Spas Sl replied to the topic 'Driver OnStep (LX200 like) for INDI' in the forum. 8 months ago

Thank you, Alain!

Regarding the Terrans EXOS2 Lite version, I conducted some experiments.

I tested updating the firmware via the ESP32 download tool using Lite.bin just to ensure that I have a recovery plan. I disassembled the Lite version and found out that the drivers are TMC2225S. I made some changes in Config.h and updated the firmware via Arduino IDE. The device seems to be working as expected, but I will conduct some tests on stars before confirming.

These changes need to be made in the config for Lite - EQ5/CG5 mounts:

#define AXIS1_DRIVER_MODEL TMC2225S
#define AXIS1_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 7680
#define AXIS1_REVERSE OFF
#define AXIS1_DRIVER_MICROSTEPS 32

#define AXIS2_DRIVER_MODEL TMC2225S
#define AXIS2_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 7680
#define AXIS2_REVERSE OFF
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_MICROSTEPS 32

#define AXIS3_DRIVER_MODEL OFF
#define AXIS4_DRIVER_MODEL OFF
#define FEATURE1_PURPOSE OFF"

Best regards,
Spas

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Spas Sl replied to the topic 'Driver OnStep (LX200 like) for INDI' in the forum. 8 months ago

BTW I had the opportunity to test the upgraded CG5 mount and controller from my balcony, and I'm very pleased. The ONSTEP project is truly amazing!

I captured numerous 120-second frames with my Celestron C8 using a Starizona x0.7 reducer (1430mm focal length), and all of them had rounded stars. The RMS ranged between 0.45 and 0.7. I guided the setup with a 50mm guider. I achieved similar results with my ZWO AM5 mount:).

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Spas Sl replied to the topic 'Driver OnStep (LX200 like) for INDI' in the forum. 8 months ago

Hi,
The firmware update procedure is straightforward. As far as I know, the board is nearly identical to the MaxESP Version 3, so we can use its instructions. I will outline my procedure below. I have only tested the mount control and guiding since I don't plan to use the focuser and rotator capabilities.
I
've placed all the necessary files in the following link:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4CYK5T9...nSzOEJJKWHxmAypjo3_N
If something goes wrong, we can restore the original firmware using the ESP32 flash download tool, which is located in the same folder. I've tested this process many times without any issues but use it at your risk!
To update the firmware via the Arduino IDE, follow these steps:

1. Install Arduino IDE.
2. In the Arduino IDE, go to File > Preferences, and add the following URL to the "Additional Boards Manager URLs" box:
raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/ardu...age_esp32_index.json
3. In the Arduino IDE, navigate to Tools > Board > Boards Manager and install the ESP32 support. I installed version 2.0.0.0.
4. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Add .ZIP Library, and browse to install 'DFRobot_SD3031-master.zip,' which is responsible for the RTC module.
5. Download and unzip 'OnStepX_1.zip.'
6. Open the Arduino IDE, go to File > Open, and select the 'OnStepX' folder. Then, open 'OnStepX.ino.'
7. In the 'Config.h' file, make the following modifications according to your preferences:

// I'm not sure if this is necessary
#define SERIAL_B_ESP_FLASHING ON

// Obtain these values from the Web Server before flashing:
#define AXIS1_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 3840
#define AXIS1_DRIVER_MICROSTEPS 16
#define AXIS2_STEPS_PER_DEGREE 3840
#define AXIS2_DRIVER_MICROSTEPS 16

#define GUIDE_TIME_LIMIT 40
#define TRACK_AUTOSTART ON
8. In the Tools menu, select the following options:

Boards: ESP32 Dev Module
CPU Frequency: 240MHz
Partition Scheme: Huge App
Port: Choose the device's USB serial port (the one that appears only when you plug in the USB cable going to the controller.)

9. Click the "Verify" button (the green checkmark icon).
10. If there are no errors, click "Upload."
11. When the "Connecting.............." message appears, hold the ESP32 button and briefly press the EN button. After the procedure completes, release the button and restart the device.
12. Connect to the board via INDI and verify communication.

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Spas Sl replied to the topic 'Driver OnStep (LX200 like) for INDI' in the forum. 8 months ago

Hi,

I updated the firmware on my controller, modifying the #define GUIDE_TIME_LIMIT value to 40, and it seems to have resolved the issues with slewing and polar alignment. However, I'm not sure if the values for #define AXIS1_STEPS_PER_DEGREE and #define AXIS2_STEPS_PER_DEGREE are correct, so I obtained them from the web interface. I plan to conduct some tests to verify the accuracy of these values.

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Spas Sl replied to the topic 'Driver OnStep (LX200 like) for INDI' in the forum. 8 months ago

Hi Alain,

Thank you for the information and recommendations.

Upon visiting the Terrans website, I came across an interesting discovery regarding the firmware for the pro version. It seems that it is not in binary format, which led me to perform a comparison with the official OnstepX firmware. The pinout information should be discernible in it.

I downloaded the necessary files from the following URL:

OnStepX_1.zipOnStepX_1.zip

As you previously mentioned, there is a parameter in the "GUIDING BEHAVIOR" section with the line "#define GUIDE_TIME_LIMIT 10." This appears to explain the issue of the slewing stopping prematurely. If my understanding is correct, it is possible that this behavior is also related to the polar alignment problem.

I have configured the Arduino IDE and plan to attempt flashing the ESP32 with a different time limit.

Thank you once again for your assistance.

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