perfrej

I use the FTDI chip in my designs and the problem with com port numbering in Windows is only an issue if you unplug the device, and then replug it while the application still has the old com port open. It then gets the next available number - a process that actually makes sense. If you unplug again and make sure that the application doesn't have the port open it will revert to the original number. That's FTDI 231XS. Do't know about the other ones. /p

I went for the ready-made VM... Works great. I am currently adding Qt's development environment in order to at least get a half-decent environment for actually programming. Spoiled by Visual Studio 2015, I am (whatever you think about windows, VS2015 is the most advanced environment out there). /per

They would still have the same GUID in ASCOM and be indistinguishable... Only the direct driver way works, for instance with serial number, but if you load an ASCOM driver and want two instances theyu need to have different GUIDs, so two versions of the driver are needed.

That is so that they can use two instances of an ASCOM driver. ASCOM does have the slight disadvantage of only permitting one device per GUID, but on the other hand, if you had two focusers with the same data in the hardware description, how would you keep track of which focuser is which? You really need to give them separate IDs some way. /per

Oh, don't ever venture down the dark WiFi path! It inevitably leads to utter despair! Cable it... /per

I confirm that I will spend some time with INDI, most likely in July or August, and produce a driver for 10Micron products and the Remote Control USB Hub. Being a remote buff, Ekos scheduler is the thing that finally got my attention, and I will most likely contribute at least logic input, if not code, to that project. Luckily, I do not do guided imaging at all, so one less component to worry about. I am interested in novel ways of focusing the telescope, but I have not yet researched how that is done in the Ekos environment. At this time, my vision is to use a Pi 2 or 3 in a Losmandy extension unit between mount and scope, and to run an INDI device server in that. The rest of the logic (Ekos) can execute either in that thing or in a separate and more powerful computer elsewhere. All I need is one 12V feed and one Ethernet up to the mount. Perhaps I can have this running in my remote observatory in Provence by Christmas or so. I plan to go down in late November and should have something ready and balcony tested by then. Whoah! /per

Well, you need maybe 10 commands to do everything you want to do. Not too much to code /per

I am a bit unsure as to what you mean. Are you talking about a client to the LX200 protocol, or an implementatin of the protocol itself? The latter would be for controlling dedicated hardware, the former for talking to hardware that talks LX200. Maybe a peek at INDI? /per

Downloaded... Looks OK. Will test at Olly's tonight, weather permitting. I just wish people would stop using red for apps and computers. For anyone wiht astigmatism it is a nightmare, and for me, red ruins my dark adaption completely. I prefer dim with normal colours... /per

Well, both Corpze and I know what sensor is in those things (hint: it is a dollar or two) so this is a prime target for DIY. Corpze built one, and I have built one, but the software published needs som polishing as the processor takes a total hike if you try to measure in daylight. Eventually I will put a permanent one in the obsy, Olly, and then the readings will be readily available (and logged) for us all. Maybe I should speed this project up now that you have a "real one" to calibrate against... /per

Jeez! Will you ever be done with this? I guess it is like sailing; it is not the destination but the travel itself /per

Well, there really isn't much to say about this as it is just about as perfect as it can get. I really, really like the rendition and colour! Hats off to you both! /per

You're getting there! You don't really need soft start when you run the motor off of 12V supply. But then again, it is cool to fiddle the acceleration software! /per

Haha! Well, our flap rests nicely horizontally on three stands. Now why would you need to fold all the way down? Another type of flap to use would be the one that Peter Shah uses on his roll-off. It is a wonderful design! /per