开云体育

  1. Gemini-II
  2. Messages
Expanded Topics Messages Polls
Date
Re: Hand control responsing... good.. But problem on MainBoard.

 

Thanks Tom,

If I format the SD and redo it as is on the Files section of the group, is it correct?
Thanks!
Miguel

Enviado desde mi iPhone

El 14/02/2011, a las 21:49, "tom@..." <tom@...> escribió:

?

Miguel

Tom: this is the content of the Micro SD:

Folders:

Catalogs
DE
EN
FR
HCFirmware

The folders are correct,
Files:

GEMHC
The GemHC.bin file should not be at the root, but under HCFirmware, and then only until the system uploads it to the hand-controller, then that sub-directory should be blank,
Gemini (text doc)
NewGem

The files are not.
The only files that possibly should be at the root before flashing are:
NewGem.bin? or HGM_Gem2.bin??? It should be one of these but not both. See Variation 2 of programming in quick start guide for HGM_Gem2.bin explanation.

Gemini.log

After programming.
Gemini.log
Either Cur_Gem.bin or Cur_Gem2.bin according to which method and file name you used to program the main unit.

I use the Variation 2 to do the programming where i rename NewGem.bin to HGM_Gem2.bin before uploading it to the root of the SDCard. Then all
I have to do is turn the power off then back on.? The programming takes less than a second after power is turned back on.

I have noted that the content of the folder in the Files section of the group is different, please advice to re-do the SD..

Yes you might have to redo the SD card, as at this time you would have to use serial commands to erase the GEMHC file that should not be at the
root of the main units SDCard.


PS: I have fear to open? the HC... any advice.. I have tried but it seems that it can not be opened completely...
If you do not feel like you cannot do this without damaging the Hand controller, then please do not do it.? You do this at your own risk.
Please see the Disassembly warning document in the files section.? The gasket can provide a lot of sticking between the LCD and top plastic cover.
You might have to use more pressure to get the top cover off.? Also remove the 4?? screws completely.? Make sure you keep pushing on the
LCD screen down while trying to pry the top cover off.?? I do this by pressing the LCD down (LCD facing up) with the HC placed on a mouse pad
or cloth.? Mine sticks so bad that I have had to pry it with a small screwdriver at the slot where the top and bottom join on the sides or end, to
get it started.? I kind of now wished I had not installed the Gasket, as my unit came without? one, and I later added it myself.? I again say, if you do not feel
like you cannot do this without damaging the Hand controller, then please do not do it.? You do this at your own risk.? Take it to your dealer.

Tom Hilton
Re: Hand control responsing... good.. But problem on MainBoard.

[email protected]
 

开云体育

Miguel
Tom: this is the content of the Micro SD:

Folders:

Catalogs
DE
EN
FR
HCFirmware

The folders are correct,
Files:

GEMHC
The GemHC.bin file should not be at the root, but under HCFirmware, and then only until the system uploads it to the hand-controller, then that sub-directory should be blank,
Gemini (text doc)
NewGem

The files are not.
The only files that possibly should be at the root before flashing are:
NewGem.bin? or HGM_Gem2.bin??? It should be one of these but not both. See Variation 2 of programming in quick start guide for HGM_Gem2.bin explanation.

Gemini.log

After programming.
Gemini.log
Either Cur_Gem.bin or Cur_Gem2.bin according to which method and file name you used to program the main unit.

I use the Variation 2 to do the programming where i rename NewGem.bin to HGM_Gem2.bin before uploading it to the root of the SDCard. Then all
I have to do is turn the power off then back on.? The programming takes less than a second after power is turned back on.

I have noted that the content of the folder in the Files section of the group is different, please advice to re-do the SD..

Yes you might have to redo the SD card, as at this time you would have to use serial commands to erase the GEMHC file that should not be at the
root of the main units SDCard.


