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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

INDI focuser driver for Waveshare Stepper Motor HAT for Raspberry Pi / Rock Pi

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Thank you. I greatly appreciate all your efforts.
2 years 9 months ago #72057

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Okay I reverted the backlash code to the old method. Please let me know if it works properly for you.

-- Kevin
2 years 9 months ago #72059

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Backlash looks good. Only thing I have to add is increasing the maximum backlash value from 500.
I have a high gear reduction setup and my backlash is 1020 steps, so I edited it to a maximum of 1500.
2 years 9 months ago #72061

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For the record, I managed to compile the latest upload on both the x86_64 and Pi4 (running Ubuntu Mate). I did get some depreciation warnings on the Pi4 compile, but not the x86_64 (odd that). Both versions seem to work, though.

Thanks again!
2 years 9 months ago #72160

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It seems there is now a rev. 2.1 of the board, which is incompatible with code for the original version. They swapped the polarity of the motor enable GPIO pin from the Pi to the HAT. As you know, when you first power up the Pi, it immediately applies power to the motor, until something (such as my driver) tells it to turn off. That's because the enable pin was active low, and since the Pi puts out zeros on all the GPIO pins on startup, it starts out with the motor enabled (and drawing power, and heating up). I guess they got enough complaints, so now the enable pin is active high. But this means existing code must now have an option to know what version of the board is installed.

So I will be adding an option to the INDI control panel at some point in the near future.
2 years 9 months ago #72169

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Bummer, that. Just when you think it is safe to put down the crayons.
2 years 9 months ago #72177

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That's great. The enable pin setup they had was so stupid I had to add a pull up resistor to prevent the motor from melting down. Hopefully they have an updated library that will work both versions with the same instructions.
2 years 9 months ago #72179

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Agreed. But no, there is no such library. The Waveshare website has sample code, two versions. One version for the old board, another version for the new board. And unfortunately, there's no way to programatically detect which board is installed. It must be left as a configuration option that the user must set.
 
2 years 9 months ago #72180

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Hmmm...is there any marking on the board to reveal it's version? Or is this a "fire it up ant see" change? I don't see even a part number on the board.

I ask, because I've ordered a couple more boards for spares. It would be nice to know if they are old or new version.
2 years 9 months ago #72214

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Yeah, the website says the new PCBs are printed with "Rev2.1", and will be anything purchased after 2021-01-05

www.waveshare.com/wiki/Stepper_Motor_HAT

So that explains why at least two users a couple months ago couldn't get the driver to work with new Waveshare boards they just bought. Doh!
 
Last edit: 2 years 9 months ago by Kevin Ross.
2 years 9 months ago #72215

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Added a fix. On the Options tab there's an option to select the board revision (don't forget to hit Save!). Hopefully someone with the Rev 2.1 board can let me know if it works.
2 years 9 months ago #72219

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I have two boards on the way. Will test on arrival and report.
2 years 9 months ago #72235

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