Hi Bram...yes my sharpsky works fine thru my USB (powered) hub. But not all hubs are equal especially non powered hubs!
The PIC recognises the sensor when present but temp compensation has to be selected in the settings for it to "compensate". I'll send the sensor separate to you as asked.
I am planning to run my temp sensor thru my DB9 to my ML motor and drill a hole in the motor housing so the sensor just sticks out, just a little. My motor housing will of course not be at the optics temp but the housing doesn't get hot and is pretty near ambient.
Dave implemented something like this already in his pro version.
The decision re temperature sensor wiring depends a lot on where you intend to mount the sharpsky. For my original unit I've got the controller in a box below the mount with the power supply and usb hubs. I just have a long cable running from the controller to the stepper. This way I end up with 4 cables running to the moving part of the mount - 2 USB (imaging and guide cam), 12V for imaging cam and stepper cable. I've always kept the imaging and guide cams on seperate USB's all the way back to the computer as DSI never liked playing with other devices. In my case I stick the temp sensor on the leg of the tripod.
Thank you Brendan, Dave has messaged me that the PIC is programmed and will be send tomorrow.
Some stuff from fleabay is fast and other stuff is slow
I will have some DS18S20 temp probes send from Maxim, so if you need some i will have them.
Peter it is very weird because the lodestar is quoted as also drawing 500mA but it must be only when downloading a image.
I had a DSI once and it had to be on a separate usb connection or else it had some bad lines in the picture because of the power draw.
Looks like the DSI pulls 500mA most of the time and most modern camera's draw a lot less.
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter_4059
Yes Martin - I've also heard the DSI likes its power. Do you have power draw data for other guide cameras like the ZWO and Loadstar?
Thanks Brendan, great. I got an PM from Dave as well, so all good to go.
At the moment I am sourcing bits and pieces for my power distribution box. Managed to get all the connectors, initially got a tupperware box but had to put it back So back to finding a nice (cheap) box, probably will get one at jaycar ..
Hi Alistair, I don't see a problem sending the PCB files.....all the knowledge is in the firmware that is Dave's proprietary software.
If he will sell you a PIC I'll send you the files, but sorry in eagle PCB format but it's a damn small PCB and needs 2 layers and vias. If you use my design layout then I can give you the 2 commoned SIL resistor packs I used.
If I had the cash I'd be buying Daves Pro kit myself, but alas I have many other hands being outstretched at the moment!
Thanks Brendan
Dave has kindly agreed to send me a programmed pic.
Eagle format is fine, I'll stick to your design.
Ok update, DC 2.1mm Jacks (from China) and 3 pin DIN sockets (UK) arrived already mounted on PCB, just waiting for encoder and also some pre-crimped 2.54mm low profile plugs (for the LEDs) ....as this will same me time crimping my own as this is a real pita task with small gauge wire. If they don't arrive then I'll crimp my own but I dislike this task intensely!
Folks have said they would like to pay for my effort, but I have categorically stated "no" as this is not my design and only comes about from the goodness and willingness of Dave and some left over PCBs from me, so if you feel this way, maybe make a donation to IIS!
Shouldn't be long now, some things from China are real fast other come by camel train!
Well done Brendan. I really am amazed by Daves generosity (yours as well) and since I wanted another stepper motor controller I contacted Dave and purchased from him. Thought I could help pay for his efforts and I really like the unit he is selling at the moment.
Allan
Apologies for not contributing, just got me some lovely solar imaging
gear so have been a bit distracted - only problem is ... no Sun
I did toy with the idea of re-starting the kit production but I think there
is simply not enough time for me to support the kit and the Pro version.
Putting the kits together actually takes quite a bit longer compared
to building the complete unit and sending out a tested board. However, I
found that the majority of guys actually wanted to build the board
themselves as opposed to the board being supplied ready built. I found
this especially true for astro guys in the Southern hemisphere who seem
more willing to get their hands dirty and have a go !
I saw your post earlier and wanted to reply with a photo of my (still almost) finished power distribution box. Unfortunately it is grant writing time so I haven't managed to get any time to finish it yet.
Anyway, your photos looking good!! Thanks heaps!
Also, Dave, just a thought maybe you can offer the PIC and empty PCB as a 'kit'. Because of Brendan's (and your) great generosity I don't have to shop and solder, otherwise it would have been on my radar sooner or later.
i received the pre-crimped connectors, so was busy doing LED harnesses. Much easier this way.
Just waiting for encoders but your welcome to come over and see your baby work and maybe we can discuss the cud and maybe configure the system to you needs ....aka to fit in a AIO system.
Picked the board up today from Brendan and put everything together.
I installed the Ascom driver but it doesn't connect
It worked at Brendan's place.
When i install the Ascom driver, it doesn't put any dll file in the "program files\common files\ascom" directory.
I did then try the ascom driver for the pro version and it installed a driver in the above directory but will not connect with the sharpsky, it will just say "cannot connect to sharpsky pro" (or something like that).
Brendan do you have the dll that you use and can you send it to me?
My email is martinmeup at dodo dot com dot au
