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GoTo Telescope Control for rDUINOScope

Standalone Hardware Control Unit for use with "rDUINOScope" Firmware

otto-winterOtto Winter
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This hardware project is "Open Source" and for all "Private-Uses"!
Comercial User (Companies) should ask me for the mass production rights!

1. Picture is the NEW 4 Inch Telescope-Control-Unit V1.5.3 in a Case.
2. Picture is the open Version of V1.5.3 incuded the "Arduino DUE" Board.
3. Picture is the old 3.2 Inch Version 1.4.3 and this is the last version that will sold out!
4. Picture is the open Version of V1.4.3 incuded the "Arduino DUE" Board.
The last two pictures are the Motor Driver units, top and bottom side.

The new Version 1.5.3 can ordered from end of Feb. 2020!

The advantage of this hardware project is, it is not more expensive than the separately purchased components and you only need to connect it to "Arduino DUE" Board, load the "rDUINOScope" software and let it run & enjoy to look at the amazing sky...

This Hardware can only to use with German Equatorial Mounts!

A new rDUINOScope Version with 4 Inch TFT (480x800) is born!

At the middle / end of Feb 2020, it can be ordered in diff. configurations!

The improvements, compared to the prior HW Versions are:
1.)   TFT resolutions goes from 240x480 to 480x800 pixels with much more details!
2.)  The new 3.97 Inch IPS TFT has a better vewing angle ( ~ 80 degrees in all directions ).
3.)  The new TFT is several times faster than the old one (3.2 Inch) Version.
4.)  Several new Software improvements are implemented.
5.)  Using an external ( 3.3V rs232 ) GPS module for better sensitivity!
6.)  All observed Sky-Objets has an own picture on the Display!
7.)   16 GByte Flash Memory for User extensions (Sky Data & pictures).

It is not unknown that the RESET routine of the Arduino DUE does not work properly.

I have tested a circuit that fixes this problem. As seen in the photo, after switching on the operating voltage, it takes more than 150mS to reach the voltage of  fully 3.3V level.

In the CPU integrated RESET routine starts already after approx. 3mS!
This very short Master_RESET delay is the reason, why the Controller starting mostly with blank Screen!

The RESET Circuit I've created, works properly and in the next Version of the Controller it will be integrated.
It generates a delay for Master_RESET with about 150mS and the Controller running fine, after we switching the Power on...
In the future Controllers, I'II use the MAX803R Chip with the same delay time...
https://datasheets.maximintegrated.com/en/ds/MAX803-MAX810Z.pdf
It is a SOT-23 Chip with 3 Pins and can easy soldered on the older Controller Boards too!

For those who can solder such small parts, see the picture below:

The new enhanced Motor Driver is reloaded, up to 24V input Voltage for the stepper Motors...

The version from 3. Sept. has an input voltage capabilities from 15V up to 24V!
This driver Board is only compatible to the Main Unit V1.4c and later!

Here the Videoclip of the prior Version of the Driver Board:

rDUINOScope New Driver Board

_________________________________________________________________________

I've a suitable cable for the stepping motors manufactured.

It can be loaded with 1A / contact, which means 4A / motor!
The max. outer diameter is only ~ 12,5mm.

This Connectors are maded for Aviation and they are watheproof!

You need only to drill two holes with a diameter of 8mm in your case...

For disconnecting, you need only to pull back the outer Shell and pull the cable a way!



_________________________________________________________________________

The finished version V1.4d is ready to use, you need only 2 NEMA17 mounted on your  Telescope and let it run!

It can be ordered as full assembled version included the programmed and tested Arduino DUE
+ Bottom holder aluminium plate with two cables (~ 50-60cm long) including a 5V Fan 25x25x7mm.
The price will be 325 CHF (Swiss Currency)  including PayPal fee and shipping costs.
This is the latest and finale Version of the series V1.4x!


The enhanced Version V1.4d is finished and can ordered after 20. Oct. 2017!

_________________________________________________________________________

The enclosure is only a prototype and can ordered some weeks later...

_______________________________________________________________
The next Version V1.4.1 brings some more enhancements, like new Joystick with high accuracy digital intrface for a very precise manual aligning of your Telescope!

The whole height of the device will be only 28.3mm! 

The bottom side of the housing is made of 1.5mm aluminum and is used as heatsink for the motor drivers!

It could be operated without a fan...

This Version is planed to finished and could be ordered, probably at the end of this year.

The price for the assembled and tested Controller, without enclosure cost $205 including the shipping costs.

For the Version wiht...

