The GOTO controller is extremely convenient and practical to use, when you want to look at interesting night sky objects, with your own eye through the eyepiece mounted in the telescope’s focuser. The ability to quickly select an object using the GOTO controller, is invaluable.
In astrophotography, however, the GOTO controller isn’t necessarily as convenient. I admit there were times when it actually got in my way.
I decided to remove the controller so it would no longer intermediate the mount control; its role has been taken over by Astroberry combined with an EQDirect solution. My own implementation is based on descriptions for EQDirect available on the Internet.
The topic seemed simple, however, when it came to actually building the device myself, things weren’t so obvious anymore. Some important information is missing online. It’s easy to make a mistake that could seriously damage the mount’s electronics, as well as the Astroberry or another computer to which the EQDirect is connected. Repairing these devices can be very expensive!
Once I had gathered all the necessary pieces of the “puzzle”, analyzed and double-checked the subject several times, I assembled the whole thing. Then, with a slightly trembling hand, I switched on the power to the mount.
Luckily, nothing exploded 😉 What’s more, everything works – and it works like a charm! The mount responds to and executes all commands issued to it by the KStars+EKOS duo, along with the EQMod with INDI driver, and all of this resides together in Astroberry.
Of course, EQDIRect will also work with ASCOM and other software that requires such a technical solution to control the EQ6, NEQ6Pro mounts.
It works really well, even in slightly freezing conditions – tested – see the attached photos 🙂
To protect the expensive mount from damage, my EQDIRect unit is equipped with several additional electrical protections.
If you’re interested in acquiring an EQDIRect made by me, please don’t hesitate to reach out
