Version compiled 12/31/99:
1. Fixed bug where the
analysis.dat file was never closed, so it remained empty.
2.
Added close and init of lx200 serial port during slewing.
Version compiled 12/26/99:
1. Changed altitude offset
algorithm from an interative approach to Dave Ek's derived formula.
Version compiled 12/26/99:
1. Changed the way
refraction is handled so that the analysis of mount pointing errors
will accurately reflect the affects of refraction. Now the
Current.Alt will show the pointing angle of the telescope from the
perspective of the sky, that is, if an altazimuth mount and if the
sky says the scope is pointing to 0 deg, then the scope will actually
be pointing about 1/2 deg above the horizon.
Version compiled 12/19/99:
1. Changed analysis of mount
pointing errors to read in positions set by a new handpad mode called
"analysis", using align.dat file. Analysis file is
recreated each program startup, so to recreate a past session, load
in that sessions's align.dat file, and after program startup, copy
the old analysis file to analysis.dat.
2. Added menu option to
turn off field rotation motor. This allows motor to be moved by
handpaddle but stopped during scope tracking.
3. Reorganized
submenu items for more logical work flow.
Version compiled 12/12/99:
1. Added new handpad mode of
guide+stay+rotate, where the guiding corrections as input from the
handpaddle or an autoguider are rotated based on the guide rotation
angle. This angle is slaved to the field rotation angle - an
offset, and can be set directly by a new menu option under the
control section, called guide angle.
2. Added LX200_LongFormat as
an option in the config.dat file. This tells scope.exe how to
emulate LX200 commands.
3. Added menu option to reset the lx200
port. If the lx200 commands make the program behave
erratically, resetting the port will clear away the problem.
Also resetting the port can make it clearer as to what commands are
being received.
4. Changed lx200 display to highlight last
received command and char; formerly last command was marked with an
"*".
5. Fixed bug when receiving lx200 command to
change motor speed to slew speed. Bug caused program to behave
sluggishly.
Version compiled 12/2/99:
1. Fixed new bug in title
display.
2. Added wrap around in menu.
Version compiled 12/1/99:
1. Added new variable in the
config.dat, MaxPWM. Formerly MaxPWM was set by PWM[0], but now
PWM[0] can be a lesser value than MaxPWM. This might ease
stepper motor cogging in certain situations.
2. Upped number of
microsteps to 20. User can choose from 2 to 20 microsteps.
This can result in more smoothness from the motors.
3. Put
adjustment of microsteps display into the 'adjust microsteps' menu
box so that it does not appear during normal program operation.
4.
Reorganized code after hitting compiler limit.
5. In AnalyzeZ1Z2,
changed to reading file into linked list and then reading linked
list. This allows sorting of linked list.
6. Data file
display now sorted alphanumerically.
7. Hand paddle buttons
pushed field now displays all buttons pushed even during
microstepping, and the 'M' for microstepping changed to 'm' to help
distinguish it from 'H' for halfstepping.
8. Added graphical
displays of pointing errors: overall display + altitude vs azimuth +
altitude vs altitude + azimuth vs altitude + azimuth vs azimuth.
This uses the init.dat file, a history of the inits done each
session. User must ensure that no unwanted init3s are in the
file. To build the file, do the init1 and init2 and correction
for altitude offset, followed by as many init3s as desired, in as
many parts of the sky as possible. Init1 and init2 can be
touched up if necessary, but do not redo the altitude offset
correction.
9. Added new menu item to median smooth the PEC
curves. User choice as to number of values to use in the median
smoothing.
Version compiled 10/25/99:
1. If using mouse encoders,
EncoderComPort now set to 0. This prevents rare lockup when
using mouse encoders caused by CloseSerial() routine.
2. HoldReps
now holds the stepper rotors in position for HoldReps * HsDelayX *
MaxDelay calls to the port.
Version compiled 10/18/99:
1. Added keyboard abort in
menu move microsteps.
2. Added realtime display of microsteps
moved in menu move microsteps.
Version compiled 10/11/99:
1. Added calculation of
mount axes misalignment averages to the analysis of the init.dat
file.
2. Added screen input of Z1, Z2, and Z3 mount misalignment
variables.
3. Added display of Z1, Z2, and Z3 to the
initialization display.
