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MGPBox Manual

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Summary of Contents for Astromi.ch MGPBox

  • Page 1 MGPBox Manual...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    System Requirements ........................6 General Requirements ....................... 6 Windows Operating Systems ....................6 Other Operating Systems ....................... 6 ASCOM Connections ......................... 6 MGPBox usage ..........................7 Windows Application ........................7 Firmware Versions ........................8 Standard Firmware ........................8 10Micron specific Firmware ....................... 8 Installation and Configuration ....................
  • Page 3 Getting Mount Model (10Micron specific Firmware only) ............. 19 Getting Mount Firmware Version (10Micron specific Firmware only) ........19 Rebooting the GPS-Module ....................19 Rebooting MGPBox ......................19 Turning GPS Module On ...................... 19 Turning GPS Module Off ...................... 19 Activating the relay .......................
  • Page 4: Introduction

    MGPBox provides and thus improve the accuracy in their calculations. Because of the small size of MGPBox, it can be used in both mobile astronomy as well as stationary setups inside an observatory.
  • Page 5: Overview

    Only relevant for the 10Micron specific Firmware  Indicates if communication with the mount has been established. If the LED is on, MGPBox and the mount are not communicating with each other. 4 – Micro USB Connector 5 – Socket for Power-Control Cable...
  • Page 6: System Requirements

    Page 6 System Requirements MGPBox was tested on WindowsXP, Windows 7 and Windows 10 in a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It is assumed that the Windows OS is updated to the latest patches and updates. General Requirements Windows Operating Systems ...
  • Page 7: Mgpbox Usage

    MGPBox usage MGPBox can either be used with or without a computer. If you use the RJ10 interface of MGPBox, please check the pinout of your mount’s computer before hookup. We take no responsibility for possible damages resulting from improper “RJ10...
  • Page 8: Firmware Versions

    MGPBox to your mount using the supplied RJ10 cable. Note: If you want to use MGPBox as the “one-and-only” data source, please ensure that no other software or driver also synchronizes data as this could lead to unpredictable results.
  • Page 9: Differences In Windows Application

    10Micron specific Firmware. Main Window Mount Model and Firmware Information Once MGPBox and your Mount communicate with each other, information about the Mount Model and the installed Firmware is displayed. Version 1.1...
  • Page 10: More Details

    This option will continuously update the mounts time, depending on the tracking state as further explained below. More Details When MGPBox is plugged into the mount it will boot up and constantly query the mount for various information. As soon as a valid reply is received for a specific command, the main processes start.
  • Page 11 The difference between “Mount-Time” and GPS-Time is computed every 5 seconds and the difference stored in the RAM of MGPBox. Every two minutes, and only of the mount is not tracking: ...
  • Page 12: Hardware Information

    Page 12 Hardware information MGPBox uses a Bosch Sensortec BME280 Sensor that delivers pressure, temperature and Humidity with very high accuracy. The following is an excerpt from the specifications of the sensor depicting its tolerances and operating limits: Pressure Sensor...
  • Page 13: Microprocessor

    The ATmega2560 runs at 8Mhz using and external ceramic resonator. GPS Module MGPBox uses a GlobalTop PA6C GPS Module. The Module utilizes the MT3339 Chipset from MediaTek. It features high sensitivity (-165dBm) and low power consumption. The patch antenna is built in and the module can track up to 22 satellites.
  • Page 14: Rj10 Interface

    The supplied cable is a standard RJ10 cable and the pinout is as follows (colors may vary): Important: Please consult your mount manual before connecting MGPBox to it. We will not take responsibility for possible damages resulting from wrong connections!
  • Page 15: Application Interface

    Page 15 Application Interface This section provides information about how to interface with MGPBox from your own application or script. Serial Port settings Use the following settings to connect to MGPBox and start receiving data: Baud: 38400 Data-Bits: Stop-Bits: Parity:...
  • Page 16: Protocol

    Page 16 Protocol MGPBox uses, for compatibility reasons, the NMEA 0183 Protocol that is used by various navigation devices. MGPBox sends data from the sensor in the following format: $PXDR,P,96276.0,P,0,C,31.8,C,1,H,40.8,P,2,C,16.8,C,3,0.8*39<cr><lf> This breaks down into the following, more readable format: Start of sentence...
  • Page 17: Setting, Resetting, Receiving Calibration Data And Other Commands

    Disabled (1 = Enabled) *69 / *16E Checksum Setting, resetting, receiving Calibration data and other commands In order to set, reset or query calibration data from the MGPBox, similar formatted sentences can be sent to the device: Setting pressure calibration :calp,50*...
  • Page 18: Setting Humidity Calibration

    Page 18 Setting humidity calibration :calh,50* :calh Set calibration value for pressure Calibration value multiplied by 10, e.g. 5.0°C End of message indicator Resetting calibration values :calreset* :calreset Resets all calibration values End of message indicator Getting calibration values :calget* :calget Resets all calibration values End of message indicator...
  • Page 19: Update Mount Time Continuously (10Micron Specific Firmware Only)

    Enable sending (0 = disabled) End of message indicator Getting Mount Model (10Micron specific Firmware only) :mmget* :mmget Returns the Mount Model if MGPBox has this information End of message indicator Getting Mount Firmware Version (10Micron specific Firmware only) :mfget* :mfget Returns the Mount’s Firmware if MGPBox...
  • Page 20: Query Device Type

    Queries the status of the initial time sync End of message indicator Troubleshooting If your MGPBox does not work as expected, please check the following:  Verify in Device Manager the FTDI Serial Port shows up. Install / reinstall the driver if necessary (http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm)

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