After a lot more hours on the scope simulator, I’m happy the mk3 not only works OK, but is better than previous versions. The new handbox is a real pleasure to use - adding a text display and buttons to the scope drive opens up new possibilities. The OLED display is nice and can be user dimmed down to suit.
The simplicity of just plugging a camera straight into the scope drive box is great and having integrated the scope drive and finder software lots more features can be added.
In my view, this is the future for Dobsonian drives!
I’m now experimenting with a ‘ k4' - no DSC or encoders needed. It will just use the stepper motor count and finder solves to manage scope position.