ScopeDog Control Box


IMG 4692 (1)

At right is shown the Mk3 and Mk1 control boxes. The Mk3 (on the left) is built into the smallest standard probably achievable. This requires some dexterity and others may opt for a larger box!

At least one side of the box should be made from plastic, allowing the Raspberry Pi wifi signal to be accessed.

IMG 4751


The front panel has a power switch, and 3 LEDs. These show on/off, Nexus serial link status and tracking status.

The Raspberry Pi is mounted such that its USB and Ethernet ports are directly accessible. Also a 8P8C jack (RJ45) for the Nexus serial (+USB option) cable.


IMG 4750

 

On the rear are the connectors for attaching the motors, 12 Vdc power and the telescope select switch.

 

Other types of connectors could be used, indeed they could be omitted and connections made via flying leads.



Control Box Components

The main components are shown here.

Control Box Schematic

Connections shown in red are only required for the eFinder option (mk3eF).

Wiring List mk3

For the mk3eF a USB connection is required to the Nexus DSC. So from now on the 6p6c jack is replaced with a 8p8c RJ45 jack. The wiring for a Pi4b is as shown below,

Screenshot 2023-05-28 at 12.05.34

For a Pi5 running Bookworm OS (Debian 12) the UART wiring has changed use this table,



Parts List

1x Box. Suggested ….

Hammond 1455P1601xx plus 1455PPLxxx plastic ends. Suitable for panel mounted connectors on rear and front panel.  xx = colour code

1x Raspberry Pi 4GB (a Pi4b is sufficient, but a Pi5 is faster!)

1x Phidget HUB0000 or HUB0001_0

2x Phidget 4A stepper STC1003_1 or 1005_0

2x Phidget 3003_0 10cm cables

1x 12Vdc to 5Vdc 3A (buck) converter 

1x USB A to Mini USB (short!)

3x 3mm red LEDs3x 8.2k resistors (vary according to brightness wanted)

1x MAX3232 IC mounted on mini pcb. (TTL to RS232 converter)

1x 8P8C RJ11 socket (panel mounted if preferred)

2x 4pin motor sockets and plugs (panel mounted if preferred)

1x 5.5/2.1mm dc power socket.

2x SPST switch (front panel power switch and telescope select switch)

assorted small screws and nuts.


Control Box software

An microSD card is required loaded with the complete ScopeDog software. (Available for a small charge - contact me


Click here for details of the Hand Box

© AstroKeith 2022