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INDI Library v2.0.7 is Released (01 Apr 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Celestron focus motor

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Replied by Gilbert on topic Re:Celestron focus motor

I use the autofocus routine in the Ekos focus module and it works well. I stuck with the default detection setting of gradient and the default algorithm of iterative. It tried the relatively new linear algorithm outlined in this link, but I never got it to achieve focus correctly: knro.blogspot.com/2020/02/kstars-v340-is-released.html

To be fair, I tried it once and just haven't had an opportunity to go back to it and troubleshoot. The default settings have been good enough for me since my attention has been on tweaking other areas of the setup. I'm pretty happy with my configuration so far, so it might be a good time to play with the linear algorithm again.
SkyWatcher HEQ5 > Pegasus Pocket Powerbox > Celestron Nexstar 6se OTA w/ f/6.3 FR > Nikon Z6 imaging camera > Agena StarGuider 50mm guide scope > ZWO ASI290MM Mini guide camera
3 years 4 months ago #63384

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I use the MyFocuserPro, not the MyFocuserPro2 IDE, but assume much of it is interchangeable. The cranking power of a regular NEMA17 is plenty to lift a truck attached to a camera (figuratively speaking). A NEMA14 should be plenty. You can drive both from a DRV8825 stepper controller.

The beauty of building your own focuser is that once you have done it once, adapting it to another telescope is easy.

Also, with a DRV8825 you will have a stepper resolution of 6400 steps/rev, i.e. ~ 0.05 degrees, which more than likely is far better than the mechanical tolerance of your focuser.

All I can say is, I built one based on the MyFocuserPro (not 2) instructions and the result could not possibly (repeat; possibly!!) be better.

Jo

PS: Looks like Bart is using a slim version of the NEMA17 ( smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PNEQ79Q/r..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). I have that as well, but have not implemented it yet. Should work fine, though, I assume.
Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Jose Corazon.
3 years 4 months ago #63385

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Replied by Mohamed on topic Re:Celestron focus motor


Thank you Jo, what confuses me a little is that the specs of the motor you mentioned in Amazon is “This is Short Height Bipolar Nema 17 stepper motor with 1.8 deg. step angle (200 steps/revolution). “

Is this specs still capable of 0.05 degree/step?

I would prefer using a lighter motor as the one I got is much heavier...


Thank you
Mohamed
3 years 4 months ago #63387

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The DRV8825 stepper controller allows you to select microstepping down to 1/32, i.e. 32x200=6400 steps/rev. In fact, you can use any microstepping mode in 2x intervals.
I am using my NEMA17 at 1/32 microstepping and the resolution is far better than required for my telescope, so you can try out how much resolution you require.
3 years 4 months ago #63388

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Replied by Mohamed on topic Celestron focus motor


Thanks Jo for explanation. Is this settings from the driver interface or the Nano code?


Thank you
Mohamed
Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Mohamed.
3 years 4 months ago #63389

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Replied by Jose Corazon on topic Celestron focus motor


There are three physical microswitches on the DRV8825 control board. The DRV8825 spec sheet will tell you how to set them to have 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32 microstepping modes.

In this video I demonstrate how they work:

www.dropbox.com/s/7pwzxom3mpi0z1m/Arduin...serInAction.m4v?dl=0


In each case, the stepper was instructed to move 1000 steps.

Neither the buck converter or the OLED are strictly required for the focuser to function. All you need is a 12V input, the Arduino Nano, the stepper, and the DRV8825 control board (with A4988 controller on the board). OLED, Temp probe, and LEDs for indicating IN and OUT motion are optional. It really is a very simple plug and play array.
Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Jose Corazon.
3 years 4 months ago #63391

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Replied by Bart on topic Celestron focus motor

Indeed Jo,
I used one of those slim line.
Nema 14 could also be ok, but I had the 17 lying around and a bit of headroom in the torque is nice to have.
I prefer the Trinamic fdrivers, for they are just absolutely smooth, which just 'feels' good.

Yes Mohamed, the code to control the stepper motor driver (microstepping, speed, acceleration etc) is in the Arduino code.
I'm busy now, but will upload files later this week.

Cheers!
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3 years 4 months ago #63396

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Replied by Jose Corazon on topic Celestron focus motor


Bart, where can I find the Trinamic driver code? Can you post it?

Jo
3 years 4 months ago #63465

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Replied by Bart on topic Celestron focus motor

Edit: that photo was way to big,...

I'll post the finished board later.
Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Bart.
3 years 4 months ago #63599
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Replied by Mohamed on topic Celestron focus motor

Hi Bart

Is it possible to share the 3D print design for the C8 attachment? it will help me design my own or just use your design
3 years 4 months ago #63610

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Replied by Bart on topic Celestron focus motor

I've uploaded it to Thingiverse, so anyone can download it:

www.thingiverse.com/thing:4670151

The controller with the code will be uploaded later on, for now it looks like the Arduino code below...
It's still 'quick and DIRTY', but everything works already, even a cheap infrared remote controller (and the position is updated to EKOS as well!)
If someone has any remarks on the code or suggestions on how to make it faster/ more interactive, please let me know!

I feed the motor + controller purely from USB now, which works OK. this is nice, since it removes -another- cable from the system!

I use a motor similar to this one:
www.omc-stepperonline.com/nema-17-steppe...ngth-mm%5B20%2C21%5D
there exists also a version with 400 steps per revolution.
For my Newton telescope (with Crayford style focuser) I use a little bit larger stepper motor with 400 steps/rev, but it doesn't have to be -big- still. Both can be controlled with this driver with ease.

Cheers!

Warning: Spoiler!
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Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Bart.
3 years 4 months ago #63618

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Replied by Mohamed on topic Celestron focus motor


Thanks Bart for the code and the design. I have a question regarding the accuracy of the motor you are using. AFAIK it is capable of 200 steps/rev, but I'm seeing many videos using the NEMA17 with planetary gearbox as this one:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PNER7JA/ref...01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My question to you is how are you satisfied with 200 steps rather than 5000+? and Jo advised that the DRV8825 s capable of producing 1/32 steps order, but can it e used and convert a 1.8 degree motor to 0.05 degree one, or the hardware SHOULD support the micro-stepping as well?
Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by Mohamed.
3 years 4 months ago #63654

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