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TeensyDSC is my project to add computer control to telescopes. Right now the basic functionality basically allows you to connect your computer, iPad or Android device to the encoders attached to your scope for digital setting circles. Or in simple terms, it has similar functions as the Astro Devices Nexus.
TeensyDSC is powered by the Teensy 3.1 board which is Arduino compatible, but uses a 32bit 72Mhz processor instead of the 16bit 16Mhz processor of the Arduino Uno. It also has significantly more flash and RAM which allows for more complex programs.
- What is the project status?
TeensyDSC is under active development. I've recently released the v0.5 PCB design and have written the software necessary to configure the WiFi and talk to SkySafari running on my iPad. It should work with any other software which can use a TCP/IP connection over wireless and speak the Orion Inteliscope protocol.
- Can you support other protocols other then the Orion Inteliscope?
Yes! I plan to support other protocols. I've already added Basic Encoder System. If you have a protocol that you would like me to support, please let me know how it works.
- What kind of encoders are supported?
TeensyDSC supports any 5V powered digital encoder such as the CUI AMT11 and US Digital S2. Just about every telescope (except Orion Inteliscope) that has encoders are supported.
- Are Orion Inteliscope encoders supported?
Currently they are not because they use an analog signal instead of digital. Theoretically, it would be possible to add support for them with an updated PCB, but I don't have one of these encoders to do any development or testing with. I am interested in adding support, but would need to get one of these encoders on the cheap.
- What encoder resolution is supported?
TeensyDSC uses "quadrature decoding", sometimes called "4x decoding" to get the full resolution available from your encoder. The higher the resolution, the more accurate the system will be.
The popular US Digital S2-2500 has a CPS of 2500 and with quadrature decoding has 10,000 "steps". Since TeensyDSC uses the Teensy Encoder Library with hardware support, it should have no problem handling very high resolution encoders. So far, I have successfully tested TeensyDSC with US Digital S2-10000 encoders which translates to 40,000 "steps" after quadrature decoding!
- Other then the encoders installed on my telescope and TeensyDSC, what else will I need for a full digital setting circles setup?
You will need a computer, iPad or Android device running software like Sky Safari or other astronomy software capabile of talking to DSC's via TCP port. You will also need a cable connecting the encoders to the TeensyDSC.
- What are the settings I should use in Sky Safari?
Use the "Basic Encoder System" and connect to 10.0.0.1 on port 4030.
- What other features do you have planned?
I would like to add serial ports for ASCOM for Goto/tracking, etc as well as integrated intelligent dew heater controls. Unfortunately, my telescope doesn't have any goto/tracking functionality, so it will be difficult for me to create the software since I have no means of testing. For a full list of features, check out the planned enhancements.
- Will these other features be supported in the v0.5.x PCB?
No. The v0.5.x PCB is a proof of concept and only supports connecting to the encoders and WiFi. It doesn't support serial ports or dew heaters or anything else like that.
- How can I help?
If you can program or help design PCB's then let me know and I'm sure we can work out something!
- I can't program or anything like that... can I help in other ways?
Yes! I need people who are interested and willing to be testers- especially for features I can't test on my own with my telescope.
- Can I build my own TeensyDSC?
You can order all the parts online from suppliers and assemble it yourself. For more information, see the Building your own Teensy DSC page.
- Do you sell TeensyDSC boards?
Yes! I sell completed TeensyDSC boards with all the components soldered on and pre-programmed for a nominal fee. Please contact me for current pricing info.
- I have an idea for a feature!
Great! Please open an issue so I can track it. Even better, feel free to submit a pull request!
- I found a bug! What should I do?
First, please open an issue and let me know. I may have some followup questions so be sure to "watch" the issue and look for my comments.
- Do you accept "pull requests"?
Yes!
- Are there instructions or a manual?
I've started working on one here: v0.5.x Manual
- What WiFI mode(s) does TeensyDSC support?
Right now it only supports becoming an access point (AP). In the future, I may support connecting to an existing WiFi network or creating an Ad-hoc network.
- Can TeensyDSC support Bluetooth?
In theory, TeensyDSC can support Bluetooth using the XBee Bluetooth module and a small code change but I haven't tested that. If that sounds interesting to you, please let me know.
- Can TeensyDSC support serial connections?
Not at this time.
- What license is TeensyDSC released under?
Both the software and PCB design is licensed under the GPLv3