Amazing! "Why not try to re-purpose 3D-printer board?" was my first thought when I've discovered OnStep project on the web(got a telescope just a month ago). How is RTC implemented in this scenario? While almost every STM32 has RTC module, as far as I know it is not needed on 3D-printers. There is no 32kHz crystal on board and no battery to keep time tracking. I found on OnStep wiki page that you got GPS with PPS signal connected? Is it replaces clock trimming by RTC?
Both GPS and RTC provide PPS 1Hz signal on a special pin, and OnStep can read that pin to calibrate its time. I used GPS because it provides latitude, longitude, date, and UTC time automatically, plus the PPS signal. RTC still requires the input of latitude, longitude and UTC offset. Unfortunately, I2C devices do not work on this board for some reason (e.g. BME280 for temperature, pressure and humidity). Other than that, all the info is on the OnStep wiki.
Thanks for the video. I am considering building this same setup, but am wondering if I need the Wifi module, or can I use the USB port on the S6 connected to my laptop (ASCOM driver)? I use NINA to control my CGEM. Thank you.
You technically don't need the WiFi module, but paired with an Android device, it is definitely a very handy tool to have. The ASCOM driver should provide everything you need over USB since it is written by the same author as OnStep itself (Howard Dutton). Can't comment on either ASCOM or NINA since I don't use Windows. But others have reported that they work with OnStep.
Very nice, Khalid. I'm going to try this I think.
Amazing! "Why not try to re-purpose 3D-printer board?" was my first thought when I've discovered OnStep project on the web(got a telescope just a month ago). How is RTC implemented in this scenario? While almost every STM32 has RTC module, as far as I know it is not needed on 3D-printers. There is no 32kHz crystal on board and no battery to keep time tracking. I found on OnStep wiki page that you got GPS with PPS signal connected? Is it replaces clock trimming by RTC?
Both GPS and RTC provide PPS 1Hz signal on a special pin, and OnStep can read that pin to calibrate its time. I used GPS because it provides latitude, longitude, date, and UTC time automatically, plus the PPS signal. RTC still requires the input of latitude, longitude and UTC offset. Unfortunately, I2C devices do not work on this board for some reason (e.g. BME280 for temperature, pressure and humidity). Other than that, all the info is on the OnStep wiki.
Thanks for the video. I am considering building this same setup, but am wondering if I need the Wifi module, or can I use the USB port on the S6 connected to my laptop (ASCOM driver)? I use NINA to control my CGEM. Thank you.
You technically don't need the WiFi module, but paired with an Android device, it is definitely a very handy tool to have.
The ASCOM driver should provide everything you need over USB since it is written by the same author as OnStep itself (Howard Dutton).
Can't comment on either ASCOM or NINA since I don't use Windows. But others have reported that they work with OnStep.
Hi KHalid! What engines did you use?
Read this article
baheyeldin.com/astronomy/vixen-sxd-mount-converted-stm32-onstep.html
@@khalid_ba Thanks!
I'm hoping to do this in the summer. Does anyone know if any Bigtreetech boards or Ender 32bit boards are supported?
Only specific boards are supported. The ones on the onstep site.