Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
I agree about the Andy Homeyer cradle, I have just had one built in my local machine shop here in the U.K., modelled on the photographs on Andy's site. It picked it up yesterday and fitted it to the scope - brilliant. U.K. cost ?436 inc tax. Worth every penny for stability. Plus, it frees up you scope's baseplate attachment so you can fit other accessories to it.
Best wishes
Paul
|
Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
Best stability = buy a used Andy Homeyer scope cradle <not available new anymore>. They are expensive- at least $600 or so. Fernando
|
Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
Also for your input Gary. ?
|
Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
Thanks for your input Ray.?
much appreciated.?
Gaetano
|
Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
?
I'll
probably in a group of one, but I have not noticed any tube flexure using the
dovetail bar.? I suspect there is some but I can't see it.? One of my
14' scopes has a small bar on top can hold a DSLR, but the other doesn't have
anything on top.? As for how many you can fit on the scope, I'd say two
since the tapped holes are already there for two.? By the way, my camera is
full frame (35' x 24') and all the stars look good.? But this is just my
opinion.
?
Ray
The dove tail bars IMHO are out. Talk to Frank Angleni about
cradles.?
Gary Jarrette
US Precision
18328 E
Sunnybrook On
Gilbert, AZ 85298
Maker of the world famous
KISS
Focuser? for QSI & SBIG Guide Cameras.
Sent from my LG V30
Phone
602-312-8797
On Thu, Apr 29, 2021, 11:12 AM gaetano.dibiagio
via <gaetanodb= [email protected]> wrote:
Hey everyone.?
I have a C14 edgeHD and wanted to get opinions on which setup would
give me the best stability (less tube flexure etc) , using parallax rings on
the OTA or to use two dovetail bars ( like the one which came with the scope,
only adding another on top)?
also how many dovetail bars can be added to
the 14 Edge HD?
thanks in advance for any input.?
Gaetano
|
Re: EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
The dove tail bars IMHO are out. Talk to Frank Angleni about cradles.? Gary Jarrette
US Precision
18328 E Sunnybrook On
Gilbert, AZ 85298
Maker of the world famous
KISS Focuser? for QSI & SBIG Guide Cameras.
Sent from my LG V30 Phone
602-312-8797
On Thu, Apr 29, 2021, 11:12 AM gaetano.dibiagio via <gaetanodb= [email protected]> wrote: Hey everyone.?
I have a C14 edgeHD and wanted to get opinions on which setup would give me the best stability (less tube flexure etc) , using parallax rings on the OTA or to use two dovetail bars ( like the one which came with the scope, only adding another on top)?
also how many dovetail bars can be added to the 14 Edge HD?
thanks in advance for any input.?
Gaetano
|
EdgeHD C14 with rings or Two dovetail bars
Hey everyone.?
I have a C14 edgeHD and wanted to get opinions on which setup would give me the best stability (less tube flexure etc) , using parallax rings on the OTA or to use two dovetail bars ( like the one which came with the scope, only adding another on top)?
also how many dovetail bars can be added to the 14 Edge HD?
thanks in advance for any input.?
Gaetano
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
No. Not anodized at all.? I prefer the natural look!
It also saves approx. $200.
Frank
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
This cradle is clear anodized not black anodized?? Fernando
|
? ? Sent from for Windows 10 ? Attached are 2 images showing my version of solid Celestron mirror locks. First, I focus the mirror on a star using the Celestron focuser. Then I insert my mirror locks and snug them.? That locks the mirror and eliminates all movement. Then I center the travel of my Moonlite focuser for an eyepiece or imager. Whenever necessary I can loosen the mirror locks if the Moonlite focuser¡¯s travel is used up (very rare). ? Bob
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
I think you're right about the balance Frank, and I hadn't thought about the extra counterweight - I'll have to get one. Thanks for the loctite tip too.
hope you get some good clear spells, the C14 was a really good step up from my C11 and is capable of taking some really good images.
Paul
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
Thank you Paul.? ?I've needed to order another 30lb counter weight.? I should have it by next week end.? I don't want to try too much whilst this monster is un-balanced.
Cheers and Clears
BTW,? I used blue Loctite on "permanent" fasteners.?
|
Re: understanding CGE pro mount
Looking online for "9-pin waterproof cables", I think one
of those might work.? If you find one that's right, let us
know.
?
