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. Installing hardware in mount
8. Temperature, Humid and Pressure sensors
9. Test of auto guiding
10. 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.