Remote Hand Controller for PicGoto V4 Step-dir 2018
This is a wired remote hand controller for use with the telescope mount's PicGoto Controller box. As per Ángel Caparròs' design, the RHC is based on D1-mini Wemos WiFi module and an OLED display to show actual celestial coordinates. It works connected to the PGT Controller via RJ9 TTL cable (see correct pin corrections here below) and wirelessly to a WiFi router. It share data and telescope mount control with an Android sky map app like SkySafari Pro in WiFi mode. The mount motors can be controlled simultaneously with the RHC's buttons or the SkySafari touch controls. The speed (Center, Guide, Find or Slew) can also be selected via RHC or SS app.
Hardware list
As a PCB baseplate I choose a widely available Arduino Mega2560 Prototype shield because it fits in a simple plastic case (see hardware list above) just right. You need to cut it at the bottom and make a couple of mounting holes.
The D1-mini pins need a small modification in order to reduce the module's overall vertical dimension and ensure that it fit correctly in the choosen plastic enclosure (that is only 25mm heigh).
Here below a picture showing the RJ9 cable pins pinout for correct connections between RHC and PGT box.
Take a look at my Image gallery for more info.
Instructions on configuring D1-mini will follow soon but don't hesitate to ask for any doubt ...