Hardware
Hardware overview
The CaterpillarR is the Caterpillar model that works with relays (hence the R). It is designed to retrofit existing observatories with manual operation. For observatory domes designed to be…
Read section →Relay connections
The CaterpillarR automates dome functions via four relays, wired in parallel with the existing buttons on the control unit. Each relay output corresponds to one button:
Read section →Flaps (lower shutters)
Some domes split the shutter into a main opening and separate flaps (AKA lower shutters), each with its own manual Open/Close buttons on the control panel. Because the CaterpillarR automates…
Read section →Encoder
Rotation of the dome is measured by a rotary encoder, and the home position is confirmed by a proximity switch. The combination of these allows for very precise positioning of the dome.
Read section →Home sensor
A home sensor provides a fixed azimuth reference that the controller can use to re-establish its position after a power cycle.
Read section →Voltage monitor
The voltage monitor (part of the Caterpillar board) allows the CaterpillarR to read a supply or battery voltage and report it through the ASCOM Safety Monitor interface. This can be used to…
Read section →Software and configuration
ASCOM dome driver
The Caterpillar's software includes the ASCOM dome driver and is available from this link. It has two components: the dome driver and a safety monitor driver for the optional weather input (a…
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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