Version compiled 10/5/99:
1. Added calculation of mount
axes misalignment errors to the analysis of the init.dat file.
Also added a test module for the calculations.
Version compiled 9/27b/99:
1. Added the analysis of
init.dat file as a menu item.
Version compiled 9/27/99:
1. Fixed bug in optimize init
menu option.
2. Added analysis of init file. Choose TestString
AnalyzeInitError in config.dat and the init.dat file will be read in
and init errors reported in a new initerr.txt file.
Version compiled 9/24/99:
1. Mouse encoders read
direction now set by AltEncoderDir and AzEncoderDir as other encoder
types have been.
2. Fixed minor problem with the display of
offset values in the initialization display menu item.
3. Changed
the writing to the init.dat file. Now all inits are recorded,
along with the time of the init, and the reason why.
Version compiled 9/17/99:
1. Added new menu items move
halfstep and move microstep. These menu items allow the user to
select the number of halfsteps or microsteps to move. The
halfstep move can be used to discover the fullstep size, a critical
value in the configuration file. The microstep move can verify
that torque is adequate and no stalling occurs.
Version compiled 9/14/99:
1. Added option set in
config.dat to call CMOS RTC (Real Time Clock) via bios interrupt
routines rather than direct port access. This solves the very
rare problem of certain laptops locking up when making RTC direct
port calls and reads.
2. Fixed bug in 'reset to encoders' where
the azimuth was not being reset.
Version compiled 9/11/99:
1. Fixed bug in 'reset to
encoder coordinates': azimuth axis was not being reset.
2. Added
delay to CMOS real time clock routine to allow settling before
returning value in accordance with programming recommendation.
Version compiled 9/7/99:
1. Added option of 2 axis
tracking. Set TestString Track2Motors at end of config.dat.
2.
Added option to control 5 phase stepper motors. See notes.
3.
Fixed bug in menu system where hotkey '3' (and possibly others) did
not always work.
4. Added test option of printing out the
microstepping pulse width modulation values (DisplayPWMValues).
5.
Added automatic repeat of scroll tour to handpad options.
6.
Added confirmation of quit option (ConfirmQuit in config.dat).
Version compiled 7/23/99:
1. Enhanced user dialogue in
add altitude offset menu selection.
2. Fixed typo in
initialization display.
3. Spread out field rotation displays
over more bios clock ticks for smoother impact during tracking with
low end computers..
Version compiled 7/19/99:
1. Greatly increased maximum
number of field rotation stepper pulses per second to approximately
300. Did this by moving field rotation pulsing code into the
low level microstepping function.
Version compiled 7/7/99:
1. Enhanced encoder reset
error logging to file.
Version compiled 6/23/99:
1. Fixed bug recently
introduced for TestString PreloadGuidexx.dat that zeroed out the
Guide files after they were loaded.
2. Fixed bug recently
introduced that did not incrementally save the PecazXX.txt files.
3.
Added ability to continually save the same guiding data after
conversion into PEC files.
Version compiled 6/21/99:
1. Added new variable to
config.dat file: MakeEncoderResetLogFile. Set to 1 if you wish
encoder threshold violations to be recorded.
Version compiled 6/10/99:
1. Changed guide+drag mode to
simply add in the drift from the config.dat to whatever the current
drift values are, then subtract the drift from config.dat when
guiding efforts are done.
Version compiled 6/9/99:
1. Changed menu system to
master menu with submenus.
2. Added ability to change
microstepping parameters while in normal program tracking mode.
3.
Added virtual handpad.
4. Added new handpad mode: guide+drag that
sets up drift based on config.dat values for an autoguider that
requires the scope to drag slightly in tracking such that the guide
star continuously moves across the knife edge.
Version compiled 5/26/99:
1. Fixed bug in field
rotation motor tracking that actually limited max speed of FR motor
to 1 pulse per second. Max speed is 9 pulses per second now.
Version compiled 5/22/99:
1. Added ability to auto sync
the PEC with motors turning CW or CCW or either direction.
2.
Changed handpad tracking on/off so that mode switch in left position
= track on and right position = track off
3. Changed operation of
handpad when in FR motor mode. Now the mode switch in left
position = FR motor control on, and, right position of mode switch
means FR motor control off. Use CW and CCW buttons to control
FR motor. This way FR motor can be turned off and on to allow
handpad to also fine position the object without recourse to the menu
system displayed on the computer screen.
