What about the ESP32/ESP8266

[gabrielklein]

These two chips cost ~3$ in china and can be programmed in arduino.

What do you think of adding ESP32 support (Bluetooth or wifi).

[gabrielklein]

First issue :) 3.3v vs 5v but my cable is ready (74AHCT125 is here to help)

[juanmb]

It would be easy to use an ESP32 instead of an Arduino, but I don't see the advantage in this application. Arduinos can be also very cheap in AliExpress.
The purpose of this project is to substitute the original telescope hand controller while maintaining the compatibility with its protocol. Existing software should keep working without modification.
If you need a wireless link you can use a serial-to-bluetooth module like the HC-06, which can be attached to the Arduino.

[genehunter29009]

The esp32 is small and has wifi and bluetooth. Its easy to connect to esp32 via bluetooth. However it is 3.3 volts. The tiny arduino has 5v but does not have wifi or bluetooth without adding it. So either way you have to do something. I was able to get the project to run on esp32 wroom or ESP-32S but you would need that part to convert 3.3v ttl to 5v ttl (74AHCT125).

Personally I would like to see the project converted. It would give you so much more flexibility to for instance build a website to control the mount, then you have your own Gui. or you could connect via Bluetooth and be wireless. for now I am ordering the mini arduino since all I really need is to control the mount at the moment. that may change later.