Motor drive to dosonian

[willow]

Hi

just started in astronomy
i have got a skywatcher 10inch dob for starters
i built and installed dsc to the scope ( tested and working )
still working on the calibrations

have got a general question

it would appear that most of the scope control software outputs via the serial port
the pre built stepper controllers are as a rule parallel control
other than by using a pic shifter
what the best way to control the hardware

i would like to include encoder feed back from the motors so as to have a facility for speed position cals

your insight would be most welcome

regards

willow

[bojan]

Mel Bartels' software.. supports encoders (EK, mouse.. )
http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/BBAstroDesigns.html#Computer_Operat ed_Telescopes

[willow]

Hi Bojan

thanks for the promt reply

had a look at mels page
but i could not see if the software was serial or parallel output
i am blind as a bat

as the dsc feed back is via serial and the motor encoders would possibly be the same does this present any problems ???

your insight would be great

regards

willow

[bojan]

It is parallel (for stepper motors.. ) but it supports step/dir mode as well (for OEM drivers).
Encoder input is serial (RS232).
It also supports field rotator.

Yes, there is a lot of info on that page.
You have to have a look at links too.

Now, I am talking about stepper (freeware) version of Mel's software. He also sells servo version, but I do not have any experience with that one.
Encoders are not on the stepper shafts, they are independent of the motors - so without steppers, you can still have a (better and cheaper) equivalent of argo navis (which is loved very much by some on this forum) for couple of bucks, if you are handy with tinkering :-) However, you do need a computer for this, of course.