Version compiled 5/17/99:
1. Added optional automatic
synchronization of altitude PEC alignment via pin 17 of the parallel
port, and azimuth PEC alignment via pin 15 of the parallel port.
AutoAltPECSyncOnFlag in config.dat turns on automatic synchronization
of the altitude PEC, and AutoAltPECSyncLowHighFlag determines if the
low to high or the high to low transition is used.
AutoAzPECSyncOnFlag in config.dat turns on automatic synchronization
of the azimuth PEC, and AutoAzPECSyncLowHighFlag determines if the
low to high or the high to low transition is used.
Version compiled 5/9/99:
1. Added ability to escape
from the 'HsParms' menu selection as in other menu selections.
Version compiled 5/8/99:
1. Added ability to change
MsPause and MsDelayX on the fly in the Track() option.
2. Added
ability to increase PWM[0] on the fly in the Track() option.
3.
Added menu option to temporarily change the halfstepping parameters
while the program is executing.
Version compiled 5/4/99:
1. Added display of handpad
buttons pushed to screen.
2. Added new variable to config.dat:
HandPadPresentFlag. If set to 0, then handpad is ignored.
3.
Check for handpad that finds malfunctioning or no handpad now results
in warning and ignoring of handpad for rest of program life.
Previously the check if failed, would then abort the program.
Version compiled 4/29/99:
1. Added new hand paddle mode
to slew the field rotation motor. Speed controlled by new
variable in config.dat: FRStepSpeedMilliSec.
Version compiled 4/26/99:
1. Increased time allowed to
move hand pad switch to indicate an initialization from 1/2 sec to 5
seconds. This should prevent program aborts when in auto-init
mode thanks to accidental multiple inits with same coordinates.
Version compiled 4/22/99:
1. Changed inability to find
startup file for Guide to warning from an abort.
Version compiled 4/21/99:
1. Fixed text in Hotkey
display menu item.
2. Changed read slew and write slew failures
to display warning messages only instead of aborting the program.
Version compiled 4/17/99:
1. Added new hand pad mode
that uses mode switch to turn off and on tracking while at the
eyepiece.
Version compiled 4/14/99:
1. Fixed bug in Track option
that caused stack overflow.
2. Added new variable to the config
file - MaxConsecutiveSlews. This variable sets the number of
times the program will attempt to slew consecutively in order to
reach a desired position. When the number of slews is up, the
scope tracks from its current position, whatever it may be.
This is an attempt to stop oscillations that occur when MsRepsTick or
PWMs are low and the scope's required movement exceeds what can be
accomplished by microstepping.
3. Added conversion program,
ngcscope to convert file outputs from ngcview to compatible format
with scope.exe. This program joins megscope that converts
megastar file outputs.
Version compiled 3/22/99:
1. Fixed bug introduced in
previous update that caused microstepping to fail..
Version compiled 3/16/99:
1. Added ability to change
PWM[] values on the fly in the Track mode. This should allow
for faster fine tuning of the pulse width modulation value for each
microstep.
Version compiled 3/4/99:
1. Changed sound option in
Track mode to make an unique pitch for every microstep.
Version compiled 3/1/99:
1. Added option to make a
sound whenever the microstep index crosses the zero point while in
the Track mode of the program.
Version compiled 2/27/99:
1. Added mouse encoders to
the list of possible encoder options. Make sure that
acceleration and multiplier options are turned off in the mouse
driver.
2. Extensively revamped the encoder functions.
3.
Changed the entry that determines if encoders are to be used and
which encoder type is choosen in the config.dat file from EncoderType
to EncoderString.
Version compiled 2/9/99:
1. Changed how the test modes
are called in the program and in the config.dat file.
Version compiled 1/29/99:
1. Fixed coordinate
declination display so that when choosing equatorial mode at startup
time, if the dec happens to be exactly zero, the dec will display.
Version compiled 1/26/99:
1. Added two menu options
that were formely hotkeys only: read slew and write slew. These
communicate coordinates with an external planetarium control program
such as Guide.
2. Added a new variable to the config.dat file,
called InterfacePath, that specifies the path to the controlling
planetarium program.
