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

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

indi_celestron_aux

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Replied by Fabrizio on topic indi_celestron_aux

In my experience is hard to distinguish between different types of USB/Serial converters from product description. 99% of low cost converters claims RS232 compatibility but they have a TTL interface (0,+5v) that works only with the so-called "TTL tolerant RS232". In our case, they can be only used for the AUX interface. For all the other mount interfaces a "quasi-true" USB/RS232 converter (-5,+5v swing ) is sufficient.
Below there is a copy taken from indilib.org/telescopes/celestron/celestron-aux-driver.html of the specification of each interface of Celestron scopes, including the required voltage swing.
  1. <strong>HC:</strong> serial cable connected to hand controller serial port (less recent models).
    • 4 pins connector (RJ11).
    • 3 wires used: GND, TX, RX.
    • RS-232 serial voltage levels (+5V,-5V).
    • 9600 baud transmission speed.
    • No transmission flow handshake, no echo.
    • Command protocol: pass through (mostly AUX protocol encapsulated inside HC messages).
  2. <strong>HC</strong>: USB cable connected to hand controller USB port (most recent models) (alpha testing).
    • mini USB connector.
    • Command protocol: pass through (mostly AUX protocol encapsulated inside HC messages).
  3. <strong>AUX:</strong> serial cable connected to Celestron AUX port.
    • 6 pins connector (RJ12)
    • 5 wires used: GND, TX, RX, CTS, RTS
    • TTL serial voltage levels (+5V, 0V)
    • 19200 baud transmission speed
    • Half duplex CTS/RTS handshake with echo
    • Command protocol:  AUX
  4. <strong>PC:</strong> serial cable connected to Celestron PC port
    • 8 pins connector (RJ45)
    • 5 wires used: GND, TX, RX, CTS, RTS
    • RS-232 serial voltage levels (+5V,-5V)
    • 19200 baud transmission speed
    • Half duplex CTS/RTS handshake with echo
    • Command protocol: AUX
  5. <strong>USB</strong>: USB cable connected to an USB port of telescope mount (alpha testing).
    • USB connector type A.
    • Command protocol: AUX .
Last edit: 2 years 2 months ago by Fabrizio.
2 years 2 months ago #79576
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Replied by Alex on topic indi_celestron_aux

Hi all,
I have a Celestron Evolution with a wedge.
How can I change the initial mount position for the wedge configuration?
with a wedge the mount must pointing to south, but in KStars the position is set to north. I cant set the current position. or do I need special settings for a wedge alt-az setup?
i would be create if you can give me some advice for this setup costellation.

CS Alex
2 years 1 month ago #80169
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Replied by David Hill on topic indi_celestron_aux

I have been following this thread for some time. I currently connect to my AVX via that hand controller but going forward I would like to connect my Raspberry Pi directly to my mount via the AUX port and to start using this driver.
However I am struggling to undestand how to do this. Is there a pre-built USB -- RJ12 cable that can be purchased from somewhere?
Or can I use a USB FTDI TTL 5V cable and connecting the correct pins to the RJ12 plug and make it work? 
I'd like to do the second option but as far as I can tell from reading numerous sources on the web, this cannot be done.

 
2 years 1 month ago #80500
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Replied by Maciek on topic indi_celestron_aux

When using caux with alt-az mount, Ekos guide tab is available. Does it mean that I can guide my Evolution mount in alt-az mode ?
2 years 1 month ago #80631
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Replied by Magnus Larsson on topic indi_celestron_aux

Hi!

Anyone here have a wiring diagram for a RJ12 to D-SUB-cable for conneting to a seria/USB converter (RS232)? For the AUX port. 

"5 wires used: GND, TX, RX, CTS, RTS"

So which are these, and to which pins in the DSUB?

Magnus
2 years 1 month ago #80710
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Replied by T-Studio on topic indi_celestron_aux

Celestron's AUX terminal (same as the hand controller connection terminal) cannot be connected with UART serial like SkyWatcher's mount.
The TTL level of the signal line is 3.3V, but it is necessary to switch the signal line electrically instead of a simple TX or RX connection.

I was able to assemble and operate the circuit on this site.

rtr.ca/esp32_wifi+bt+gps/index.cgi?1+large+nothumbs

However, the Celestron Aux driver only has the coordinates of the altazimuth mount and the fork equatorial mount, so German equatorial mounts like the Advanced-VX will move to different positions. .. ..

If you use SkyPotal, you can control it directly without a hand controller.

I have compiled the information you need to create your own interface.
Please check with Google Translate etc.

tstudioastronomy.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-513.html

 
Last edit: 2 years 1 month ago by T-Studio.
2 years 1 month ago #80785
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Replied by T-Studio on topic indi_celestron_aux

On Cloudy Nights, the handle name mlord has published a number of homebrew interfaces for Celestron mounts.

The interface I made is one of them, but I think the interface that connects to UART is the easiest to make.

www.cloudynights.com/topic/812944-homebr...-for-aux-port/page-2

If you use this circuit, you can connect the Celestron mount directly to the USB of the PC from the AUX terminal or HC terminal like EQMOD.(However, the German Equatorial Mount works because the driver does not have the correct coordinates, but it moves to a considerably different position with GOTO.)
2 years 1 month ago #80933
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Replied by Magnus Larsson on topic indi_celestron_aux

Hi!

Thanks, but that seems way above my head right now. I was looking for how to wire an RJ12 - DSUB-cable to be able to use the AUX driver...

Magnus
2 years 1 month ago #80978
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Replied by T-Studio on topic indi_celestron_aux

As mentioned earlier, the RJ12-DSUB cable cannot be connected from AUX. (Since the signals are different, the conversion as described is required.)

To connect those cables you need to connect to the RJ9 (4P4C) that comes out under the old hand controller.

AUX terminal → The new hand controller circuit with USB terminal is converted to UART, and the old one with RJ9pin is converted to RS-232 signal.

When connecting directly to the AUX terminal, the above circuit is required.
Last edit: 2 years 3 weeks ago by T-Studio.
2 years 3 weeks ago #81014
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Replied by T-Studio on topic indi_celestron_aux

www.cloudynights.com/topic/812944-homebr...page-2#entry11741433

The explanation of the developer of the above circuit is easy to understand.
2 years 3 weeks ago #81015
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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic indi_celestron_aux

Need help with the driver after the recent refactor... anyone willing to step in to help with the coding?
2 years 3 weeks ago #81027
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Replied by T-Studio on topic indi_celestron_aux

Mr.JASEM
I am always grateful for your help.

For WIFI connection, there is a module sold as a commercial product by Celestron, but for AUX → USB connection, there is no commercial product.

Perhaps the module developed by mload in the link below is the only module that works fine.

www.cloudynights.com/topic/812944-homebr...aux-port/?p=11735066

I created a WIFI module and an AUX → USB module, but they are working so I can check if the driver update.
Currently, I have confirmed the two problems mentioned in the requested topic.

1. The driver does not connect with AUX → USB connection.

2. Since the coordinates of the equatorial mount are only fork type and there is no coordinate of the German equatorial mount, the coordinates will shift by 6 hours when GOTO with the German equatorial mount.
2 years 3 weeks ago #81051
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