PS: I have fear to open? the HC... any advice.. I have tried but it seems that it can not be opened completely...
If you do not feel like you cannot do this without damaging the Hand controller, then please do not do it.? You do this at your own risk.
Please see the Disassembly warning document in the files section.? The gasket can provide a lot of sticking between the LCD and top plastic cover.
You might have to use more pressure to get the top cover off.? Also remove the 4?? screws completely.? Make sure you keep pushing on the
LCD screen down while trying to pry the top cover off.?? I do this by pressing the LCD down (LCD facing up) with the HC placed on a mouse pad
or cloth.? Mine sticks so bad that I have had to pry it with a small screwdriver at the slot where the top and bottom join on the sides or end, to
get it started.? I kind of now wished I had not installed the Gasket, as my unit came without? one, and I later added it myself.? I again say, if you do not feel
like you cannot do this without damaging the Hand controller, then please do not do it.? You do this at your own risk.? Take it to your dealer.

Tom Hilton
Hand control responsing... good.. But problem on MainBoard.

 

Hallo everybody, hallo Russell.

I have loosen the screws that hold the plastic cover of the hand controller, and now the information on the screen si displayed without problem.

Now, the problem is on the Main Board, I think my partner flashed it wrong..

Tom: this is the content of the Micro SD:

Folders:

Catalogs
DE
EN
FR
HCFirmware

Files:

GEMHC
Gemini (text doc)
NewGem


I have noted that the content of the folder in the Files section of the group is different, please advice to re-do the SD..

Thanks

PS: I have fear to open? the HC... any advice.. I have tried but it seems that it can not be opened completely...

?

Miguel Angel Pérez Hernández
Alpha Cygni S.L.



c/ San Agustín, 23
38410 - Los Realejos
S.C. de Tenerife
Islas Canarias - Espa?a
Tlf/fax: 0034 922 34 30 38

?

?nete a Betacygni, la trastienda: ?
New file uploaded to Gemini-II

[email protected]
 

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the Gemini-II
group.

File : /Documentation_and_Manuals/Serial_Port_Description.pdf
Uploaded by : tomhilton1 <tom@...>
Description : Discribes the 3 modes of the Serial port jumpers

You can access this file at the URL:


To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:

Regards,

tomhilton1 <tom@...>
Re: Gemini II Advantages

tomhilton1
 

Should have read
I have been thinking about some of the advantages, that the Gemini 2
might have over the Gemini 1, besides the Ethernet, USB and graphics
interfaces.

Tom
Re: Gemini II Advantages

[email protected]
 

开云体育

Peter
I have been thinking about some of the advantages, that the Gemini 2 might have over the Gemini 2, besides the Ethernet, USB and graphics interfaces.
Well one that I find that I like, is that I can extend the reach of the hand controller to where my computers are.? This is about 25 feet for me.? I am using
premium RS-232 extension cables to do this.?? I am sure that it could be extended further, especially if serial buffers were used.? One note is that
if any kind of buffer were used, an external +5V power supply would probably have to be used to power the hand controller.?
The hand controller communicates at 57600 baud, which is quite fast for long cables, unless they are designed for that speed.?
Also you can get voltage drop for the +5V line in long cables, which is the reason you might have to provide external power for the hand controller.
Also the Serial ports now have serial chips that can stand about +/-50V of ground loop potential without frying. ? Ground loops was a
problem for the Gemini 1.
If I remember correctly this is a link to the RS-232 chips that are now being used.?
My eyes are not so good lately, so I cannot read the chip numbers on top of the IC's at this time.

Tom

On 2/11/2011 6:43 PM, tom@... wrote:

?

Peter
I am sorry, but I am not one to figure out what advantage a Gemini 2 will have over Gemini 1, for anyone.
If I do that I am only giving you my opinion.? All of the features so far that I am aware of are listed next
to the picture. ? If that is not enough to convince you, then what can I say.? It has a a lot more potential
then the Gemini 1 does at this time, but when 搁别苍é is done with the Gemini 2, he hopes at least to do a graphics
interface for it.

