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System Overview

To Develop an autonomous, AI-controlled telescope mount for real-time celestial tracking using Raspberry Pi and the SkyMap API

System Architecture

This section describes the system architecture of the ATMS Capstone Project. Explore the hardware overview, mechanical components, and software stack used.

Hardware Overview

  • Core Processor: Raspberry Pi 3B

  • Motors: NEMA 17 (x2)

  • Drivers: TB6600 motor controllers

  • Sensors: Limit switches for RA/DEC homing

  • Power: 11.1V 5400mAh LiPo Battery

  • Display: Optional DSI Touchscreen

Mechanical Components

  • Equatorial Mount with three parts: RA base, DEC axis, and 45° support

  • Helical gear on DEC axis for smoother motion

  • Planetary gearbox for torque amplification

Software Stack

  • OS: Raspberry Pi OS

  • Libraries: Astropy, Skyfield, Flask, Kivy, SocketIO

  • Code: Modular design, JSON message handling, real-time motor coordination

Motion Control, Locating & Homing

This section describes the system architecture of the ATMS Capstone Project. Explore the hardware overview, mechanical components, and software stack used.

RA & DEC Motor Control

  • Microstepping (16x) for 3200 steps/rev

  • 1:10 Planetary gearbox

  • PID tuning and backlash correction

Homing Process

  • Motors move toward limit switches

  • On contact, zero position is set

  • Returns to start point

Locating System

  • Uses RA/DEC data

  • Converts to Alt/Az via Astropy

  • Sends to Raspberry Pi through Kivy app

  • Motors adjust accordingly with live feedback

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