ASCOM ACL for DOS based DFM telescope

To modify the DOS based DFM telescope control program to work with ASCOM based control computer, add the following code to TASK8.XPL. This is to be inserted just BEFORE the line with this text: " StrNCmp("set ", Str, 3) = 0:"

NOTE: Always backup your original files before making any modifications!

 StrNCmp("status ", Str, 6) = 0:
  begin
   SS:=0;
   TextX("ok ");
   if ((STATL & 4) = 4) then SS:= SS+1; \track is on
   if ((STATL & $80) = $80) then SS:= SS+2; \telescope slewing
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^0);
   CHOUTX(^1);
   if (SS=0) then CHOUTX(^0);
   if (SS=1) then CHOUTX(^1);
   if (SS=2) then CHOUTX(^2);
   if (SS=3) then CHOUTX(^3);
   CrlfX;
  end;

Then recompile task8 by executing the batch command file: MA8.bat

Finally link the new task8 code to the main TCS executable with the command: MATCS.bat

You need a NULL MODEM cable to connect your computer to the TCS control computer. Connect to COM1 on the TCS computer. The port setting on the other computer is adjustable from the ASCOM driver.

Brought to you courtesy of Paul Nord.

20 October 2003