Tom? Hilton

On 2/11/2011 4:54 PM, pbdunckel wrote:

?

Tom or Rene -

I looked, but don't find, a summary of the advantages of purchasing a Gemini II for one who has a Gemini I; and I for one, would find that very useful, starting with the advantages of a LAN vs serial interface, and the new web interface? Also a reference to the value of an upgrade to Maxon motors, which is probably well chewed over in the Gemini Users Group?

I'd like to get in line for a "II", if I could clearly assess my gains in doing so!

Gratefully - Peter
Re: Some questions concerning the new Gemini system.

Rainer
 

Hi Eric,

If you want I can burn you a new EPROM with the latest available firmware. I just need an empty EPROM. YOu can buy one in Mexico City from AG Electronica.

I have been following this thread about differences between Gemini I and Gemini II and honestly so far the Gemini I if it is still working I would say for what we use it there is no big difference.

Abother point is that for those were the Gemini I died or buy a new mount they will need to buy the Gemini II

The Gemini system has so much features and in all my Astronomy life I have not really used them all :-)

Well my outsourced power now is not from a Battery anymore. I am using a 5v switched power brick with a voltage divider and feed ~3v constantly into the Gemini and that since maybe already 2 years as I have a permanent setup.



Next time I go to the Observatory I will make some images and send them to you.

saludos Rainer

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

Hola Rainer:
Yes, I remember that you did install an outboard battery system, it works very good and you explained me how to do it.
Actually that is my only concern with my Gemini, so I will make one outboard power module like yours.
I wanted to know if Gemini II has advantages over the old one, BTW, I believe that we upgraded the EPROM sometime ago to the latest version, I will check which one do I have.
Have a nice weekend also,
Un abrazo,
Eric.
Re: Gemini II Advantages

[email protected]
 

开云体育

Peter
I am sorry, but I am not one to figure out what advantage a Gemini 2 will have over Gemini 1, for anyone.
If I do that I am only giving you my opinion.? All of the features so far that I am aware of are listed next
to the picture. ? If that is not enough to convince you, then what can I say.? It has a a lot more potential
then the Gemini 1 does at this time, but when 搁别苍é is done with the Gemini 2, he hopes at least to do a graphics
interface for it.

Tom? Hilton

On 2/11/2011 4:54 PM, pbdunckel wrote:

?

Tom or Rene -

I looked, but don't find, a summary of the advantages of purchasing a Gemini II for one who has a Gemini I; and I for one, would find that very useful, starting with the advantages of a LAN vs serial interface, and the new web interface? Also a reference to the value of an upgrade to Maxon motors, which is probably well chewed over in the Gemini Users Group?

I'd like to get in line for a "II", if I could clearly assess my gains in doing so!

Gratefully - Peter
Re: Some questions concerning the new Gemini system.

 

Hola Rainer:
Yes, I remember that you did install an outboard battery system, it works very good and you explained me how to do it.
Actually that is my only concern with my Gemini, so I will make one outboard power module like yours.
I wanted to know if Gemini II has advantages over the old one, BTW, I believe that we upgraded the EPROM sometime ago to the latest version, I will check which one do I have.
Have a nice weekend also,
Un abrazo,
Eric.

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

Hola Eric,

I am not 搁别苍é but your friendly Neighbour in Mexico :-) ha ha ha

If your Gemini I is working troublefree (same as mine) and your only concern is the battery only lasting 1 year then do the same as I did. Use an external power source.

