?

?

?

Guess that I am going to have to start a Frequency Asked Question
section about the Gemini 2 on my site, like I have for
the Gemini 1 controllers.

Tom Hilton

?

You should be able to just use this:

NETGEAR WG111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (54 Mbps)

For $13 and be done with it. It should work with a router and thats what I'll get.

Dave

Great thanks for all the news. I picked up a Netgear universal wireless internet adapter (WNCE2001) for about $60 and it works like a charm. Very small. It can be powered from the USB port, but from what I can tell, it needs to be powered up in advance of turning on the gemini, so it's powered from AC for the moment.

It doesn't appear the USB port is working beyond just providing power. Anyone try plugging in their computer via USB?

cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@..., "tom@" <tom@> wrote:

Brianwith
I am seriously considering using only the DAP1522 into my Gemini 2 for
communications. with it and the Power supply being on the same circuit,
should seriously help eliminate ground loops. I will be using the ASCOM
Gemini.net driver, and using serial pulse guiding, so the only
connections into the Gemini would be power, The motor cable, hand
controller, and of course the Ethernet from the DAP1522. I will mount
the DAP1522 directly below the Gemini 2.
I was going to have to run about 20 foot Ethernet cables before. These
is going to be great. By the way I am using the maximum encryption
that these devices offers, and really don't see and speed decrease.

Tom Hilton

On 3/19/2011 1:51 PM, tom@ wrote:

Brian
Well I got it configured. With the Gemini 2 into it, I can connected
using DHCP over it. I can get the loggin with either 192.168.0.123 or
httpp//gemini

Even my Android still works on the wireless network and is able to
access the Gemini.
This really cuts down on allot of the wiring I have to do.

One work of caution about Bridges. The first bridges I purchased was
not compatible with my D-Link routers. It seems that bridges can be
brand and model specific on which wireless routes they will work with.
I takes a little work, but I do have my DIR-655 and Dir825 working
with the DAP1522 (all D-link)

Tom



On 3/19/2011 1:00 PM, tom@ wrote:

Hi Brian
What you would need is what is called a Access/Bridge. I use a
D-link DAP-1522, because it can be configured in either mode.
I does not an external ant, but does have 4 points to connect devices
into. I has a switch that lets you select access point/Auto and
Bridge. You want to use it as a bridge. I don't really recommend
it, as sometimes it is a bear to configure.

Tom


Tom Hilton
On 3/19/2011 10:29 AM, Brian V wrote:

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a
wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@...
<mailto:Gemini-II%40yahoogroups.com>, Paul Kanevsky <yh@> wrote:

Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with

optional wireless adapters).

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over

Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using
Gemini.net ASCOM driver.

Regards,

-Paul




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@> wrote:

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how

Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program
like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea
of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is
going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a
router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable
mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian

I'm trying out the latest scopedriver beta, and it's asking for the the ethernet address and port number for the G-II. I can find the ethernet address, but anyone know the port number?

Cheers

Brian

Brianwith
I am seriously considering using only the DAP1522 into my Gemini 2 for
communications. with it and the Power supply being on the same circuit,
should seriously help eliminate ground loops. I will be using the ASCOM
Gemini.net driver, and using serial pulse guiding, so the only
connections into the Gemini would be power, The motor cable, hand
controller, and of course the Ethernet from the DAP1522. I will mount
the DAP1522 directly below the Gemini 2.
I was going to have to run about 20 foot Ethernet cables before. These
is going to be great. By the way I am using the maximum encryption
that these devices offers, and really don't see and speed decrease.

Tom Hilton

On 3/19/2011 1:51 PM, tom@... wrote:

Brian
Well I got it configured. With the Gemini 2 into it, I can connected
using DHCP over it. I can get the loggin with either 192.168.0.123 or
httpp//gemini

Even my Android still works on the wireless network and is able to
access the Gemini.
This really cuts down on allot of the wiring I have to do.

One work of caution about Bridges. The first bridges I purchased was
not compatible with my D-Link routers. It seems that bridges can be
brand and model specific on which wireless routes they will work with.
I takes a little work, but I do have my DIR-655 and Dir825 working
with the DAP1522 (all D-link)

Tom



On 3/19/2011 1:00 PM, tom@... wrote:

Hi Brian
What you would need is what is called a Access/Bridge. I use a
D-link DAP-1522, because it can be configured in either mode.
I does not an external ant, but does have 4 points to connect devices
into. I has a switch that lets you select access point/Auto and
Bridge. You want to use it as a bridge. I don't really recommend
it, as sometimes it is a bear to configure.

Tom


Tom Hilton
On 3/19/2011 10:29 AM, Brian V wrote:

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a
wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@...
<mailto:Gemini-II%40yahoogroups.com>, Paul Kanevsky <yh@> wrote:

Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with

optional wireless adapters).

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over

Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using
Gemini.net ASCOM driver.

Regards,

-Paul




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@> wrote:

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how

Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program
like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea
of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is
going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a
router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable
mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian

This is the entire 'led' portion of the scope
that just screws in to the
polar finder.

Dave W

?

Brian
Well I got it configured.? With the Gemini 2 into it, I can connected using DHCP over it.? I can get the loggin with either 192.168.0.123 or httpp//gemini

Even my Android still works on the wireless network and is able to access the Gemini.?
This really cuts down on allot of the wiring I have to do.

One work of caution about Bridges.? The first bridges I purchased was not compatible with my D-Link routers.? It seems that bridges can be
brand and model specific on which wireless routes they will work with.
I takes a little work, but I do have my DIR-655 and Dir825 working with the DAP1522 (all D-link)

Tom



On 3/19/2011 1:00 PM, tom@... wrote:

?

