Description
Over the years I continue to make improvements and changes to the CGE Pro OnStep Conversion Kits. This is now up to version 3. The feature sets do not change. OnStep still has the same feature sets. It is the PCB design I continue to improve. The cabling I continue to find better options. The 3D printed parts i redesign for strength and reliability.
Everything you need to convert your CGE Pro to Stepper Motors with OnStep is included in this kit.
What does this include?
- Custom OnStep computer setup for the CGE Pro
- LV8729 Drivers
- Power Switch, Power Input and Power LED (power supply not included)
- OnStep Computer Case for CGE Pro pier cylinder
- Hand Controller with case and cord
- Custom made DEC and RA wiring system for motors and limit switch, RA/DEC home switches and PEC
- Straight through DB9 cable with color coded cables to make wiring easy
- Two – Nema17 2amp 200steps per revolution motors
- Two – Machined Aluminum motor mount adapters
- Two – 3D Printed PETG motor boxes
- Two – 60T GT2 gears
- Two – 12T GT2 gears
- Two – 200mm GT2 belts
- All the stainless hardware you need to attached to the CGE Pro
Note the videos do show order style cables and electronics. Please reference my current pictures. When i get time i will re-shoot the videos with the latest hardware.
Please contact me with questions and customizations.
60T pulley installation notes
Bracket and motor installation
Video of my first successful movements.
Kevin Poe –
I’ve purchased 3 of Chad’s CGE Pro OnStep CGE Pro Conversion Kits and have had all 3 in nearly nightly (270-300 clear nights a year here in southern Utah) operation for over 3 years! In fact after I finish this review I’m going to buy a 4th one. At our observatory they are turning HEAVY telescopes: C-14 HD (60 lbs.), Stellarvue SVX-180 (50 lbs.), and de-forked 14″ Meade RCX400 (75 lbs.) all of which we do DSLR / mirror-less astrophotography with. We haven’t tried auto guiding yet as the tracking precision is good enough for stacking 15-30 second exposures. Most nights we give them a harder work-out than astrophotography does by slewing each mount to 8-10 different objects for public entertaining visual astronomy. We are using the original SHC hand controllers which means we have to be careful with how the short controller cord can be inadvertently pulled out of the RJ11 jack (it doesn’t lock in place as well as RJ45 Ethernet). When that operator error happens, it like flipping the off switch on the mount.
It takes a little while to get used to the On-step controls (learning curve might be less steep if Chad could figure a cost-effective way to label the buttons), especially if you are used to the Celestron controllers. For example, you can’t enter ID numbers, or time, but must scroll through accelerating lists (i.e., Messier/NGC/Caldwell/IC etc.). Certainly, you can control the scope with a phone / tablet using the On-step app but at our high-plateau observatory it’s too cold go without gloves (hence touch screens no good) for 8 months of the year. Note: the default settings cause the telescope to stop tracking when it crosses the meridian, but by using hand controller you move a bit past the meridian and select resume tracking without having to do a new alignment. Chad recently posted a YouTube video for programming a fix, along with new improved videos that will walk you through how install your conversion kit.
Daniel Steinke (verified owner) –
I purchased this kit after going a very similar kit on an old Orion skyview pro.
I loved the belt drive accuracy after a good hypertune and new drive system.
I went for the belt drive without hesitation, and do NOT regret a second of it.
I know this system is rock solid and will work for me as long as I will need it.
I honestly really did not need any tutorials. Just pictures of where things went, and I was off to the races in about an hour.
THANKS!!!!