Download

Once we have uploaded the code to the Arduino, we can install the ASCOM Driver so that we can connect the power box to NINA or other compatible astrophotography software.

Install ready-built driver

You can choose to install the already-built driver from the Releases page:
First, download it [here] (https://github.com/florindumitrescu94/DashBoard_PowerBox_V2/releases/tag/2.0.5) Download the installer file (.exe) and run it. Afterwards, the driver will be ready to use.

Build installer in Visual Studio

If you want to build your own installer or modify the ASCOM driver before installing it, you can either clone the repository from here, or just download the Source files from the Release page and build your own driver. You will need to use the ASCOM Installer Script Generator to create an installer which you can run afterwards.

Connecting to NINA and driver initial setup

Once the driver is installed, open NINA and go to the Switch tab in the Equipment page. Click on the dropdown and find DashBoard PowerBox V2.

Click on the Settings (gears) button, then select the correct COM port for your powerbox.

Click OK, then click Connect. After a few seconds, the powerbox will connect to NINA and will be ready to use!

All the functions are explained in the description under each switch or gauge. The weather and power information updates once every 1 or 2 seconds.

PWM automation

When you set up the PWM automation, it will automatically change the value for each PWM output based on the ambiental temperature and the dew heater temperature (if a probe is connected).

After some time passes, you will see that this value will be changed, as the power is adjusted automatically so that the temperature of the dew heater is kept adequate to the current conditions.