Version compiled 1/23/99:
1. Fixed recently introduced
bug that prevented the init.dat file from being written to..
2.
Per suggestion of Mark Williams, added interpolation between PEC
values: in situations where the PEC cycle lasts for a long time (many
minutes), there is a noticable period of time between individual PEC
values. This may cause motors to jump when the next PEC value
occurs.
3. Added a new column of menu choices on PEC options.
4.
Added display of PEC indexes and PEC values in tenths of arcseconds.
Version compiled 12/26/98:
1. Added autoscaling in
vertical or y axis to guiding and pec analysis graph screens.
Version compiled 12/21/98:
1. Added testmode of 13
which preloads guidealt.dat and guideaz.dat giving opportunity for
analysis and generation of pec files.
Version compiled 12/19/98:
1. Wrote new guiding
corrections to PEC conversion routine where the entire guiding
correction effort is utilized to make multiple PEC files..
Version compiled 12/16/98:
1. Fixed bug in convering
guiding corrections to PEC values.
Version compiled 12/14/98:
1. Added more LX200
commands.
2. Greatly enhanced realtime updating and handling of
PEC.
Version compiled 11/29/98:
1. Fixed a bug in the
receiving of a LX200 protocol slew command.
Version compiled 11/23/98:
1. broke apart zeroing of
pec data into 'y' for altitude pec, and 'z' for azimuth pec.
Version compiled 11/20/98:
1. Added function to meld
guiding corrections into PEC array, and added graphical display of
PEC, guiding corrections, and resulting PEC.
Version compiled 11/5/98:
1. Revamped LX200 section and
tested with ECU and SkyMap.
Version compiled 10/4/98:
1. Fixed bug introduced
during last version, where BSeg type encoders initializing would
fail.
Version compiled 9/28/98:
1. Added encoder type for non
resettable encoders like the SkyWizard.
2. Added still largely
untested code to accept LX200 protocol handpad commands from external
programs.
Version compiled 9/16/98:
1. Fixed extremely small
chance that a conditional test might have the variables involved
changed during the test by an interrupt call. This contribution
by Egon Lenc.
2. Small changes in low level code to make it more
sharable with servo based computer control telescopes.
Version compiled 9/6/98:
1. Fixed Y2K problem with CMOS
realtime clock (which only stores two digit years; added separate
century field, and code to handle rollover from 12/31/99 to 1/1/0).
Version compiled 8/28/98:
1. Added confirming message
before adding in altitude offset.
Version compiled 8/27/98:
1. Added altitude offset
algorithm as developed by Dave Sopchak. This refines the
altitude readings. The altitude offset is now displayed in the
initialization display, and the new hotkey 'a', adds it into all
initialization altitudes and current altitude.
Version compiled 8/19/98:
1. Added a message stating
that the pec array has been zeroed out.
2. Fixed bug in
guide+stay routine.
3. Couldn't get new guide+save to work
because skipping of PEC indexes occured occasionally when a motor was
spinning fast to track, so, returned to original guide format, where
the PEC index and the accumulated guided amount is saved.
4. A
message confirming zeroing out of PEC added.
Version compiled 8/6/98:
1. Added check at startup for
missing or malfunctioning handpad. A missing or malfunctioning
handpad can make the program appear locked up, as the program would
be exclusively busy processing a handpad command such as 'move up' or
'move counterclockwise'.
2. Rearranged code that processes the
handpaddle in order to better catch invalid handpaddle states.
Version compiled 8/6/98:
1. Added option to specify the
parallel port by the lpt number. For lpt1, enter '1' for
PPortAddr in the config.dat file.
2. Enhanced the startup
procedure if an align.dat file is not present. You now have
your choice between a starting equatorial alignment (using
appropriate variables from the config.dat file), or a starting
altazimuth alignment (using appropriate variables from the config.dat
file), or no alignment at all. As a consequence, removed the
now unneeded EquatorialFlag from config.dat. These options will
not appear if you have display opening messages turned off in
config.dat.
3. Added new hotkey 'i' to display initializations.
4. Changed recording of guiding corrections such that the guiding
corrections will start with the synchronization point of the PEC.
5.
Added hot key 'u' to automatically convert guiding corrections into
an 'instant' PEC to use on the spot; a new PEC.DAT file is written.
