For support please join the Yahoo Temma Driver Group by clicking here
Check the ASCOM Conform Validation file here
 |
Users should avoid Keyspan USA-19HS serial adapters, BSOD crashes occur when used with the ASCOM Temma driver. The crash dump file points to the Keyspan driver, this issue was reported to Tripp Lite on 12/12/10. BSOD occur on from flaws in kernel level drivers, the ASCOM TEMMA driver is user level. A BSOD means you have a hardware fault or a buggy kernel mode driver (N.B. NOT the ASCOM driver). It is impossible for a user-mode application to directly cause a BSOD, and ASCOM is all user-mode code. |
Click to join ASCOMTemmaDriver
Special thanks to Hartmut Bornemann for support, testing and for his code snippets. Get instructions for using Hartmut's PoleFinder software here
Software
Hardware
Hardware Setup
Setting up the Temma
Temma Setup and Initialization Procedure
Turn off the Temma telescope mount.
Connect the RS232 serial port on the Temma to an open serial port on your computer.
Turn the Temma Power switch on. Each time the Temma is powered on, the Temma control system is initialized with the following default parameter:
* The optical tube assembly (or telescope) is assumed to be on the West side of the mount.
* The telescope is pointing to 0.00 in both right ascension and declination.
* Right ascension and declination correction speeds are set to 90 (unless you have entered a different rate in the Temma driver's main window).
* The control system tracking is for the Northern Hemispheret.
Open your planetarium software.
In the 'ASCOM Telescope Chooser Control list, select Temma by Takahashi.
Click Settings and then select the correct COM port and input your info in the other fields (e.g:. longitude/latitude).
Establish a link to the Temma.
Select one of the orientation modes from the 'Init' windows
When the link is established, center the appropriate star as directed and then synchronize the planetarium software (e.g.: for TheSky press its 'Sync' button).
|
Synchronizing |
Procedure |
|
To synchronize with the optical tube assembly on the East side of the mount, Scope pointing West |
|
|
To synchronize with the optical tube assembly on the West side of the mount, Scope pointing East
|
|
| Scope Pointed at Pole, Counter-weight down position | This method is intended for remote users. The CW down method gives a rough initial alignment that must be refined by a subsequent sync for accurate GOTO operations. It is recommended that the subsequent sync be accomplished using ACP (Pinpoint) to plate solve a CCD image after the initial alignment. Obviously, a manual/visual sync can be used if desired. |
| Scope Pointed at Pole, Counter-weight West | The CW West method gives a rough initial alignment that must be refined by a subsequent sync for accurate GOTO operations. Place the CW on the West side of mount with the CW shaft and OTA parallel to the ground. |
|
Keep Last Sync |
The Temma telescope was previously synced and not powered off, or the Temma was 'Parked' |
Temma Setup dialog box
Temma mounts have numerous different options that can be configured via the driver.
Highlight the longitude/latitude input boxes via a double click or left mouse drag to input new values.
|
|
The mount safety features is not a failsafe way to protect
your equipment from damage, and it is not intended to be a substitute for
for good judgment or and attendant at the scope. Please use with
caution. Keep the checkbox checked to disable these features.
Setup the Parameters: note: scope movements started via the Temma's hand paddle can not be controlled via the driver's mount safety features. Rule imposed by the driver will only affect slews initiated by the driver. These features are mainly designed to help avoid crashes from the telescope tracking in to the mount, tripod, or other object. Minimum Allowable Altitude - Input a number representing degrees in altitude that the mount will stop all movement when it is reached or exceeded. Maximum Allowable HA (hourangle) - A positive number for the maximum HA permitted (e.g. 5.5 = a HA of +/- 5.5 hours from the Meridian). Calculations for declinations other than 0 will automatically be performed using this input. Allowable Tracking Near the Meridian - Enter a number for the minutes tracking near the Meridian when the scope is West on the pier and pointing East (e.g. -.5 will stop tracking when the mount reaches 30 minutes of the Meridian). When a crash is avoided by these features you must take the following actions to reinitialize your mount and the Temma driver: 1. Disconnect the driver 2. Enter the Temma Driver's setup and check the 'Disable Mount Safety Limits' checkbox 3. Reconnect to the Mount 4. Move the mount to a safe position 5. Enter the Temma Driver's setup and uncheck the 'Disable Mount Safety Limits' checkbox 6. Resume |
Two new features were added to either park the Temma or turn tracking off upon connection. Simply check the box to perform the task automatically once the Temma connects.
|
|
The 'Warn Before Flip' checkbox , when checked, will make prompt before a GOTO that requires a Meridian flip is attempted. |
|
|
The slew settle time adjust the time needed for the mount to stabilize after a slew. Set this to 0-15 seconds depending upon your needs. The default setting is 2 seconds |
|
|
Clicking 'TheSky' button in the 'Site' frame will import site data directly from TheSky 6 or X (check the 'X'' box if using version X) |
Note: to create a log file that will record coordinate positions before and after slews and after every sync 'check' the Log box. The file is accessible via the 'Log' selection on the menu bar.
