It seems there is a ACK handshake problem between the indi_lx200_OnStep driver version 1.3 and the OnStep firmware 1.8s under Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Things work OK under Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.
My configuration: ODROID XU4Q, Ubuntu Mate 18.04 LTS, MiniPCB OnStep with 1.8s firmware.
OnStep won't ACK (special command 0x06) with indi unless I send a command to the controller (e.g. ":GVN#") from a serial communications app such as 'cutecom'. Once I do that, the ACK between OnStep and indi will happen and things will work. I looked at the code from both lx200_driver.cpp (indi) and command.ino (OnStep) but could not see anything obvious.
I am attaching the indi log file below for info. I will also submit to the indilib group.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Log file:
INFO 24.572425 sec : Session log file /home/gilles/.indi/logs/2018-11-10/indi_lx200_OnStep/indi_lx200_OnStep_17:29:03.log
As a followup, I was told that this is a Teensy issue that can be circumvented by running a Python script prior to connecting the OnStep controller to indi. So, case closed but I can provide those interested with the information.