Veiled Cosmos is an open-source hardware + software project that transforms a standard manual German Equatorial Mount (EQ) into a precision, WiFi-controlled GoTo system.
Built for lighter payloads (tested on 114 mm 900 mm Focal Length Celestron Powerseeker Telescope on a Skyview Pro 8 EQ Mount), this system uses high-torque NEMA 17 stepper motors and an ESP32 to enable automated celestial slewing, real-time sidereal tracking, and wireless control.
- 🚀 Automated Celestial Slewing: Precision GoTo functionality for accurate star tracking
- 🌐 WiFi Control: Wireless operation via web interface
- ⚡ High-Torque Motors: Supports payloads up to 20 lbs (9 kg)
- 🔄 Real-Time Tracking: Sidereal tracking for long-exposure astrophotography
- 📱 Mobile App: Control your telescope from any device with a browser
Caution
NEVER plug or unplug a stepper motor while power is ON. Doing so generates a back-EMF spike that will instantly destroy your TMC2208 drivers. Always disconnect power before modifying wiring.
Connect your TMC2208 drivers to the ESP32 following this pin mapping:
| Axis | Function | ESP32 GPIO |
|---|---|---|
| RA | STEP | 12 |
| RA | DIR | 14 |
| RA | ENABLE | 33 |
| DEC | STEP | 27 |
| DEC | DIR | 26 |
| DEC | ENABLE | 25 |
- 12V Rail: Connect to VMOT and GND on the TMC2208 drivers
- 5V/USB: Power the ESP32 via the micro-USB/USB-C port
- Common Ground: Ensure the ESP32 GND and the 12V Power Supply GND are connected
Before uploading the firmware, install the following libraries using the Arduino Library Manager (Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries):
- AccelStepper by Mike McCauley
- ArduinoJson by Benoit Blanchon
WiFi.handWebServer.hare part of the ESP32 board package and do not need separate installation.
- Download and install the Arduino IDE
- Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for "ESP32", and install the package
- Select your board (e.g., DOIT ESP32 DEVKIT V1)
- Connect your ESP32 to your PC
- The complete firmware code is found in the
esp32_code.inofile. Simply copy and paste its entire content into the Arduino IDE, then click Upload.
Once the firmware is flashed, control your mount via our web interface:
🌐 Launch Veiled Cosmos Web App
If this project helped you find the stars, consider supporting its continued development!
- 🌐 Official Website: veiledcosmos.netlify.app
License: Open Source - See LICENSE for details.