stash_old

IMHO there is one big problem with everything being on one expensive pc (mini or otherwise) as it runs in a harsh environment it is more likely(I did say more likely !!!!) to go belly up. So if you have spent £400 ($500) and it doesn't last ,lets say,2yrs that's an expensive item - as normal ok if thats not a problem. And really the ONLY items that require speed/capacity are CCD camera's - nothing else (i can think of ? ) needs an I5-7 processor power,high spec graphics , USB 3 or large power wattage! Mount,Focuser,Rotator ,GPS,Weather station even guide camera's run well on far far less spec'd systems - even all on 1 system. With Indi and now Ascom Alpaca (although new) giving distributed processing there is no need ,IMHO, to spend a fortune (Relative I know) and I would say that the item shown by our friend from Wisconsin,or the M3 stick, would probably perform just as well as the £400 items discussed here accepting the CCD/4k graphics limitation - if you want/need that!. Ok I accept 4k graphics might be missing or slower but IMO the Hyperstar would be (and is) , more beneficial in EAA - as you are only as good as your weakest link ! While I would normally condone future proofing - in IT even 18 months is a very long time things change so fast! But its all up to the individual's needs and how deep their pockets go!

Dont disagree overall but the above is factually incorrect - RP3IB+ uses 5ghz and I get 350mb wirelessly.

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.

Sorry I must have misunderstood I thought you were saying Realvnc was sluggish not that running Kstars/Platesolving is slowing the RPI - totally agree I too do Kstars/Platesolving on another device for that reason. Cables - that lovely subject LOL ?

no problem ? As RPI has a deal wih Realvnc you are allowed to install realvnc on any o/s on RPI (as far as I know) so I use it on Stretch and Ubuntu mate with no problems. You cant reinvent the wheel so really the only difference is Realvnc Server runs as a "service" on RPI while if i read Novnc the latter is just a Client and connects to any remote desktop server as it runs I guess like TeamViewer via Web sockets and HTML. So where I need to use any VNC client (realvnc,tightvnc etc) I have to install it first on the client end - NoVNC just uses existing HTML Web Browser saves installing a client. Realvnc has been around 20yrs but of late have started to charge for none cloud connecing software (Clients are free) excep RPI which as I say have a deal on the server lic. RealVnc is very fast (haven't run against with Novnc) and you can transfer file between client and server through its own protocol - sometimes useful. What sort of Frame rates are you getting on your CCD's and what are you storing you frames on (local or remote) Sorry Andyb90 for hyjacking thread but it is connected to "requirements" - let us know if you object

Hi @light bucket I was really asking why giorgio was using Skysafari and not just Kstars - i was expecting the same answer from him - just being nosey ? I too use Skysafari ,on my really old Sony xperia phone ,when using my Indi Grab and Go set up but very rarely when back at base - just use Kstars/RealVNC from nice warm man cave !!!! Never had performance issues,hence the question, except networking which had nothing to do with Remote working it was RPI3 (not 3+) weak 2.4ghz signal which I cured. Even have used remote desktop when using RPI Zero W using std Raspbian with Indiserver installed to control DSLR/mount with no performance problems as I disconnect after starting my scripts the Realvnc goes to sleep - yes I could use SH or Web service but too lazy to set up ? However the CCD performance does intrigue me as some say its too slow while others seem to be quite happy (or dont say anything) - hence that question using his lovely QSI CCD (drooling ? ) CCD - wondered what the performance was like on a RPI3/USB2 set up. :-)

Simple answer is yes but not ,i would suggest ,on a single RPI (but you can run multiple RPI's or other SBC thats Indi inbuilt speciality) especially if you want to image at the same time. Go over to the Indi forum there are users who run that sort of set up - they dont bite ?

Why use Skysafari when Kstars does all that Skysafari does - not a criticism but a question because I have been asking why Ekos is not totally separate (you can't run Ekos without Kstars on any O/S) especially as Indilib allows CDC and other planetarium software to connect/control. Is it because your mount is mobile ? Plus your picture doesn't show any power wires connecting to the PI - I understand you run from the Rigrunner but cant see the cables ? Doesn't effect me as I run a DSLR but others have said that the RPI (even the RPI3 which split USB/Ethernet Bus) is just not faster enough with CCD's (frame rate) hence many have gone Rock64,Intel Stick etc . What's your experience ? I have never found a problem with RealVNC server on the RPI's only the network connection ,especially the Wifi weakness so what do you mean by "Performance" ? Again not criticism just interested ? It does make me laugh that your great set up relies on a £34 device - totally out of proportion to the rest of the kit - but it works LOL

Glad to hear you have installed Indi set up but may I suggest you join (if you haven't already) post your questions on the Indi Forum - they dont bite ? and there are more people to answer your queries. Location details can be entered either with the set up wizard or via the drop down menu coordinates in Kstars. I have done it both ways and it works - normally:-)

Julian is correct it DIDN'T work but like all things It has moved on so it appears it does now work - I like Julian tried it a while back and it didn't ?