6. Changed startup behavior: if PEC.DAT file not found, a default
PEC array with zero values or a flat PEC curve, is generated.
7.
Added hot key 'z' that zeroes out the PEC array.
8. Added hot
keys '9' to input altaz, and '0', to reset to input altaz.
Version compiled 6/25/98:
1. Added slewing capability
to the field derotation drive.
2. Added menu item to reset field
derotation motor to the current field rotation angle.
Version compiled 6/23/98:
1. Important! Fixed a
typo that caused incorrect coordinate translations - this was
introduced about 6/11/98.
2. Fixed and improved the GEM meridian
flip algorithm.
3. At program startup time, you are asked if you
want to use the previous coordinates. Now, you must answer 'N'
or 'n' if you do not wish to.
4. During Grand Tour, now display
coordinates from data file not only in the current coordinates field,
but also in the input fields. This allows the user to do a
little touch up centering and other functions that use the input
fields.
5. Removed the 2nd field rotation display that was there
mainly for diagnostic reasons.
Version compiled 6/12/98:
Blocked display of unwanted
*.dat files in 'display data files'.
Version compiled 6/11/98:
Added German Equatorial Mount
meridian flip menu option.
Version compiled 6/10/98:
1. Re-did screen for easier
readibility thanks to ever increasing number of menu items.
2.
Fixed problem with calling Project Pluto's Guide program from
scope.exe - the startup.mar file was being mangled.
Version compiled 6/1/98:
Enlarged buffer area to read
Guide's startup.mar file.
Version compiled 5/1/98:
Fixed a recent typo that when
calling the IACA routines, resulted in no scope movement.
Version compiled 3/15/98:
1. added encoder reset count
for tracking, tracking off, and slewing.
2. added unexpected slew
while tracking trap via Test Mode 11.
3. added support for BBox
and NGC encoder interface boxes.
4. added ability to keep encoder
box on after exiting scope.exe, then read current encoder box
coordinates when re-starting scope.exe.
5. moved
SerialWriteDelayMs value to config.dat.
6. added check of
encoders after every slew.
7. added new method of communicating
with Guide: '7' reads Guide's coordinates, '8' writes coordinates to
Guide.
Version compiled 1/26/98:
Added long formatting to
LX200 protocol.
Version compiled 1/6/98:
1. Fixed loading of align.dat
file containing only 2 inits.
2. Fixed azimuth offset display
when aligned equatorially.
3. Changed optimization initialization
to find the 3 closest inits.
4. Added Equatorial option to
config.dat file for equatorially aligned scopes (don't have to enter
init data anymore).
Version compiled 1/2/98:
1. Added initialization
optimization.
2. Updated format of align.dat file to that of
init.dat file. Program will auto-convert old format.
Version compiled 12/27/97:
Changed program to read
Guide 6.0 startup file.
Version compiled 12/19/97:
Fixed bug that caused LX200
styled Ra and Dec inputs to read improperly.
Version compiled 11/29/97:
Fixed bug that caused PEC
indexes to jump when FullstepsPerPECArray value very high.
Version compiled 11/19/97:
Fixed bug when setting MGIII
encoder box to resoution higher than 10,000.
Version compiled 11/5/97:
Greatly increased maximum
workable value of FullstepsPerPECArray (used to be about 3500).
Version compiled 11/3/97:
Added new handpad modes for
explicit init 1, init 2, and init 3, so that the operator can force a
particular init to happen.
Version compiled 10/28/97:
1. Fixed bug in conversion
test routine.
2. Fixed bug in test module selection routine.
Version compiled 10/27/97:
1. Added code so that the
program can be controlled by an external PC sending LX200 protocol
commands via serial null cable.
2. Added ability to do 3 star
initialization. This is more accurate than the 2 star initialization
because the 2 star init actually generates a 3rd init position that
carries with it the errors in the first 2 inits.
3. Initializing
from the handpad after the 3 stars have been initialized
automatically re-inits by replacing the closest init.
Version compiled 8/5/97:
1. Fixed lockup that occured
after reaching end of data file w/o selecting an object.
2. Fixed
rare occurrence where scope unexpectedly jogs a fraction of a degree.
