I have now updated the firmware on the older model of the focuser controller and added a temperature sensor to the stepper DB9 connector and i have tried all combinations of controllers and temp sensor i can and this has given some improvements, but still whenever i try to use a preset in INDI control panel or go to absolute in EKOS i'm getting the same result in that the driver crashes.

The results for what they're worth are below and may be useful as notes if anyone has similar hardware.

LakeSide Version 1 With Serial Connection, Firmware 1.0.3 With Internal Sensor.
Internal Sensor Disabled. External Sensor Powered and Enabled
Enable Backlash and Reverse Motion these give [ERROR] ReadBuffer: Read failed - Timeout error
Goto Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Lakeside Version 1 With Serial Connection, Firmware 1.0.3 With Internal Sensor
Internal Sensor Enabled. External Sensor Disabled
Enable Backlash and Reverse Motion these give [ERROR] ReadBuffer: Read failed - Timeout error
Goto Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Re-Flashed Chip Installed to Latest Firmware 1.3.0

Lakeside Version 1 with Serial Connection, Firmware 1.3.0 With Internal Sensor.
Internal Sensor Enabled. External Sensor Disabled
Enable Backlash and Reverse Motion Both immediately turn green and enableing either now works
Goto Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Lakeside Version 1 with Serial Connection, Firmware 1.3.0 With Internal Sensor.
Internal Sensor Disabled. External Sensor Powered and Enabled
Enable Backlash and Reverse Motion Both immediately turn green and enableing either now works
Goto Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Version 1 of the focuser with Firmware 1.3.0 all options appear to set correctly with the exception of Deubug which enables then imediately disables. Not sure if that is meant to be like that and debug is meant to be controlled by INDI. In all cases moving to a preset from within the INDI control panel causes a driver crash which requires Kstars to be terminated. Firmware Version 1.0.3 has a lot of problems with options not setting correctly. Originally i was getting the error relating to temp not being polled and that was even with an internal sensor present and active, im guessing that installing an external sensor is the reason this error has gone away even though the external sensor isnt actually being used. From within EKOS step moves work and go to absolute position works sometimes ,but other times you get the Driver crash, same as using a preset from the INDI control panel.


Lakeside Version 2 with USB Connection, Firmware 1.3.0 With No Internal Sensor.
External Sensor Powered and Enabled
Go to Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Lakeside Version 2 with USB Connection, Firmware 1.3.0 With No Internal Sensor.
External Sensor Disabled
Go to Preset - Driver Crash, had to terminate application

Version 2 of the focuser with Firmware 1.3.0 all options appear to set correctly with the exception of Debug same as version 1. Go to presets result in same situation as version 1, but sometimes the INDI focusser tab closes and Kstars appear to carry on functioning, more often its a crash and terminate. Again the physical presence of an external sensor seems to make a big difference. Within EKOS the go to absolute crashed same as version 1.

I have tested as much as i can and unless i'm missing something obvious, then i cant get the focuser to work correctly or consistently.

Phil if you're happy to help with this then i can test either/both versions of the controller and temp sensor combinations.

Glen

Read More...