Hi all,
I am new and very green where it comes to any kind of programming. I am looking for assistance, or to compensate for help with the programming of my Uno to automate the roll off roof of my astronomical observatory.
I have all the hardware, wiring, limit switches and sensors in place. The roof latching system is being fabricated now and will be functioning soon. All components now function with physical switches. Tying them in to the Uno and relay boards (which I have) and making it sing is my conundrum.
The functions I desire to have carried out are:
Open latches
Sense latches released
Power on roof
Open roof
Sense roof open
Sense telescope in Park position
Close roof
Sense roof closed
Power off roof
Sense latches closed
The software I am using is NINA "Nighttime Imaging N Astronomy" It has all the functions to control the hardware, using Ascom drivers.
What I need is the Uno to communicate with NINA.
There are a few astronomers on Youtube who have a code already. My problem is, they are using gate openers with control circuit boards. I do not have any circuit boards in my system. My circuitry is very basic. Since my knowledge of electronics is very limited, I do not know if their code would work for my system.
I hope I am not reaching beyond the bounds of protocol of the forum, by discussing compensation for assistance. If I am, friendly advice, alone, would be greatly appreciated.
Asking to pay for help is fine, but there is a specific forum category for it, would you like me to move this topic there? You need to have an idea of what you are will to pay.
If your system operates at the flick of conventional 120V or 220VAC on/off switches, those can usually be replaced with Solid State Relays (SSR) of appropriate amperage.
The output pins of most Arduinos can safely drive the input LEDs on the SSRs.
Obviously, more details about the "very basic" circuitry would be helpful.
On the other hand, if all it takes to roll off the roof is the flip of a switch, what does Arduino bring to the table?
Interesting stuff. It’s quite an ask for folks like me that first heard of NINA and Ascom today though.
However, If you can acquire code that interfaces NINA with an Arduino, commanding relays and reading sensors to run your observatory might be more plausible.
Of course, by tradition, any system that controls a telescope should be written in Forth
I found one of those - Astrobloke in the UK. The Arduino code seems to be reliant on RRCI, which I assume is an Ascom driver - is it? After that though, it's just getting commands over serial, so the Arduino is free to do what it likes to drive your hardware and report back what sensors are saying.
As ever, found code will likely not suit your needs exactly, but it'll be a good starting point I think.
Power and two way rocker switch. The open/close sensors are in place. Wiring for the other components are in place. I haven't mounted the board yet. I have a photo eye for the scope park safety and am waiting on parts for the roof latching system.
