[bojan]

I am using mouse encoder directly (with mouse driver) on my Bartels.

My encoders are actually the wheels and optical sensors taken from serial mouse, and I am using the chip as well as interface.


However, there are some issues with mouse driver..

Firstly, it should not have acceleration (or it should be disabled), and many have it and it can not be disabled. I tried possibly dozens of them before I found one version which is adequate.

Secondly, the interrupts are not handled properly it seems, so very often program does not update encoder position correctly (when in tracking mode and you move the telescope so it tries to slew back into original position).
David Ek's (or any equivalent) solution is therefore, better because it keeps position in separate micro and sends it on demand to main program.

But, if you are happy with the functionality similar to what Argo Navis is offering, then Mel Bartels program is far, far cheaper than AN.
You can use it without tracking, as Push-To - choose the object from (easily editable) database, push you scope and watch the position of the scope on the screen.

Also, Bartel's system is not for everyone.
It is not for people who do not know how to handle electronic, it is for those who have DIY skills. Noone can blame Mel for frying PC board - you have to know what you are doing and why.
But, this remark actually holds for commercial solutions as well..

Originally Posted by bobson

Thanks guys, very interesting experiences.

I guess the hardest thing to get would be the encoders. I checked Martins link a while ago with no luck.

Interesting that noone could write a program to connect mice encoders directly to PC and use it that way. I remember reading on the net wiring them with two PC's, one PC with the program reading mice encoders and then that PC connected to second PC with astro software. There must be a way to emulate first PC (laptop) with software.

bob