DIY Control box

[diegocolonnello]

After deciding to update my focuser control to use a stepper motor, i also decided to do something about my messy wiring and connections, a trip to jaycar and started working on this box...

It does:

Focuser control with arduino
Temperature sensing
Power for the mount
Power for the Telescope Fan
Usb hub for CCD camera, Guide cam, Filter wheel and Telescope control
Fused 12v input
Spare 12v port

I am happy that my wiring is way better now :rofl:


Photos Attached.

[RobF]

That looks like great work Diego. Congrats!

[traveller]

Very neat and impressive Diego,
I am working on my dew controller box now with a spare outlet for my DSLR.
Thinking about adding a audino controller inside as well so got a big box. Will share once mine is up and running.
Bo

[ChrisV]

Very nice Diego.
And thanks for the advice about the mod- I'm not going ahead with it.

[diegocolonnello]

Labeled the box and updating it to feed the USB hub...

Chrisv, good, keep the DSLR in color and in the future you can find a good priced mono CCD, then you can use both for your projects, dlsr for rgb shots and then complete it with the mono ccd using lum filter or even Ha!!!

[RobF]

HiTech astro better keep an eye out for this new competitor :lol:

[jwoody]

That is a very professional looking result, top job.

[ChrisV]

Diego

Copied your box. Mine has
- 12V outputs on the side. To power camera, dew heater etc
- 8.4V output on the top for my dslr, via a variable voltage regulator inside.
- USB3 hub stuck on the front (as I'm running 2x cameras), powered by one of the 12V outputs.
- And stuck on that a bluetooth serial adaptor to remotely run the celestron HC with SkySafari, powered by one of the USBs.

Also I found these tube holder in <http://au.rs-online.com>, clamps it to the 2" tripod legs nicely. $6.50 delivered for two.

Thanks, Chris

[diegocolonnello]

Awesome work mate, i love the holders............... good tip...