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1
General Discussion / Re: EQ3-2 DEC loose worm bearing
« on: December 19, 2017, 18:15:48 »
Thanks for the link BigRD. I considered doing that but at the moment I've improved it with some brass bushings. Things haven't gone well this year and my Skywatcher 127mm lens has suffered some severe mold damage. My own fault. I've treated it like a baby for years but had to store it in the shed due to lack of space. I didn't think I'd get mold damage here in Spain but I did.
I get my pension next year so hopefully I can look at a decent upgrade for scope and mount.
Currently my AstroEQ is running perfectly guiding a camera.
Thanks again.
Phill
I get my pension next year so hopefully I can look at a decent upgrade for scope and mount.
Currently my AstroEQ is running perfectly guiding a camera.
Thanks again.
Phill
2
DIY AstroEQ / Re: DEC channel fault.
« on: November 28, 2017, 09:30:23 »
Hi Tom,
I removed the RJ11 sockets and hard wired the steppers using 4 individual wires rather than the rather poor lightweight telephone cable I had.
All works fine.
Thanks.
I removed the RJ11 sockets and hard wired the steppers using 4 individual wires rather than the rather poor lightweight telephone cable I had.
All works fine.
Thanks.
3
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 26, 2017, 19:26:43 »
Sorry about that. Unload worked fine and mega programmed without error.
I'm going out now so will try the board with the config tomorrow.
Thanks and enjoy the rest of your evening.
I'm going out now so will try the board with the config tomorrow.
Thanks and enjoy the rest of your evening.
4
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 26, 2017, 13:11:26 »
Using the configuration drop down returns:
Executing Custom tool:
Command: C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\avrdude\avrdudeStdout.bat C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\ ATmega2560 "C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega162\AstroEQ6.hex" "\\.\COM5"
Parsed executable: C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7
Parsed arguments: latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\avrdude\avrdudeStdout.bat C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\ ATmega2560 "C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega162\AstroEQ6.hex" "\\.\COM5"
Executing Custom tool:
Command: C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\avrdude\avrdudeStdout.bat C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\ ATmega2560 "C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega162\AstroEQ6.hex" "\\.\COM5"
Parsed executable: C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7
Parsed arguments: latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\avrdude\avrdudeStdout.bat C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\ ATmega2560 "C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AS7 latest c\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega162\AstroEQ6.hex" "\\.\COM5"
5
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 25, 2017, 16:39:21 »
Attached Backend Build Custom Programming Tool and Build output.
To me it looks like as though I am trying to launch AstroEQ6Mega2560 but it is actually building and programming AstroEQ6 atmega162.
Phill
To me it looks like as though I am trying to launch AstroEQ6Mega2560 but it is actually building and programming AstroEQ6 atmega162.
Phill
6
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 25, 2017, 16:30:51 »
Hi Tom, I'm sure I am still doing something stupid here. Although ATMEL STUDIO 7 indicates that the mega programmed correctly, and the config utility runs, I do not get the expected outputs. Looks like most of the D pins are floating arouns 2 volts. I tried an LED on the step pins 4 and 11 and there is no response.
I wiped the mega and used an arduino blink sketch to manually test outputs on pin 2 - 16 and all are good.
The only other thing I can think of is that I am abusing AS7 and somehow programming AstroEQ6 rather than AstroEQMega2560. I'll give it another go and grab the output file.
Kind regards
Phill
I wiped the mega and used an arduino blink sketch to manually test outputs on pin 2 - 16 and all are good.
The only other thing I can think of is that I am abusing AS7 and somehow programming AstroEQ6 rather than AstroEQMega2560. I'll give it another go and grab the output file.
Kind regards
Phill
7
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 21, 2017, 16:03:19 »
Thanks, Tom.
Looks like I missed the little "eject" button!
Looks like I missed the little "eject" button!
8
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 20, 2017, 17:24:31 »
Thanks Tom,
Placed the correct pinmappings in the folder and edited. Built a treat.
Couldn't find the COM in "Custom Programming Tool Command" string so pushed the button anyway.
Output indicates programming was successfull. Looking through the log it seems either you used COM 5 or it applied it itself.
AstroEQ v 8.05 loaded config to mega without problem.
Many thanks.
Phill
Placed the correct pinmappings in the folder and edited. Built a treat.
Couldn't find the COM in "Custom Programming Tool Command" string so pushed the button anyway.
Output indicates programming was successfull. Looking through the log it seems either you used COM 5 or it applied it itself.
AstroEQ v 8.05 loaded config to mega without problem.
Many thanks.
