Odd AOX Jumping Behavior

Yes, we've made a great deal of progress in the last couple of weeks. We're hoping to have a beta test version available in the coming week.

 

The beta program is progressing. You are welcome to join if you want to contribute.

 

Martin,

We've made a LOT of progress on the AO system last month. It is working way better now.

The mysterious jumping problem wasn't a software issue. It was hardware... which rather explains why our programmers couldn't find it. They eventually proved that the software was sending the correct commands at all times.

By this point I was already starting to suspect the StarChaser's I2C interface. When we took over SBIG and started designing new cameras, we naturally reused a lot of stuff from the old cameras, including the I2C interface. It's mostly based on programmable logic (FPGA) so we can change it with a firmware update. Earlier, while working on the Aluma AC455 project, I reviewed the old I2C interface design and decided I really didn't like it. Engineers have this annoying tendency to improve things that already work. I'm certainly aware of this but tossed my manager hat in the bin and redesigned it anyway. Turns out it did have a glitch. Gillian ported my new I2C design into the StarChaser firmware, and voila! The jumping was gone.

If you want to try the StarChaser firmware Version 8 beta, I can share it with you.

Doug

 

We just got the first beta report back on the updated StarChaser firmware. He reported that it fixed the jumping/twitching issue.

 

StarChaser Firmware 8 is available at https://cdn.diffractionlimited.com/down/SC_FW8_Beta.zip

 

@Doug since Martin is not part of the beta, we would have to provide him the Beta software components or put a release together.

 

Yes the firmware update alone won't fix everything, but it will eliminate the jumping. Martin is welcome to join the beta program if he wants.

 

You will need the latest StarChaser firmware update (good for SC-3E and SC-4):

https://diffractionlimited.com/aluma-fpga-firmware/

You will also need the beta test release of MaxIm DL 7.3.0. I strongly recommend that you join our beta test group - just let me know. That way you'll be able to discuss your test results. If not then I can send you the link via private message but we will not permit any discussion on the forum.

As always we recommend the latest ASCOM Platform.

 

I sent you the link. Beta test means just that - it's a test version. It likely works but we can't guarantee it without more testing, which is why we have beta testers.