DSC_Test version 6.0

[Harshad]

New in version 6.0:

• N-Star alignment
• List of bright stars which can be used for alignment (the same list as SkEye)
  

This is a much improved version of DSC_Test that I have spent last several weeks on. That said, it is still rough around the edges. If you have Bluetooth Encoders, I would appreciate it if you give it a whirl. The app has an in-built feedback mechanism.

A detailed tutorial is available here (PDF).

[Harshad]

I have pushed version 6.1 of DSC_Test with the following improvements:

• Support for inverted encoder orientations.
• Support for Dave Ek Firmware version 2.0
  (Thanks to Douglas Braun of the PalmDSC fame, who gave me a helpful suggestion regarding this)
• Better PUSHTO guide. The app now shows two-axes deltas to help slew the scope.
• Corrected the RA / Dec calculation. It was miserably wrong earlier.

The tutorial has been updated and can be found at the same location. (PDF)

[Harshad]

The last few days I made some rapid improvements to DSC test. Here's the changelog:

• v 6.5: Added Messier and mini-NGC catalogs (same as SkEye)
  
  
• v 6.4: Huge time saver: Sort objects by proximity when aligning or setting a target.
  
  
• v 6.3: Implemented Precession of the Equator for better accuracy

[Harshad]

Some more changes to DSC Test:

V 6.6
Alignments can now be selectively disabled.

v 6.7
Corrected alignment algorithm

v 6.8

• Improved accuracy
• Initial support for Night mode
• Fixed an FC
• Improvements to battery life, by correctly stopping a background thread.
  

[Harshad RJ]

Hi Jack!

On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 11:58 AM, Jack Swaton <jack....@gmail.com> wrote:

My DSC does not utilize Bluetooth...it uses an Serial connection. Do you support this?

But how would you connect this to an Android? A direct serial interface is too bulky for a mobile phone, and I don't think any manufacturer will support it.

You would need to use either a Serial to USB converter, or a Serial to Bluetooth converter.

Now, not all Androids support USB host mode; but almost all do support Bluetooth.

So, a Bluetooth converter would be a natural choice.
 

I recently purchased the latest PRO version of Skeye.

Thanks a lot. Note that the Bluetooth DSC app hasn't been integrated into SkEye yet. I didn't find many takers for it. I need confirmation that it actually works as expected. Only one user has confirmed this (thanks Durval), while another found very weird results (and gave up after one try). I myself couldn't test it as my scope doesn't have enough margin to add encoders, without significant modifications to the mount.

If I find a couple of confirmations that it works to a tolerable level of accuracy, I will consider pursuing it further.

best,

--
Harshad RJ
http://lavadip.com

[Durval Menezes]

Hi Harshad,

On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 3:41 AM, Harshad RJ <harsh...@gmail.com> wrote:
[...]

Thanks a lot. Note that the Bluetooth DSC app hasn't been integrated into SkEye yet. I didn't find many takers for it. I need confirmation that it actually works as expected. Only one user has confirmed this (thanks Durval),

You are welcome ;-)
 

while another found very weird results (and gave up after one try). I myself couldn't test it as my scope doesn't have enough margin to add encoders, without significant modifications to the mount.

If I find a couple of confirmations that it works to a tolerable level of accuracy, I will consider pursuing it further.

I myself did not know about it. Humrmrmr... care if I make a "call to arms" via a message on CN or something?

Cheers,
--
   Durval.
 

[Jack Swaton]

Harshad,

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I do have a Serial to USB Cable and an adaptor to micro-USB. I also have a null modem adapter because I thought that was required for connectivity to an android device, but I could be wrong.

 

If you don't currently support Bluetooth, is there a reason why I would get that converter?

 

It looks like there are hacks and/or cables that might get my DroidX to accept USB Host mode. I'm trying to avoid spending lots of money getting bluetooth adapters ($60) to work, and if I get one and SkEye does not support it then I've gotten nowhere.

 

So if I can get the Droid to act as a USB host, would SkEye connect and I could use my encoders?

 

Thanks,

Jack

[Harshad RJ]

On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 12:40 PM, Durval Menezes <durval....@gmail.com> wrote:

I myself did not know about it. Humrmrmr... care if I make a "call to arms" via a message on CN or something?