Read more »

View all details

rDScope-V1.5.3-Schematics.jpg

rDUINOScope V1.5.3 Schematics.

JPEG Image - 1.03 MB - 12/13/2019 at 10:41

Preview

rDScope153.png

A new Hardware, with 4 Inch TFT is born!

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) - 2.32 MB - 12/08/2019 at 02:29

Preview

rDUINOScope Motor-Controller Unit-V1.4d-1.jpg

This is also the latest Version of V1.4x

JPEG Image - 458.72 kB - 09/05/2017 at 15:12

Preview

rDUINOScope_V1.4c-1.zip

This are the Gerber Files for the optimized Motor Driver PCB V1.4c-1

x-zip-compressed - 271.35 kB - 01/30/2018 at 04:29

Download

rDUINOScope_V1.4c.zip

This are the Geber Files for Main PCB + Controller V1.4c Use the optimized Controller above!

x-zip-compressed - 1.10 MB - 01/30/2018 at 05:01

Download

View all 8 files

  • 1 × Adruino DUE Board (not Included)
  • 1 × Bluetooth Modul HC-06
  • 1 × Humidity Sensor DHT22-G
  • 2 × Stepper Motor Driver DRV8825
  • 1 × U-Box GPS Modul NEO-6M

View all 14 components

View all 8 project logs

  • 1
    Step 1

    For assembling of this harware we need a good knowledge
    in soldering of very small SMT components.
    Some SMT Pads, has a gap of only 0.2mm, see the picture bellow!

    The assembled unit must be tested with rDUNOScope Firmware
    and if it works, is fine...
    My experiences had showing, that the China parts like TFT Display,
    does not always work!
    It can lie on the defective Display or we have a soldering fault...
    In this case we need to figure out where is our problem
    and we need an oscilloscope!

    For soldering of Stepper Driver Chip DRV8846 or DRV8825,
    we need a special soldering oven, because this Chips has a Exposed Pad
    for dissipation of heat! We can not solder this with solder pen,
    because the Pad is on the bottom side of the Chip!

    I think, the better way to sell this unit as tested and working assembly.

    If someone wants to bild it himself,
    no problem but on own responsibility!

View all instructions

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Discussions

David wrote 05/25/2022 at 18:07 • point

I think this thread is dead

  Are you sure? yes | no

swqaq wrote 01/06/2022 at 08:28 • point

The project you have created is very nice

I am interested for the controller.
Thanks in advance. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

lukewas77 wrote 11/04/2021 at 09:49 • point

Hi Otto,

I would like to have the controller...

  Are you sure? yes | no

Thomas wrote 08/06/2021 at 17:55 • point

Otto, as I don't have an oven baking setup for the soldering board work, I too am interested when I may be able to purchase the boxed unit also!  Wil they become available?  

Thomas   8/6/21

  Are you sure? yes | no

dennis fenng wrote 01/10/2021 at 15:48 • point

Hi, Otto,
Thank you for the great job. I want to make one myself. Would you be so kind to share the latest gerber files? 

Email: seeking.fenng@outlook.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

buzkill420 wrote 01/15/2021 at 01:34 • point

agreed! Please post in the files section for everyone please and thank you!  Would very much like to start working on one of these.  Happy new years everyone! 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Ed Thomas wrote 05/16/2020 at 00:58 • point

Otto,

Is this available with the case yet?  I would like to play around with it on a push-to mount.

  Are you sure? yes | no

limdaejung wrote 02/22/2020 at 19:14 • point

Hi, Otto.We are waiting for the commercialization of version 1.5.It is coming to the end of February 2020. I wonder when I can place an order.I know you're busy, but I hope you know that there are many people waiting for you.

  Are you sure? yes | no

odds2012 wrote 07/29/2019 at 06:50 • point

Hi Otto

Thank you for making this project easier to build for everyone.

I have had issues finding the touch screen in stock and thought  it would be easier to get one with a built in shield for Due. I have found  this one at a much better price and tested it workng  with drivers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32892795591.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.77814c4dh73AWs. It also stacks well and a board between would be all that is needed to finish the build. I am not a programmer but hoped someone could explain how to replace the existing drivers in rDuinoscope. It might give a few others interested in building this project the chance to get started.

Best regards

Steve

  Are you sure? yes | no

aschorn wrote 04/15/2019 at 21:26 • point

Hello,

I would like to know if it is possible to use a Escap P530 motor. 

The P530 motor has 4 windings which can be used either in series or parallel. It has 100 full steps per motor revolution (or 200 half steps).