Ray
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Have we found a location for cables yet? Just circling back on this
topic
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
looks amazing Frank. My machine shop has mine underway here in the U.K.
I hope you get some good clear nights with it:)
Paul
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
I for got to mention, my machinist is willing to produce the Scope Cradle for the C14.? If there were 10 interested persons he would do a run.? At that quantity the price would be $999.? plus shipping.
|
Re: HOMEYER CRADLE REPLICA
|
Re: understanding CGE pro mount
Have we found a location for cables yet? Just circling back on this topic
|
Re: understanding CGE pro mount
Excellent!? You're on your way
now!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi to Ray
I seem to have solved the problem!!? One correct power supply was all
it took.? Now the mount is running well and smoothly.
Appreciated your help
Tim
On Mon, Mar 8, 2021 at 3:56 PM Ray Stann < raystann@...> wrote:
Hi
Tim,
Several things
here.? First of all, those are NOT ports at the bottom the RA &
DEC motor covers.? They allow access to tightening screws for the spring
loaded gears.? Unless you have a problem in that area, just leave them
alone.
?
To connect the
mount to your PC I've found a reliable method in using a Tripp-lite Keyspan
serial-to-USB connector.? I've never had a problem with them and I have
several.
?
I suggest that you invest a
few bucks in a decent 30A 12V power supply.? You'll never need anything
like 30A, but, as you added other devices (camera, etc.) you'll be using more
and more power.? Switching power supplies work well and they're very
light and easy to transport.
?
Finally, I'm not sure what
to do about new RA & DEC cables.? Celestron never carries parts for
older models unless they just happen to have some left over parts.? They
do not have any left over cables.? I'd like to find a source
myself!
?
Ray
Stann
Hi Ray,
Thank you so much for this.? As a non engineer these problems appear
like mountains when really they are molehills! (I hope)
I didn't have the mount connected to the computer as I was left a
prehistoric serial A (RS 232) which went out with the dinosaurs!? I'm
trying to find either conversion or new cable.
As to the RA/DEC cables they're "Iffy" and I guess their replacement
easily solves one possible source of errors.
I'm getting a buddy from Vernon Telescopes to bring a better power
supply,? I'm starving the mount with 0.5A when it needs, apparently, 2.5
- 5A
Can you tell me the identity of the two ports with silver caps?
underneath? both? the RA and DEC motor drives?
Thanks again!? The online astro community has been a lifeline to
me.? Keep in touch, and, thanks again; I'll let you know how?it
goes.
Tim French
On Sun, Mar 7, 2021 at 9:48 AM Ray Stann < raystann@...>
wrote:
Hi
Tim.
?
I have two setups
just like yours and I actually had the same problem in RA.?
I?replaced the motor thinking that was the problem, but it
wasn't.? A service tech from Celestron turned me onto the cable.?
I undid both ends of the RA cable and?put them back and the mount
worked again.? I was fortunate in that, besides having a spare motor
(which wasn't needed as it turned out) to also having a spare cable, so I
replaced the RA cable just to be on the safe side.? You might try this
and see if it works.
?
Now, after saying
all that, I was at my remote observatory last night and everything worked
well until I tried to send the motors back to the switches.? You
guessed it - the RA motor wouldn't move.? I was using NexRemote.?
As a test I disconnected the cable to the PC and plugged in the HC and,
surprisingly, everything worked well.? I suspect that the issue last
night was a bad PC connection.
?
Regarding error
17, there are a couple of possible causes there.? A bad cable is one,
but also you might get that error if you had both the PC cable connected and
the HC at the same time.
?
Ray
Stann
Intro, I'm in the final few weeks of an observatory build and
have bought a new C14 edgehd to go on a secondhand (hefty eh!) CGE - pro
mount.? It will go onto a concrete pier with a custom made pier plate.
I have the mount on its?tripod?next? to me as I get to
know it!!
I know it had been discontinued but for my budget, at the time it was a
good fit.? I do have a BSc. hons in Astronomy and Physics when I was in
the UK.now in Canada, BC.? However times and telescopes change.
My main problem........ The RA drive just stopped while heading
East!? Then 90 degrees west quit again.? I thought it might be
switch position or RA limits rather than a bad motor/encoder that I have
read about.? But, then I noticed that the power adaptor that I was
using - from my old C10- NGT on the CG5 mount - was only 0.5A!? The CGE
pro needs 3-5A I discovered!? Also, the 2 RA/DEC connectors
look....used and I will replace.