If you want to know more I will explain to you what I did, the next time we meet for breakfast here in Mexico City :-)

Have a nice weekend

Saludos Rainer

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

Dear 搁别苍é:
Long time without saying hello to you, but my very old Gemini system mounted on an HGM-200 has worked so flawlessly for years that i did not need support :-)). The only problem being the reprogramming of the system after the button battery gets exhausted (1 or more years), then I have to read the manual. I also have an AP-1200 GoTo and the Paramount ME mounted at the observatory, and I can say that the tracking and goto performance are up to par, specially with the AP-1200. I have to say that i have gotten used to just the 5 buttons on the very old and the less old deluxe handpads, it is nice that I don?t have to put my glasses everytime to read the displays or the PC, you get to feel what you are doing with the logic buttons procedure.
Well, what I would like to know, is if the new Gemini has some improvements over the old one (besides the Ethernet and the handpad).
Best regards,
Eric. (México)
Gemini II Advantages

 

Tom or Rene -

I looked, but don't find, a summary of the advantages of purchasing a Gemini II for one who has a Gemini I; and I for one, would find that very useful, starting with the advantages of a LAN vs serial interface, and the new web interface? Also a reference to the value of an upgrade to Maxon motors, which is probably well chewed over in the Gemini Users Group?

I'd like to get in line for a "II", if I could clearly assess my gains in doing so!

Gratefully - Peter
Re: Some questions concerning the new Gemini system.

Rainer
 

Hola Eric,

I am not 搁别苍é but your friendly Neighbour in Mexico :-) ha ha ha

If your Gemini I is working troublefree (same as mine) and your only concern is the battery only lasting 1 year then do the same as I did. Use an external power source.

If you want to know more I will explain to you what I did, the next time we meet for breakfast here in Mexico City :-)

Have a nice weekend

Saludos Rainer

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

Dear 搁别苍é:
Long time without saying hello to you, but my very old Gemini system mounted on an HGM-200 has worked so flawlessly for years that i did not need support :-)). The only problem being the reprogramming of the system after the button battery gets exhausted (1 or more years), then I have to read the manual. I also have an AP-1200 GoTo and the Paramount ME mounted at the observatory, and I can say that the tracking and goto performance are up to par, specially with the AP-1200. I have to say that i have gotten used to just the 5 buttons on the very old and the less old deluxe handpads, it is nice that I don?t have to put my glasses everytime to read the displays or the PC, you get to feel what you are doing with the logic buttons procedure.
Well, what I would like to know, is if the new Gemini has some improvements over the old one (besides the Ethernet and the handpad).
Best regards,
Eric. (México)
Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

 

开云体育

Jim,
?

Crap, that's why mine didn't work the last time I tried to do my upload. It had been working fine up until the previous upgrade and then it stopped. Rene thought it was a communications problem between the HC and main controller but now I know that there's another reason.

But, Jim, for sure it is a communication problem ;-) Just imagine that there a lot of things running in parallel and independently. The main board waits for boot mode and is solicited to upload files by the HC instead. I'll try to conciliate both.

搁别苍é
Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

 

Crap, that's why mine didn't work the last time I tried to do my upload. It had been working fine up until the previous upgrade and then it stopped. Rene thought it was a communications problem between the HC and main controller but now I know that there's another reason.

-Jim

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

PS.
Let me try and clear this up a little better.
At the bottom of the Gemini Mount web page (mountpar.cgi) is a selection
called "Default Startup Mode"
It has 4 selections: Cold Start, Warm Start, Warm Restart, and Ask if
possible.
The Hand controller bug is that if "Ask if Possible" is the selection,
the hand controller will display the boot mode selections
Quick Start, Cold Start, Warm Start, and Warm Restart. This menu
interferes with the File upload of new firmware to the
Hand controller. If you select Cold Start, Warm Start,or Warm Restart
in the Web Mount page, then this menu on
the Hand controller will not be shown, and therefore not interfere with
the file upload process.
So if you have the Web Mount page Startup selection as "Ask if Possible"
please change it to one
of the other 3 selections before trying to update the Hand controller
using the web interface.

I hope I did not make that too confusing.

Tom Hilton

On 2/10/2011 1:12 PM, tomhilton1 wrote:

Hi all
There is a small bug in the hand controller firmware, where updating
the firmware and boot mode interferes with each other. The tempeary
fix is to set the boot mode to select everything but "Ask, if
possible" for the boot mode, in the web interface, before uploading the
NewHC.bin file. 搁别苍é is working on this, and I will let you know when
this is no longer necessary.