Series: 8.8 Ohm, maximum current 1.0 A

Parallel: 2.2 Ohm, maximum current 2.0A 

Best regards,

Lex


  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 04/16/2019 at 04:38 • point

Hi Lex,

sorry but, of my knowledge until now, nobody has any experiences with this motors...
The motors are wery interresting and you schould try it at your own risk!
This are very expensive motors because of the high quality, it costs over $250!!!
A good quality of NEMA17 costs $30-$50...

Best regards
Otto

  Are you sure? yes | no

cloudyou wrote 02/27/2019 at 13:24 • point

Hello, I have a question to ask.
Can this system drive larger size motors than 42 stepper motors? For example, 60 or 86 specifications of motor, or DD motor, or harmonic deceleration motor? Usually these motors have independent motor drivers. Seeing that your new version of motor controller can provide greater voltage, can the output be connected to a separate motor driver or still be driven by DRV8825? I think the DRV8825 chip is still very hot when it works.
Thank you very much for this project and look forward to your reply!

E-MAIL:52704777you@gmail.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

cloudyou wrote 02/27/2019 at 14:10 • point

Thank you very much for sending me a new version of the data?

52704777you@gmail.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 03/19/2019 at 12:41 • point

Sorry, no, the Driver section is capable to drive up to max. 2A / coil!

  Are you sure? yes | no

cloudyou wrote 04/13/2019 at 02:33 • point

Hello, how about the guide? I haven't seen the ST4 interface of the guide star. Do you have a plan to perfect the guide star? If so, I believe it will be more perfect.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 04/16/2019 at 04:48 • point

Hi, sorry for late replay :-(
The rDUINOScope Motor Driver Unit is fixed with DRV8825 Chip!
The DRV8825 can drive only about 2A / phase.
Of course, the DRV8825 will be very hot, if we don't use a heatsink!
My Driver Unit goes up to 45-65 C° after 4-5 hours observing at night.
It is depending from ambient temperatures.

Best regards
Otto

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel wrote 11/12/2018 at 23:49 • point

Hi
I have been following this project for a while now, and want to make one myself. Would you be so kind to share the latest gerber files? Looking forward building this nice piece of hardware.

Email: daniel.cavada.johansen@gmail.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 11/13/2018 at 02:52 • point

I sent you all Data of the newest Version V1.4.3!

  Are you sure? yes | no

sunny wrote 11/13/2018 at 08:10 • point

我也想构建这个项目，它是否可以匹配任何基础？电子邮件：  iampink@foxmail.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

cloudyou wrote 02/27/2019 at 14:09 • point

Thank you very much for sending me a new version of the data.

52704777you@gmail.com

  Are you sure? yes | no

ordepoit wrote 12/23/2017 at 02:08 • point

Hi,

I have an EQ5 equatorial mount, with a Celestron C8.

I am interested in purchasing the latest version complete assembled. What is the price and costs of shipping to Lisbon Portugal.

Which motors are most suitable for this assembly and respective pulleys.

Best regards

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 01/02/2018 at 00:24 • point

Hi,  the latest version is the 1.4d and you can bay it in 2 diff. Assemblies here:
http://rduinoscope.byethost24.com/kits.php?i=1

The hardware is designed to drive two NEMA17 motors!

Happy new year 2018
Best Regards
Otto

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel Zhou wrote 09/20/2017 at 14:58 • point

Ii is an amazing project and found on google, because I tried to find a related GOTO project, I am very luck to find this. So I bought Arduino DUE, GPS module, BT module, and very hard to find the HX8352A TFT LCD， I have to build my own shiled for the TFT PCBA..I wonder if the 1.4D ver PCB is open source or not? IF yes, I am going to order a formal PCB in China. If it is not open source, i have to use my homemade PCB with much wires.

Thanks a lot.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel Zhou wrote 09/23/2017 at 15:52 • point

Hello Otto, could you please send the GERBER file to : FSCLUB@YEAH.NET , Thank you so much!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 09/30/2017 at 01:03 • point

Hi, fsclub, have you a really name?
My project is fully open source for any private use!
All who should plan a mass production have to make an agreement with me!

All who will produce the PCB's and solder all the parts itself, I find very brave...
It is not so easy to build up this system, without any truble!
The Parts are very small and if you do not have the experience to solder such small parts, then it usually goes wrong and it was only a wasting time for nothing!

My interests are not profit-oriented, I only want one, when somebody wants to buy or build this system, he should be able to work with it, without problems.

It must be clear to everyone that this is a complicated electronic system and not a cheap kit for some LEDs to flash ...

