I need help with OnStep.

[Xenia]

Hello everyone!
I want to build an equatorial mount bracket using OnStepX software. I'm using a CNCv3 microcontroller.
I plan to use NEMA 23 stepper motors, but some people have suggested NEMA 42. I need a payload of at least 20-25 kg. Do you have any motor recommendations?
I've looked at these two motors; could you help me choose a specific model?
1. https://iihm.sg/Nema-23-Stepper-Motor-With-10-1-Planetary-Gearbox-76mm-Length-512750
2. https://www.oyostepper.com/category-10-b0-Nema-42-Stepper-Motor.html
Also, what other accessories do I need?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions and help!

 

[hevans1944]

You might want to head over to the OnStep forum for this: https://onstep.groups.io

I need to build a remote-controlled (Bluetooth) equatorial mount for my optical-eme experiments, so I am interested in your project.

For purpose of discussion, optical means visible laser light and EME means Earth-Moon-Earth. Optical-EME is two-way communication between two licensed amateur radio operators (also known as "hams") performed by bouncing a laser beam off the Moon and detecting the extremely weak signal reflected from Moon's regolith. Hams have been doing this for over sixty years using radio frequencies: VHF, UHF, and microwaves. I am trying to extend it to visible wavelengths.

Joe Taylor (K1JT) created weak-signal modulation techniques (wsjt-x) that now allow radio-frequency EME QSOs (ham talk for two-way radio communications) to be performed on the 2m ham band using a small Yagi-Uda directional antenna and less than one hundred watts of transmitter power.

I believe EME is also possible using a less-than-one-watt laser diode and a small telescope, fitted with a quantum photon detector such as a photo-multiplier tube or an avalanche photo-diode. It's a work-in-progress, but check out the online discussion group at https://optical.eme.groups.io to see what it's all about. If you are a ham, and happen to attend the Florida HamVation event near Orlando FL on Saturday, February 14, 2026, I will be there. See attached flyer.