diff --git a/README b/README index 292a5cc1df1514652e8e7fddf51e6854922fec74..78d0347ea33a163b217c34d58cffcfee86037dda 100644 --- a/README +++ b/README @@ -1,3 +1,21 @@ + +Update: 26/06/2012 + +In the next couple of weeks, I will be uploading a new version (AstroEQ5). There are still a couple of tweaks to make before release. + +AstroEQ5 has a completely redesigned set of motor functions and rate calculation making it now far more accurate in its tracking speed. + +There is also a redesigned set of hardware which no longer requires an Arduino Mega board to work. Instead it is based around an Atmega162 chip. Although this is not officially supported by the Arduino IDE, I have modified the bootloader to suit. +An advantage of this change is that now the board can be built using entirely through hole components, and can be made for much cheaper. + +In order to suit this design, I plan to sell the motor driver IC's, the Atmega162 with Bootloader, and a PIC preprogrammed as a USB-Serial port. The reason for this is that the motor drivers are very fine pitch ICs, not suitable for DIY, however I have designed a board which will break them out to a DIP package. Also the PIC and Atmega need to be initially programmed, which special programmers are needed for. +If all goes well, I also plan to make available a kit complete with circuit board, and possibly ready built boards. Currently, with PCB, the estimated cost for a complete board is ~£80. + + +Please note that the new software will still support boards built with the current hardware design (<5.0), so if you have already built one, you can still take advantage of the new software. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + AstroEQ Arduino code, and Hardware schematics. AstroEQ is written and Designed by Thomas Carpenter 2012. @@ -18,16 +36,9 @@ If anyone has success with the example numbers I have provided, please let me kn Also if you have problems getting the numbers to work, open an issue thread and I will see if I can help. -/* - Code written by Thomas Carpenter 2012 - - With thanks Chris over at the EQMOD Yahoo group. - - - Equatorial mount tracking system for integration with EQMOD using the Skywatcher/Synta - communication protocol. - + Works with EQ3, EQ5, HEQ5, and EQ6 mounts. Along With custom mounts. Current Verison: 4.0 -*/ \ No newline at end of file + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \ No newline at end of file