Depends on 1) your code (how many steps does it allow), 2) on the torque your stepper motor can deliver (if attached to the main axis, you will probably require microsteps to achieve precise focus resolution. Microstepping reduces the available torque and will likely result in missed steps, especially when the telescope is nearly vertical and has to lift the camera and everything attached to it, so I have my focuser (also controlled by Arduino) attached to the reducer axis to minimize the need for microstepping.

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You should be able to do that using the internal WiFi on the mini-PC, but you can also use an external dongle to do it.
I have used either approach and both work. I usually use a dongle to create the external hotspot as a backup, just in case I get frozen out by my Pi4 on the internal network.
I have also used the travel router, but if you are out in the dark, that is just one more thing that consumes battery power.
All of these solutions work.

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The network issue I found was mainly a problem with the onboard wireless.  I put an external 1200 Mbs adapter on the powered hub and then everything is instantaneous from 60 ft away.  

The compiling, yes, that does take a long time.  But once it runs, downloading to the SSD and running Ekos can only be marginally better with the NUC.  I see very little lag there. 

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I guess it's time to retire my old Cray 1.  It was getting a little heavy for the rig, I have to admit.  And it was sucking a lot of power....    kissing.png

 

For anyone who has not seen this, check it out and distribute to your clubs:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeesaWU3wLo&t=4013s

Jasem, Rob, Eric and Hy, you delivered a great show last night.  It was great for me to see some of you for the first time 'in person'.  

You did a great job advertising Ekos.  As for me, I will send this link to everyone in my club.  Everyone reading this, please do the same.

Cheers and clear skies!

Jo 

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