The INDI AOK Skywalker driver is released as a 3rd party driver and requires INDI Library >= 1.8.2. To install the driver under Ubuntu:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:mutlaqja/ppa sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install indi-aok
The INDI AOK Skywalker driver interacts with the AOK Skywalker mount controller (DDM Skywalker) using the TCP/IP protocol over WiFi or a wired ethernet link.
The Herkules line of the AOK Skywalker mounts are produced by AOKSwiss & Magnetdrives AG. The equatorial models DDM Herkules V12, V24 and V48 are supported. The alt-azimuth mount Atlas should be handled as well.
Current features are:
The mount is operated via the DDM Skywalker by means of a WLAN or a wired connection over TCP/IP.
The default IP address:port is [192.168.1.9:5004]. (Follow the information in the operation manual of the DDM Skywalker, if you want to change adress or port.)
In addition to the control port, the DDM Skywalker features a website at the address [192.168.1.9:80], that gives supplemental controls and informations about the status of the controller. (Be sure to have a working internet connection, as the DDM Skywalker is loading the sitemask from the web!)
Before starting the driver, power the mount. The drives of the mount will make a couple of minor movements about both axis for calibration. Wait until the mount is steady again.
When running the driver for the first time, go to the Connection tab, select [Ethernet] and enter the IP address and port for the controller . After having set the changes in the Connections tab, go to Options tab and save the settings. Now you should be able to establish a connection with the DDM Skywalker in the Main Control tab.
The Main Control tab is where the primary control of the AOK Skywalker takes place. After a successful connection the mount will be automatically unparked. Align the telescope with a known stellar object and do a "sync". This way Mountlock and Tracking will be automatically engaged. To track another object, enter the equatorial of date (JNow) coordinates and press [Set]. The mount shall then slew to an object and once it arrives at the target location, it should engage tracking at the selected tracking rate which default to [Sidereal tracking]. [Slew mode] is different from [track mode] in that it does not engage tracking when slew is complete.
Users will seldom use this interface directly however, since many clients (e.g. KStars) can slew and "sync" the mount directly from the sky map without having to enter any coordinates manually.
At present two tracking modes are supported: Sidereal and Solar. Tracking can be engaged and disengaged by toggling the Tracking switch.
Under the options tab, you can configure many parameters before and after you connect to the mount.
Under motion control, manual motion controls along with speed and slew controls are configured.
Time and Location settings are configured in the Site Management tab. Please note that proper data is crucial for the correct working of the mount, especially the automatic flips. The DDM Skywalker itself does not retain time and location: So after having set the changes, go to Options tab and save the settings. This way the controller is receiving the correct data on startup of the driver. Most applications, like KStars, can update the driver with location and time (see INDI settings in KStars).
On successful connection the DDM Skywalker firmware version is read out.
There are no known bugs for this driver. If you find a bug, please report it at INDI's Github issues page