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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Atstroberry control of NexStar 8SE

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AradoSKYindi - thank you for the very prompt response. I am NOT getting errors. I will follow up with the tty codes you referenced.
Also, what do you mean that the Pi4B is a tinkerers device?
Thanks again, I come back here once I get the tty info.
Bill
3 years 5 months ago #61755

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Hello,

Tinkerers are people who like to get their hands dirty. A RPI device can be operated at the command line. No GUI is required. Terminal is my friend. Updates under Raspbian are via command line. Sudo Su is root. Sudo is the preferred mode to install updates and applications.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bill McDaniel
3 years 5 months ago #61775

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OK, understood on the Pi4.

Does the fact that I am not getting errors suggest something I have not done properly?
Thanks.
3 years 5 months ago #61776

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Hello,

Profile errors usually are hidden when starting a profile. I minimize EKOS and KSTARS to see the error. The customary message is “Selected Device is not found”. Under Device Manager, the errors will be right there.

Device Manager is under the Tools menu. You can run several devices simultaneously within Device Manager. I also make custom profiles using simulators to fill in missing gear. For custom profiles, I use EKOS.
3 years 5 months ago #61783

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The motor hat is using /dev/tty/usb0. And in Ekos the only devices that load are the Pi cam and the motor hat. I can see that in the message field in the lower section of Ekos. There is no sign of the Celestron NexStar attempting to load. I will look for what you mean with the device manager in Ekos. Not sure where that is.

When you say Device Manager is under Tool, do you mean in Ekos or elsewhere?
Thanks
3 years 5 months ago #61809

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Hello,

How are you connecting the NexStar? I did not see from pictures a USB connector. I did see RJ11/12 connector types. RJ45 have 8 pins. RJ11 has 4. RJ12 has 6. RJXX does not connect to the PI without some adaptor. After reviewing the specifications, no USB connectors are listed.
Last edit: 3 years 5 months ago by John Robison.
3 years 5 months ago #61814

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The NexStar+ hand controller has a usb connection in it's base. This is where you connect to a computer to upgrade firmware, etc.
Last edit: 3 years 5 months ago by Bill McDaniel.
3 years 5 months ago #61820
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Hello,

The hand controller is connected to the OTA via that old style USB male port. You can connect the controller only. To connect the NexStar+ to the Pi for management, the Auxiliary port will have to be investigated.

The NexStar is a self contained unit. Controllers do go bad. Cables fail. I would investigate the Auxiliary port as the possible way to manage the OTA by INDI and KSTARS. INDI and KSTARS are dependent on USB.
3 years 5 months ago #61849

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The entire SE base and the NexStar+ hand controller are new, bought within the last couple of months. So it seems unlikely that they would be bad, and I have no problems doing FW updates, or even test connections. All cables are new. So I have a hard time believing it would be a hardware issue. Plus you suggest using Aux, but then say that Kstars and INDI are dependant on USB. I am confident there is no issue with the USB connection.

I suspect it has more to do with my settings since I am not familiar (other than some online docs and videos) with Kstars, Ekos, Astroberry.

Surely there must be someone in this forum who is connecting Astroberry to a Celestron SE setup.
Thanks, Bill
3 years 5 months ago #61862

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Hello,

I do apologize if I implied your OTA failed. That is not what I meant.

The connector shown is an input for the controller only. The controller cable connects to the ST4 port. An ST4 is 4 or 6 pin.

The specifications do not show any USB input on the OTA with limited Auxiliary and ST4 ports. The controller controls the OTA. This limits the options as this Celestron product is supposed to be standalone.
Last edit: 3 years 5 months ago by John Robison.
3 years 5 months ago #61879

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I don't understand what you are referencing. The port at the bottom of the hand controller (NexStar+) is specifically described as a PC port. And is also described as being used with Celestron's software packages and firmware updates. Are you looking at current specifications? Please see this short description from the NexStar resource site: nexstarsite.com/PCControl/USBCable.htm

My OTA is >20 years old, and the controller base was failing. So I very recently bought the SE base/controller with the NexStar+ Hand Controller. The hand controller has the mini USB connector for the purposes I described above.

I never suggested that you thought my OTA failed. I do not believe that I am making myself clear.

Celestron software can control the scope through a connection to this USB port in the hand controller. It is what it is for. Therefore it seems that Astroberry should be able to do the same.

I don't understand the references you are making, can you share a link?

Also, are you using Astroberry to control a Celestron SE type scope?
Thanks, Bill
3 years 5 months ago #61883

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Hello,

The referenced USB cable plugs into the input port of the controller. The referenced cable plugs into the PC. This is a closed loop. The “and” is missing. That “and” is the mount. The PC must see the mount. The controller sees the mount. The PC sees the controller only. The mount contains the RA and DEC motors. Motors are controlled by the hand controller in this NexStar model.

Something must happen for INDI to see the mount. One method is to use the ST4 port. The PC would see the mount through the ST4 port.

The Adafruit HAT can control RA and DEC motors which are accessible through a port or wiring. I use an AstroEQ to manage my external RA and DEC. To me, the Adafruit must have a custom cable to manage the mount through the ST4. The Adafruit and RPI4B replace the controller.

I am suggesting a picture of the assembly be taken to see how these three devices are being implemented. Add the picture here.
3 years 5 months ago #61891

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