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1

DIY AstroEQ / My new DIY AstroEQ board with mini hand controller

« on: April 17, 2018, 17:52:12 »

Gerber files available for PCB ordering using Online Services (I used EasyEDA, fast, cheap and affordable). I have also some spare PCB to send if anyone is interested.
Regards
Gigi
https://sites.google.com/site/gigimysite/home/astro/astroeq/aeq-2018

2

DIY AstroEQ / Re: Problem uploading on Arduino 2560

« on: January 17, 2018, 21:47:31 »

Hi Simoleso, I also solved the 'Failed connection' 2560 issue by uploading the right Arduino bootloader (stk500boot_v2_mega2560.hex). The Arduino IDE I got is the 1.6.7 and the bootloader hex is available in the Arduino IDE installed folders (for me C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\arduino\avr\bootloaders\stk500v2). I used an Arduino Uno as ISP programmer following the tutorial in https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoISP

3

DIY AstroEQ / PWM pin in Arduino schematic

« on: November 14, 2017, 16:14:22 »

Hi Tom, I've just seen in the schematic (astroeq-arduino-schematic.pdf in Tutorials page) a section of the circuit with a jack (PWM) that points to the Mega's pin 10. I was wondering which function is foreseen for this pin? Thanks and regards

4

DIY AstroEQ / Re: EQMOD Communication errors

« on: February 14, 2017, 20:33:57 »

Solved. All works fine again now after upgrading to v7.5-dev for both my boards (one of these upgraded and configured via HC-06 BT module). The only concern is about the test mount phase during configuration that didn't connect successfully, not a big issue. Thanks Tom.

5

DIY AstroEQ / Re: EQMOD Communication errors

« on: February 14, 2017, 10:16:12 »

Sorry I'm wrong, I still use the old 7.3 firmware, never updated to newer ones ...  . I'll try with 7.4/7.5 tonight at home.

6

DIY AstroEQ / EQMOD Communication errors

« on: February 14, 2017, 09:20:22 »

Hi Tom, I got issues with my DIY boards. Holding direction button down for a few seconds force the steppers to move all the time even if I release the button (they stop autonomously after a few seconds). Sometimes the warning 'connection timed out' appear then I wasn't able to do almost anything. EQMOD give me a series of
CommErr:ER=16777221
CommErr:ED=16777221
CommErr:MSR=144
CommErr:MSD=128
I even tried the USB cable connected Mega2560 alone (no DIY board mounted), reinstalled AstroEQ firmware (7.5), ASCOM 6.3, EQMOD 1.2.9a (I have two chinese Mega clones both have same issues), tried changing USB cables, direct EQMOD interface, CdC, Stellarium ...
Any ideas? Thanks

7

DIY AstroEQ / Re: Stepper disabled when motion is not required

« on: December 07, 2016, 08:37:53 »

Ok, we know that the steppers shaft could be easily turned and then steps could be missed when they are not powered but, in practice, the mechanical gear train of the mount axes makes this almost impossible to occur. At the same time, disabling the stepper drivers during 'stand-by' situations will allow us to cut down battery power consumption and motor's heating.
So, I was wondering if there is a chance to have a new configuration option that makes it possible to choose between steppers always powered or not.

8

DIY AstroEQ / Stepper disabled when motion is not required

« on: December 05, 2016, 11:59:39 »

Hi Tom, I'm trying to help a friend in using his DIY board and I just had a concern regarding stepper's powering. I'm not sure if AstroEQ firmware disable the drivers, in order to save power and heat, during 'no-motions' condition, or the steppers are always powered. Thanks.
Gigi

9

DIY AstroEQ / Re: How to complie firmware

« on: September 05, 2016, 08:04:38 »

Take the source from Tom's site, substitute the PinMappings.h with the one I give you (available on my site too), use the Arduino IDE to compile the source and upload the hex to the Mega via USB (try the latest 1.6.11 version, if something goes wrong use the old 1.0.6, as suggested by Tom). Then use the AstroEQ ConfigUtility to configure your board, via USB too. Finally try the Bluetooth connection to control your AstroEQ using EQMOD interface directly or via Sky maps softwares.

Gigi

EDIT: Be aware that this PinMappings.h is for my AstroEQ on prototype-shield version! If you built the home-etched version you need a different file. I'll put both PinMappings.h versions on my site soon

10

DIY AstroEQ / Re: AstroEQ on proto-shield

« on: May 04, 2016, 14:38:37 »

Hi Phill, I use 12V for my steppers, I only wanted to keep the possibility to power the board (steppers) with more then 12V (e.g. in order to increase their slew speed as already tested on the PicGoto++). The Arduino is happy with 7.5-12V input voltage, no problem

11

DIY AstroEQ / Re: AstroEQ on proto-shield

« on: April 28, 2016, 15:59:27 »

I've finally decided it's time to retire the old board and carry on with AstroEQ and Arduino. Thanks for the proto-board images on your site. They will save me a whole load of time and probably a few costly mistakes, 

Hi Phill, did you start making the board? I'm glad to hear that my pictures may help. Please keep me informed on your progress

12

DIY AstroEQ / Re: AstroEQ on proto-shield

« on: March 11, 2016, 13:30:55 »

In fact I started the board design about two months ago and the refinement was almost maniacal  . To be honest, the idea was to design a board suitable for both AstroEQ and OnStep ... and I'd say that's probably true. Not tested completed with OnStep yet because I haven't been able to get communicate the ASCOM server with the board (same hardware, works just fine with AstroEQ  )

13

DIY AstroEQ / Re: AstroEQ on proto-shield

« on: March 09, 2016, 13:40:44 »

Hi jmaurin, I built a proto-shield version because a friend of mine doesn't have the capability to etch a PCB by himself so I decided to design and verify the feasibility of an AstroEQ on a prototype board. I tought it can be an alternative option for anyone that want to avoid the PCB etching.

14

DIY AstroEQ / AstroEQ on proto-shield

« on: March 09, 2016, 07:40:44 »

Hi, just completed and it works fine. At the bottom of my web page, a couple of images and the design lauyot made with Inkscape.
Cheers

15

DIY AstroEQ / RA stepper doesn't responde

« on: March 06, 2016, 21:37:07 »

Hi Tom, I have an issue on my DIY AstroEQ. Sometimes happen that the RA stepper doesn't responde to commands via EQMOD keypad's W7E buttons. These are the steps: press the W or E button continuosly, after about 10-20 seconds (variable) the Stat LED turns off and releasing the button doesn't stop the stepper that continue to rotate (200x slew condition), after 4-5 seconds the HC-06 blinks for half a second and then the Stat LED become continuosly on. After that the stepper is stopped by a button press but it doesn't respond to commands anymore, I have to reset the board. This behaviour seem to happen randomly (not always). The only concern I have is that I made some pin's reassignement for design convenience (see https://sites.google.com/site/gigimysite/home/astro/astroeq for my board layout). In brief, on my board there is the RA Step pin at Mega's pin 9, the DEC Step pin at 15 and the Stat LED at 12. May be this can be the problem? Or does it can be related to data overflow?
Gigi