stash_old

Or you could just plug it into a Pi Zero W and use GPSD to distribute GPS - works great with Linux but cant remember if Windows (any) has access to GPSD.

Just to add a foot note - I had another look at Indigo (1yr since last look) and I must say it has come on a long way - Indigo Sky is what Indi should have produced - install on SD/boot/sets up AP/Does what it says on the can - works (on RPI3b+ as its Raspain based) - and free. Impressed so far but early days. So maybe that might help in your quest but it does not appear as sophisticated as Ekos IMO - it does use HTTP to provide a control panel but its clean and simple to use IMO.

This is not as bad as you think I have done that passing parameters to DSLR Gphoto2 command line program(app) on Linux to do imaging (even from Windows) is not a problem. Granted I would not like to do CCD/CMOS scripts ,even if it was possible(?) as they call SDK provided interfaces - but never tried it. Its all just Rock and Roll no matter what new names are used ? if you were used to Linux/Unix BEFORE Gui front end's than it is what you had to do - hence why Unix/Linux has so many parameters for command line calls but yes messy ?

You could of course keep Indiserver (1 or more) running hardware stuff. Run Ekos/Stars concurrently - on the "hardware Indiserver pc"s and again on the laptop in the warm room. Indi is client / server system and so allows for one than one Client (where ever they maybe) to be connected to itself. Never tried that - but have done Indiserver on 2 or more PC's (e.g. 2 x RPI Indiserver chained ,1 x fast Laptop where Kstars/Ekos resides - where I could but never have need to see Kstars/Ekos - via reverse VNC from Obsys to Warm house laptop). IMO I wouldn't bother just VNC from the "Hardware Indiserver" to the "House PC" if you want to see what Kstars/Ekos is up to. You do have a valid point as Kstars/Ekos are like twins if one or more becomes "ill" that normally means a reload for the PC they reside on. But he Indiserver will continue it doesn't care about clients "dying" and when the Client reconnects it should be able to continue (ok mostly) where it left off.. Hopefully they will get more stable or resilient. If you find a solution/idea please let us all know - seriously I guess many,including me, have the same problem or thoughts as you. Oh forgot to add to can of course use DSUB or even write your Python interface (sadly only on Linux - correct me if I am wrong someone!) as the SWIG API to Indi API exists. Bu as someone else as said wha is he point of "reinventing the wheel"

The only way to go and to be fair Windows COM devices are just the same nightmare - especially for those who are not perm set up. Dont really understand that statement ( me thick) - A web server manager is available but that is still a GUI interface ,as opposed to a Command line which you can have even if you dont have remote devices - just use "Remote in Indi devices" as 127.0.0.1 then you can start Inderserver program yourself from the command line (or even write a simple script so that you always get the correct device address without Udev rules if you most ) - to a point as Ekos will still "talk" and expect "answers". You are stuck with Ekos/Indi devices(cant separate them unless you use other software) working this way but you can use other Indi aware software such as Free CDC , ANVP etc etc and maybe Cloudmakers items(not free) if you run on Apple OS - and perhaps Indigo but its fairly new so there could be problems as normal with any new software offering but ok if you accept that (does use Indi protocol and "backward compatible"). If you can explain better perhaps there is a better answer from the Indi experts/developers - not me by the way.

No quite true Julian switching off the coil power will also sometimes ,depending on micro stepping chosen, mean the focuser will move slightly regardless of the weight of the camera - IME . You are ok as the planetary geared stepper require a lot of torque to move any way - as felt when you try to turn it by hand when switched off. Steppers also get hot because of the stepping chosen and the driver miss match - too much current being supplied https://community.parker.com/technologies/electromechanical-group/w/electromechanical-knowledge-base/928/why-is-my-stepper-motor-getting-hot this also possibly means that the voltage needs to be higher or altered e.g. as per A4988 (or equiv). https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,109216 - not astro but there are a lot of experienced Reprap users ? Robert's software did have the ability to switch off coil power last time I looked.

