Re: Wanted - Gemini 2 Level 6 firmware upgrade kit
?
Hi Susan,
?
Splitting the firmware and PIC chip code versions is not recommended.? It has not been tested this way, the L6.0x firmware is designed to work with the v3.0 PIC code.? That said they have common software interfaces and it seems to work at least in the short term though you cannot achieve the same level of mount performance without doing the PIC chip reprogramming.? I didn't write the code but as I understand it, I hope the people who wrote the code and obviously know better will correct me, the PIC chips, there are two (2), one per servo motor channel, are used as sub controllers to off load some processing controlling the servo motors.? The old PIC code did not fully utilize the PIC controllers which sit between the main controller and the servo motors which allows for a reduction of the servo motor overhead on the main controller.?
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There was also a long suspected issue (by some who did not see the expected resolution given the controller hardware) with the encoder code that was corrected with this complete, smart rewrite of the PIC chip code.? The new PIC code allows existing servo motor electronics on the Gemini 2 main circuit board combined with the encoders in the servo motors to realize their full positional resolution potential by using quadrature interpolation on the encoder output.? These changes improved the Gemini's resolution by 4 down to 0.14" of arc, this is a big part of the new L6 and v.3 PIC code secret sauce and why in the L6.0x firmware there is now a 4X encoder resolution check box.?
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Here is what I know about:?
?
Many fixes for L6 PEC, works with PEMPro 3.10.05 and later
Fixes for Southern hemisphere parking behavior, safety limits, and to limit computation
New serial command 70 to fine tune tracking to an unprecedented precision
New servo motor PIC firmware to support 4x encoder resolution and improved runaway protection
support for fast (satellite) tracking in both axes
introduction of meridian flip points
improvements to PEC management and storage
improved HC displays and better network/DHCP management
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There is much more to it than I know as I was only a beta tester and observer but it works so much better and more reliably than the previous Level 5.xx firmware and original PIC code.?
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: Update Process Question
Paul, Chris,
Please don't worry about this "M:..." file, it doesn't hurt. It is
created by the trusty, reliable boot loader once it finds a
"HGM_Gem2.bin" file that it flashes and renames (not to flash it
again). Every Gemini board comes with this boot loader since the
start, so this is very old firmware using very old middleware.
Again, just ignore this file, besides this the boot loader works
very well.
Having said this: The way proposed by Chris to reformat the card
works well. I've just tested it using FileZilla. I've created an
empty directory on my PC, connected to Gemini, selected one
directory after the other on Gemini and selected "Download" using
the right mouse button. If you don't have PEC trained, you could
omit the PEC directory, there was a problem with colons in the
file names in the past, otherwise just download the files you want
from there (CurrPEC.pec). The Video directory takes some minutes.
Having downloaded everything you can format the SD card from the
G2 SD card web page. Your browser will show rudimentary but
working SD card page and main page, if selected, most other pages
will return HTTP error 404. Don't worry about this, as soon as
you've uploaded your language directory (EN/FR/ES/DE) the pages
will show up normally again.
My proposal is to use the Firmware web page (or the HC) to save
your configuration in the CONFIG directory using "Store SRAM". L6
has extended the number of settings (4x mode, motor control, ...)
so it is good to have a current configuration.
You can also flash a new firmware (Newgem.bin or another filename)
with the Firmware page. Be aware: The browser will loose the TCP
connection and won't update the page after displaying the Wait
message. The best way is to close the browser after pushing the
"Flash Firmware" button and restart it a minute later.
?
I've just tested all this (again) and all works well... But you
don't need to do this. Just use Paul's great GFU and ignore this
M: file! 8)
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 16.10.24 um 03:38 schrieb Paul
Kanevsky:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 09:26 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
It's all coming back to me now.? When I attempted to
update to L6.02 earlier this year, same thing occurred and
the culprit ultimately was that M:Cur_Gem2.bin file (there
is a thread on this).? I had to reformat the SD card and you
(Paul) provided me with a file, "combined6.02.zip" that I
loaded onto the SD card via Windows Explorer then everything
worked.?
?
Is this file supposed to be on the SD card
(M:Cur_Gem2.bin)?? If not, any idea why it keeps showing up
on my system?? This original L6.0 card came from Losmandy as
part of their upgrade kit.? Maybe someone would be kind
enough to post a screenshot of their SD card webpage so I
can see what this SD card should look like.
