FreeGoto Main
The Main program is FreeGoto.exe, that handles all the hardware control, math. routine,s etc,etc.
The program consist off several screens in which the program and parameters can be configured.
With so many parameters it is obvious that things can go wrong, therefor a panic button is programmed, that will bring back the program to its basic state.
Choose configuration or Initialize or Detail parameters section for specific information.
Some technical notes:
FreeGo2 software is Freeware.
Freego2 software is developed in Lazarus FreePascal.
It is not using any IDE sourcscode so is not bounded to the LGPL of Lazarus/FPC.
One GPL library is used for network trafic lnet which is available at: http://wiki.lazarus.freepascal.org/lNet Freeware is software that is available for use at no monetary cost.
In other words, while freeware may be used without payment it is most often proprietary software, and usually modification, re-distribution or reverse-engineering without the author's permission is prohibited.
Indicators
Status:
this is the information screen with the status of movement of the telescope.
These Statuses are: 1: Stop, 2: Tracking, 3: Pointing, 4: Park Move, 5: Park, 6:Flip Move.
Connected:
However FreeGo2 is a standalone program,it is possible to use extended astronomical programs like Stellarium and other astronomical programs who are equipped with ASCOM technology.
When connected, the light is green. Connection goes by TCP interface, configure the extended program Stellarium with address 127.0.0.1 port 10000. The ASCOM interface does this automatic. Connection description will be explained at the end off this help file.
Flip State:
If you're using a German equatorial mount, then at a certain time the telescope will cross the meridian, when crossing the telescope will sooner our later hit your telescope tripod or Pier, to avoid such use PIER FLIP. When PER FLIP is enabled and configured (how? Later more) say Meridian 1 degree, then if the telescope slews to meridian it will no pass the meridian , 1 degree before Meridian , the mount will do the flip end the telescope moves from the right side off the pier to the left side. And visa versa. Advice: enable pier flip from beginning.
Object:
This screen shows information about witch mode , warnings.
Demo mode, no mount is connect (USB) to the computer.
Next Position:
These values (RA & DEC ) showing the coordinates for the next goto command, you can manual type in the values, if connected to third party( stellarium, etc) the goto values from the third party will display and third party goto command will be executed.
Current Position:
this is the actual position of the telescope.
There are 3 back ground color modes for this information screen :
1: Green .. position Goto values are in range.
2: Yellow.. position FLIP is in range.
3: White… normal operation.
Buttons:
GoTo: Execute the Goto to coordinates, displayed in Next position display.
Stop: Stop movement off mount.
Objects : Displaying a Libary where favourite objects can be choosen.
Track: Set Mount to tracking mode. The telescope will follow the choosen object.
Park: Parking your telescope to a pre defined position.
Unpark: Unpark the telescope and staying in pre defined position, waiting for commands.
DROPDOWN CONTROLS:
Control: same function as buttons (Manual, Park, Goto, Track, Stop, IOcontrol, Unpark) except Hardware.
Hardware
This is configuration zone.
Here you can see and select your USB connected hardware.
Selected is Dummy USB device.
With the scan USB you can find the connected hardware, pull down to your card.
The lower part is technical information about position of the mount and Motor values.
Hardware simulation: this picture is shown in demo mode and represents a technical view of demo telescope position.
The checkboxes can be checked if telescope move in wrong direction.
The display (bottom) show hexadecimale values from the FreeGo2 controller.