But isnt free ?

RealVnc would have been the best alternative to RDP (I use both) but today you can only use a free version for Internet only connection except RPI's which is non internet and free. It now costs £42/yr/Server ?

Sorry dont understand that statement - do you mean just run Indiserver (this is NOT a web server) on RPI(s) acting as the Device server and Kstars/Ekos "client" on Windows- plus use a browser to start Indiserver on the PI ? And how much in terms of cost is your "in house PC" compared to the PI - you buy a Mini or you buy a Ferrari they are both cars but that's were the comparison ends. As you use the Indilib forum I think many would have already pointed out they use higher powered/cost PI equivalents which work far better with little or no lag - plus less cables(off mount) - normally only power if they opt for Wireless(some dont for valid reasons!). In your situation you didn't need Stellarmate at all just the PI (even just a Non GUI headless server - e.g. Ubuntu 18.04 or even Stretch server) and basic Indilib. This gives the best PI performance as no "GUI luggage". No need even for a Web Browser really but except it maybe easier for you - "Cleaner" as you say. Good luck with your set up and Clear Skies ?

Is the Stepper 1.8 or 0.9 degree's ? Shouldn't say this but ,touch wood, they have never let me down - had to reload the Nano a couple of times but the Stepper has been great. A good company. Once you have finished this - the next one you could try the "geared" version its even better but more expensive.

Did your stepper come with a wiring diagram showing colours and the matching A- A+ B- B+ (as also marker on the TB6560 driver) - if it did that helps.

Set it at half-step to start - depends of torque required and how much weight your camera etc - As I say that depends on your mechanical adapter.

Looks about right Its the only one - it contains ALL the INO code for all sorts of set ups ?

If you mean Linux version then you need Roberts code my Moonlight compat version is wemos Wifi based not Nano - This is the Indi Moonlight version from Robert https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinofocuscontrollerpro/ and follow the DRV8825 version (this is what I originally used for mine). When you download the zip file it will have lots of version as his version has lots of options - buttons,lcd,Bluetooth etc etc. The first one of each range is the basic. He has done many changes from when I last looked (over 2yrs ago). The only thing you will not be able to do is micro stepping changes by software but I never found the need as it all depends on you connection to the Scope tube and the Stepper motor ( geared or not , steps per 360 etc etc). As I say I would set up a test bed first. Note most steppers run best about 12v but with up to 3amp current but again testing should high light any heating problems - IMHO dont be tempted to go 1/32 or even 1/16.

That depends on the software running on the Nano (if thats wha you are using) - On my modified versions of Roberts code I use D3,D4,D8 - no A pins used - are as my diagram shows thats a direct relationship - d3 nano goes to 3 on the diagram. But as I say it depends on the software pins used - its not hard and fast they just all have to match - e.g. if D3 on the Nano is the CLK signal to the TB6650 then D3 must me connected to CLK + on the TB6650 board ( or whatever board pin has the CLK signal). The software must then make sure that references to the CLK signal are via D3 - Normally only defined once no matter whose software you use. By software I refer to the INO Code for the Arduino. Hope that helps. May I suggest you set up a test rig first before you start soldering to test it all out ?

Pretty picture (2nd one) but what is it LOL - never did any soldering as I am naff at soldering.

Good question I will have a search round

That link didn't show any saddle ,for me, just a list of items - a very long list of items for sale on Ali ?

