Digital Setting Circles for Telescope

Homemade Digital Setting Circles - DSC for Telescope Tracking using 3D printed parts and Arduino (or Atmel, MicroChip / other chips).

Please see my Newer Electronics for DSC here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdSfx6Pw-qg
This is new design of electronics for my DSC - the Gearing and Mounts are the same as in original DSC posting https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2242951

The NEW design uses Teensy_4 - it's processor speed and large amount of memory enables accurate tracking without setting interrupts and includes Object Tables (Messier, Caldwell and a dozen Bright Stars).

Thanks for looking at this post - perhaps useful for you…

UPDATE 12/30/17: Added Nano on BreadBoard (see the related links...). CODE: .hex files of Full Code are now posted (see Github link, below...

UPDATE 12/2/17: Added some code for Bluetooth to display output on Smartphone / Tablet
https://youtu.be/lCiHv-Z3wzw

UPDATE 9/6/17: Code removed from Fritzing and now posted at Github: https://github.com/farTooOld/Digital-Setting-Circles/tree/master

Don't have a 3D-Printer? Search for a "3D Printhub" in your area - there are many... Find one with good reviews and use the print tips from my presentation.

Links:

The 3D Mounts & Gears on Thingverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2242951

The ELECTRONIC's at Fritzing: http://fritzing.org/projects/telescope-tracker

Other Links:

Code is now a more complete version that uses the Encoder Library and reflects the design hardware (see the Fritzing posting). I removed just enough to make it a small challenge but, left enough (with comments) to enable you to get up and running quickly.
A video of Serial Displaying the "Code_forPosting.ino"
https://youtu.be/Ssz7VXuJBfo

The video contains the info to enable making a DSC for your telescope.
It assumes you’re able to program (in at least a minimal way) such that you can use the Arduino IDE and it’s Encoder Library (or write your own code to read encoder signals).

If you’re experienced and prefer other IDE’s and programming languages - go for it. I’ve done these with Microchip (PIC’s) using C and Basic.

This Youtube posting is my first attempt and may/may-not get revised/cleaned-up. However, all parts/designs work without problems. Post your questions/comments…

I prefer coding in C/C++ and mixing some Arduino syntax when it makes sense.
Points to note: Arduino syntax (Setup and Loop) are great but they contain hidden code/libraries that increase the file size and slows the code (especially if using the Serial Monitor feature).

That said, the Arduino syntax and Encoder library work well enough so, once you’re satisfied with your code, consider replacing ‘Setup and Loop’ with standard ‘C’ programming using ‘Main and While’ instead and, regardless, be sure to comment out the Serial Monitor. This will significantly increase the speed but, you may find it unecessary - depends on your programming style/etc.

FYI - the two schematics at Fritzing / in presentation are basically the same - the differences are how the encoders connect (pads for leads to JST connectors versus an RJ11 (6 pin).

You can make the circuit on a Breadboard and use a chip or an UNO/other... I make my PCB’s on a desktop CNC mill.

Видео Digital Setting Circles for Telescope канала Bruce T