Temma Handbox
|
|
The 'Flip Mount' button , when pressed, will prompt
the user to perform a manual Meridian Flip. This is very useful to
place the mount in a position that allows the longest time for astroimaging.
For example, a GOTO to an object that is near and has not yet crossed the
Meridian will leave the mount positioned with the OTA on the West side of
the pier. Pressing the 'Flip Mount' button will move the mount 180
degrees to position the OTA on the East side of the pier allowing the
longest possible time for astroimaging of the object. Procedure for flipping when uout if near the Meridian OTA West: 1. Click the 'Flip Mount' button the select 'Yes' - the mount will begin slewing and flip 2. Once the slew completes click the Flip Mount' button again then select 'No' 3. Use your planetarium program to sync to the current position.
|
|
|
Clicking the 'More' buttons will expose additional handbox features. |
|
|
The 'Always Show' checkbox , when checked,' will make the handbox visible on connection to the Temma. If unchecked the handbox will remain minimized in the tray until called. |
|
|
The 'Sync to Alt/Az' and the 'Slew Prior' button is used to re-sync the mount to the Altitude and Azimuth shown in the user input boxes. This feature is useful when the mount appears to be lost after an unpark. |
|
|
The 'Save Pos.' button is used to set the current RA and Dec, when the mount is moved via the hand paddles clicking the 'Slew Prior' button will return the mount the the previous position. |
New Feature: High precision slew
Check the 'Hi-P Slew' checkbox (marked by red arrow below) to activate this feature to reduce the Temma's inherited encoder resolution errors after a GOTO slew. This offers an automated centering that may be faster and better than doing manual corrections to bring objects to the of the FOV.
|
|
The green LED to the right of the Tracking checkbox will be lit when Pulsguiding |
Special thanks to Hartmut Bornemann for supplying the code snippets and support implementing this new feature.
New feature: 'Sync Z' allows the user to initialize and accurately sync the mount in the Takahashi 'pointed at the Zenith' position. To use this feature first turn off tracking, point the scope at the Zenith (using a level helps position the scope accurately), then click the 'Sync Z' button.
* power on the mount
* start the driver and turn off tracking
* polar align
* move the scope manually to point to Zenith (use a level for best results)
* press SyncZ and the mount starts with RA=sidereal time and Dec=Latitude
|
|
Clicking the 'Stop' button or hitting the 'Esc' on the computer keyboard will halt all slews. |
Correction Speed
New
Enter the right ascension correction speed (as a percentage of the Sidereal rate). This setting is used for the slow speed moves or for guiding.
Current
Displays the right ascension/declination correction speed (as a percentage of the Sidereal rate).
Apply Speed
Check the 'Apply Speed' and 'Send All Settings' boxes then click 'OK' to set the tracking rates.
Tracking Rates
Clicking on the ' Tracking Rate' option buttons will toggle the rates.
'Tracking On/Off' is used to stop/start the tracking on Temma 2 mounts, or slow the tracking rate to ~60% sidereal rate for non Temma 2 mounts. This is useful if you want to pause viewing. The slower rate will avoid the mount running in to itself when left unattended. Additionally, when using non Temma 2 mounts the 'Rewind RA' checkbox (when checked) will rewind the right ascension back to the point where the tracking was stopped adding one more level of mount protection for unattended pauses in observing or imaging.
 |
This feature will stop tracking in Temma 2 models only! Therefore, parking the mount and turning off the power is the preferred way to stop motion of the NON-Temma 2 mount for prolonged periods. |
Power Source
Select the appropriate power setting from the 'Power' drop-down box. You must have the appropriate 24 volt power supply to run at the 24 volt high slew rates (see details).
|
High Speed Drive |
Working Voltage |
|
|
DC12V |
DC24V |
|
| EM-400 Temma2 | 250X | 500X |
| EM-10 Temma2 Jr. | 120X | 250X |
|
EM-200 Temma2 Jr. |
120X | 250X |
|
EM-200 Temma2 |
350X | 700X |
|
NJP Temma2 |
175X | 350X |
|
EM-500 Temma2 |
260X | 520X |
| EM-200M | 700X | Not Supported |
| EM-400M | 500X | Not Supported |
| EM-12M | 150X | Not Supported |
Comet Tracking Rates
RA Adjustment (sidereal sec/day)
Enter the adjusted tracking rate for the right ascension axis in sidereal seconds per day max = +/- 32767. There are 86,164 seconds in one sidereal day (1 "earth day" = 1.002738 "sidereal day").