?
Is the only way to remove this "M:" file to reformat??
I don't know how that file gets generated, but I've seen it
on some SD cards from L5 days. I found no simple way to remove
it, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Deleting it
through a card reader, FTP, or Windows explorer did not work
for me. Seemingly because the ':' is normally treated as a
special character in Microsoft file systems and isn't
considered part of the file name. But even Mac software failed
to delete it when I tried. Gemini itself isn't using Windows,
yet this file seems to cause problems for Gemini itself, maybe
because the SD card is formatted as FAT or FAT32.
Unfortunately, the only way I know of clearing this up is to
format the SD card.
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Re: Update Process Question
OK.? It looks like I will have to reformat, because, yeah, no way to get rid of that M: file.
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I assume I need to copy all the files on the current SD card except that "M;" file to a safe place before I reformat.? Then I reformat and load all those files back onto the SD card, reinsert the SD card then flash the firmware? Is that correct?? I wish I could remember how I finished up the L6.02 update.? This time I'm going to take notes!
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Looks like I can format the SD card from the webpage??? Will that work in this situation?
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Re: Update Process Question
On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 09:26 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
It's all coming back to me now.? When I attempted to update to L6.02 earlier this year, same thing occurred and the culprit ultimately was that M:Cur_Gem2.bin file (there is a thread on this).? I had to reformat the SD card and you (Paul) provided me with a file, "combined6.02.zip" that I loaded onto the SD card via Windows Explorer then everything worked.?
?
Is this file supposed to be on the SD card (M:Cur_Gem2.bin)?? If not, any idea why it keeps showing up on my system?? This original L6.0 card came from Losmandy as part of their upgrade kit.? Maybe someone would be kind enough to post a screenshot of their SD card webpage so I can see what this SD card should look like.
?
Is the only way to remove this "M:" file to reformat??
I don't know how that file gets generated, but I've seen it on some SD cards from L5 days. I found no simple way to remove it, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Deleting it through a card reader, FTP, or Windows explorer did not work for me. Seemingly because the ':' is normally treated as a special character in Microsoft file systems and isn't considered part of the file name. Even Mac software failed to delete it when I tried. Gemini isn't using Windows, yet this file seems to cause problems for Gemini itself, maybe because the SD card is formatted as FAT or FAT32. Unfortunately, the only way I know of clearing this up is to format the SD card.
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Re: Update Process Question
It's all coming back to me now.? When I attempted to update to L6.02 earlier this year, same thing occurred and the culprit ultimately was that M:Cur_Gem2.bin file (there is a thread on this).? I had to reformat the SD card and you (Paul) provided me with a file, "combined6.02.zip" that I loaded onto the SD card via Windows Explorer then everything worked.?
?
Is this file supposed to be on the SD card (M:Cur_Gem2.bin)?? If not, any idea why it keeps showing up on my system?? This original L6.0 card came from Losmandy as part of their upgrade kit.? Maybe someone would be kind enough to post a screenshot of their SD card webpage so I can see what this SD card should look like.
?
Is the only way to remove this "M:" file to reformat??
?
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Re: Update Process Question
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Chris, you have an illegal file name file M:Curr_Gem.bin.
?
That file is preventing normal operations on the SD card. You¡¯ll need to delete this file (not easy) or reformat the SD card before you can update your firmware.
?
Regards,
?
? ? -Paul?
On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 03:35 PM, criscopenneys wrote:
I am in the process of updating my main/HC firmware to these latest versions.? In the past, I have not been able to use the GFU successfully as I always get the "Timeout" message when trying to flash/reboot (Gemini is direct connect via 175' of Cat5e ethernet. Verified IP address is correct. Not sure what else to check.).? However, it did update the HC firmware and this time, it looks like the current "NewGem.bin" file is on the SD card (see attachment).? ?On the second attachment under the "Select firmware image", I can see this "NewGem.bin" file as a choice option (couldn't capture the dropdown box with a screenshot). Am I correct that I can select that file (NewGem.bin), hit "Flash Firmware" and that will update the firmware?
?
HC did update to v1.63 upon reboot.
?
Chris
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?
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Re: Update Process Question
Chris,
It's worth a try.
