Hardware
Hardware overview
The Caterpillar SSR is a dedicated controller for stepper-motor driven roll-off roofs. It connects over USB or WiFi and integrates with ASCOM-compatible automation software to open and close the…
Read section →Stepper motor wiring
The Caterpillar SSR drives a bipolar stepper motor from its onboard driver.
Read section →Limit switches
Two limit switches are required, one for the fully-open position and one for the fully-closed position. The controller uses these to stop the motor and confirm the roof has reached its target.
Read section →Software and configuration
ASCOM roof driver
The Caterpillar SSR uses an ASCOM dome driver configured for roll-off roof operation. It exposes the roof as a dome with a single shutter (open/close) and no rotation axis. The driver is included…
Read section →ASCOM Device Hub setup
ASCOM Device Hub lets multiple astronomy applications share a single dome driver connection, and handles telescope-dome slaving so the dome follows the telescope automatically.
Read section →ASCOM Safety Monitor
The safety monitor driver is included in the same installer as the dome driver ( Caterpillar-Install.exe), and allows your automation software to close the observatory automatically when unsafe…
Read section →INDI driver
Full INDI support is coming soon for Linux-based observatory setups running KStars/Ekos or other INDI-compatible software.
Read section →Troubleshooting
Connection issues
Install the CP210x driver: CP210x_Universal_Windows_Driver.zip. Try a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only and carry no data), and try a different USB port on your computer.
Read section →Unexpected stops
Should the home sensor not be found after a complete revolution, the system will stop and issue a warning. Check:
Read section →Other issues
Need: LED status indicator meanings (connected, AP mode, STA searching, etc.) and factory reset procedure.
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