How to Build Your Own Digital Eyepiece

Welcome to the DIY build guide for Kat. With a 3D printer and some basic components, you can assemble your own modular digital eyepiece for Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA).

Parts List

• Compute Module: Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB or 8GB recommended)
• Screen: 2880x1440 OLED display module (MIPI DSI or HDMI)
• Storage: High-speed microSD card (32GB+)
• Hardware: Assorted M2.5 and M3 screws and threaded inserts
• Camera: Any USB 3.0 astronomy camera (e.g., IMX585, IMX224, IMX533)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 3D Print the Enclosure

   Print the required parts from the provided STL files. Use PETG or ABS for durability.

2. Assemble the Electronics

   Connect the OLED screen to the Raspberry Pi 5. Mount the board inside the enclosure.

3. Install the Software

   Flash the Kat OS Image to your microSD card and insert it into the Pi.

4. Attach the Camera

   Connect your USB astronomy camera to the Pi, and you are ready to observe.

Software Installation

If you choose the 3D-printed DIY route, the software setup is entirely plug-and-play. You simply use the free Kat OS Image, plug it into your Raspberry Pi, and the entire Night Amplifier suite boots up automatically.