Thanks
Tom Hilton
Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

 

Tom, I think, better explanation is.. impossible..

Thanks!
?

Miguel Angel Pérez Hernández
Alpha Cygni S.L.



c/ San Agustín, 23
38410 - Los Realejos
S.C. de Tenerife
Islas Canarias - Espa?a
Tlf/fax: 0034 922 34 30 38

?

?nete a Betacygni, la trastienda: ?





De: "tom@..."
Para: Gemini-II@...
Enviado: vie,11 febrero, 2011 18:51
Asunto: Re: [Gemini-II] Updating the Hand Controller firmware

?

PS.
Let me try and clear this up a little better.
At the bottom of the Gemini Mount web page (mountpar.cgi) is a selection called? "Default Startup Mode"
It has 4 selections:? Cold Start, Warm Start, Warm Restart, and Ask if possible.
The Hand controller bug is that if "Ask if Possible" is the selection, the hand controller will display the boot mode selections
Quick Start, Cold Start, Warm Start, and Warm Restart.? This menu interferes with the File upload of new firmware to the
Hand controller.?? If you select Cold Start, Warm Start,or Warm Restart in the Web Mount page, then this menu on
the Hand controller will not be shown, and therefore not interfere with the file upload process.
So if you have the Web Mount page Startup selection as "Ask if Possible" please change it to one
of the other 3 selections before trying to update the Hand controller using the web interface.

I hope I did not make that too confusing.

Tom Hilton

On 2/10/2011 1:12 PM, tomhilton1 wrote:

?

Hi all
There is a small bug in the hand controller firmware, where updating the firmware and boot mode interferes with each other. The tempeary
fix is to set the boot mode to select everything but "Ask, if possible" for the boot mode, in the web interface, before uploading the
NewHC.bin file. 搁别苍é is working on this, and I will let you know when this is no longer necessary.

Thanks
Tom Hilton



Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

[email protected]
 

开云体育

PS.
Let me try and clear this up a little better.
At the bottom of the Gemini Mount web page (mountpar.cgi) is a selection called? "Default Startup Mode"
It has 4 selections:? Cold Start, Warm Start, Warm Restart, and Ask if possible.
The Hand controller bug is that if "Ask if Possible" is the selection, the hand controller will display the boot mode selections
Quick Start, Cold Start, Warm Start, and Warm Restart.? This menu interferes with the File upload of new firmware to the
Hand controller.?? If you select Cold Start, Warm Start,or Warm Restart in the Web Mount page, then this menu on
the Hand controller will not be shown, and therefore not interfere with the file upload process.
So if you have the Web Mount page Startup selection as "Ask if Possible" please change it to one
of the other 3 selections before trying to update the Hand controller using the web interface.

I hope I did not make that too confusing.

Tom Hilton

On 2/10/2011 1:12 PM, tomhilton1 wrote:

?

Hi all
There is a small bug in the hand controller firmware, where updating the firmware and boot mode interferes with each other. The tempeary
fix is to set the boot mode to select everything but "Ask, if possible" for the boot mode, in the web interface, before uploading the
NewHC.bin file. 搁别苍é is working on this, and I will let you know when this is no longer necessary.

Thanks
Tom Hilton


Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

 

Ok, clear!

Thank you very much, I will let you know my results when I have the Gemini 2 here..

Regards!
?

Miguel Angel Pérez Hernández
Alpha Cygni S.L.



c/ San Agustín, 23
38410 - Los Realejos
S.C. de Tenerife
Islas Canarias - Espa?a
Tlf/fax: 0034 922 34 30 38

?

?nete a Betacygni, la trastienda: ?





De: "tom@..."
Para: Gemini-II@...
Enviado: vie,11 febrero, 2011 18:41
Asunto: Re: [Gemini-II] Updating the Hand Controller firmware

?

