Mount Watcher application
Download: MountWatcher-1.0.9.0.zip Change Log
Mount Watcher application - stops tracking when mount passes a safety limit to prevent pier crashes.
Many modern telescope mounts have firmware with safety limits that will prevent the mount from tracking so far that the scope crashes into the pier or tripod. Some mounts, like Astro-Physics mounts, do not have this safety feature.
Mount Watcher is an ASCOM client application that monitors the mount position and stops tracking if the mount tracks past a safety limit that you specify.
Mount Watcher also supports an optional connection to a hardware watchdog. The watchdog is an inexpensive Arduino UNO with a relay that will automatically cut power to the mount if it loses communication with the PC. This protects against PC crashes or other failures that prevent Mount Watcher from monitoring the mount.
For an alternative solution using an Arduino and an accelerometer see here: Limit Switches for AP1200