Exactly - awaiting reply from seller but will be asking all of £5 back LOL As i think I stated early on already done that various ways - its just acting as a transparent serial(TTL) Wifi gateway - but if the device was good it should have worked my Focuser as well - I use Indilib so serial/Networking via UDP or TCP are all there by default {-) Anyway something for people to be wary of - as ever with stuff from China. Thanks for the replies and good luck with your project, Clear skies !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TTL-to-Wifi-ESP-M2-Wifi-Serial-ESP8285-Module-6-in-1-CP2102-Serial-Module-Cable/182828738058?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=690132639318&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Thanks for the reply. I bought 2 (I normally do from China just in case !) both are the the same as yours (Level 3.3v on the reverse plus Doit trade mark) and both have the same problem as described - Yes read Github Wiki and so did Reset etc still the same. My seller (not Alice) just sent me a std picture which was on the orig ebay sell - helpful NOT. I haven't tried the "enable" pin but as you say you shouldn't need it plus it should have the correct AP name (esp_ is the std on all bare ESP's wifi chips). Oh well it was only a test - not for a mount but for wireless focuser.

Hi a question does the chip on your DT06 say m2 as per the pictures (from the seller) ? Reason - I bought one from China(like yours) but it neither works (doesn't give DoitXXXXX Wifi AP address) and I cannot connect to the Web Server even if I connect to the AP name (ESP_XXXXX) - so budding buyers be warned some appear to be no quite true

Yep the AAeon support for wifi is appalling IMO - even using Windows 10 the internal driver has many problems. Gave up using internal Wifi and now use 11ac usb adapter - but on Windows 10 only but it works well (with TP-link below) - Linux support for 5ghz 11ac usb adapters is poor IMO. Having said that the inbuilt 11ac works on RPI3+. However you have to think outside the box. I now use a TP-Link C7/C9 AP (runs on 12v), as its only 6 feet (2m) away from the SCB never drops a connection and has no comms wires dangling from the mount - in the field its a bit big but haven't found a decent replacement at a decent price. As the TP-link runs both 2.4 and 5 ghz networks I can connect to any Wifi network (home or away) and download speeds are good - 25mb CR2 in 4-6 secs , FITS 35mb 8-10 secs - 100mb up 350-450mb download. IMHO Indilib ,as I have said before ,still need to concentrate on "core" stable set ups and stop trying to be everything for everyone. The "Indi Team" work very very hard but are spread too thin IMO. I personally now use Synscan App under Wine (Ubuntu 18 and Fedora 28 work fine) so that I can simultaneously use BOTH IndiLib and Ascom (via Synscan Ascom Mobile interface). This gives me a wider availability of devices to connect too - so a "horses for course's" approach. Again,IMHO, Indilib needs to develop a working Windows Indiserver (Not the Indigo/Cloudmakers Windows Ascom server) so that devices on Windows can be connected to Indilib/Kstars/Ekos running on Unix or Windows without Ascom. For me the Indi mobile set up(Mount etc) can now be deployed and working in under 10mins with minimal wires which was my main aim - I would love to have the "Slip Ring" facility Ken has - I can dream. ? Funny thing is I now run a "fixed" stable version of Indi/Kstars/Ekos (2.9.8) on a Ubuntu 18 on a old 4 core,4mb ram,120gb SSD Amd PC - plus ,on the same latter PC, a "bleeding edge/Daily updates" Indi/Kstars/Ekos(3.0.0) on the same PC using Virtualbox /Ubuntu 18 - I cannot see any difference in speed/response. Plus it allows me to try the latest changes without compromising my "everyday" set up or changing wiring/networks etc. IMO the latest version of Indi/Kstars/Ekos is pretty close to being a fully integrated reliable Astro work horse. Clear Skies to all for 2019 - Indilib user or not ?

Nice find ? Couple of questions :- 1. How long is the 5v power supply lasting ? 2. How far (clear line of site) does the WiFi signal go and work :- a. When its in AP mode b. When its in STA mode 3. Once the settings have been made do you have to set the settings again on the module ? 4. Have you tried this in the field yet ? Thanks

To be honest cant say as I haven't used NoVnc. But really we are talking about the client end (The Viewer) and I would expect Realvnc viewer to work well with Realvnc server but who knows. ? I ask about frame rates as on my other set up I do EAA which depends on either very fast scopes ( < F4 ) and/or very high frame rates for fast real time stacking.