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INDI Library v2.0.7 is Released (01 Apr 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

DEC misbehaving (EQMOD)

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DEC misbehaving (EQMOD) was created by vzr

In my current setup I am using AstroEQ built on Arduino Mega 2650 acting as EQMOD mount which is attached to Raspberry Pi with INDI server, and I noticed something is wrong with DEC axis.

Out of the box, DEC axis moved in opposite direction. When I press "N" slew, the telescope (which is pointed at NCP) moved to the east, and also, same problem appeared when using GoTo actuons, no matter of software in command (Stellarium, Kstars, telescope.touch), in command software it was shown as moving normal. I double checked all relevant options (pier side, hemisphere, parking positions, date/time, GPS location) and everything looked well. I tried option "DEC reverse", but this just reversed moving direction, but in GoTo software it also changed pointing direction, so when I move SOUTH, telescope goes now actually goes south (to the east from NCP), but GoTo software now shows it moves NORTH, which is inconsistant with what is actually happening.

Next thing I did, I tried to reflash AstroEQ firmware again, but this time in configurator I choosed DEC motor direction backward instead of forward which basicly reverse DEC motor direction by firmware and INDI finally worked normally. Pressing N moves telescope to east, GoTo shown and actuall matched.

But now I have the same problem when I connect this AstroEQ controller directly to windows PC via ASCOM-EQMOD. Funny thing though, is that EQMOD on ASCOM have checkboxes "DEC Reverse", right below slew buttons but they are actually useless, because they behave same way as in INDIlib. They reverse both directions and encoder values which leads nowhere. Only helpfull thing is to reflash and reconfigure AstroEQ with default directions, then ASCOM EQMOD works normally, but INDIlib doesn't so I am at the beggining again.

Does anyone here have an idea what may be wrong here?
2 years 10 months ago #72100

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Replied by Alan Archer on topic DEC misbehaving (EQMOD)

You can try this, if you reverse ONE of the coils (DRV8825 pins A1, A2) on the DEC stepper motor., the direction of the stepper motor will then reverse. Reset the Mega with the configurator and try test it again.
I have couple of AstroEQ units one is the official pre built version and also a home built  Arduino Mega version on an old EQ5 mount and I don't have that issue, they both work equally well with either Indi or Ascom without having to reverse either motor DEC or RA.

 
2 years 10 months ago #72164

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