-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Baldwin <steveb@KCBBS.GEN.NZ>
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Date: 27 January 1998 19:38
Subject: Re: Counting encoder pulses


>Seems like automated telescopes are all the rage. Our one is small compared
>to yours (11" SCT), but is fully automated and (will) live on its own on a
>hill measuring variable stars with a PMT.
>We used microstepped steppers plus gearing and have similar OTT numbers for
>pulses/degree.


Are you counting the pulses to the stepper motors or have you got separate
encoders?

We've had our 30inch running for 10 years with an analogue control system,
but we now want to improve the drive and add extra safety measures like
automatic dome positioning.

>It depends on what
>else it was doing. If you have to do both encoders and convert between
>coordinate systems at the same time, you might be pushing it.

The PIC will only count the two encoders pulses and output the counts to a
PC... The PC does all the hard work of coordinate mapping and user
interface!

Phil