Ek's DSC box with MRE encoders

[GigiG]

Hi, I've just build my first prototype of an Ek's DSC Bluetooth box that uses two AS5040 Magnetic Rotary Encoders (AMS). These are 10bit incremental encoders (1024 ppr) but I've tested also a couple of AS5045B (12bit, 4096 ppr) and they seems to work fine and they are promising. I don't own a Dobson to test these box on field but I'll try it as soon as possible on my NEQ3 or may be with a pan&tilt head holding a green laser pointer. Comments and questions are welcome. Ciao

Image gallery and some videos: youtube1, youtube2, youtube3

[weareborg]

Nice couple of videos. They seem the business. Where did you purchase them from?

[GigiG]

You can obtain three free samples for both encoder and magnets directly from the product pages

[weareborg]

I'm looking at the website now. When I click on 'Order sample' does that actually order the encoder and magnets or are they separate? 

Andy

[GigiG]

I'm looking at the website now. When I click on 'Order sample' does that actually order the encoder and magnets or are they separate? 

Andy

They are separate. Here the page for the magnets.

[weareborg]

Thanks for info GigiG.

I've just ordered some samples. I already have David Ek's DSC interface that I built some years ago on breadboard, but never got it finished as I couldn't afford the US Digital Encoders at the time. No I've got a Dobsonian telescope again, I'm going to try and finish it off. Need to redo the board I think though as I no longer have a serial port on my laptap so will have to look at the bluetooth option 

Andy

[GigiG]

Glad to hear that my litle project can be helpful, Andy. The delivery from Austria to Italy took only a couple of days with WebEx. If you like I can send you the svg files to home etching my boards (main Ek's interface for HC-06 Bluetooth board and the mini MRE support board). Anyway please keep me posted about your implementation,

Gigi

[GigiG]

Glad to hear that my litle project can be helpful, Andy. The delivery from Austria to Italy took only a couple of days with WebEx. If you like I can send you the svg files to home etching my boards (main Ek's interface for HC-06 Bluetooth board and the mini MRE support board). Anyway please keep me posted about your implementation,

Gigi

 ... FedEx ... not WebEx, sorry

[weareborg]

Received my samples yesterday. I thought I had requested the wrong parts as I only received the IC and magnet ​ . It wasn't until I looked at the emails you sent me and your photos again, that I realised the rest are parts made or purchased yourself. 

[GigiG]

Received my samples yesterday. I thought I had requested the wrong parts as I only received the IC and magnet ​ . It wasn't until I looked at the emails you sent me and your photos again, that I realised the rest are parts made or purchased yourself.

Yes you need these SSOP16 SMD ICs on a breakout boards. I've got these:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/5-pieces-SSOP-16-SSOP16-to-DIP-16-Pin-Adapter-PCB-SMD-Convert-DIP16-/141638220193?txnId=1190315105004