Dec Adjustment (min/day)
TheSky Format
Example:
1. +140, +50 - Entering +140 into the RA text box will speed up the RA tracking by 140 seconds per day (one revolution normally takes 86164 seconds at sidereal rate), +50 into the Dec text box will move the declination axis 50 minutes per day North. Check the 'Manual Input' box 'Send' to apply the new comet settings. The maximum offsets are +/- 32767 for RA, and +/-1180 for Dec
Parking the Temma
The Temma's electronics do not offer advanced features such as the ability to park the mount. However, via this driver there is now a software solution to the mount's limitations.
Park Procedure:
Two park methods are available:
'Slew Before Park' slews to the inputted alt/az position before parking
'Park at Current Position' parks the current alt/az position of the mount.
|
|
Prior to using the park feature the mount must be correctly synced as described above. |
|
|
The 'Set Park' button can be used to select the mount's current position as the parking position whenever the Temma is connected. The position will be saved thus removing the need to manually input the values. |
1. Input the desired park altitude and
azimuth
2. Select one of the park
methods
3. Click the 'Park Mount' button
4. When the park slew is completed
disconnect the driver and immediately power off the mount or the mount can be
left parked.
However, if the power is not turned off the mount will remain in the simulated 'tracking off' mode for NON-Temma 2 models.
|
|
Upon reconnection to the mount the unpark sequence will begin. |
Stop Tracking:
This feature is useful as a precaution against mount damage in the event you fall asleep or otherwise leave the mount unattended for extended periods.
Procedure:
Use the scroll bars to set the local time (in 24 hour format) that you want to stop tracking (make sure it is before the mount will track into itself!)
Select either 'Park' or 'Tracking off'
Click the 'Stop tracking' button.
When the set time is reached the driver will set tracking to off.
To use the GPS the Temma must not be connected.
Procedure:
Your GPS must be set to send data in NMEA format, baud rate 4800.
Press the 'Link' button to connect to the GPS.
Once connected press the 'Send' button to send the GPS time and location to the Temma and to update your systems computer clock.
Press the 'Unlink' button to disconnect the GPS then press 'Exit to return to the setup window.
Troubleshooting:
|
The telescope crosshair in my planetarium software jumps
|
The coordinates reported by the Temma
control system (when the telescope is not slewing) can vary by one
arcsecond. This causes the telescope cross hairs to "jump" between the
reported positions. The Temma protocol reports coordinates to the nearest second in right ascension (15 arcseconds at the 0 degrees declination) and to the nearest 6 arcseconds in declination. The Temma's control system accepts declination coordinates to the nearest 12 arcseconds, so, at small fields of view, the cross hairs will not exactly match the coordinate that was used to synchronize the telescope These are limitations of the Temma protocol. |
| The telescope crosshair in TheSkyX does not move when slewing or syncing | Increase the crosshair update frequency to 1000 ms or more. |
Telescope.SideOfPier(read-write,
PierSide)
Integer representing 0-30 minutes
Telescope.SideOfPier = PierSide
The property syntax has these parts:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
Value (PierSide) |
pierEast 0 Normal pointing state pierUnknown -1 Unknown or indeterminate. pierWest 1 Through the pole pointing state |
Eample vbscript to flip the mount then allow additional slews to that same side of the Meridian without flipping again:
set t = CreateObject ("TemmaLite.Telescope")
t.connected = True
msgbox t.SideOfPier
t.SideOfPier = 0
t.connected = False
set t = Nothing
In addition to the required ASCOM Properties/Methods these Temma Driver Properties are available to external programs and scripts:
Telescope.HoursPastMeridian(read-write,
Double)
Integer representing 0-30 minutes
Telescope.HoursPastMeridian[= Integer]
The property syntax has these parts:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
Value (Double) |
a positive number representing the maximum hourangle permitted to track or slew past the Meridian (e.g. 5.5 represents a HA of +/- 5.5 hours from the Meridian). Calculations for declinations other than 0 will automatically be performed based on this input. |
Telescope.MinAlt (read-write,
Integer)
Integer representing 0-90 degrees in telescope altitude
Telescope.MinAlt [= Integer]
The property syntax has these parts:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
Value (Integer) |
The minimum altitude allowed before tracking is stopped. |
Telescope.EnableSafety (read-write,
Boolean)
Boolean representing True or False
Telescope.MinAlt [= Boolean]
The property syntax has these parts:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
Value (Boolean) |
True if mount safety enabled, False otherwise. |
Set this property to True to enable mount safety.
