ChrisG71Finally I found some time to work on the python script to send the GPS location to the hand controller. The files are already in the GitHub repository.
Finally I have a replacement for the Celestron SkyQ Wi-Fi and SkySync GPS. Or for the SkyPortal Wi-Fi.
Now I need you guys for testing. Does it work? Where are the bugs? What needs to be fixed?
I'm planning a few SD card images with different options. Also the case needs some improvements for a better snap. The OLED is pretty bright and might be annoying, so I need an idea either to turn it off after some time integrate a cover into the case.
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I am not using the file from dropbox. I created my own image from scratch and used the scripts available on GitHub.
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First: Great project! Most of your instructions worked without any troubles. Now completed I only face 2 problems:
1. The GPS coordinates are transferred but incorrectly. The latitude is correct but the longitude is always set to 13°10'56'' WEST instead of 10°56'08'' EAST. I cant figure out why!? The printout of the scripts looks good to me. Any ideas?
2. If no GPS signal is found Raspbian is stuck on boot - doesn't accept any SSH connection. Outside workin with the telescope this is no problem but when I turn it on indoors in my office trying to connect it will fail until I put the GPS box out of the open window. Any possibility of a timeout for searching for GPS?
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Took a while but I have found a solution for both:
1. The communication to the USB hand control is not set correctly. The flow control needs to be turned off but it's not. To solve this the scripts need to be adapted at "stty -F ${serial} 9600 raw"! I added the "raw" so that all settings of the terminal are correct and then it works without problems.
2. This problem I solve by just unplugging the USB hand controller. As no /dev/ttyUSB0 exists in that case the rc.local script seem to be just scipped and the Pi continues to boot.
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Are you working from the file download from dropbox?
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