Summary of OPEN SOURCE TELESCOPE CONTROLLER PUTS SMART FEATURES IN OLD TELESCOPES
OnStep is an open-source, low-cost telescope controller that transforms older mounts into smart devices. Compatible with various microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP32, it allows users to control telescope pointing via PC or smartphone apps. The project enables precise tracking of celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy by replacing slow motors or adapting existing hardware, making astronomy accessible without expensive proprietary systems.
Parts used in the OnStep Project:
- Arduino
- Teensy 3
- ESP32
- PCB design
- Telescope motors
- Older telescope mounts
- Smartphone app
- PC application
In times like these, we all need to look beyond ourselves. This project might help: OnStep is an open-source telescope controller, a device that controls a telescope to point at something interesting in the sky. Want to take a look at M31? Use an app on a PC or smartphone, select the object and the OnStep will pan and tilt your telescope until the Andromeda Galaxy pops into view.
Smart telescopes are not new: we’ve seen telescopes like the Meade LX90 that include smart controllers that can, with varying degrees of success, use GPS signals to figure out the time, the location and which way to point to see Uranus. These use proprietary controllers, though, and are generally expensive. OnStep is designed to be simple, low cost and buildable from off the shelf parts.
It is pretty hardware agnostic: the controller can be an Arduino, a Teensy 3 or even an ESP32. The PCB design can work with any of these controllers. The same is true of the motors that move the telescope, so you can build the device from parts that you might have lying around. Many of those who have built OnStep controllers have adapted older telescope mounts that are motorized but aren’t smart. Others have used older mounts and replaced the slow, inaccurate motors with more precise ones that make the telescope more accurate and smooth. The gallery of telescope builds on the OnStep wiki is a great place to start and see examples like this 30-year old Celestron telescope that was brought into the 21st century with a OnStep conversion, or this conversion of a 1960s telescope that adds a smart mount.
It’s a great looking project that has the basics mostly sorted, but which is still being worked on and improved by a dedicated group of users. While we tend to focus on ourselves in difficult times, sometimes it is better to look up in the sky and see that the stars are still shining.
Source: OPEN SOURCE TELESCOPE CONTROLLER PUTS SMART FEATURES IN OLD TELESCOPES
- What is OnStep?
OnStep is an open-source telescope controller designed to point a telescope at interesting objects in the sky. - Can I use OnStep with an old telescope mount?
Yes, many users have adapted older motorized mounts or replaced their motors with more precise ones for the project. - Which microcontrollers are compatible with OnStep?
The controller works with hardware agnostic options including Arduino, Teensy 3, and ESP32. - How does OnStep help locate celestial objects?
You can use a PC or smartphone app to select an object, and the device will pan and tilt the telescope until it is in view. - Is OnStep cheaper than proprietary smart telescopes?
Yes, OnStep is designed to be simple and low cost compared to expensive proprietary controllers like those on Meade LX90. - Does the PCB design support different controllers?
The PCB design is versatile enough to work with any of the supported controllers such as Arduino or ESP32. - Where can I see examples of OnStep builds?
The gallery of telescope builds on the OnStep wiki provides great examples of conversions like 30-year-old Celestron scopes. - Can OnStep replace inaccurate motors on a telescope?
Users often replace slow, inaccurate motors on older mounts with precise ones to make the telescope more accurate and smooth.
