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Prometheus inFocus ASCOM Focuser Driver - README.txt
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Version: 1.1
Author: Polychronis Iliakis
Date: 16/07/2025

Overview:
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The Prometheus inFocus ASCOM Focuser Driver is designed to control an electronic focuser built on an Arduino with a custom firmware (FocuserV4). The driver implements the ASCOM Focuser Interface Version 4, allowing integration with a wide variety of astronomical imaging and control software.

Key Features:
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1. **Serial Communication Interface**  
   - Communicates with the Arduino via a serial port at 57600 baud (8-N-1).
   - The firmware responds to commands such as:
     - COMMAND:PING  (returns a GUID if the device is present)
     - COMMAND:INFO  (returns firmware information)
     - COMMAND:FOCUSER:GETPOSITION  (returns the current position)
     - COMMAND:FOCUSER:ISMOVING  (indicates if the focuser is in motion)
     - COMMAND:FOCUSER:MOVE:<target>  (moves to the specified position)
     - COMMAND:FOCUSER:HALT  (halts motion)
     - COMMAND:FOCUSER:SETZEROPOSITION  (sets the current position as the zero position)

2. **Auto-Detection of COM Port**  
   - The driver provides an auto-detect option in the Setup dialog.
   - When enabled, the driver scans available COM ports and sends a ping command to detect the device by its unique GUID.
   - The detected COM port is automatically selected in the Setup dialog.

3. **Reverse Movement Configuration**  
   - A “Reverse Movement” option is available to invert the direction.
   - When enabled, the driver translates a requested move by inverting the target position using the maximum allowed steps value.

4. **Maximum Allowed Steps Configuration**  
   - Users can set the maximum allowable step count (default is 30000) to reflect the mechanical limits of the focuser.
   - This value is used in both the coordinate conversion for reverse movement and to validate move commands.

5. **Set Zero Position Functionality**  
   - The driver supports a “Set Zero Position” command.
   - This can be invoked via a custom action from an ASCOM client or by using a button in the Setup dialog.
   - When triggered, the driver (if not already connected) will quickly establish a connection, send the SETZEROPOSITION command, and then optionally disconnect.

6. **Setup Dialog**  
   - A Windows Forms based Setup dialog allows the user to:
     - View and change the COM port or auto-detect the device.
     - Enable/disable trace logging.
     - Toggle the Reverse Movement feature.
     - Set the Maximum Allowed Steps.
     - Instantly set the zero position through a dedicated button.
   - All configuration settings are stored in the ASCOM Profile for persistence across sessions.

Installation & Setup:
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1. **Installation**
   - Build the driver project (ensuring that the project references ASCOM and System.IO.Ports).
   - Register the built assembly for COM interop following ASCOM driver installation instructions.

2. **Driver Configuration**
   - Open the ASCOM Chooser (or your custom control panel) and select “Prometheus inFocus Focuser.”
   - Open the Setup dialog to configure your device:
     - Use the “Auto-Detect Device” checkbox to automatically identify the COM port.
     - If desired, enable “Reverse Movement” to invert the focuser’s physical motion.
     - Set the “Maximum Allowed Steps” according to your focuser’s mechanical limits.
     - Use the “Set Zero Position” button to immediately command the focuser to set its current position as zero.

3. **Usage in Astronomy Software**
   - Once configured and connected via your preferred ASCOM client software, you can control the focuser’s movement, query its position, and halt movement as necessary.

Troubleshooting:
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- **No COM Ports Detected:**  
  Ensure that your computer recognizes the USB serial device and that the proper drivers are installed.
  
- **Auto-Detect Fails:**  
  Verify that the Arduino is powered and connected. Check that the firmware’s device GUID matches the one configured in the driver.
  
- **Set Zero Command Issues:**  
  The device must be reachable; if the “Set Zero” command fails, verify the serial connection (try using the ping command via a terminal program).

Support & Feedback:
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For further assistance or to submit feedback, please contact:
Polychronis Iliakis
Email: polychronis.iliakis@gmail.com

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