Sorry, I am an engineer with nearly 40 years of experience in the microelectronics world and I know what I'm talking about...

Only the gerber files alone, will not help you. You need all the data of the components and the assembly information!


I have already made in China, circuit boards, they had to throw away because of bad quality,!

I'II send you the Gerberfiles + Schematics and wish you much success...

If you get it running, give me a little feedback!

Best Regards
Otto

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel Zhou wrote 10/12/2017 at 03:10 • point

Hello Otto,

My name is Daniel Zhou, from China. 
Many thanks for your reply.
 I exactly know what you said about the difficulty to finish these kind project, not just flash a led. I have this hobby about making electronics by my self more than 20 years, and there is no problem for me on this project to solder and test, and repair. 0603 SMD components are good for me, even 0402 is also ok for me to manually soldering. TSSOP, TQFP is ok for me. 

I have got the PDF SCH file and printed on my desk. I even planed to covert the PCB picture to *.pcb file if there is no other choice. This is really good news for me that you can provide related raw design files that I can save many hours to do this action. You PCB design is really perfect.

There is a little problem is my TFT pin map may be a little different than yours, that need a further check, so I may have to modify a little or make another shield to fit your PCB design. I will check this carefully.

Of course I will sign what you mentioned the non-commercial statements or related files, I just do it for my own use purpose.

I will send you the pictures after accomplishments.

Thank you again.

My email is FSCLUB@YEAH.NET.

Best regards.

Daniel ZHOU

  Are you sure? yes | no

Wellingtonsmoura wrote 07/19/2017 at 20:05 • point

I am interested in buying, very interesting your project. Let me know how we can handle a possible purchase.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/20/2017 at 19:05 • point

Thank You for Your interesting to bay this Hardware! :-)
Actually I don't have any assembled Conroller, because of redesigning & many improvements.
The next working controllers (V1.4b) could be finished in 3-4 Weeks.
Sorry for the long delaying, but I've to order new PCBs next week!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/21/2017 at 18:26 • point

You can bay the assembled and tested controller for $205.
This price including the PayPal & shipping costs.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/19/2017 at 01:29 • point

Yes, You can run both from a 12V 2A+ but for two motors, better 4A+!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Lee Maisel wrote 07/19/2017 at 01:23 • point

SHOULD I supply power separately to the motor driver circuit? OR can I run both from the same 12v 2A+ supply??

Thanks!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/21/2017 at 18:22 • point

You can connect it together, because it is better to separate it, if it is possibile...
The Stepper Motors generate much of "EMC interference" that could influense the Arduino Board Functions!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/21/2017 at 18:23 • point

The EDA (CAD) files are not published and because it was designed with Altium!

The most people working with Eagle...
I will publish the GERBER Files for User, they want to produce the PCBs it self.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel Zhou wrote 09/23/2017 at 15:52 • point

Hello Otto, could you please send the GERBER file to : FSCLUB@YEAH.NET , Thank you so much!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Lee Maisel wrote 07/18/2017 at 18:13 • point

I have received my rDuinoScope 1.4 unit from Otto, and it is a MASTERPIECE!!!  Beautiful construction!!   THANK YOU!!!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/21/2017 at 18:16 • point

Thank You and enjoy it and good luck for all experiences!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/04/2017 at 19:46 • point

Yes, the Version 1.4x is Open Source HW and for the later Versions 1.5x-1.9x probably to.
From the Version 2.0 we will sell it only as assembled and tested Hardware, because of high complexity and it is a Standalone Version, without Arduino or any external Modules.
One PCB in a case without any cable! It will controll the Motors over Wireless!
With one Lithium Cell, (3700 mAh) it would work over 9-10 hours.
For The Motors we need an extra Power Stage with 15-20 Ah for the same Time.

  Are you sure? yes | no

madhu nuggehalli wrote 07/05/2017 at 14:30 • point

Thanks for this info! where can I find the CAD files? I would like to make a PCB and check it out.

  Are you sure? yes | no

madhu nuggehalli wrote 07/04/2017 at 16:21 • point

Hi Otto,

Will this project be OSHW at all?

Thanks,!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Lee Maisel wrote 06/26/2017 at 23:01 • point

How can I purchase the PCB's please?  Thank You  WONDERFUL Project!!

  Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 06/27/2017 at 11:24 • point

Hello Lee, Thanks for your interesting!
For now I sell only assembled and tested units, because it is to complicated
to be assembly yourself.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Lee Maisel wrote 06/27/2017 at 17:09 • point

I'm ready to buy,  How do I proceed?  Thanks!

  Are you sure? yes | no

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