This happened when control was returned to the handpaddle momentarily
just after an encoder query: the encoder read a fraction of a second
later was no longer valid.
Version compiled 7/28/97:
Added ability to reverse
encoder count direction for situations where mechanically reversing
the encoder is not convenient.
Version compiled 7/20/97:
1. Added IACA back into the
program. This communicates with other programs through the
InterApplication Communication Area. However, it will not work with
OS such as Win95/NT that put each DOS program into its own memory
area.
2. Added equatorial position recording via the handpaddle.
By setting the handpaddle mode, and then flipping the mode switch,
the equatorial coordinates are written to the file, "record.dat".
This is to build grand tour and scroll tour files, among other
purposes.
3. Changed format of data files to put the object name
or comment at the end of the coordinates. This makes all coordinate
file formats consistent.
Version compiled 7/16/97:
Fixed microstep and guide
speed displays.
Version compiled 7/6/97:
1. Code broken into two
modules: common.c and common.h that holds low level functions and
common definitions, and scope.c, scope.h that contains the hand
paddle and keyboard/screen interface.
2. A new file,
outguide.dat, is written to everytime Project Pluto Guide is exited,
allowing a compilation of positions to be accumulated avoiding manual
entry.
3. A new standalone conversion program, called
megscope.exe, written to convert from Megastar's file output to
scope.exe's *.dat format. Contact the author to get a copy.
Version compiled 6/28/97:
1. Current coordinates now
displayed in yellow (you can change this color, to help you locate
them on the screen).
2. Menu items now have an explanation line.
3. An encoder error threshold variable, called
TrackEncoderErrorThresholdDeg, was added to apply only when tracking
or slewing, EncoderErrorThresholdDeg applies at all other times.
4.
New handpad mode to allow guiding corrections to continue ad
infinitum when PEC is active. Formely when PEC was on, guide
corrections were limited to 3 or 4 turns of the motor shafts, in
order to keep the outputted file size reasonable.
5. Grand Tour
is now a handpad mode. Load a data file, then put the handpad in
grand tour mode. Now use the left mode and right mode buttons on the
handpad to move forward or backwards through the data file list of
coordinates. This is envisioned as a way to plan and automate nightly
observing sessions as well as favorite lists of objects or tours, if
you will.
6. Scroll mode now added. When in scroll mode and a
scroll file loaded, the handpad is used to move forward or backward
through the coordinates in a microstepping or scrolling motion over
many seconds. This is envision as a 'fly-over' approach, for
instance, scanning the Moon or extended objects at a constant slow
speed.
7. Added some backup keys for menu items: q for quit, h
for handpad, d for datafile.
Version compiled 6/24/97:
1. Added ability to show more
than 26 data files.
2. Fixed coordinates' display in Data File
menu selection.
3. Rearranged menu layout to add more menu items.
4. Added reset equatorial coordinates to encoders menu item.
5.
Adding Grand Tour menu item.
Version compiled 6/14/97:
1. Removed MaxMsDistance
variable from config.dat.
2. Added PWMRepsTick variable back into
config.dat.
Version compiled 6/10/97:
1. PWMRepsTick now displayed
on the screen at all times.
2. Calculation of best average
PWMRepsTick now done by the software - no need to enter a value in
the config.dat file.
3. Added a new config variable:
MaxMsDistanceDeg, the maximum distance microstepping will be used to
make the move.
Version compiled 6/6/97:
1. Added optional realtime
display of actual PWMRepsTick via DisplayActualPWMRepsTick in
config.dat.
2. Minor cleanup of code in microstepping routines.
Version compiled 6/3/97:
1. Gave option to display the
microstep # when in TestModule 8 mode. Fixed same function where
motors would not move if inputed microsteps per second < 1 and
PWMRepsTick in config.dat > achievable PWMRepsTick.
2. Changed
variable name from MsRepsTick to PWMRepsTick to better reflect the
variable's use.
Version compiled 5/29/97:
Fixed bug in TestModule mode
8 that when negative microsteps per second entered (to reverse the
motor direction), the motor only quivered.
Version compiled 5/27/97:
Added alternative to normal
program execution to track or move motors at constant rate, in
microsteps (can be a fractional number) per second. Set TestModule to
8 to operate in this mode.
