Share information, instructions and tips on how to install the dome rotation kit
top of page
To test this feature, visit your live site.
Edited: Feb 24, 2018
Dome Rotation Kit Installation
Dome Rotation Kit Installation
31 comments
Like
31 Comments
bottom of page
Hi Ron,
First I would like to thank you for all of your assistance in setting the old software version. I do not know what occurred, as I followed the directions. You certainly worked magic on my system.
My question is, as a mariner, just how “sailor-proof“ is the new firmware? Is it truly plug-n-play, or will we have to go through the git-hub system? The reason that I am asking is that sometime in the future, I will be relocating in Nebraska or Iowa. At that time, I will want to upgrade the shutter with the rain sensor. I will have to send the main unit back to Babak for the upgrade, I just worry that I will be back to “square one” if I need to go through the full setup again. Being able to have the program supplied on a disk or thumb drive would for installation and then simply plugging the unit in to a usb socket would be great.
It was just too frustrating the 1st and 2nd time that I had to go through the installation.
Again, thank you for all of your assistance.
Bill
I'd like more info on the shutter problem. I know of two people but not sure if they resolved it? I saw them post initially... but nothing recent or updated? I LOVE THE NEW FIRMWARE - the motors run FASTER and silky smooth. I've had not problem with any of the new firmware alpha or beta tests. All worked. Sometimes I think it's user error. But not enough updated data yet to know for sure. Come ask in facebook.
I don't know how many updated though either. I love the update.
The dome has always SLAVED to the mount. It's in the software. (SGP or POTH) Poth comes with ASCOM so you have it. You connect the mount and dome and set the slave settings. (geometry). Mine tracks perfectly with the mount. My software (NINE (free)) controls the mount and POTH tracks the dome opening with the mount. Steven we have a VERY ACTIVE group on facebook. Come join us. Nexdome users group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/477732789267400/ All new firmware was just released I've been testing it for a couple months and it is most excellent.
Has there been any updates to the dome rotation kit firmware that is applicable to those of us (me) who us ASCOM that ensures, if the mount spatial measurements are correct, the dome will follow the mount using either the HC, Starry Night, SSP 6 or ASCOM interface?
Thanks,
Steven
Main problem with bills is what I said way back above. He said he listed the uno card. I changed it from uno to the leonardo board. I configured com port. I loaded and wrote the rotator firmware. I think that was it. I used poth then to check "can control shutter" and it loaded up after a reboot. Poth was then good and then I installed SGP and point that at poth. So both control the dome. I don't know his "follow the scope" numbers - but I entered mine in for a close start. He can tweak them from there. All went well. Was my pleasure and pay it forward - since Diego in Austrailia team viewer'ed into mine to set me up in my time of need. = ) only scary part of controlling his dome from Michigan without being able to see it (I was careful) but seemed it was still tied down even with the "ok clear?" feed back ;-)
Ron got my dome to work great. thank you. I do not know exactly what he did, but he knows the exact magic words. the basic problem is that Github is completely alien to many of us. Perhaps nexdome could draft true step-by-step instructions rather than the current version.
Ron - Thanks again.
DONE
Hard to say as holidays are near, my sons home from MD for 3 weeks. We're flighty. But today may work until something comes up. noon here. look for me on facebook messanger. I have time now... (
really your best bet is team viewer (easy install) then chat to me on facebook and we'll set a time for me to log in to your machine. (you can watch). There are to many variables without a lot of Q&A to figure out where you're at. If I can log in - it might be 10 - 15 min.
I'd delete our conversation above but (deleted some of mine) and since I'm not a moderator I can't clean out unwanted posts. ;-)
go here. https://www.nightskiesnetwork.com/channel/415
you may need to register to talk (fb is better as we can chat) without cluttering this forum.
I can show you my setup and config there live.
No problem, Clear shies seem to be limited lately.
actually go to nightskiesnetwork.com on the home page you will see me as a option. click it.
when I appear.
How do I run the Arduino Utility? When I open Arduino, I get something called Sketch.
My COM 4 Port is the Arduino Leonardo device.
I downloaded the PDMDome0525 Setup File and extracted the PDMDome0523 Setup
sounds like you have a good start (reading on) brb
>>>>Under Dome Setup I entered Setup and chose NexDome from the pop up menu
📷 Is there another option? Like PDM dome? let me boot up my dome pc and see what mine says. yes mine shows PDM Nexdome Driver. Click properties and make sure it has the proper com port.
interesting and I don't know why I have two options.
PDM NexDome Driver and PDM NexDome.
I have the first one. (not sure why I have two) one might be a older driver). click ok
Before PATS code - it was the NexDome Driver (I don't think that's the one to use). If you go to connect and it can't - something is wrong. (driver or com port). When I click connect mine instantly shows in red on the right SHUTTER CLOSED and AZ 000.0
Did you download the PDM nexdome zip from github?
To see the com port (you ran the arduino utility? and it declared com4?) I want to be sure.
No I am a old guy with a grey beard
All my PCs are 64bit. I think the only driver is 32bit (ascom is 32 bit I believe). Make sure you have ascom installed first. Get the PDM zip from github (I don't know why the driver is not on nexdome downloads) I mentioned it a LONG time ago. You likely have the PDM firmware? (in the setup) so install the PDM ascom driver in the zip. Try it. If there are problems we can have you check your firmware. You will want to make sure you have poth (to test dome and rotator and driver). I believe poth installs with the ascom package. 6.4? I THINK is latest version. We have a facebook group that is real time conversations. I can be found to talk to on fb messenger to help it really takes a low of Q&A in real time to figure out what you need.
I would google and search and install the Arduino editing software. It will assist in finding the rotator and declaring what com port it's located on. (its free). Google and install ASCOM if not already (again lots of Q&A to know what you have already). contect me on facebook. (Friend me, then msg me). I'd be happy to help).