OK you have heard the good stuff "London side up" as my dear old mother would say. Now the other side. 1. The device drivers,on the whole, are not as "mature" on Indi as they are on Windows so perhaps find out "what Astro Kit works" first AND how well. 2. Using non mainstream Linux systems or boards can lead to many problems especially if you just want "plug and go" set up. Again join and read the Indi Forum. 3. Its not just a case of "install and forget software" as ,for the most part, Windows is. 4. RPI is not powerful enough for CCD high frame rates,as stated above, but you can easily over come that and the RPI runs mount control,Filter,Focusing with ease. That's how Indi works. So find out all the info and do test set ups to learn the Indi way. Having said that there are a great many plus's for Indi - Flexibility,O/S independence and "all in one" approach (EKOS is akin to SGP IMO) probably are the best parts,IMHO/experience of Indi. Ascom and Windows lacks the first two points (they don't run natively on any other O/S) So gone on try Indi out - you may like it! ?

Totally agreed on CCD /USB3 use but RPI3 is fine for Mount Control,Focuser Control, DSLR and Filter wheels as none are very taxing. Plus RPI3 could do with ,at least, inbuilt EMMC. The Networking while not the fastest ,as it shares the USB BUS, is adequate and doesn't seem to cause any problems (IMHO and experience). Even the RPI Zero(W) runs the DSLR well (as good as my 64bit Up Squared with its USB3/2 ,EMMC storage and 4GB memory). Plus working 5ghz wireless networking and 802.11 AC(450mb-1300mb) ,for those who want fast wireless, is almost non existent on Linux and at best needs compiling as no working drivers exist(or very very limited) out of the box and very little mainstream support exists at the moment. Although this is not an Indi stopper. Plus you can easily run Indi "modules" on different devices which is one of the reasons Indi protocol was developed and is a plus. Granted I personally wouldn't ,and don't ,run offline Platesolving (but I have done Online) on my RPI3 but there again most SBC's,under £200, can't even match my 8yr old 6 core 64bit 8MB AMD with SSD doing Platesolving either - reading different users experiences on many UK/USA sites! Besides costs (Rpi VS other SBC's) the biggest problem ,which the RPI3 doesn't suffer to the same extent, is limited support (not Indi but the OEM). Just look at the Rock and other SBC threads on Indilib ! IMHO - I would not recommended any user, who prefers the simple life, to attempt non mainstream SBC's Indilib. BUT INDI is getting there and does/will provide a good , cost effective,"all in one" package ,flexible alternative to Windows . E.G. My fully working Indi "Grab and Go" with DSLR would not be possible on Windows hardware for under £50 (including legal copy of Windows). In the end its "horses for courses" and personal preferences but the hardware variety available is very interesting and fun especially during long cloudy spells. ? Carry on the good work DR-Ju_Ju your work helps others later. ?

If not Robert Browns version diy focuser pro 2 runs all sorts of interfaces including BT:-)

