Updating the software


If you wish to change the behavior of the platform by modifying the software in the Arduino controller, this page provides step-by-step instructions.

You will need a screwdriver with a #1 Phillips bit, tweezers or needle nose pliers, a PC or Mac, a USB cable with a type B connector, and the Arduino IDE.

Step 1: Download the source code from GitHub

There are at least two ways to get the code: download a zip file, or use git from the command line.

To get the zip file, go to https://github.com/aldavis0101/eqplatform. Click the button labeled 'Code', then 'Download ZIP'.


Unzip the files into a directory called 'eqplatform'.

If you want to use git from the command line: cd to a working directory somewhere, and issue this command:
     git clone https://github.com/aldavis0101/eqplatform.git
This will create a subdirectory called 'eqplatform' that contains the sketch.


Step 2: Expose the circuit board

Unscrew the 4 screws that control box from the platform, along with the cable clamp closest to the box. Carefully turn the box over and unscrew the four screws in the recesses at the very corners of the box to open it. Carefully separate the cover from the box to expose the circuit board.



Step 3: Move the power isolation jumper

Using a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers, move the 5v isolation jumper from the inner two pins to the outer two pins. This decouples the power pack from the Arduino since it will be powered from its USB instead.


Step 4: Power up the board

Connect the power supply to the board. Connect the USB-B connector to the Arduino, and the other end to the PC. The Arduino will begin running.


Step 5: Launch the Arduino IDE

Select File-->Open, browse to your eqplatform directory containing the sketch, and select eqplatform.ino. This will load the sketch into the IDE.

Select Tools-->Manage Libraries, and install the following libraries:
  • TMCStepper
  • FastAccelStepper
  • Encoder
  • ss_oled
Verify the sketch compiles by clicking the checkmark in the upper left corner.

Step 6: Setup your board in the IDE

Select your board and the USB port to which it's connected on the PC.

Select Tools-->Processor and select ATmega328P (Old Bootloader). (I got cheap Arduino Nano clones from Amazon, and apparently they have out-of-date bootloaders.)


Step 7: Upload the sketch

Upload the sketch by selecting the -> icon in the upper left. The IDE will recompile the sketch and upload it to the Arduino. When it's finished, the Arduino will reset and begin running. If you enable the Serial Monitor using the button in the upper left corner, you should see some log messages from the sketch as it begins running:

Step 8: The development cycle

Make any changes you wish to make in the sketch and repeat steps 7-8.

Step 9: Go stargazing

Congratulations, you escaped the infinite loop that is writing and debugging code. Unplug the USB and power cables from the board. Don't forget to replace the jumper to the inner two pins. Carefully put the box back together and screw it to the platform.

Bugs / Enhancements

If you find a bug, or wish to submit a Pull Request, I will happily consider it. Please file it on GitHub.

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