A project to build an open source Celestron SkySync GPS compatible unit. This variant includes a 128x32 pixel SSD1306 OLED display for showing position, time, and satellite information.
Forked from ForestTree's fork of the fantastic project by bebrown (https://github.com/bebrown/nexstar_gps).
Construct a SkySync-compatible unit for attaching a GPS to Celestron mounts that don't already have a GPS, such as the CGEM or AVX.
To build this, you will need:
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A GPS module, such as the uBlox NEO-6M. Commonly used by hoobyists for their quadcopters. Available for about $16.
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A small Arduino, such as the Pro Mini (5V version). Clones available for about $3.
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A TTL serial-to-USB adapter for programming the Arduino (if it does not have an on-board USB port already). Available for about $3.
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A 128x32 pixel (or larger) SSD1306 I2C OLED display.
See schematics diagram.
You will need to install the following libraries:
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TinyGPS++, available from http://arduiniana.org/libraries/tinygpsplus/.
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SSD1306Ascii, available through the Arduino Library Manager.
Also needed are the following libraries built in to the Arduino IDE:
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SoftwareSerial
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Wire
See this links for more info about Celestron mounts, AUX port, wiring and communication protocol:
https://www.nexstarsite.com/download/manuals/NexStarCommunicationProtocolV1.2.zip https://sites.google.com/site/wayneholder/nexstar-direct-telescope-mount-control https://www.nexstarsite.com/download/CelestronAS_PCinterface.pdf http://www.paquettefamily.ca/nexstar/NexStar_AUX_Commands_10.pdf
The eagle-Nano folder contains the EAGLE design files for the schematic and board, as well as a zip archive ready for upload to a PCB service (e.g. https://jlcpcb.com).
Be attentive during construction and testing your device!!! You can easy destroy the motherboard in your astro mount.