jjRobots

Any feature anyone would like to add? Like: follow artificial satellites or ISS in the sky? We are running out of ideas 😄

Hi all, I just would like to ask for feedback and request for possible improvements/ features for the STAR FINDER we are designing (currently working, but not released yet) 3D model attached so you can get an idea of its size and shape. Interactive 3D model here: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/laser-pointer-star-finder-robot-4288273bca724799888e1a2dc5643dc5 We have used two NEMA17 motors (regular ones, 1.8º/step) and an Arduino to control a laser (5mW). It can communicate with Stellarium software (https://stellarium-web.org/) via WIFI or USB cable and point to any celestial object you have selected in the Stellarium UI. It is quite fun. I am an amateur astronomer and had the idea of developing something like this from time ago. The limitation: to have a laser mounted on a motor, precise enough to point to any "plain-sight" object in the night sky. But that has been solved 3D printing a planetary. Alternatively, you can just control the laser using your smartphone remotely indicating Alt+Azimut angles and the laser will point at that location right away. We really need to know what features could be fine to add to this OPEN SOURCE project as we are possibly missing something here. What do you think of this project? What do you want it to be able to do (beside the things stated above)? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. A photo of the laser pointing to the night sky below. Thanks!