https://github.com/linuxkidd/can-bus_ror_control
Roll off Roof and Flap control for Astronomy Observatories
https://github.com/linuxkidd/can-bus_ror_control
Last synced: 9 months ago
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Roll off Roof and Flap control for Astronomy Observatories
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/linuxkidd/can-bus_ror_control
- Owner: linuxkidd
- License: apache-2.0
- Created: 2020-10-13T18:48:38.000Z (about 5 years ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2021-04-29T19:12:34.000Z (over 4 years ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-01-27T11:50:03.309Z (11 months ago)
- Language: C++
- Size: 47.9 KB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 3
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# CAN-Bus Roll-off-Roof (and Flap) Astronomy Controller
(This document is a work in progress)
## Scope:
- This project provides a fully functioning [ASCOM Alpaca](https://ascom-standards.org/api/#/Dome%20Specific%20Methods/get_dome__device_number__shutterstatus) compliant roll-off-roof control mechanism, with or without Flap control.
- While not an overly advanced project, it does have many parts which work together, thus appears quite complex at first glance.
- Basic Linux, Arduino and miscellaneous electronics experience will make assembly much easier.
## Basic overview:
- The Roof ( and Flap if you use one ) is controlled by an Arduino Nano + 2 Relay board
- One relay is used to enable/disable movement
- The other relay is used to control direction of movement of the roof/flap ( open/close )
- The Roof / Flap controllers communication occurs via [CAN-Bus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus).
- CAN-Bus has been used in industrial scenarios since the early 80's, and in Automobiles since ~2004.
- It is a differential signal physical protocol, meaning it is very resilient to noise introduced by electro-magnetic interference
- CAN-Bus is thus, fairly robust -- and can be made fault tolerant at more expense.
- The controlling computer in this project is a Raspberry Pi with a CAN-Bus card added on.
- Technically, any linux system running Python3 can be used, but that is outside the scope of this guide.
## NOTE:
- I use DC motors and thus, a [Variable Speed, Reversible, DC Motor Controller](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073S3P1FY)
- You may opt for additional, higher power handling Relays to add into an AC motor control system
## Parts lists:
### Roof / Flap controller:
- [Arduino Nano](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0775XQXRB) - or similar
- [Dual Relay Board](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DYSYRFR) - or similar
- [MCP2515 CAN-Bus Board](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IV3ZSKO) - or similar
- [Limit Switches](https://www.amazon.com/TWTADE-ME-8108-Adjustable-arduino-Momentary/dp/B07NL12NL5)
- [Nano Screw Terminal Adapter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0788MLRLK) - not requried, but makes assembly easier for non-solder skilled persons
### Control Computer:
- [Raspberry Pi 3B+](https://www.amazon.com/ELEMENT-Element14-Raspberry-Pi-Motherboard/dp/B07BDR5PDW)
- Yes, there are more powerful ( Pi 4 ) systems, but this one is plenty powerful and less power hungry
- [PiCAN2 + RPi Enclosure](https://copperhilltech.com/plastic-enclosure-for-pican2-and-raspberry-pi-2-3/)
- Two options for the RPi CAN-Bus board, one with power supply built in, one without:
- [PiCAN2 CAN-Bus Hat - no Power Supply](https://copperhilltech.com/pican-2-can-bus-interface-for-raspberry-pi/)
- [PiCAN2 CAN-Bus Hat + WITH Power Supply](https://copperhilltech.com/pican2-can-interface-for-raspberry-pi-with-smps/)
- The power supply version allows you to power your Roof/Flap control boards and the RPi all off the same 12v battery power.
- If you'd rather power your Raspberry pi from a different power source, feel free to buy the unit without the Power Supply on-board.
- [High Endurance micro-SD card](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CJLNM4)
### Miscellaneous bits:
- 4 Conductor Wire ( +12v, Ground, CAN-High, CAN-Low )
- 4 Position connectors for easy connect/disconnect of low power connections