Blackfin 0.4m Controller

Discipline: 

Peripherals

  • Focus motors (3)
  • Auto-guider deployment motor (1)
  • Proximity sensors (8)
  • Fan Control (2 banks, 3 fans each)
  • Fan Tach Input (6)
  • Temperature Sensor ADC (1, 8 channels) 

Design Assumptions

Focus

Startup

  • Assume in position
  • Do not move

Motor Backlash

  • To minimize motor backlash, always approach a new position from the same direction
  • Always approach moving OUT

Drive Characteristics

  • 200 steps/rotation (360 degrees)
  • 10:1 gear reduction
  • 20 threads/inch screw drive

Collimation

  • Adjustment in either North-South or East-West axes
  • Keep center of mirror in place (i.e. can't move just one side)
  • East-West adjustment involves only E-W motors
  • North-South adjustment involves all three motors
  • Account for the fact that E-W motors are closer to plane of rotation than N motor when adjusting N-S.  Distances from plane of rotation
    • N motor: 9.830
    • E-W motors: 4.915
    • Ratio: 2:1
  • Maximum tilt offset - 8mm

Dew Heater

  • Not simple On/Off
  • Take inputs
    • Duty cycle
    • Period

Fans

  • Two banks of fans
    • Rear OTA fans
    • Stir fans
  • Rear OTA fans default on
  • Stir fans default off