Btw: Have you already used the HC firmware (looking at the main
screen) with the mount being near the Western Safety Limit (an
hour or less)?
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 15.10.24 um 21:35 schrieb
criscopenneys via groups.io:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I am in the process of updating my main/HC firmware to these
latest versions.? In the past, I have not been able to use the
GFU successfully as I always get the "Timeout" message when
trying to flash/reboot (Gemini is direct connect via 175' of
Cat5e ethernet. Verified IP address is correct. Not sure what
else to check.).? However, it did update the HC firmware and
this time, it looks like the current "NewGem.bin" file is on the
SD card (see attachment).? ?On the second attachment under the
"Select firmware image", I can see this "NewGem.bin" file as a
choice option (couldn't capture the dropdown box with a
screenshot). Am I correct that I can select that file
(NewGem.bin), hit "Flash Firmware" and that will update the
firmware?
?
HC did update to v1.63 upon reboot.
?
Chris
?
?
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I am in the process of updating my main/HC firmware to these latest versions.? In the past, I have not been able to use the GFU successfully as I always get the "Timeout" message when trying to flash/reboot (Gemini is direct connect via 175' of Cat5e ethernet. Verified IP address is correct. Not sure what else to check.).? However, it did update the HC firmware and this time, it looks like the current "NewGem.bin" file is on the SD card (see attachment).? ?On the second attachment under the "Select firmware image", I can see this "NewGem.bin" file as a choice option (couldn't capture the dropdown box with a screenshot). Am I correct that I can select that file (NewGem.bin), hit "Flash Firmware" and that will update the firmware?
?
HC did update to v1.63 upon reboot.
?
Chris
?
?
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Re: Wanted - Gemini 2 Level 6 firmware upgrade kit
Hi Gang!... I was not expecting my message to provoke this much feedback and discussion... Thank you all.
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Chip, I have not yet upgraded to L6 or the new PIC code...? Like Lloyd, I, too, didn't realize I could upgrade to the latest level 6 firmware (using latest GFU utility) and postpone the "servo upgrade", which, if I understand correctly, is what the PIC3 is for? Thank you very much for clarifying this. I wonder how many other G2 owners don't realize they can do this?...?
?
I am familiar with using the GFU utility (my G2 firmware is currently Version 5.21) and I already use the newest version of the Gemini.net ASCOM driver and app. I can go ahead and upgrade to L6. So if I can upgrade to L6 using the GFU utility, what exactly is the the PIC ("Peripheral Interface Controller") programmer required for? To upgrade to the new "PIC Servo firmware"? Please clarify. I am a retired engineer (with multiple degree in two different disciplines) and quite savvy at using (and setting up) computers (installing software, etc.) as long as I have clear, concise instructions. I am prepared to buy PICKit3 programmer, if I know what to do with it. ;-)?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
I did mention 'inevitable.' The Adaptive Color option must be checked, programmed correctly at the appropriate level, and monitored at the right time. I'm not assuming the expected options selected and set expected way.? For instance, consider a user (I've experienced this) who opts to use the mount for Solar outreach, the G2 the set normal with a very-very dim green motif, which was last used a while ago (I favor green at night). The G2 is so dependable that troubleshooting initially led me to inspect the power fuses, and it was only my conviction that prompted a further investigation when it appeared to be dead.
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I completely agree with the correction, and I already pack a large black plastic bag for various purposes and it's good.? ?Perhaps add it to the enhancement wish list.? Something as; press the "Losmandy" colored starting splash screen and the initial display setting defaults full bright, or some other way.? Otherwise, a backout shade does fix the issue if recognized and it only happens on occasion.
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
This is exactly what "Adaptive Color" is for...
Waking up in the morning and the screen comes up green and bright
instead dark red...
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 15.10.24 um 17:46 schrieb WayBack:
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On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 07:51 AM, Paul Kanevsky wrote:
The end is here!
This is excellent; however, a question that I may be
overlooking. Based on previous experiences, is there a method
to override the initial settings to increase screen brightness
sufficiently to ensure readability using the HC, particularly
when inevitable situations arise where ambient conditions and
settings render the screen unreadable?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 07:51 AM, Paul Kanevsky wrote:
The end is here!