Hi Brian
What you would need is what is called a Access/Bridge.? I use a D-link DAP-1522, because it can be configured in either mode.
I does not an external ant, but does have 4 points to connect devices into.? I has a switch that lets you select access point/Auto and
Bridge.? You want to use it as a bridge.? I don't really recommend it, as sometimes it is a bear to configure.

Tom


Tom Hilton
On 3/19/2011 10:29 AM, Brian V wrote:

?

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@..., Paul Kanevsky wrote:
>
> Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).
>
> TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using Gemini.net ASCOM driver.
>
> Regards,
>
> -Paul
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" wrote:
>
> > Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
>

?

Hi Brian
What you would need is what is called a Access/Bridge.? I use a D-link DAP-1522, because it can be configured in either mode.
I does not an external ant, but does have 4 points to connect devices into.? I has a switch that lets you select access point/Auto and
Bridge.? You want to use it as a bridge.? I don't really recommend it, as sometimes it is a bear to configure.

Tom


Tom Hilton
On 3/19/2011 10:29 AM, Brian V wrote:

?

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@..., Paul Kanevsky wrote:
>
> Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).
>
> TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using Gemini.net ASCOM driver.
>
> Regards,
>
> -Paul
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" wrote:
>
> > Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
>

?

Hi Paul
Glad that you can join us again, it has been since Feb 6 that we have heard from you.?
I know that the Gemini ASCOM group is really keeping you busy. (I monitor that one also)
For the New Comer to this group, Paul has modified the ASCOM driver to provide Ethernet web interface, just like you would be using a USB port, or serial port, but now you can use Ethernet.
With this interface, you can use any ASCOM compliant device that can communicate with the driver.? That way you can have the ASCOM driver talking to the Gemini, and also all the Gemini 2 native screens up also.? His driver in in the files section?


We look forward to when he pops in from time to time, as he is a wealth of knowledge.

Tom Hilton

On 3/19/2011 9:31 AM, Paul Kanevsky wrote:

?

Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).?

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using ASCOM driver.

Regards,

?? ? -Paul

On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@...> wrote:

?

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian

?

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@..., Paul Kanevsky wrote:
>
> Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).
>
> TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using Gemini.net ASCOM driver.
>
> Regards,
>
> -Paul
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" wrote:
>
> > Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
>

Hi Kirk:

I had a look at that dimmer. It seems totally incompatible with the illuminator I received with my polar scope. Mine is totally self-contained and powered by two LR-41 watch batteries. There is no external battery pack and no wire whatsoever, so it will not plug into the dimmer. It seems a more elegant solution in that there is no battery pack to find a place for and no additional wires to flop about. But as for dimming it . . .well, I think that not practical with the kind of unit I received. It does have an on/off switch . . . if I can just remember the "off" part. :) I could do a picture and supply a link if that would help.

Terry Danks
Nova Scotia, CA
presently in FL


--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@> wrote:

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here:
<> . I think it is a
good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have
issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what
I am already spending, a drop in the bucket. [;)]
Kirk

Hey guys,
I was setting up to plug in my Gemini 2 for the first time this morning and noticed something that is likely everyone here already knows... The Gemini 1 and Gemini 2 power connectors are different apparently.

I wanted to run my system off of 18 volts. I'd read that it was better but the exact reason escapes me. Anyhow, I purchased a very nice Kendrick battery and a cable for the Gemini 1. I though to myself "why would they change that..."... well it is totally different. Indeed so much that I'm concerned. The Kendrick power cable has 4 pins and is pretty beefy. Additionally there is no way I could accidentally plug that into one of my MANY other 12 volt accessories I have as the plug is not in any way a standard power plug. The new Gemini 2 seems to use a normal power plug like any other powered device, only it is labeled 12-18 volts (and apparently likes 18!) I don't really want an 18 volt plug laying around that could plug into my CCD, computer, fans, or video setup.

So, I'll be running 12 volts for awhile I guess until I come up with a reasonable solution that will remove the chance of me smelling smoke in the dark.

Do any of you have an opinion on the 12 vs 18 volts Gemini 2 operation? Is it actually better at 18? Should I just wire up an 18v cable with the normal plug and put a huge label on it... near the business end?

Thx,
-Ted


--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@> wrote:

Dave and Terry,

Thanks for all of the advice on the accessories and keep it coming if
you think of anything else! It is very helpful to someone like myself
who has not even received his mount yet! I hope it is helping other
group members as well! [:D]

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here:

<> . I think it is a
good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have
issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what
I am already spending, a drop in the bucket. [;)]
Dave your idea that the TKS knobs are too large is not the first time I
have heard that. I may just go with the Bob's Knobs versions as the
knobs do look smaller and would be less likely to cramp the area.

I have considered the Casady saddles, however I do have a couple of
scopes with Vixen dovetails which I use with an ADM D to V adapter. I
suppose I could just put D type dovetails on them, but then I could not
use them on my 3rd mount a CG-5 ASGT that I use some nights while not
doing AP and I really do not want to carry the big guns out. This will
change when I get the financial approval from the CFO to build the
observatory. From what I hear, that is the best accessory!

As I said, I will probably buy some additional stuff after I sell the
CGEM. I really do like those Casady CWs! I know...it's dark and no one
sees them! I was just amazed at how plain the Losmandy CWs look when
compared to the beautiful way they make their mounts.

More importantly and keeping with the theme of this group is my concern
for the finalizing of the Gemini II firmware. I do have confidence that
it will someday be an incredible product, I like everyone else here just
wish that were sooner than later at this point in time.

Clear Skies!

Kirk