Telescope.StopNearMeridian (read-write,
Integer)
Integer representing + or - minutes before or after the Meridian
Telescope.StopNearMeridian[= Integer]
The property syntax has these parts:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
Value (Integer) |
+ or - minutes for offset from the Meridian before tracking is stopped. |
Special thanks to all the beta testers!!
5.0.0 Changed to use the ASCOM v5 early bound interface
5.0.1 NewEnum Property has to have a Procedure ID of -4. In VB6 its in
Tools->Procedure Attributes >>Advanced.
5.0.2 Added AbortSlew for Alt/Az slews
Fixed bug in UnPark that prevented unparking on reconnect
Added checking for slews in wrong direction after unpark in Let Connected
Unload main form in setup dialog if not connected
5.0.3 Added CanSetSideofPier = True
5.0.4 Added code to account for slew request to same position
5.0.5 Set mount safety to disabled by default
5.0.6 Reduced mount settle time after a slew command to 500ms (DoSlewAsync)
5.0.7 Added Parked = False to unpark
5.0.8 Major change to mount safety logic
5.0.9 Fixed bug causing Type mismatch in setup dialog load form
5.0.10 SetPark coords changed to 2 decimal points
5.0.11 Increased slew settle time to 2500ms
5.0.12 Added resume on error to handbox timer1
5.0.13 Reworked GuideRate 'Let' proprties
5.0.14 Fixed bug preventing closure when multi instances existed
5.0.15 Fixed auto unpark routine
5.0.16 Added checkbox to disable hbx
5.0.17 Refined pointing
5.0.18 Reworked pointing, position calc, and sync. removed current ra/dec
from synctotarget
5.0.19 fixed bug in sync for minus declinations
5.0.20 changed lunar rate
5.0.21 Added custom rates based on Thesky data with auto update intervals
5.0.22 refined the mount safety, dfisabled ha when slewing, added code to
make driver fully init before checking these setting.
5.0.23 - 25 cosmetic changes
5.0.26 removed waitformillisedonds from timers to avoid issues with slowed
Windows clock
5.0.27 increased precision of alt.az to 4 decimal points (SetPark)
5.0.28 fixed pulse guide for durations > 3 sec
5.0.29 fixed site latitude
5.0.30 fixed bug not allowing changed setting to work until unload then
reload. Created ne instances of profile in 'connected'
5.0.31 disabled tracking = true in main form activate that caused ACP not
to turn off on startup, removed msgboxes
5.0.32 rolled back to not use New ASCOM utilities
5.0.34 fixed issues with settings not sticky in multi forms (one public
profile created)
5.0.35 - 37 Reworked pointing to fix T-Point model errors (?)
5.0.38 Fixed type mismatch bug when setting up for first time
5.0.39 Refined settings saving to work better with platform version 5.5
New Version for ASCOM Platform 5.5 or higher
5.5.0 Uses ASCOM Platform's V5.5 utilities serial helper and other new ASCOM utilities
5.5.1 - 5.5.3 - fixed bugs preventing saving com port 1 selection
5.5.4 - Updated GPS for NMEA 0183HS protocols
5.5.5 - Fixed a bug that called old MSCOMM instead of Utilities.Serial
5.5.6 - Fixed bug related to false GPS location and time reporting
5.5.7 - MoveAxis implemented
5.5.8 - Minor bug fixed in SlewToAltAz
5.5.9 - Fixed bug in installer that kept old driver from being uninstalled
5.5.10 - Support for new Temma 2M mounts (no new features as far as I know just high speed slews via 12 volts, no slow slew mode)
5.5.11 - Fixed bug preventing Temma 2M from slewing at hi-speed
5.5.12 - Fixed bug with wrong sidereal time being sent during connection
5.5.13 - Reworked GPS string parsing
5.5.14 - Fixed bug preventing saving settings
5.5.15 - Bug that set Sidereal time wrong for slews
5.5.16 - Refined the 'Automatic Meridian Flip' (still experimental, do not use unattended)
5.5.17 - Fixed bug that caused initial scope orientation with counterweight down not to work in the Southern Hemisphere
5.5.18 - Expanded the longitude and latitude fields to 5 decimal place for added precision
5.5.19 - Fixed bug that prevented multiple instance
5.5.20 - Fixed issue causing a failure to report slew completed when slewing to alt/az positions
5.5.21 - Fixed bug that kept RA from updating when parked, and made all displayed coordinates, and times have a 'space' delimiter
Added the total number of clients connected to the 'Misc.' frame
Added a label that displays the mount voltage (next to the ASCOM icon in the expanded handbox window)
5.5.22 - Moved mount voltage display to below coordinates
Fixed bug that set default speed to low for 2M mounts
Fix box the improperly saved last screen sizes
Move the 'Unpark' and Park' on connect to the setup window
Added 'Tracking Off on Connect' option to setup window
5.5.23 - Fixed a bud causing the RA to report errors amounting to up to 15 seconds
5.5.24 - Fixed bug that caused goto errors
5.5.25 - Fixed bug causing 'slew failed for unknown reasons' error when dithering slews were called
Fixed bug that prevented high speed slews
5.5.26 - Added RTS hand shake to serial connection
5.5.27 - New feature 'Sync Z' is located on the HBX screen.