Version compiled 5/15/97:
Removed requirement for
PEC.DAT file and for PEC to be on, for guide function. If no PEC.DAT
file or PEC off, then guide function merely calculates drift.
Version compiled 5/13/97:
For Guide functions to
operate, reinstate the requirement that the PEC data file be present.
Add a dummy PEC.DAT file called PEC.TXT to make using the guide
functions/capabilities easier.
Version compiled 5/4/97:
Added defaults for config.dat
vars to scope.exe.
Version compiled 5/3/97:
Guiding now works without PEC,
and the handpad status shows when guiding is active.
Version compiled 5/2/97:
Added ability to set MGIII
encoder resolution based on AzEncoderCountsPerRev and
AltEncoderCountsPerRev.
Version compiled 5/1/97:
Added ability to interface
with Bob Seagrest's encoder unit. Flag in the config.dat file called
EncoderType sets type of encoder box.
Version compiled 1/19/97:
Fixed bug that in unusual
circumstances caused program to appear locked while tracking.
Version compiled 1/16/97:
Increased the backlash
trigger sensitivity so that backlash is immediately taken up for
configurations with larger step size
Version compiled 1/15/97:
Scooted the shortcut keys '2'
through '5' down to '3' through '6' and added '2' as a shortcut key
for tracking on/off
Version compiled 1/14/97:
Fixed the '2' and '4' key so
that they save the current equatorial coordinates, not the inputed
equatorial coordinates
Version compiled 1/13/97:
1. Added the '4' key to save
a 2nd set of inputed equatorial coordinates
2. Added the '5' key
to retrieve the 2nd set of inputed equatorial coordinates
Version compiled 1/3/97:
1. Added the '1' key to also
select 'move to equat'
2. Added the '2' key to save inputed
equatorial coordinates
3. Added the '3' key to retrieve inputed
equatorial coordinates
Version compiled 1/1/97:
1. Added altaz limit checks
before move to equatorial coordinates actually commences
Version compiled 12/31/96:
1. Fixed occasional program
lockups due to serial port and timer interrupt conflict
2.
Changed Uranostat to Siderostat to make variable name more
understandable, as the need to prevent the azimuth axis from flipping
180 deg when a scope moves to the other side of zenith also applies
to other scope mounts, for instance, some equatorially mounted
telescopes such as the split ring and horseshoe mounts cannot allow
this kind of azimuth flip that would otherwise occur when attemping
to move under the North Celestial Pole
Version compiled 12/29/96:
1. Added code to handle
siderostats and uranostats; these mounts use a movable flat to direct
the light into a stationary tube; so, the flat can exceed 90 deg in
alt: in dobsonians, movement past the zenith is not allowed, instead
the mount is moved 180 deg in azimuth, however, with the flat, this
would flip it upside down; az limits must be set so that east
AzLowLimit is about 90, and the west AzHighLimit is about 270, the
difference between the two limits cannot exceed 180 degrees, and
pointing south must be about 180 degrees in azimuth
2. Added the
left apostrophe key, in the upper left of the keyboard, as an
optional keystroke to the menu item, "Guide.bat". In Guide,
one can define the exit key to be the left apostrophe, so that this
same key can be used to call Guide.bat as to exit it, a practice
useful in the dark.
Version compiled 12/27/96:
1. Added encoder support via
David Lane's MicroGuider III (added interrupt driven serial
interface, code to reset, query, and read the encoders, new menu item
to reset encoders while program is operating, added error checking so
that if error threshold exceeded, current altazimuth coordinates
reset to encoder coordinates, and if tracking is off, current
equatorial coordinates to track/slew to also reset);
2. Doubled
highest possible microstepping speed;
3. Added Backlash speed
setting in config.dat file (until now, backlash was taken up at
maximum microstepping speed, the sudden jump to new max speed
discovered to cause occasional motor stalling);
4. Added ability
to select menu items by cursor and tab keys;
5. Added optional
low and high motion limits in altitude and azimuth
Version compiled 1995:
1. switched back from C++ to
Ansi C code.
Version compiled 1992:
1. recoded in C++.
Version compiled 1989:
1. recoded in C on AT class
machine.
Version compiled 1985:
1. coded in Basic and 6502
assembly language on Commodore 64, routines for moving steppers and
coordinate conversions and other astronomical utilities and
computations.
eof