Implementation of control algorithm for optical tracking system in Meade LX200-ACF telescope

This work presents the development of a servo controlled tracking system implemented on the Meade LX200-ACF Telescope. Starting from a previously developed image processing tracking algorithm [1], in which the optical sensor is on a platform with two axes of freedom of attitude (2 DoF) and the target moves with 6 DoF is captured in the images. The relative position of the target is used as a reference to trigger the tracking platform in order to keep the target close to the center of the image. Based on preliminary monitoring requirements of the system, the electro-optical process plant in question is modeled and identified, with an angular velocity feedback control loop based on a standard PID algorithm appropriate to an azimuth-elevation controlled servo pedestal. Finally, the results of the system trials are presented in scenarios with successful results in the tracking, validating the previous stages, and supporting future improvements.