Closed vs open source observatory drivers

[chalsall]

Originally Posted by xilman

I withdraw my earlier remark. There are some unusual systems which appear to require Windows. The only driver for my observatory dome is exclusively Windows. There doesn't appear to be anything for Linux or MacOS, and I have looked very hard.

There are no other solution spaces?

Just to share, I'm currently working on a custom hardware solution that is sampling at 10 kHz. Soon to go up to 100 kHz. Using only a Rasberry Pi. Nanosecond resolution on the timestamps.

Is the issue that your problem space (and the solution provided by your vender) is somewhat rarified?

I would be more than happy to work with you on this. In trade for the kind help you already have provided to me.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by chalsall

There are no other solution spaces?

Just to share, I'm currently working on a custom hardware solution that is sampling at 10 kHz. Soon to go up to 100 kHz. Using only a Rasberry Pi. Nanosecond resolution on the timestamps.

Is the issue that your problem space (and the solution provided by your vender) is somewhat rarified?

I would be more than happy to work with you on this. In trade for the kind help you already have provided to me.

The summary is that the dome is controlled by a Velleman K055N board which connects to the telescope control system (TCS in the jargon) over USB. Windows uses the ASCOM protocol to control astronomical equipment. Linux, et al., use INDI. I and a few other people have searched in vain for an INDI driver for the K055N. The Windows equivalent LesveDome is closed source and licensed at low cost.

Extant INDI drivers are open source and I have taken a look at the sources of a couple of dome drivers and of the stub example INDI driver. Writing a driver of my own is beyond my present capabilities and I am not sufficiently motivated to learn how to do it. LesveDome works well.

[chalsall]

Originally Posted by xilman

LesveDome works well.

OK... I drilled down on everything, and I think your assessment is correct. If it works for you and is priced fairly, use it.

P.S. LaurV will likely criticize the use of "thru-hole" components on the Velleman K055N...