Still trying but have got a 90% working Grab and Go system using mixture of Linux on RPI Zero W , RPI3 and Amd 64bit Fedora running Kstars/Ekos. The bug that sopped me I found out to be a setting in Canon 100D which stopped it being used correctly with the Indi DSLR driver - once that was "cured" then other funnies appear but all in all Kstars/Ekos on Linux (all Linux) or Kstars/Ekos on Windows 10 and Linux Indiservers on RPI(zero and RPI3 chained/unchained (Google it for non Indi people) works well so long I use a really good Access Point - I use a 5/2.4ghz TP-link AP/Router this gives me 90% signal level over 30 feet (thats just the 2.4ghz) and as it can run on 12v DC will run at "Dark sites" no problem. Using my Canon DSLR I now out perform(download speed wise) the same set up on Windows using APT tethered via USB plus I get FITS files. Naive CR2 files (about 20mb) are downloaded from the RPI (Zero or RPI3) in about 3-5secs and the Fits (35mb) a second or 3 later. The DSLR driver now works 99% of the time and less / shorter wires (RPI to DSLR is a 30cm cable). So I have a true wireless Canon DSLR without spending £100+ can even use it for Day time photography LOL I have stuck using Synscan Indi driver with my handset(I have tried most of the rest) - the latter connects to the mount and then Indi connects to the handset via a std RS232/USB adapter (no setting up required!). This has proved to be very reliable and it means I can connect to ANY SW mount ,that can use a handset, just by changing the Handset to Mount cable normally supplied with the mount. No worrying about COM ports or Com port numbers. When SW bring out the SW Synscan App for Linux next year(2019 maybe LOL) i will most likely use that to replace the Handset. SkySafari 5 for Android works with Indi and that means (subject to Wifi signal - hence the TP-Link AP) I can work outside to control the mount but to be honest I prefer Kstars/Ekos on a laptop as I can do it all (mount ,image,Focus(nearly), Platesolve) all in one place - nice warm car or my office at home. Platesolving is faster and more successfully solves even though the AMD 64bit (8gb memory,normal HDD) is slower than my Intel I3 (64bit 8gb,SSD) Obsys set up One important feature that started working when I solved my Canon setting problem is the Scheduler - bearing in mind its free - this module is very powerful,fairly reliable and gives you the ability to set up a nights workflow. It gives the ability to Goto an object,Focus,Platesolve to dead centre the object, and take a series of images with a single click of a run button or start at a set time or even when the object is at a set altitude. It could ,but I haven't needed too, open the Obsys roof do the above sequence of events and close the roof and shutdown the system. I believe someone does this remotely from UK to Obsys in Germany ? It cannot clear skies or stop it raining to order !!!!! For a free bit of software that's pretty good My Grab and Go takes about 5 mins to set up/take down and because I do wide field I dont bother to align I just Platesolve if I want an object dead centre. Would I use it for my Obsys - no not yet Kstars/Ekos still falls over too many times when I try something new - like Focusing via Canon camera len's - which works on APT under Windows. But I will do it sooner rather than later ! My Asi 120mm USB2 has stopped working properly under Linux (yes it has been modified) but it still works under Windows Sharpcap - but then the 120mm USB2 was a bag of worms from the start IMHO - even the creator admits it isn't a Std USB interface. Something I miss is Astrotoaster(DSS) there doesn't seem to be a simple equivalent Linux product (free) - something I feel Indi needs to address one day. One point I will make ,and I will get shot for this, is that INDI is like Ascom in that its someone "baby" and the "take it or leave" attitude appears now and then especially when I comes to querying why it cant do something(or more simply) or the layout - its not the easiest thing to learn. Sorry true ?. But as with Ascom, Indi forum users(are creators) are a helpful lot - so could be a case of "please some of the people some of the time etc" So in a nutshell if you put a bit of work into it and have patience(something I lack) its better than Windows set ups , cheaper than both Windows/Apple equiv and could become dominant if one of the larger Mount /Camera manufacturers take it under their wing - Note ZWO are using it in the product - and sell a complete ready made system for "faint at heart" So come on have a go even if its to create a cheap Grab and Go wide field set up - you might just enjoy it and become a convert LOL P.S. still haven' fixed my Tee character on my keyboard.

You could of course spend 250GBP on another product that does the same thing and is not any more precise ?

No it means SW are using ESP wifi chip which does a connect to AP (or acts as a an Access Point) - routers provide Wireless AP. The SW should be the client mode so it is connecting to a router not the router(s) connecting to the SW - unless AZ Wifi can act as an Access Point (SW Wifi Adapter can so maybe AZ GTI can too) . As Synscan_cd09 SSID is appearing it would suggest it is acting as an AP so Wifi channel interference could be the problem. Can you change the WiFi channel with the Synscan App Pro via WiFi settings? Plus it seems you only have 15mins to connect successfully else it turns the Wifi off - plus a Factory reset takes 4 hrs (Mad) so the manual says. You could also do a test by using the Windows version of SynScan App Pro - if you have a Windows PC as this may have a better signal. Plus either way ESP WiFi chips do a 2 stage load hence the name change. Dont own an SWAZ GTI so might be wrong for that device. Hope you get sorted !

Yes I have used them or similar in the past - one problem, if I remember it right (3yrs ago), was that the Input is RS232 not TTL and so cannot be connected directly to any mount plus I think they were limited to 5v and some mount would need 3.3v. But they worked and were reliable ? I moved on to this supplier which also provided better documentation/software/support and smaller- such as a virtual Com creation/control https://www.usriot.com/products/serial-to-wifi-converters/ But that was over 3yrs ago,doesn't time fly, so maybe they have updated it ?

What was the name of the Astro Shop ?