Crazy Question - What's The Difference Between the PMC8 and a Mini- Computer? #EXOS2 #TECHNICAL #OpenGOTO
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Darryl Ellis
Hi All,
After going through the Programmers Reference Guide looking for solutions to an issue I have with switching between serial and wifi modes, it bought to mind one of the main reasons I invested in this mount and the PMC8; I was hoping it was going to be more like using a PC with wifi than an Hand Controller. I always felt like hand controllers were limited though at times I admit I miss having one. Then there are systems out there like the ASI Air Pro, Prima Luce, Raspberry Pi, etc. There are mini pc's and other such gadgets. Then there is the PMC8, Precision Motor Controller with its 8 processors,computer processor and memory system, motor drive system, and communications interface. It even has it's own Programmer's language. Now I'm no computer technician, programmer, or engineer. However, I have been a functional user of computers since the 80s and have done some pretty interesting things with them. The PMC8 sounds like a computer to me! What am I missing? What keeps it from being used like a mini computer, or something that I could load programs onto like ExploreStars, PHD, APT, CDC, etc.? What would it take for the PMC8 to function like/compete with an ASI Air, Pima Luce, or even a PowerwBox? I just feel like it's a great idea with a lot of potential, but something is missing. Help me understand. Thanks, Darryl DHEllis59, Dover, DE
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On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 10:55 PM, Darryl Ellis wrote:
Help me understand. HI Darryl, What you are asking is why can't the PMC-Eight operate like an Arduino, or Raspberry Pi? The answer is that these processors are not general purpose computers that run an operating system the way we have them configured in the PMC-Eight system. Having said that, the ESP-WROOM-02 can be configured to run the RTOS operating system if one were to load that firmware into the processor. I did not choose this configuration as all we require is to run a wireless protocol stack and serial interface to the Propeller 8-core microcontroller. The Propeller chip has access to only 64 KB of memory space (EEPROM) with 32 KB of firmware loaded from the EEPROM into system RAM (32 KB) when booted. The ESP-WROOM-02 has 4 MB (32-Mbit) of memory space (EEPROM) to load programs and firmware and provides a file system to store data. This is a more sophisticated processor that can approach but not quite be a general purpose computer in operation.
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Darryl Ellis
Jerry,
As always i appreciate your responsiveness and detailed, this one being somewhat over my head, answer, lol, but I get the point. I was just wondering because a lot of the components sounded familiar. Also, I have been considering getting a mini computer or something similar to use with my mount, but it just felt redundant. Darryl -- DHEllis59, Dover, DE
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Daryl:
Below are some pictures of my setup.
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Darryl,
Nothing is missing :-)
Your PMC8 is built around the Propeller chip that Jerry described, and it is a dedicated real-time processor. I'm not aware of anything else like it on the market. No, it's not a general-purpose chip, but it's a fine choice for what he needed it to do.
On top of that, the motor control functions are encapsulated behind an API (the PMC8's control language). So whatever astronomical control program comes down the road, now or later, just write a driver to talk with that documented API and you're good to go.
So yes, the new purchaser does need to have a separate computer to act as an executive for the PMC8, whether for visual or AP, but IMO that's a feature, not a bug. It preserves independence and versatility. Today I use a Win7 laptop and ASCOM for AP, but when that runs out of gas for me, I'll probably end up with a Raspberry Pi and INDI - based solution. And when someone comes up with yet another astro-gadget-management platform, that will probably work, too - because the PMC8 converses with its control programs but is not entangled with them.
Hope this helps... - Bob
Mounts: ES PMC-8 EXOS2
Scopes: SV 102EDT, ZWO 60/280 Guide
Cameras: Nikon D5300, Altair GPCAM2 290M
Software: ASCOM, CdC, AstroTortilla, BYN Pro, Sharpcap, PHD2 Computer: Thinkpad x230, Win7Pro/64
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Darryl Ellis
Wow, that looks the business Jennifer. Love the dual monitor setup as well.
Yeah, I bought a mini computer off of Amazon which worked well. It had a defective power connection so I returned it. I plan on replacing it at some point, but got distracted and ended up buying a new to me camera. I'll have to look into the Optiplex. Thanks, Darryl -- DHEllis59, Dover, DE
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Darryl Ellis
That does help Robert. I appreciate it.
So now I won't feel guilty when I invest in yet another device for my AP setup, lol. Thanks, Darryl -- DHEllis59, Dover, DE
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