Releases: brickbots/PiFinder
v1.4.1
v1.4.1 Release Notes
This version includes cleaned up PCB silkscreens and bug fix for keypad backlight flickering.
For information about how to update software versions:
https://github.com/brickbots/PiFinder/blob/main/docs/user_guide_howto.md#update-software
NOTE: After this update the Raspberry Pi will need a restart, which is not normally done as part of the software update menu item. After the update is complete, the screen will go blank. Power cycle the PiFinder and the UI should return.
Hardware
- Update to silkscreen to include open hardware logo, better position for some footprint markers, and values for two resistors
Bug Fixes
- Fix use of software PWM which was causing backlight flashes under heavy load. Now properly using hardware PWM.
v1.4.0
v1.4.0 Release Notes
This version includes software and hardware updates for keypad backlight support, catalog images and improved solver performance.
For information about how to update software versions:
https://github.com/brickbots/PiFinder/blob/main/docs/user_guide_howto.md#update-software
Software
- Added ability to view images for any catalog object with proper orientation / multiple FOV's
- Added system for downloading catalog images
- Revamp the way camera and IMU operate to generate an integrated solution. Should remove any 'pauses' in position update that could occur when moving the scope.
- Switch GPS to use GPSD linux subsystem. This should allow almost any GPS transceiver to be used.
Hardware
- New gerbers for backlight support!
- Adjusted shroud opening for PiSugar power switch to make it easier to access.
Bug Fixes
- Fix offset RA/DEC coords for Caldwell/Collinder catalogs
- Fixed a bug where cancelling wifi mode change would cause crash
- Screenshot directory was not initialized properly on setup
Documentation
- Added backlight to build guide
- Added light mitigation (paint over of LED's) to build guide
- Added explicit brightness adjustment section
- Added image download info to setup guide
- Added instructions for image and logging view in Catalog
- Added backlight components to BOM
v1.3.0
v1.3.0 Release Notes
This version is primarily focused on better catalog support and new observing workflows + performance improvements.
Note: The catalog database format has changed, and this means that any observing logs from pervious versions will not be compatible. Hopefully this won't affect anyone yet, but if you have existing observations you want to keep, or have difficulty updating, please open an issue and we'll get it sorted 👍
For information about how to update software versions:
https://github.com/brickbots/PiFinder/blob/main/docs/user_guide_howto.md#update-software
Software
- Reworked catalog database for easier integration of new catalogs / compatibility with skylist style observing lists
- Added Collinder catalog
- Added Caldwell catalog
- B key on catalog screen now flips through several potential pages of object data. Currently this include information from observing logs, but I hope to include images in the future well.
- Loading and Saving of observing lists in SkyList format (used by SkySafari, but adopted by other apps as well)
- New feature to push X nearest objects from catalog to observing list.
- Ability to filter catalog by observed status
- Greatly improved catalog filtering speed, especially by minimum altitude
- Added display of stars matched during solve to status screen. This can be useful for fine tuning exposure and focus.
Bug Fixes
- IMU to Camera solve transition sometimes took two images to switch
- Logging would fail/crash if forced to log with no target selected
Documentation
- Split user guide into multiple files for easier access/readability
- Clarified initial setup
- Added more How-To sections to demonstrate catalog filtering, observation lists, and logging in combination to work through observing projects.
v1.2.4
v1.2.3
v1.2.2
v1.2.1
v1.2.1 Release Notes
This is a tech-fix release to adjust left-hand camera orientation and make software updates easier to accomplish
Software
- Moved config.json defaults to a new file to prevent config options being overwritten on software updates
Bug Fixes
- Adjust orientation of preview/solves for left-hand builds.
v1.2.0
v1.2.0 Release Notes
This version includes a mix of bug fixes, new minor features, QOL improvements and better Left Hand/PiSugar support.
Software
- Changed default gain/exposure settings for potentially 50% reduction in exposure time
- Added better exposure gain controls to Preview screen Options page to help dial in settings.
- Added Left/Right config option along with software changes for Left-hand mounting.
- Support for new Global Shudder Camera module (https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-global-shutter-camera/) with potential for much faster exposures
Hardware
- Added changes and alternate case pieces to better accommodate PiSugar builds
Bug Fixes
- Fix missing DSO objects in observing lists on Chart screen
- Fix crash on status screen when un-able to determine IP address
Documentation
- Added photos and text notes in build guide for PiSugar integration
v1.1.0
v1.1.0 Release Notes
This version includes some significant config changes to the Raspberry Pi OS to enable the wireless access point and SMB sharing features. Please make sure to re-run the pifinder_setup.sh script if you don't choose to re-image.
Software
- Added Wireless Access Point mode with toggle option in system config menu
- Added SkySafari and other planetarium app integration via LX200 protocol
- Split history and observing lists
- Allow push of filtered catalog to observing list
- Better modal messages for feedback on actions
- SMB share setup for data files such as images, logs, screenshots, etc.
Hardware
- Fix to left hand PiMount piece to create cable clearance