I recently made a arduino focuser using the sketch and information I found in this forum by Patdut. It works fine by itself.

Prior to adding the focuser I had used EKOS to successfully run my Meade LX90 Autostar scope and Atik 314 camera for a few weeks trying out the new software with no major problems other than learning what each of the modules did and how to use them. Everything I tried including guiding with a Meade DSI2 , plate solving , taking images etc,worked without a problem.

I should add that I am using Linux Mint 18 and the latest downloads of indi full and kstars bleeding. If it matters, the equipment connects to the computer via ttyUSB0 and ttyUSB1. The cameras and focuser use a powered hub and the scope simply plugs into a separate usb port through a serial/usb adapter cord.

The problem developed when i added the arduino moonlight focuser. When it is connected to the computer and everything is trying to work, together for a minute or so I get warning messages that the scope driver has crashed, followed by the focuser warning messages about temperature location etc. Just before the scope driver crashes I also get warnings that the system can't read the telescopes RA/ DEC or the time and date. At this point the scope and focuser will not work. i didn't test the cameras.

Apparently the focuser module and the telescope module along with their hardware conflict.

Trying to figure out what was wrong I brought the focuser motor and the arduino and stepper driver into the house and tried to test them. i was surprised to find that the focuser by itself connected to EKOS fine and worked correctly. I don't know why but I pressed the button to connect the scope (which was outside in the observatory) the lights turned green and it indicated that it was connected too. Then the system crashed with the warnings I'd seen in the observatory.

Can any of you with more computer experience give me a clue regarding what I can do? I know I can get along with out it but I really like the idea of autofocus and focusing between subs.

Thanks for any help
Jon

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