Miguel
We can update the firmware but asking for the "boot mode" first... is it correct??? The boot mode is a selection made on the web interface Mount page at the bottom of the web page.

For now there is a bug in the handcontroller firmware that will not let it update from the Gemini unit's SDcard HCfirmware directory in the main gemini 2 unit,
if the boot mode selection at the bottom of the Mount web page is set to "Ask if possible"?
This has nothing to do with directly placing the GemHC.bin file directly on the SD_card using a SD_Card reader.

I have ready the MicroSD card with the Hand Control Firmware.. Is not it valid? I toke the firmware from the group?s files folder..

You are doing it with a card reader/writer, then you should be ok.
?

Tom
Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

[email protected]
 

开云体育

Miguel
We can update the firmware but asking for the "boot mode" first... is it correct??? The boot mode is a selection made on the web interface Mount page at the bottom of the web page.

For now there is a bug in the handcontroller firmware that will not let it update from the Gemini unit's SDcard HCfirmware directory in the main gemini 2 unit,
if the boot mode selection at the bottom of the Mount web page is set to "Ask if possible"?
This has nothing to do with directly placing the GemHC.bin file directly on the SD_card using a SD_Card reader.

I have ready the MicroSD card with the Hand Control Firmware.. Is not it valid? I toke the firmware from the group?s files folder..

You are doing it with a card reader/writer, then you should be ok.
?

Tom
Re: Updating the Hand Controller firmware

 

Hi Tom, thanks for your advice..

I don?t know if I understand this well:

We can update the firmware but asking for the "boot mode" first... is it correct?

I have ready the MicroSD card with the Hand Control Firmware.. Is not it valid? I toke the firmware from the group?s files folder..

Finally I could not go to the observatory today to take the controller and HC, I will get it on Monday and try to work on this matter..

Thank you again,

Regards!
?

Miguel Angel Pérez Hernández
Alpha Cygni S.L.



c/ San Agustín, 23
38410 - Los Realejos
S.C. de Tenerife
Islas Canarias - Espa?a
Tlf/fax: 0034 922 34 30 38

?

?nete a Betacygni, la trastienda: ?





De: tomhilton1
Para: Gemini-II@...
Enviado: jue,10 febrero, 2011 20:12
Asunto: [Gemini-II] Updating the Hand Controller firmware

?

Hi all
There is a small bug in the hand controller firmware, where updating the firmware and boot mode interferes with each other. The tempeary
fix is to set the boot mode to select everything but "Ask, if possible" for the boot mode, in the web interface, before uploading the
NewHC.bin file. 搁别苍é is working on this, and I will let you know when this is no longer necessary.

Thanks
Tom Hilton


Re: Where are the Gemini Twos?

 

The last I heard anything on this topic was about 2 weeks ago. At that point the update from Losmandy was that they were expecting to clear the backlog of orders that existed at that time by the end of March. So, I would guess that orders placed after the end of January are probably looking at April at the earliest.

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

Are they actually shipping in any numbers yet? I placed an order with Astronomics the day after they were listed on Losmondy's home site. Any idea how long I will have to wait?
Some questions concerning the new Gemini system.

 

Dear 搁别苍é:
Long time without saying hello to you, but my very old Gemini system mounted on an HGM-200 has worked so flawlessly for years that i did not need support :-)). The only problem being the reprogramming of the system after the button battery gets exhausted (1 or more years), then I have to read the manual. I also have an AP-1200 GoTo and the Paramount ME mounted at the observatory, and I can say that the tracking and goto performance are up to par, specially with the AP-1200. I have to say that i have gotten used to just the 5 buttons on the very old and the less old deluxe handpads, it is nice that I don?t have to put my glasses everytime to read the displays or the PC, you get to feel what you are doing with the logic buttons procedure.
Well, what I would like to know, is if the new Gemini has some improvements over the old one (besides the Ethernet and the handpad).
Best regards,
Eric. (México)
28521 - 28540 of 28685