EQ6 mount and OnStep

[Astrofriend]

I rebuilt my EQ6 mount to belt drive a couple of years ago. It worked very well when using Windows system. Later I moved over to Linux and KStars. Then I got problem, the EQMOD driver in INDI doesn't allowed custom gear ratio as it do in ASCOM. With help I changed the EQMOD driver to accept custom gear ratio, but was very unpractical. There is also a hardware bug in the controller board of EQ6 (RA drift compensation).

Now I have decided to replace the original driver board in the EQ6 mount with the open source OnStep which has support to both ASCOM and INDI.

I have documented how I plan to built it here:

http://www.astrofriend.eu/astronomy/projects/project-eq6-onstep/01-eq6-onstep.html

For me the solution with the CPU board: FYSETC E4 looks to be the best. What I can see all pheripals I need is already implemented on that board. Make it more compact and easier to install inside the EQ6 mount.

Have any of you used this FYSETC E4 board ? What are your experiences with it, is it a good choice?

Lars

[Alan White]

I will be interested to see the end success Lars.

I am being helped with an OnStep project for a Vixen GP mount and purchased the Fysetc E4 board as advised to get that one, my build is not test started as I have been waiting on parts and went away on holiday, but due to get s ordering very soon.

[Astrofriend]

I have also ordered my controller board now, the FYSETC E4. Let us know if you get a succes or problem with it.

Lars

[Astrofriend]

After Christmas I have done some progress on my OnStepX setup. I chose the X version which is newer and have support of INDI drivers. The CPU board FYSETC E4 looks to be very good, so much simplier it made it.

Latest documentation:
http://www.astrofriend.eu/astronomy/projects/project-eq6-onstep/01-eq6-onstep.html

I can control the stepper motors now from KStars, looks good. Some small problem to sync the clock.

Lars