5.5.28 - Housekeeping,
move some code to more efficient areas
5.5.29 - Added support for fetching custom rate info from TheSky X.
General Housekeeping, moved some code to more efficient areas
5.5.30 - Made tracking rate sticky when reconnecting or unparking. Slews failures for unknown reasons raise a warning instead of critical stop
5.5.31 - Fixed bug preventing tracking off in Safety Timer
5.5.32 - Fixed a bug that caused slew errors
5.5.33 - Added feature in setup to get site data from TheSky
5.5.34 - Fixed bug that caused lockup if TheSkyX was not loaded before requesting the site info
5.5.35 - fixed bug that reported wrong latitude minutes when fetching using TheSky
5.5.36 - Fixed a bug preventing tracking off on connect
5.5.37 - Fixed bug preventing 'SiteLongitude' property from properly updating driver
5.5.38 - Fixed bug that falsely reported AtPark before slew was completed
5.5.39 - Added code to
set IsPulsguiding to false on connect
5.5.40 - Fixed Timer code for PulseGuide
5.5.41 - Fixed bug in fetching site data from TheSky
6.0.0 - Fixed bug preventing flip when button pushed, remove automatic flip
6.0.1 - Added 'Sync to Alt/Az' feature
6.0.2 - Fixed bud that prevented East Longitudes in setup
6.0.3 - Fixed bug that kept instance of driver alive if setup dialog was opened and mount not connected
6.0.4 - Added feature to flip scope for best advantage before an imaging run
6.0.5 - Fix bug that prevent correct RA and Dec reporting when multiple clients were attached
6.0.6 - Fix bug that momentarily reported SideOfPier unknown after a slew
6.0.7 - ASCOM Conform validation
6.0.8 - Fixed bug that allowed slews in wrong direction after unparking
6.0.9 - Added log file to report positions before and after slews, and after a sync (filename = Temma_Log.txt, located in the public documents folder)
The log file is also accessible from the Setup Dialog's menu bar.
6.0.10 - Made log form topmost and added check for missing log file
6.0.11 - Changed log file to write coordinates in HMS and DMS format
6.0.12 - Fixed Let SideofPier to flip mount then allow additional slews on that side of the Meridian
6.0.13 - Fixed bug that sent wrong declination seconds coordinates, added MoveAxix commands back (experimental)
6.0.14 - Refined pointing for GOTOs, added new feature that corrects pointing errors after slews via PulseGuide Commands Special thanks to Hartmut Bornemann
for supplying the code snippets and support implementing this new feature).
6.0.15 - Added additional slewing = false detection
6.0.16 - Fixed end of slew bug preventing final pulseguide slews introduced in v6.0.15
6.0.17 - Added display of EM-200/400 polar scope offset to Setup Dialog window
6.0.18 - Recompiled to correct corrupt installer, no other changes
6.0.19 - Fixed bug that invoked high-precision pulseguide slews for manual moves
6.0.20 - BETA - Fixed a bug that prevented synchronous slewing, initial startup modes now do not make mount slew in wrong directions, reduced mount polling issues
6.0.21 - Renumbered for release
6.0.22 - Refined GOTO
precision
6.0.23 - Fixed bug reporting declination
6.0.24 - Added feature to apply an offest to the RightAscension after unparking. The offset is equal to the elapsed time between powering the Temma on and unparking
6.0.25 - Fixed bug that did not register driver properly on new system installations