---
title: "JTW Manticore Official OnStep Controller"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/irina/resellers/jtw-manticore-official-onstep-controller/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/irina/resellers/jtw-manticore-official-onstep-controller/md"
type: "VAR: Value-Added Reseller Products"
author: "irina"
author_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/irina/"
original_url: "https://www.jtwastronomy.com/products/jtw-manticore-official-onstep-controller-biss-c-encoder-edition?srsltid=AfmBOopQe73-eI1tnEjx-15ERTd6AMWIjK4Qcla18N02yiF4aBsefJN3"
published: "2025-11-19"
language: "en"
likes: 0
views: 769
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# JTW Manticore Official OnStep Controller

> The JTW Manticore is an official OnStep telescope controller with BiSS-C encoder support, enabling high-precision, closed-loop mount control for observatories a

Original source: https://www.jtwastronomy.com/products/jtw-manticore-official-onstep-controller-biss-c-encoder-edition?srsltid=AfmBOopQe73-eI1tnEjx-15ERTd6AMWIjK4Qcla18N02yiF4aBsefJN3

## Article

## 👤 COMPANY / BRAND OVERVIEW

**JTW Astronomy** is a specialized astronomy hardware vendor focused on **high-precision telescope control electronics** and open-source ecosystem integration.

The company is well known within the astrophotography community for producing **official OnStep-compatible controllers**, combining professional-grade hardware with open firmware flexibility.

JTW’s products target:

- advanced amateur astronomers

- observatory builders

- astrophotography professionals

- open-source telescope control developers

---

## 🎯 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The **JTW Manticore** is an **official OnStep controller** designed for **high-precision equatorial and alt-az telescope mounts**, specifically supporting **BiSS-C absolute encoders**.

Unlike entry-level mount controllers, Manticore is built for:

- sub-arcsecond pointing accuracy

- closed-loop feedback control

- permanent observatory installations

- advanced astrophotography workflows

It bridges **open-source OnStep firmware** with **professional encoder-based mount control**, delivering performance typically found in far more expensive commercial systems.

---

## 🧩 CORE COMPONENTS

### 🔧 Hardware Highlights

- High-performance microcontroller (OnStep compatible)

- **BiSS-C absolute encoder interface**

- Precision motor control outputs (RA / DEC or AZ / ALT)

- Multiple I/O ports for peripherals

- Industrial-grade connectors and PCB layout

### 🔌 Interfaces & Expansion

- Stepper motor drivers

- Encoder feedback inputs (BiSS-C)

- Limit switches, homing sensors

- USB / serial interfaces

- Power management for mount electronics

---

## 🧠 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

```plaintext
[Telescope Mount]
   ↑        ↓
 BiSS-C  Motor Drive
 Encoder     |
      ↓      |
  Manticore OnStep Controller
      |
  OnStep Firmware
      |
 ASCOM / INDI / Client Software
```

The controller continuously reads **absolute encoder position** and applies closed-loop corrections through OnStep firmware, ensuring accurate tracking and slewing.

---

## 🧠 ENGINEERING – FOCUSED INSIGHTS

### ✔ BiSS-C Encoder Support

BiSS-C absolute encoders provide:

- true absolute position at power-up

- no homing required

- extremely high angular resolution

- This dramatically improves:

- pointing accuracy

- tracking precision

- recovery after power loss

### ✔ Official OnStep Integration

As an official OnStep controller:

- firmware compatibility is guaranteed

- community support is strong

- customization remains fully open

### ✔ Observatory-Grade Reliability

The design prioritizes:

- deterministic control loops

- electrical robustness

- long-term unattended operation

---

## 🧪 USE CASES

- Permanent observatories

- Advanced amateur astrophotography

- Remote telescope installations

- Research and educational observatories

- High-precision mount retrofits

---

## 📘 KEY VALUE PROPOSITION

- Open-source firmware with **professional encoder support**

- Closed-loop control without proprietary lock-in

- High-end mount performance at a significantly lower cost

- Ideal balance between DIY flexibility and commercial reliability

---

## 🏷 TAGS

#JTWastronomy #OnStep #TelescopeController #BiSSC #Astrophotography #ObservatoryControl
#OpenSourceAstronomy

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/irina/resellers/jtw-manticore-official-onstep-controller/