Do you think the RA problem might be a power issue?? A few moments
ago as I powered up to play with the pro a bit, it came up with "error 17
recycle power"? I think that the mount is good, I need to learn some
more which is fine but what do you think.anyone?
I managed to tear my bicep trying to lift the jolly thing too!?
Ow!
Cheers?
Tim French
|
Re: understanding CGE pro mount
Hi to Ray I seem to have solved the problem!!? One correct power supply was all it took.? Now the mount is running well and smoothly. Appreciated your help
Tim
On Mon, Mar 8, 2021 at 3:56 PM Ray Stann < raystann@...> wrote:
Hi Tim,
Several things here.? First of all, those are NOT
ports at the bottom the RA & DEC motor
covers.? They allow access to tightening screws for the spring loaded
gears.? Unless you have a problem in that area, just leave them
alone.
?
To connect the mount to
your PC I've found a reliable method in using a Tripp-lite Keyspan serial-to-USB
connector.? I've never had a problem with them and I have
several.
?
I suggest that you invest a
few bucks in a decent 30A 12V power supply.? You'll never need anything
like 30A, but, as you added other devices (camera, etc.) you'll be using more
and more power.? Switching power supplies work well and they're very light
and easy to transport.
?
Finally, I'm not sure what
to do about new RA & DEC cables.? Celestron never carries parts for
older models unless they just happen to have some left over parts.? They do
not have any left over cables.? I'd like to find a source
myself!
?
Ray
Stann
Hi Ray,
Thank you so much for this.? As a non engineer these problems appear
like mountains when really they are molehills! (I hope)
I didn't have the mount connected to the computer as I was left a
prehistoric serial A (RS 232) which went out with the dinosaurs!? I'm
trying to find either conversion or new cable.
As to the RA/DEC cables they're "Iffy" and I guess their replacement easily
solves one possible source of errors.
I'm getting a buddy from Vernon Telescopes to bring a better power
supply,? I'm starving the mount with 0.5A when it needs, apparently, 2.5 -
5A
Can you tell me the identity of the two ports with silver caps?
underneath? both? the RA and DEC motor drives?
Thanks again!? The online astro community has been a lifeline to
me.? Keep in touch, and, thanks again; I'll let you know how?it
goes.
Tim French
On Sun, Mar 7, 2021 at 9:48 AM Ray Stann < raystann@...> wrote:
Hi
Tim.
?
I have two setups
just like yours and I actually had the same problem in RA.?
I?replaced the motor thinking that was the problem, but it wasn't.?
A service tech from Celestron turned me onto the cable.? I undid both
ends of the RA cable and?put them back and the mount worked again.?
I was fortunate in that, besides having a spare motor (which wasn't needed as
it turned out) to also having a spare cable, so I replaced the RA cable just
to be on the safe side.? You might try this and see if it
works.
?
Now, after saying
all that, I was at my remote observatory last night and everything worked well
until I tried to send the motors back to the switches.? You guessed it -
the RA motor wouldn't move.? I was using NexRemote.? As a test I
disconnected the cable to the PC and plugged in the HC and, surprisingly,
everything worked well.? I suspect that the issue last night was a bad PC
connection.
?
Regarding error 17,
there are a couple of possible causes there.? A bad cable is one, but
also you might get that error if you had both the PC cable connected and the
HC at the same time.
?
Ray
Stann
Intro, I'm in the final few weeks of an observatory build and
have bought a new C14 edgehd to go on a secondhand (hefty eh!) CGE - pro
mount.? It will go onto a concrete pier with a custom made pier plate.
I have the mount on its?tripod?next? to me as I get to
know it!!
I know it had been discontinued but for my budget, at the time it was a
good fit.? I do have a BSc. hons in Astronomy and Physics when I was in
the UK.now in Canada, BC.? However times and telescopes change.
My main problem........ The RA drive just stopped while heading
East!? Then 90 degrees west quit again.? I thought it might be
switch position or RA limits rather than a bad motor/encoder that I have read
about.? But, then I noticed that the power adaptor that I was using -
from my old C10- NGT on the CG5 mount - was only 0.5A!? The CGE pro needs
3-5A I discovered!? Also, the 2 RA/DEC connectors look....used and I will
replace.
