My astronomy project:
EQ6 Mount and OnStep driver

Contents:

1. Introduction, EQ6 and OnStep
2. OnStep Hardware
3. Setup FYSETC E4 board
4. Compile & Upload
5. Web browser parameter setup
6. Enclosure and peripherals
7. To be continued

Related projects:

• EQ6 dismantling rebuilding
• AstroEQ for EQ6
• OnStep for EQ6
• Pier mount

Note:
I take no responsibility or liability for what are written here, you use the information on your own risk!

3, Setup FYSETC E4 board:

I decided to go for the FYSETC E4 board. It will make it a lot easier to build this OnStep controller. No problems with the circuit board, almost all is there that I need. It's normally used to control 3D-printers and that is very similar to control a mount with its stepper motors.

More to read about OnStep:

• https://onstep.groups.io/g/ main/ wiki/ 3860OnStep
• https://github.com/ ozarchie/ OnStepGitHub Ozarchie

FYSETC E4 board:

This is how it looks like, even the heat sinks for the stepper motor drivers and an USB A/B cable were included. I bought the version with an internal WiFi antenna. The enclosure's lid will be 3D-printed in plastic and will not shield off the RF-signal.

More info about the FYSETC E4 board:

• https://wiki.fysetc.com/ E4/FYSETC E4

Mechanical:

My plan is to install it inside the EQ6 mount. I replace the original lid with a 3D-printed one. Something like this, I have to add some towers on it where I can screw the circuit board to. Add openings in the chassi for the USB B connector, power switch, power inlet and a LED.

When studying the board I see the connectors to the stepper motors, looks very like the connectors on the EQ6's stepper motors. Maybe I can use them as they are.

Prepare hardware for software setup:

From the information in the link below I prepare the board. Install the 5 coolers. Add a power cable for 12 volt input. Disconnect all 4 jumpers. And add another longer jumper cable. This allow the current for the stepper motors to be setup by software.

Instructions how to setup the FYSETC E4 for OnStepX:

• https://onstep.groups.io/ g/ main/ wiki/ 32747Wiki

Now it's ready for upload of the software. I do it from a Windows 10 PC. I also have a 5 amp 13.5 volt power supply to power it.