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[TCWORLD]

I changed to the latest version of Processing IDE when I was making the changes so as to fix a few bugs. The downside of doing so is that it doesn't support Java versions older than 1.8. I forgot to bump the required java version in the checks that are done by the exe - it should alert if java is not found or too old rather than just silently failing. I'll correct that when I release the final version.

[VladimirS]

Hi. Tom, could you please assist with configuring firmware 7.5 version on Mega 2560? I still get "Read failed. Connection unavailable" when click Configure. Log says: "O11" while reading EEPROM. New firmware is uploaded successfully. Thank you!

[VladimirS]

I managed to configure Mega after commenting the code in standaloneModeTest function related to automatic detection of advanced hand controller. I also changed conditions to direct comparison. Now I have only the following code which switches mode from EQMOD to basic controller when 21 pin is physically set to LOW by pressing button:

Code: [Select]

    // if (getPinValue(standalonePin[STANDALONE_IRQ]) == LOW) {
        //Must be a basic controller as pin stayed low.
        return BASIC_HC_MODE;
    }

    //If we get this far then it is floating, so we assume EQMOD mode
    return EQMOD_MODE;

Then I figured out that RA, Dec buttons (ST4) don't work at all because interrupts on 50..53 pins were not enabled like in previous firmware version. So, I've added the first line to the code:

Code: [Select]

    //For ATMega1280/2560 with Standard ST4 pins
    PCMSK0 =  0x0F; //PCINT[0..3]
    PCICR &= ~_BV(PCIE2); //disable PCInt[16..23] vector
    PCICR &= ~_BV(PCIE1); //disable PCInt[8..15]  vector
    PCICR |=  _BV(PCIE0); //enable  PCInt[0..7]   vector

Now both RA and Dec buttons work well.

According to previous Tom's post single button on 21 pin switches the mode and also changes the speed. So I'm expecting goto speed on pressing both this button and RA/Dec but the speed doesn't change.

[TCWORLD]

The code on the Github is a work in progress - I'm still changing stuff related to the hand controller.

I think I've already found and fixed the first issue of the check of the pin needing to be inverted.

The second one was well spotted. The PCMSKn register should be initialised but for some reason when I was moving the code around I seem to have lost that line. I've corrected the code in my working copy so it will push to Github next time I commit. That actually explains why the hand controller mode is no longer working at all as per @Pierre's report in the version of the firmware in this thread.

Additionally the speed detection doesn't work as you have reported - there was another mistake around line 616 in AstroEQ.cpp where the speed detection check is backwards - so pushing the button results in low speed instead of high speed. This is something I am still changing as we speak - I'm adding a third speed option whilst also trying to make it possible to do standalone guiding.

I would suggest holding off on trying anything to do with the hand controller mode for the time being until I've finished my latest round of changes. I'm currently waiting on a new PCB to upgrade my mount (which is currently V4.0 hardware from years back) so that I can properly test out the standalone mode. That won't come for a couple of weeks. Just know that I am working on it

[VladimirS]

Hi, Tom.

Thank you for detailed answer. Great news that the work is in progress. I was just trying to speed up getting working standalone mode as I need at least mode switching and star tracking without PC.

By the way what does mean advanced hand contoller? Will it be some factory or DIY device?

[TCWORLD]

The advanced hand controller is a plan for a future project but probably not something that will happen any time soon.

I'm hoping to build the framework for others to develop an open-source hand controller that can talk to synta mounts including AstroEQ.

[tony]

Hi Tom
i have load the new config.
The sounds from the motors sounds much better.
 Feels like a more moderate acceleration and braking.
I will test it as soon as possible at a starry night

[TCWORLD]

Well now that I have upgraded my mount to the latest hardware version I can start testing the basic hand controller - the hardware I had was 4-5 years old from before I added the ST-4 port.

I'm just waiting for a test hand controller PCB to turn up (hopefully Tuesday).

[cuivenion]

Definitely interested in the hand controller. It will make the AstroEQ set up very versatile. Will you be selling hand controllers, or will it be make your own?

[TCWORLD]

@cuivenion The aim is to have both options. Making your own should be a simple case of 4 buttons, a resistor, and a slide switch.

The version I am designing for sale is a little more complex purely to try and fit it neatly in a specific enclosure. I found a nice cheap key-fob type enclosure (Polycase FB20-5) which has 5 buttons. The circuit uses 4 for NESW and then the fifth one to toggle the speed. It's a rather interesting circuit powered entirely from the ST-4 port pull-up resistors meaning no separate supply is needed for the MCU which is latching the centre button presses to toggle the speed.

I've got a prototype of my handle design built up. Need to test it now with my mount, but it seems to be working from a button standpoint.

[TCWORLD]

Quick update.

The fob cases finally arrived (they were on backorder for a month). I've now been able to test the hand controller design fully and make a couple of tweaks to the design. I will be sending off an order to get some made, though they won't be back from assembly until the end of May.

Additionally I've been doing further development work to the firmware to finalise the basic hand controller mode and make sure it behaves correctly. This has involved a complete redesign of the code I was using for ST4 (the upshot of which is that ST4 in EQMOD mode works better too).

I need to package up a version of the config utility and firmware which I will do this evening, and then some point this evening I will release a new beta version for people to test. The new beta firmware can be downloaded from the first post of this thread.

I will also be writing up an FAQ on how to make a simple push-button DIY version of the handcontroller in the next couple of days.

Kind Regards,

Tom.

[VladimirS]

Hi, Tom! Great news! Is there schematic available for basic hand controller?

[TCWORLD]

@VladimirS I've posted a quick schematic here. I'll do a full write up in due course.

[VladimirS]

Thank you very much! Great work!

[BigRD]

Hi Tom,

I thought I'd have a go at testing the latest beta with my v4.6 kit. No luck though.

1. Update Firmware
2. Uploading AstroEQ firmware - AstroEQ Firmware uploaded successfully - Next
3. EEprom read in progress
4. :011 Read failed!! Connection unavailable

I've attached a log

I've reverted back to v7.4 and tested successfully.

Win 10 x64

Cheers