Phill
9
DIY AstroEQ / Re: ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 20, 2017, 16:57:05 »Interesting.
Have you changed the pin assignments header file by any chance? All the errors stem back to that file having bits missing.
Hello Tom. YES! Changed to my pinmapping and it's even money I foolishly pasted my whole pinmapping from an earlier AstroEQ. I'll do it right this evening.
Interesting!! The words "custom build tool string" sound fabulous! I have to say that "learning" AS7 is definitely fun and worth while.
Many thanks for the fast response and help.
Kind regards
Phill
10
DIY AstroEQ / ATMEL STUDIO 7 and Mega2560
« on: November 20, 2017, 15:12:32 »
I feel I've hijacked kaito83's thread so I've started a new one since I'm not likely to be the only person who has problems using ATMEL STUDIO.
Initial actions:
Installed ATMEL STUDIO 7 and learnt what I could from the following tutorial. https://slightlyovercomplicated.com/2015/11/13/programming-arduino-with-atmel-studio-7/.
I messed about with this and tried to manually import/add files. I was able to build the project but avrdude would not burn it.
I realised when I downloaded a new copy of AstroEQ -master that when I looked in AstroEQ-Firmware some files were now linked to ATMEL STUDIO. Great. Also that Tom has also supplied avrdude so I should be able to run the AS7 from here.
Steps so far:
Open AS7 and add an external programmer for arduino.
In the command line I used C:\.................................. \avrdude.exe pointing at the avrdude in Tom's download.
In the Arguments I used this convoluted list from the above link and pointing to Tom's avrdude.conf.
-C"C:\..................................\avrdude.conf" -patmega2560 -cwiring -P\\.\COM5 -b115200 -D -U flash:w:"$(ProjectDir)Debug\$(TargetName).hex":i
Happily this was sufficient to burn a blink sketch to the mega2560.
Opened AS7 afresh and click open project. Navigate to AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ and click on AstroEQ6Mega2560.
The first time I did this there was an error and I had to reload AstroEQ6Mega2560. Subsequent times it opened fine.
Clicked on build and the following 4 warnings and 6 errors logged.
implicit declaration of function 'setPinDir' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 353
implicit declaration of function 'setPinValue' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 354
implicit declaration of function 'getPinValue' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 576
implicit declaration of function 'togglePin' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 758
'gpioPin_0_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_0_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_2_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_2_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
recipe for target 'commands.o' failed AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega2560\Makefile 107
recipe for target 'AstroEQ.o' failed AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega2560\Makefile 107
Gone for more coffee.
Initial actions:
Installed ATMEL STUDIO 7 and learnt what I could from the following tutorial. https://slightlyovercomplicated.com/2015/11/13/programming-arduino-with-atmel-studio-7/.
I messed about with this and tried to manually import/add files. I was able to build the project but avrdude would not burn it.
I realised when I downloaded a new copy of AstroEQ -master that when I looked in AstroEQ-Firmware some files were now linked to ATMEL STUDIO. Great. Also that Tom has also supplied avrdude so I should be able to run the AS7 from here.
Steps so far:
Open AS7 and add an external programmer for arduino.
In the command line I used C:\.................................. \avrdude.exe pointing at the avrdude in Tom's download.
In the Arguments I used this convoluted list from the above link and pointing to Tom's avrdude.conf.
-C"C:\..................................\avrdude.conf" -patmega2560 -cwiring -P\\.\COM5 -b115200 -D -U flash:w:"$(ProjectDir)Debug\$(TargetName).hex":i
Happily this was sufficient to burn a blink sketch to the mega2560.
Opened AS7 afresh and click open project. Navigate to AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ and click on AstroEQ6Mega2560.
The first time I did this there was an error and I had to reload AstroEQ6Mega2560. Subsequent times it opened fine.
Clicked on build and the following 4 warnings and 6 errors logged.
implicit declaration of function 'setPinDir' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 353
implicit declaration of function 'setPinValue' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 354
implicit declaration of function 'getPinValue' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 576
implicit declaration of function 'togglePin' [-Wimplicit-function-declaration] AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.c 758
'gpioPin_0_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_0_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_2_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
'gpioPin_2_Define' undeclared here (not in a function) AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\AstroEQ.h 157
recipe for target 'commands.o' failed AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega2560\Makefile 107
recipe for target 'AstroEQ.o' failed AstroEQ6Mega2560 C:\Users\Sue\Desktop\AstroEQ-master\AstroEQ-Firmware\AstroEQ\ATMega2560\Makefile 107
Gone for more coffee.
