Autoslew under Linux

[lukepower]

Hi guys,

is anybody using the ASA mounts under Linux? If so, how do you do?

 

I am exploring alternative software solutions - KStars with Ekos (for automation) - which are open source and seem to work very well. They need to use INDI drivers. Now, I can find INDI drivers for basically all gear i use (CCD, Focuser, Dome, filter wheel) except for the mount 

 

I know I could use wINDI server to connect to a Windows system with ASCOM drivers, however FLI doesn't provide adequate drivers for this solution...

 

Thanks

 

[RamaSpaceShip]

Hi Lukas,

 

You can probably run easily Autoslew with Wine on Linux as a standalone application.

But the nightmare comes from the communication with the other tools, as Autoslew uses Ascom, and Wine is not a multiprocess Windows environment.

You will have to bridge Indi inside Autoslew: good luck!!!

 

I bought a used PC for less than 100€ to manage the mount with Autoslew under Windows in the observatory, that I control  from my Linux desktop confortably installed in my home office. This is must simpler than trying to do the impossible for hours, as I don't have that much time.

I would like to be able to do that all with Linux, but this is not (yet?) the case.

 

Best regards.

 

Bernard

[maxmirot]

Why would even want to do this? Seem like an extra headache with little benefit.

[lukepower]

Well, I am not the big Linux-is-my-OS guy, but still you guys should have a look what Linux has to offer.

Especially KStars is a nice alternative to TheSky, plus it also has functions to image (bye bye MaximDl), focus (FocusMax cya) and even automate (up to a level similar to ACP Scheduler).

So yes, I think it is a nice solution. And one can use KStars even under Windows - and thats what I was testing here. With a Moravian camera it works fine (all software running under Windows).

[maxmirot]

I like trying new software. I will look at Kstars. The big question is there a driver for everything we own. Does the ASA mount have a Lunux driver?

[maxmirot]

Kstars and Ekos looks very cool from the web pages.

 

 

It would be nice to run all device in Linux on Rasberry PI. There just too many devices out there that are not yet supported by INDI including my dome, and the ASA mount.

 

I guess FLI and other drivers need to be ASCOM for Windows to work. Perhaps in few years we will see more drivers.

They really have quite a few drivers already.

[lukepower]

FLI works under Linux, no problem. Most CCDs actually do work fine. And for the dome, it is usually quite easy to get the protocol and implement something usable quickly.

The issue is that ASA is not supporting Linux - so you'd need to run a WIndows machine with Autoslew on it, and use the wINDI server to make it accessible from KStars (no matter if that one runs under Linux or Windows).

[sadiyad]

I recently switched to Linux for work, and I totally get where you're coming from. I've been exploring KStars with Ekos too, and it's been great for most of my gear with INDI drivers. But like you, I've hit a roadblock with ASA mounts. It's a bit frustrating, isn't it?

[viterneb]

While Linux offers a wide range of compatibility with various devices through INDI drivers, sometimes certain niche products or brands might not have readily available drivers. It can be a bit of a challenge to find a solution, especially if the manufacturer doesn't provide adequate drivers for your specific setup.
You mentioned the option of using wINDI server to connect to a Windows system with ASCOM drivers, but unfortunately, FLI doesn't seem to offer suitable drivers for this workaround. It's a real letdown when you're looking forward to having all your gear working seamlessly together.
In the meantime, while Windows 10 Product Key Reddit sub might not be directly related to your Linux setup, it never hurts to explore other communities. Who knows, someone there might have encountered a similar challenge and found a creative solution!

Edited July 24, 2023 by viterneb