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DIY mount controller.


stovesy

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After inheriting the Orion scope I spent a little time tidying and modifying. Now it’s time to look at the mount and controller. The Vixen mount does have a rudimentary ‘go to’ controller albeit a 1980’s monster. I’ve enlisted an Arduino, a couple of stepper drivers and the AstroEQ software to bring the controller into the modern era. This will allow control of the scope through EQMOD project.

 

So far I’ve tested the stepper motors using a simple breadboard rig and test software on the Arduino. Next step is to send the AstroEQ software to the Arduino for testing.

 

Be interesting to hear from anyone who's attempted anything like this.

 

I'll update when there's any progress.

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I believe this is how Paul (Astrocookie) has motorised his mount.


I will tag him to this thread.


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Yeh - I've already test run the software on the arduino, and it seemed to work well with all the EQMOD stuff, just no steppers connected.


This site has a link to the AstroEQ arduino code.

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Yeh - I've already test run the software on the arduino, and it seemed to work well with all the EQMOD stuff, just no steppers connected.

This site has a link to the AstroEQ arduino code.

 

Yup that is the very one I used.

Great isn't it :highfive:

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Hi,


 


I'll be watching this with interest.


 


I currently have a DIY mount controller using an Arduino to control an EQ5 via a joystick (no connection to a PC yet) however I have made mine a 3 channel driver to operate a stepper controlled focuser as well. For details check out ...http://stargazerslounge.com/gallery/album/2324-arduino-scope-control/


 


I've just been experimenting with the A4988 motor drivers which seem fine so far.


 


I've just downloaded Eagle light so I can have a look at the schematic as inspiration for a new 3 channel design (and how to connect the PC interface) but if you do 'save as' from the AstroEQ site it thinks its a text file and won't open it.


 


If someone could let me know how to download it properly or post a pdf I would be most grateful


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Forget that last bit. I've sussed it - it was windows hiding the actual file extension - once I enabled this I could rename it and it worked!


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Bruce.


 


The focus option had crossed my mind too.


I think it'll be the next step after I've got everything sorted with EQMOD etc.


At the moment I'm puzzling over the various ratios (motor worm etc) for my mount (Vixen SP)

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  • 4 weeks later...

Got my 3 channel arduino based controller working with the A4988 drivers which were excellent value at only £2.69 ea:


 


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131317156536?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


 


Not using EQMOD yet ( a bit of learning to do on that front ) just a joystick:


 


IMAG0506.jpg


 


IMAG0504.jpg


 


IMG_0378.jpg


 


Can't help with mount ratios I'm afraid except  EQ3-2 RA worm = 130, EQ5 RA worm = 144. I guess I'll need the DEC ratio as well for EQMOD.


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