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Decisions, decisions, decisions

lottesjj
 

Fairly new to the group but I've been running a G11 non Gemini for a few years.
I'm almost in a position to add Goto to my older G11 but, after comparing the costs of adding Gemini-2 with the Maxon motors, GPS, & the HP-OPW vs a New G11 with Gemini-2 & GPS. It SEEMS almost worth the extra $$$ to just get a new mount. I believe I can swap my Polar scope, Clutch & Tripod knobs over, & use my old HD tripod. I could then sell off my old G11 and help offset the cost of the new mount. I think the cost difference is ~$895. Is there anything I'm missing?

John.
39.143345, -77.174802
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

[email protected]
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý


Er, no! I did not understand that was required at all. I believe I saw something about downloading driver(s) in this group a while back That was for USB conectivity to ASCOM IIRC.

Yes to use the USB port instead of the RS-232 port to connect the Gemini to a computer, you would need to download the USB drivers.? The USB port will allow connection to a PC just like the RS232 does, for talking to the Gemini with it's normal command set, much like the Gemini 1 does.? The driver creates a virtual serial port in your computer.? You can then use Programs like ASCOM gemini.net driver to control the mount, for tracking and telescope use.

Also something about DHCP/IP. Do I need to download anything before connecting an RJ45 cable to the port labeled "ethernet? to my Win 7 machine"

This is the web interface that I was talking about.? You do not need to download anything to use the DHCP/IP Connected Web interface.? This interface
is where you can upgrade the firmware from, set the dates, timezones, mount type, just about everything.? The ASCOM Gemini.net driver can
also connect to the etherport DHCP at the same time you have all the other Gemini web pages on the screen.?? The Ethernet connection is multi-functional,
and at this time the only connection I am really using.

Tom


Thanks . . .

Terry
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

dawziecat
 

Further to my message I just posted, I see details on downloading the driver Gemini-II.inf

Have done so and am ready to connect via a USB cable rather than an RJ45.

Er, no! I did not understand that was required at all. I believe I saw something about downloading driver(s) in this group a while back That was for USB conectivity to ASCOM IIRC. Also something about DHCP/IP. Do I need to download anything before connecting an RJ45 cable to the port labeled "ethernet? to my Win 7 machine"

Thanks . . .

Terry
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

dawziecat
 

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


Terry, have you even connected the Gemini 2 to a computer using the
Ethernet connection. I would suggest you do and browse all
the different screens. This is where you set almost all the parameters for the Gemini 2.
Tom
Er, no! I did not understand that was required at all. I believe I saw something about downloading driver(s) in this group a while back That was for USB conectivity to ASCOM IIRC. Also something about DHCP/IP. Do I need to download anything before connecting an RJ45 cable to the port labeled "ethernet? to my Win 7 machine"

Thanks . . .

Terry
Re: New to the Group

 

I think that things will start to accelerate now that the software is nearing a more completed state. The hardware was pretty much completed a few months ago and hasn't changed much except for a few tweaks to the components. It's the software that runs everything that is still being developed but it's getting real close to completion. Even if there's some work to be done, the units can be flash programmed by the owners, so further improvements and updates can be distributed via downloading.

So it makes sense that Scott is quoting shorter times for newer orders as I'm sure he's been stocking up on components anticipating the final production release of the software.

-Jim

--- In Gemini-II@..., "chaztro1215" <morgan_crew1@...> wrote:


Kirk,
Nice to meet you, I'm a soon to be new user as well. Keep us posted on how that 3 week estimate works out - that would be great if you are able to get within 3 weeks of your order. There are others who have been on order for a few months at this point, so you would make them envious! Seriously, if you are able to get a 3 week delivery time, others may have an interest in where your order was placed. I'm expecting mine within the next 2 weeks or so. Will be a first time user as well, so appreciate this forum as a chance to learn from others!
Regards,
Morgan
Re: New to the Group

 

Kirk,
Nice to meet you, I'm a soon to be new user as well. Keep us posted on how that 3 week estimate works out - that would be great if you are able to get within 3 weeks of your order. There are others who have been on order for a few months at this point, so you would make them envious! Seriously, if you are able to get a 3 week delivery time, others may have an interest in where your order was placed. I'm expecting mine within the next 2 weeks or so. Will be a first time user as well, so appreciate this forum as a chance to learn from others!
Regards,
Morgan
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

[email protected]
 

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Don

As far as I know, the web interface will be able to do every control function
that the Gemini 2 is capable of, when it is finished.? There are 2 web hand controller,
nether one is finished at this time.? One is specially designed for SmartPhones such
as the iPhone and Android phones.? The other for use with computer screens.
Ascom Gemini.net driver is already compatible with the Gemini 2.

As far as GCC is concerned, you will have to ask Danial about that.?
He is not a member of this group, or the beta group.

Tom

On 3/9/2011 9:23 PM, Don wrote:

?