11
DIY AstroEQ / Re: cant config 8.05 firmware gt2560
« on: November 18, 2017, 13:20:21 »
To compile a custom version of the firmware you will now need to download and install Atmel Studio 7 (it's free) in order to compile the code.
Kind Regards,
Tom.
Sheesh! 900Mb download AND I have to learn how to use it. I'm getting too old for this.
Kind regards
Phill
Tutorials found and I can finally get the mega to blink. Currently struggling to get AstroEQ to burn onto the mega. It builds OK but won't program.
12
DIY AstroEQ / Re: DEC channel fault.
« on: November 16, 2017, 14:00:41 »
Hi Tom, thanks for the reply and no don't worry about the time. I hope work eases off for you.
I'll sort some photos out when I get the chance. The reason I considered it might be a problem on the 162 is the following.
Good connectivity between the 162 socket pins and the motor driver socket pins.
Fault does not follow motor or driver. Both motors work on RA and both drivers work on RA.
I've removed the 162 and cleaned the pins to no effect.
As it happens I'm not impressed with the RJ11 sockets or cables so I'm tempted to hard wire.
I'll get back to you with photos asap.
Kind regards
Phill
I'll sort some photos out when I get the chance. The reason I considered it might be a problem on the 162 is the following.
Good connectivity between the 162 socket pins and the motor driver socket pins.
Fault does not follow motor or driver. Both motors work on RA and both drivers work on RA.
I've removed the 162 and cleaned the pins to no effect.
As it happens I'm not impressed with the RJ11 sockets or cables so I'm tempted to hard wire.
I'll get back to you with photos asap.
Kind regards
Phill
13
DIY AstroEQ / DEC channel fault.
« on: November 11, 2017, 14:39:57 »
I have finally finished building my replacement AstroEQ based on Tom's board. Tested it today and the RA works fine but the DEC motor just rocks, moves a bit, buzzes or stops.
I've swopped motors and drive boards and it's definitely something wrong on the main board or the ATMEGA162. I've resoldered joints and generally cleaned everything up but I cannot get it fixed, which leads me to think it might be a faulty IC. I've removed and replaced it in the socket to no effect.
I'll order a replacement 162 but in the meantime I wondered if anyone had experienced this before or had suggestions on how to track down the fault.
Kind regards
Phill
I've swopped motors and drive boards and it's definitely something wrong on the main board or the ATMEGA162. I've resoldered joints and generally cleaned everything up but I cannot get it fixed, which leads me to think it might be a faulty IC. I've removed and replaced it in the socket to no effect.
I'll order a replacement 162 but in the meantime I wondered if anyone had experienced this before or had suggestions on how to track down the fault.
Kind regards
Phill
14
General Discussion / Re: EQ3-2 DEC loose worm bearing
« on: October 21, 2017, 15:44:06 »
Hi Zh, thanks for the response. I had seen that video quite a while ago, and I balance that way. Anyway, I stripped the axis down again and rebuilt. It is quite a bit better now as I found that the bull gear has quite a high spot covering about 30 degrees. I've adjusted so it's just tight here and OK on the rest.
There must be a market for spare parts as I'm sure there are loads of old mounts that just need a new set of gears and a tune up.
Once again, many thanks.
Phill
There must be a market for spare parts as I'm sure there are loads of old mounts that just need a new set of gears and a tune up.
Once again, many thanks.
Phill
15
General Discussion / EQ3-2 DEC loose worm bearing
« on: October 20, 2017, 18:24:20 »
I know it's not totally on topic but there is such a wealth of knowlede here I thought I'd give it a try.
My EQ3-2 was second hand when I bought it and over the years the DEC worm shaft has got slacker to the extent that I have one degree of backlash. AstroEQ runs well but I'm unable to do much photography due to the movement. I've done my best to remove the backlash, but I wondered if any one here could advise on whether spare parts are available? Or has anyone seen a web page where someone has re-bushed the worm shaft / added bearings etc. The problem is not the worm and gear but the carrier that bolts the worm to the DEC gear.
I'm wary of buying another second hand mount but I realise that this may be the only option.
Kind regards to all.
Phill
My EQ3-2 was second hand when I bought it and over the years the DEC worm shaft has got slacker to the extent that I have one degree of backlash. AstroEQ runs well but I'm unable to do much photography due to the movement. I've done my best to remove the backlash, but I wondered if any one here could advise on whether spare parts are available? Or has anyone seen a web page where someone has re-bushed the worm shaft / added bearings etc. The problem is not the worm and gear but the carrier that bolts the worm to the DEC gear.
I'm wary of buying another second hand mount but I realise that this may be the only option.
Kind regards to all.
Phill