Thanks, but not right now. I would need a lot of free time to handle debugging.

You would remember our real-time debugging sessions. With live data from you and analysis from me being sent over email, half way across the world! Those were crazy times, and a lot of fun too.

[Durval Menezes]

Hi Harshad!

On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 5:13 PM, Harshad RJ <harsh...@gmail.com> wrote:

On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 12:40 PM, Durval Menezes <durval....@gmail.com> wrote:

I myself did not know about it. Humrmrmr... care if I make a "call to arms" via a message on CN or something?

Thanks, but not right now. I would need a lot of free time to handle debugging.

KK. But, when you have the time, please remember I'm at your service.
 

You would remember our real-time debugging sessions. With live data from you and analysis from me being sent over email, half way across the world! Those were crazy times, and a lot of fun too.

LOL yeah! Fun it was ;-)

Cheers,
--
   Durval.
 

[Harshad RJ]

On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 10:51 PM, Jack Swaton <jack....@gmail.com> wrote:

 

 

If you don't currently support Bluetooth, is there a reason why I would get that converter?

Bluetooth is supported all right in the "DSC test" app. Did you mean supported in SkEye app? Then: not yet.

If you decide to go for a bluetooth adapter, be aware that there are some quirky bluetooth adapters. Avoid the Aircable Bluetooth adapters as they require some special codes to be sent by the connecting software, and hence are not compatible out of the box. (They are more intended for developers I think, rather than for end-user applications)

So if I can get the Droid to act as a USB host, would SkEye connect and I could use my encoders?

No, it won't right now. I would need to add support for USB, which will take a long time.

Btw, I had bought a Bluetooth board from one Craig Combes (you can find references in Cloudy Nights forums) for about 26$. It's a modification of Dave Ek's design and is quite reliable. It directly connects with the encoders, so no other wiring required. If you are into DIY electronics you could cut down the cost further; it is an open design that can be soldered together easily I think.

Another crazy option, if you are comfortable hacking some scripts together and have a bluetooth enabled laptop... you could plug your serial to usb adapter into your laptop and then pipe the laptop's USB serial port to the laptop's bluetooth port. And then connect over bluetooth to the Android. It wouldn't be practical for regular use, but enough to just evaluate the "DSC Test" app.

best,
-H

[Jack Swaton]

Dingleberries! (Sorry I had to get graphic there... ;-)

 

OK. So you are clearing up many things for me and that's good. I found a valuable list of bluetooth adapters on the Southern Stars site:

Compatible	Not Compatible IOGear GBS 301 AirCable Serial 3/5 USConverters Serial Bluetooth RS232 Adapter
Roving Networks RN-240 and RN-270 GridConnect FireFly and FireFly-BP Astro Devices BETI bluetooth DSC system Starry Night BlueStar

I like the idea of Mr. Combes, so I can try that. My problem is that the DSC I acquired does not support ASCOM so my software options are limited. What I can do at this point is use my laptop and the Serial/USB cable and Sky Chart and I can use the virtual DSC on SkEye. I had really wanted to use SkEYE and leave the laptop at home.

 

Ah well! You need to focus on your development needs, not mine.  :-)

 

Jack

[Jack Swaton]

Harshad,

By the way, I will be sure to give you the results of comparing the SkEye's virtual DSC to encoders and Sky Chart. I'm very interested in seeing if the pareto rule applies here and that SkEye delivers most of what we need in DSC and the minute stuff may not be worth the added expense and hassle.

 

Jack

[Durval Menezes]

Hi Jack,

On Thu, Dec 13, 2012 at 1:32 PM, Jack Swaton <jack....@gmail.com> wrote:

Harshad,

By the way, I will be sure to give you the results of comparing the SkEye's virtual DSC to encoders and Sky Chart. I'm very interested in seeing if the pareto rule applies here and that SkEye delivers most of what we need in DSC and the minute stuff may not be worth the added expense and hassle.

Please keep us posted, as I'm most interested in this result (I was to do a similar test for Harshad a few months ago but then got overrun by "real life" -- it's been at least two months I don't get a chance to use my telescope).

Cheers,
--
  Durval.