor in half. One half plugs into the ULN2003 driver board and is wired to the RS232 female connector on the case, the other part is the stepper motor which I wired to an RS232 connector. It all works, no issues, running v120 of the code.
Happy building
I have ended up completely rewriting the serial handling code in the windows app. This now closely mirrors the ascom code (with enhancements). I will upload the new protocol text document. I am happy with the code changes. It also now supports the standard moonlite and I have just tested the controller with the moonlite app v1.07 and it worked fine.
So, with this then, the v121 arduino code works with the ASCOM 121 driver and the Windows 121 code. You should not attempt to use any of the previous code with the 121 versions.
So I will release all the v121 code base now.
Happy building
Unless there are major/minor bugs I have overlooked, its pretty much in a finished state and no further changes are in the pipeline. I may add MaxIncrement as a parameter for the ASCOM/Application but its not critical and no plan to do that right now. I uploaded a revised version of the protocol as well as the final pdf build document for now (they have the same file versions)
If you have any feedback, would appreciate (good and bad) that as well as thoughts, suggestions, bug reports etc.
Happy building
Minor change to schematic and layout - concerning buzzer on A3, have removed the resistor because I am now using a 5V continuous sound buzzer and the 330ohm resistor is not required.
See the myDew Controller project at http://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinonanodewcontrollerpro/ for the most feature rich dew controller available today!
Coming very soon - mySQM - an Arduino Sky Quality Meter.
Some latest files into the Latest folder. The only change is a 100ohm resistor for the 5V continuous buzzer. I was previously using this without a resistor, the current draw is around 30ma so the 100ohm resistor limits this to an acceptable value.
Happy building
If you have the time/interest, visit the myDew controller project. It has features galore (too many to mention) and is Arduino based (NANO). For automated or manual dew control this dew controller has virtually every feature you will ever require.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinonanodewcontrollerpro/
The mySQM Sky Quality Meter has been breadboarded and tested. Schematics and code completed. I am awaiting an enclosure case then will proceed with the prototype build and post the pictures etc at that time.
happy building
11112014 myFocuserAppv_122 and myFocuserDRV8825_App_v123 Applications
Added icons to both focuser Apps
Added +500 -500 +1 -1 push buttons
rearranged button layout to be consistemt across both
fixed code error in push buttons -ve steps (-100, -10)
fixed errors of GUID and assembly info in myFocuserDRV8825, will now install if the myFocuserApp is already installed
I have redesigned the PCB layout for the Nano+DRV8825 - now all on the same board, much cleaner and less wires. Will post this as soon as its been tested. In the meantime I will remove the v1 DRV885 layouts.
Was able to test the DRV8825 board today so have uploaded the necessary changes/fixes. I have used the sub-board layout so that I can interchange between the DRV8825 and EasyDriver sub boards which are connected to the Nano board via dupont header connectors.
Watch out for a major update of all software over the next week.
I have been testing the code using variables stored in EEPROM of the controller instead of the ASCOM or Windows APP.
The issue has been the limited number 10,000 writes available for EEPROM. Depending upon how the code is written one could easily write 500 or 1000 times in one imaging session, meaning the EEPROM would be useless after 10 imaging sessions. I think I have found a way to significantly reduce this writing and still remember key data. I have been mulling over this ever since the initial design; it was easier to go the app/ASCOM driver way of storing the settings there.
The advantage of the new method is that it becomes much harder to break the software by interchanging the windows app and ASCOM driver usage. Disadvantage is that once the number of writes to EEPROM nears 10,000 then the controller becomes near to useless (unless you solder in a new controller and one can no longer save the data there and it could end up corrupted).
Anyhows, its working (tested on the minimal ULN2003 code and apps) and I will port this over to the DRV8825 code, drivers and app this coming week. If it passes my final testing then I'll release it.
I estimate that the EEPROM should last about 3 years if one imaged every night. A lot lot longer if you image once a week or several times a month.
Cheers
Robert
NEW VERSIONS TO BE POSTED SHORTLY
USING NANO + ULN2003
INO Focuserv122_ULN2003.ino or Focuserv123_ULN2003_Minimal.ino
ASCOM myFocuserASCOMSetup124.exe
Apps myFocuserApp_v124.zip
USING UNO + L293D SHIELD
INO Focuserv123_L293D.ino
ASCOM myFocuserASCOMSetup124.exe
Apps myFocuserApp_v124.zip
USING NANO + DRV8825 or EASYDRIVER v44
INO Focuserv123_DRV8825.ino
ASCOM myFocuserDRV8825ASCOMSetup110.exe
Apps myFocuserApp_DRV8825_v127.zip
USING NANO + L298N
INO Focuserv110_L298N.ino
ASCOM myFocuserDRV8825ASCOMSetup110.exe
Apps myFocuserApp_DRV8825_v127.zip
An UPDATE on the EEPROM release
The EEPROM is limited to around 10,000 writes. Using the method/algorithms I have come up with, the numbers are suggesting that if one images every night, one should get around 4.54 years before the controller needs replacing (if using focusMax then this figure is very very conservative and in reality would be much greater). If imaging once a week, except around 31 years!
Cheers
Robert
For immediate release (24-Nov-2014)
- updated Arduino .ino files for ULN2003, L293D, DRV8825, Easydriver and L298N
- updated Apps for ULN2003/L293D, DRV8825/EasyDriver/L298N
- updated ASCOM drivers for ULN2003/L293D, DRV8825/EasyDriver/L298N
- updated Win APP ASCOM focuser tester
Now focuser position and MaxSteps are saved in EEPROM in the controller.
Latest News
I have rewritten things so that
- One ASCOM driver supports all boards
- One Windows application supports all boards
Once finished testing I will upload all the new files (.ino code, ascom driver and windows app). The Arduino .ino code for most options needed to be slightly changed to support the new single ASCOM and Windows App solution. Changes at .ino level are very minor.
Having one application and one ASCOM driver will be a better long-term support solution.
No time frames are available for the next release. It is a fairly big test job with lots of different combinations of hardware so it will take some time (probably weeks).
Existing code and drivers are ok to use. Report any bugs to me direct.
Cheers