The TSC was created to provide a reliable method for connecting and controlling Telescope peripherals.  There are several key advantages to using the TSC.

Features

Ø  Centralized connection point

o   Easy and reliable method for connecting and disconnect devices

o   Reduces cable drag on mount thus improving tracking accuracy

o   Reduces chance of cables becoming snagged

o   Reduces noise created by long cables

o   Only one USB data cable is needed to connect to PC

Ø  Enables remote control of all telescope functions

o   All telescope functions (focusers, cameras, rotators and heaters)

are controlled by PC or laptop located within 15 feet of telescope mount

o   Remote PC in warm room can take control of PC located near mount to access and control all functions

o   Does not require special software, all your favorite observatory software can be used

Ø  Built in features

o   Duel 9VDC focus motor controllers

§  128 step rates for fast or super slow high torque motor control. Can turn the motor shaft in increments the thickness of a human hair.

§  Focus motor hand controller to control speed, direction and motor number

§  Software controllable

o   Two internal com ports

§  Uses 3^rd generation RS-232 to USB UARTS for fast reliable COM emulation

§  Can set the com port numbers with Windows Device Manager

§  Connect one port to telescopes mount

§  Second port can be used for rotators, temperature controlled focuses, etc

§  RJ11 style plugs reduces connector bulk

o   Three Heater controls

§  Uses standard RCA style heater connectors

§  3  x  6 amp relays for each heater

§  Heaters can be controlled by timer or auto dew detection temp control

o   Duel temperature probes

§  -50c to 120c sensing range

§  Accurate within .5c

§  Temperature logging

§  Control set points to activate heaters when dew point is reached

o   7 Port USB 2.0 Hub

§  4 External ports for cameras or RS-232 converters

§  3 Internal ports uses by com devices and internal processor

§  Can operate and capture from multiple cameras simultaneously

§  Extra ports can be used in conjunction with RS-232 converters to control additional peripherals such as temperature controlled focusers, rotators, adaptive optics, spectrum analyzers, filter wheels etc.

§  Single USB connection to PC controls all devices connected to the TSC

o   Internal power supplies

§  Uses multiple high efficiency DC to DC converters

§  10 amp maximum capacity

§  5 volts at 4 amps (USB hub and internal electronics)

§  9 volts at 1 amp (focus motors)

§  12 volts at 8 amps (mount, external peripherals, heaters). Two DC power connectors for external peripherals

§  Internal SBIG Power supply (+12/-12/+5) with SBIG DIN connector

§  Easy connect main power connector with gold plated pins

o   Internal PIC processor

§  Controls integration between hand controller and computer based focus control

§  Monitors temperature probes

§  Controls dew heaters

§  Monitors overall operation of TSC

§  Future development

Ø  Software

o   Comes with control software for controlling focus motors and dew heaters

o   Can be used along with any other Observatory software that uses com ports or ASCOM.

o   Use your favorite remote control software to control the host pc and thus gain control over all your parietals (RDP, PC Anywhere, VNC)

General Concept

The TSC is more than a connector box. It is a central control and management device. The internal power distribution and processor device control allow the user to take full control of the telescope from one or multiple PC’s

TSC Images

Front Connector Deck

Most of the scopes peripherals are connected to the font connector plate of the TSC. This design allows for easy cable management and access to the connectors. The current TSC was originally designed to strap on the side of a fork mounted scope but can easily be adapted to fit under the OTA of a equatorial mounted scope as well.

Bottom Power Connectors

Power connections and the main data cable are connected to the bottom of the TSC. This allows the cables that run to the power supply and PC to be tethered to the bottom of the fork arm or OTA plate and hang loosely from the mount.

Top Camera Connectors

The top of the TSC is where all the cameras and SBIG power connector is located. This allows for easy access using as short as possible cables to the cameras thus reducing noise.

Software

Focus Controller - Controls up to two focus motors with slider control for step rate

Heater controller - Controls up to 3 heaters (manual, auto or timed). Log function to log heater activity

Future Development

-         Duel SBIG power supplies

-         Triple temp sensors

-         Temperature controlled focusing process

-         Humidity detector

-         ASCOM drivers

-         -35c operation

-         Dome Control

-         Integration of software (rotator, focus settings, logging, safety triggers)

Photos

Prototype TSC with Fork Arm Straps

Bottom Power and data connectors

With all devices connected

Control PC and Main Power supply (two cables… that’s it)