Do you think the RA problem might be a power issue?? A few moments
ago as I powered up to play with the pro a bit, it came up with "error 17
recycle power"? I think that the mount is good, I need to learn some more
which is fine but what do you think.anyone?
I managed to tear my bicep trying to lift the jolly thing too!?
Ow!
Cheers?
Tim French
|
Re: understanding CGE pro mount
Hi Tim,
Several things here.? First of all, those are NOT
ports at the bottom the RA & DEC motor
covers.? They allow access to tightening screws for the spring loaded
gears.? Unless you have a problem in that area, just leave them
alone.
?
To connect the mount to
your PC I've found a reliable method in using a Tripp-lite Keyspan serial-to-USB
connector.? I've never had a problem with them and I have
several.
?
I suggest that you invest a
few bucks in a decent 30A 12V power supply.? You'll never need anything
like 30A, but, as you added other devices (camera, etc.) you'll be using more
and more power.? Switching power supplies work well and they're very light
and easy to transport.
?
Finally, I'm not sure what
to do about new RA & DEC cables.? Celestron never carries parts for
older models unless they just happen to have some left over parts.? They do
not have any left over cables.? I'd like to find a source
myself!
?
Ray
Stann
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Ray,
Thank you so much for this.? As a non engineer these problems appear
like mountains when really they are molehills! (I hope)
I didn't have the mount connected to the computer as I was left a
prehistoric serial A (RS 232) which went out with the dinosaurs!? I'm
trying to find either conversion or new cable.
As to the RA/DEC cables they're "Iffy" and I guess their replacement easily
solves one possible source of errors.
I'm getting a buddy from Vernon Telescopes to bring a better power
supply,? I'm starving the mount with 0.5A when it needs, apparently, 2.5 -
5A
Can you tell me the identity of the two ports with silver caps?
underneath? both? the RA and DEC motor drives?
Thanks again!? The online astro community has been a lifeline to
me.? Keep in touch, and, thanks again; I'll let you know how?it
goes.
Tim French
On Sun, Mar 7, 2021 at 9:48 AM Ray Stann < raystann@...> wrote:
Hi
Tim.
?
I have two setups
just like yours and I actually had the same problem in RA.?
I?replaced the motor thinking that was the problem, but it wasn't.?
A service tech from Celestron turned me onto the cable.? I undid both
ends of the RA cable and?put them back and the mount worked again.?
I was fortunate in that, besides having a spare motor (which wasn't needed as
it turned out) to also having a spare cable, so I replaced the RA cable just
to be on the safe side.? You might try this and see if it
works.
?
Now, after saying
all that, I was at my remote observatory last night and everything worked well
until I tried to send the motors back to the switches.? You guessed it -
the RA motor wouldn't move.? I was using NexRemote.? As a test I
disconnected the cable to the PC and plugged in the HC and, surprisingly,
everything worked well.? I suspect that the issue last night was a bad PC
connection.
?
Regarding error 17,
there are a couple of possible causes there.? A bad cable is one, but
also you might get that error if you had both the PC cable connected and the
HC at the same time.
?
Ray
Stann
Intro, I'm in the final few weeks of an observatory build and
have bought a new C14 edgehd to go on a secondhand (hefty eh!) CGE - pro
mount.? It will go onto a concrete pier with a custom made pier plate.
I have the mount on its?tripod?next? to me as I get to
know it!!
I know it had been discontinued but for my budget, at the time it was a
good fit.? I do have a BSc. hons in Astronomy and Physics when I was in
the UK.now in Canada, BC.? However times and telescopes change.
My main problem........ The RA drive just stopped while heading
East!? Then 90 degrees west quit again.? I thought it might be
switch position or RA limits rather than a bad motor/encoder that I have read
about.? But, then I noticed that the power adaptor that I was using -
from my old C10- NGT on the CG5 mount - was only 0.5A!? The CGE pro needs
3-5A I discovered!? Also, the 2 RA/DEC connectors look....used and I will
replace.
Do you think the RA problem might be a power issue?? A few moments
ago as I powered up to play with the pro a bit, it came up with "error 17
recycle power"? I think that the mount is good, I need to learn some more
which is fine but what do you think.anyone?
I managed to tear my bicep trying to lift the jolly thing too!?
Ow!
Cheers?
Tim French
|
Frank A
Jason Cousins