This is excellent; however, a question that I may be overlooking. Based on previous experiences, is there a method to override the initial settings to increase screen brightness sufficiently to ensure readability using the HC, particularly when inevitable situations arise where ambient conditions and settings render the screen unreadable?
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Re: Wanted - Gemini 2 Level 6 firmware upgrade kit
On Sat, Oct 5, 2024 at 11:44 AM, Susan wrote:
This is my first time posting here. I am looking for a Gemini 2 Level 6 firmware upgrade kit. I have been advised by Losmandy that they are no longer stocking the firmware upgrade kit. So I am hoping I can find one "used" instead of having to send my Gemini 2 system to Losmandy in the USA for Factory Upgrade Service. If not the whole kit, I would also be happy with at least 1) the Pic programmer adapter to match the Gemini 2 pins, 2) the microSD card #1 with programming software and step-by-step instructions, and 3) the microSD card #2 with complete L6 firmware already installed and ready to go. I can source the required PICKit3 programmer from elsewhere. Since I live in Canada, the cost of sending my Gemini 2 to Losmandy in the USA for Factory Upgrade Service is substantial, given I would have to pay for shipping both ways and in the end I will pay in $CAN...
Susan,
?
Just checking in.? So what happened?? Did you get updated to L6 and new PIC code?? Nosey people want to know. LOL.?
?
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 02:58 PM, Rene Goerlich wrote:
The end of this full brightness is very near! In fact, it is already history, but the numbers stay the same 8)
The end is here! :) New versions of mainboard firmware (L6.05) and HC firmware (v1.63c) are available:
?
?
Please update both. As before, the simplest way is just to use the Advanced tab in GFU. Drop the gemhc_V163c firmware zip file directly into Hand Controller list, and L605 firmware zip file into Gemini CPU list, press Start.
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(Don't forget to press Store Settings after changing HC brightness, and unselect Adaptive Color if you don't want the setting to change automatically.)
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In addition to fixing the HC brightness reset, this also adds the meridian flip point configuration settings to the Mount menu in the Gemini web pages:
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A fix for Gemini.NET ASCOM driver advanced settings window for showing 100% brightness level is also coming soon :)
?
Regards,
?
? ?-Paul
?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
Chip,
The end of this full brightness is very near! In fact, it is
already history, but the numbers stay the same 8)
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 14.10.24 um 20:45 schrieb Chip
Louie:
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Show quoted text
?
Yup, under the L6.04beta and HC 1.63beta the brightness still
resumes at full brightness on power up.??
?
--
Chip Louie
Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
You guys deserve the best 8) What a great community!
Thank you,
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 14.10.24 um 20:41 schrieb Bill
Flanagan via groups.io:
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Show quoted text
Wow!?
Thanks Ren¨¦!?
You are the best!? I won¡¯t have to worry anymore about
ruining my buddy¡¯s dark adaption when we¡¯re at the dark
site! J
?
Bill
?
?
Guys,
I'm on it, issue is solved, I'm hardening it.
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 14.10.24 um 19:36 schrieb Chip Louie:
On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 05:42 AM, Bill
Flanagan wrote:
Hi
Paul,
?
I¡¯m
currently using the new 1.62beta HC firmware.? I¡¯m
also using the new G2 6.03beta firmware.? However,
the previous HC firmware, 1.61, also behaved the
same.? It¡¯s easy to reproduce, just dim the HC
display and save the settings.? Power off the G2,
then power it back on.? This HC display will
initially come up dimmed.? Start the mount by
selecting one of the Cold/Warm/Warm start options
then negotiate back to the four-button main menu.?
The main menu will come up dimmed but then quickly
go to full brightness.
?
I
guess what I was expecting with the Adaptive Color
option selected, is that the display would start up
with both the color and brightness saved with the
mode based on the time of day.? It does start up
this way when it presents the initial start menu,
however, when you go to the main menu the color
remains the same but the display goes to full
brightness.
?
Thanks,
Bill
?
?
I'll
try to reproduce this. What version of HC firmware
are you using?
On
Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 09:14 PM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Yes..
The behavior is the same with the Adaptive
Color option on or off.? And yes, I have been
pressing store settings after changing the
settings.? The HC will always start with the
previously saved brightness but at soon as I
navigate to the home menu after performing a
Cold Start if goes to full brightness.
?
