Computer controlled telescope

Primož Kržišnik (2012) Computer controlled telescope. EngD thesis.

Preview

PDF Download (2542Kb)

Abstract

Abstract The thesis covers computer aided telescope control. For this purpose, a special electronic circuit is required for recieving and converting signals from computer. These signals are used for controlling the stepper motors, which are built in the telescope mount. Apart from the circuit, a special software also needs to be installed on a computer for transmitting commands to the circuit. The first section of the thesis is a general summary of the telescope control system and its subsystems. It also includes fundamental astronomy and describes common terms that are needed for a full comprehension of the thesis. Section 2 gives an insight into the existing hardware and software solutions that are used in amateur astronomy. Section 3 partitions the telescope control system's hardware. It explains the circuit, which is divided into different operating units. It also includes a study of circuit's power consumption, accuracy, softwares loaded onto microcontrollers used in the circuit and possible circuit enchancements. Section 4 covers the software aspect of the telescope control system. Descriptions of the user interface and main algorithms, which are the core of the computer software, are found here.

Actions (login required)