Regards,
Bill
I can confirm most of this behaviour
under HC 1.61 firmware and L6.02.? I have loaded HC
1.63beta and L6.04beta but not tried this yet.? ?
Chip
Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
?
Yup, under the L6.04beta and HC 1.63beta the brightness still resumes at full brightness on power up.??
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
|
Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
Wow!? Thanks Ren¨¦!? You are the best!? I won¡¯t have to worry anymore about ruining my buddy¡¯s dark adaption when we¡¯re at the dark site! J ? Bill ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rene Goerlich
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2024 12:47 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings? Guys,
I'm on it, issue is solved, I'm hardening it.
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦
Am 14.10.24 um 19:36 schrieb Chip Louie: On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 05:42 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote: Hi Paul, ? I¡¯m currently using the new 1.62beta HC firmware.? I¡¯m also using the new G2 6.03beta firmware.? However, the previous HC firmware, 1.61, also behaved the same.? It¡¯s easy to reproduce, just dim the HC display and save the settings.? Power off the G2, then power it back on.? This HC display will initially come up dimmed.? Start the mount by selecting one of the Cold/Warm/Warm start options then negotiate back to the four-button main menu.? The main menu will come up dimmed but then quickly go to full brightness. ? I guess what I was expecting with the Adaptive Color option selected, is that the display would start up with both the color and brightness saved with the mode based on the time of day.? It does start up this way when it presents the initial start menu, however, when you go to the main menu the color remains the same but the display goes to full brightness. ? Thanks, Bill ? ? I'll try to reproduce this. What version of HC firmware are you using? On Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 09:14 PM, Bill Flanagan wrote: Yes.. The behavior is the same with the Adaptive Color option on or off.? And yes, I have been pressing store settings after changing the settings.? The HC will always start with the previously saved brightness but at soon as I navigate to the home menu after performing a Cold Start if goes to full brightness. ? Regards, Bill
I can confirm most of this behaviour under HC 1.61 firmware and L6.02.? I have loaded HC 1.63beta and L6.04beta but not tried this yet.? ?
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
?
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Re: Does "Allow Speeding Up" button still work?
?
Okay!? The Allow Speeding Up option is selectable now and it appears to work though I don't know if it behaves right with the "ASU" option not selected such as while in Guide speed which used to reverse the direction of whatever key was pressed as if manually guiding.? Not sure this is important so much these days as would be nice to be consistent with the old Gemini-1.? The double key press was a nice feature for us old visual observers but I had sort of forgotten how nice since imaging during Covid lockdown.? But it's back baby!? ?
? ?
Thank you Rene and Paul!??
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: HC Doesn't Retain Brightness Settings
I¡¯ve reproduced this as well. ¸é±ð²Ô¨¦ is on the case, we should have a fix soon! ;)
?
Regards,
?
? -Paul
?
On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 01:36 PM, Chip Louie wrote:
On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 05:42 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Paul,
?
I¡¯m currently using the new 1.62beta HC firmware.? I¡¯m also using the new G2 6.03beta firmware.? However, the previous HC firmware, 1.61, also behaved the same.? It¡¯s easy to reproduce, just dim the HC display and save the settings.? Power off the G2, then power it back on.? This HC display will initially come up dimmed.? Start the mount by selecting one of the Cold/Warm/Warm start options then negotiate back to the four-button main menu.? The main menu will come up dimmed but then quickly go to full brightness.
?
I guess what I was expecting with the Adaptive Color option selected, is that the display would start up with both the color and brightness saved with the mode based on the time of day.? It does start up this way when it presents the initial start menu, however, when you go to the main menu the color remains the same but the display goes to full brightness.
?
Thanks,
Bill
?
?
I'll try to reproduce this. What version of HC firmware are you using?
On Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 09:14 PM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Yes.. The behavior is the same with the Adaptive Color option on or off.? And yes, I have been pressing store settings after changing the settings.? The HC will always start with the previously saved brightness but at soon as I navigate to the home menu after performing a Cold Start if goes to full brightness.
?
Regards,
Bill
?
Paul,?
?
I can confirm most of this behaviour under HC 1.61 firmware and L6.02.? I have loaded HC 1.63beta and L6.04beta but not tried this yet.? ?
?
??
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
|
Chip Louie
Paul Kanevsky
Susan