Tom,
?
Sorry to butt in here, but I have a Gemini II on order for my MI-250.??Does the "Web interface" take the place of GCC?? If it doesn't, will there be an update for GCC for the Gemini II?
?
Don Waid
?
----- Original Message -----
From: tom@...
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II] Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

?

Really don't know Terry how far the manual is out.
Most of the things like provide a location is done through the Web interface.? I dough that you will ever be able to do some of that
through the hand controller. ?? If you go to the Site/Time menu on the web interface, you can reprogram any of the 4 preset location
to what every you want.

Terry, have you even connected the Gemini 2 to a computer using the Ethernet connection.? I would suggest you do and browse all
the different screens.? This is where you set almost all the parameters for the Gemini 2.? You can even do goto from the web interface.
Use the object menu.

A lot of the web interface is easier to use than the hand controller.

Tom
On 3/9/2011 8:14 PM, dawziecat wrote:

?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first name so we know how to address you.
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>

Well, my apologies, Tom. I had no intention whatsoever of being impolite.
I am Terry Danks, presently in Florida and owner of a G-11 Gemini 2 since February 25. I have read of all the features of Gemini in the Level 4 pdf at the Losmondy site but am at a loss as how to access them on the Gemini 2 HC unit. I have the Gemini 2 Quickstart guide but there is a crying need for a full manual.
For instance, even the mundane task of supplying a name for the observing location, as described in section 2.4.2.2 of the Level 4 manual seems impossible without a manual specific to G2. Are we weeks or (horrors!) months from a manual?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
>
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first
> name so we know how to address you.
>
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Tom,
?
Sorry to butt in here, but I have a Gemini II on order for my MI-250.??Does the "Web interface" take the place of GCC?? If it doesn't, will there be an update for GCC for the Gemini II?
?
Don Waid
?

----- Original Message -----
From: tom@...
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II] Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

?

Really don't know Terry how far the manual is out.
Most of the things like provide a location is done through the Web interface.? I dough that you will ever be able to do some of that
through the hand controller. ?? If you go to the Site/Time menu on the web interface, you can reprogram any of the 4 preset location
to what every you want.

Terry, have you even connected the Gemini 2 to a computer using the Ethernet connection.? I would suggest you do and browse all
the different screens.? This is where you set almost all the parameters for the Gemini 2.? You can even do goto from the web interface.
Use the object menu.

A lot of the web interface is easier to use than the hand controller.

Tom
On 3/9/2011 8:14 PM, dawziecat wrote:

?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first name so we know how to address you.
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>

Well, my apologies, Tom. I had no intention whatsoever of being impolite.
I am Terry Danks, presently in Florida and owner of a G-11 Gemini 2 since February 25. I have read of all the features of Gemini in the Level 4 pdf at the Losmondy site but am at a loss as how to access them on the Gemini 2 HC unit. I have the Gemini 2 Quickstart guide but there is a crying need for a full manual.
For instance, even the mundane task of supplying a name for the observing location, as described in section 2.4.2.2 of the Level 4 manual seems impossible without a manual specific to G2. Are we weeks or (horrors!) months from a manual?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
>
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first
> name so we know how to address you.
>
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

[email protected]
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Really don't know Terry how far the manual is out.
Most of the things like provide a location is done through the Web interface.? I dough that you will ever be able to do some of that
through the hand controller. ?? If you go to the Site/Time menu on the web interface, you can reprogram any of the 4 preset location
to what every you want.

Terry, have you even connected the Gemini 2 to a computer using the Ethernet connection.? I would suggest you do and browse all
the different screens.? This is where you set almost all the parameters for the Gemini 2.? You can even do goto from the web interface.
Use the object menu.

A lot of the web interface is easier to use than the hand controller.

Tom
On 3/9/2011 8:14 PM, dawziecat wrote:

?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first name so we know how to address you.
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>

Well, my apologies, Tom. I had no intention whatsoever of being impolite.
I am Terry Danks, presently in Florida and owner of a G-11 Gemini 2 since February 25. I have read of all the features of Gemini in the Level 4 pdf at the Losmondy site but am at a loss as how to access them on the Gemini 2 HC unit. I have the Gemini 2 Quickstart guide but there is a crying need for a full manual.
For instance, even the mundane task of supplying a name for the observing location, as described in section 2.4.2.2 of the Level 4 manual seems impossible without a manual specific to G2. Are we weeks or (horrors!) months from a manual?

--- In II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
>
> Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first
> name so we know how to address you.
>
> Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
> guide, then the manual.
>
> Tom Hilton
> Group admin.
>
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

dawziecat
 

--- In II@..., "tom@..." <tom@...> wrote:
Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first name so we know how to address you.
Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
guide, then the manual.

Tom Hilton
Group admin.
Well, my apologies, Tom. I had no intention whatsoever of being impolite.
I am Terry Danks, presently in Florida and owner of a G-11 Gemini 2 since February 25. I have read of all the features of Gemini in the Level 4 pdf at the Losmondy site but am at a loss as how to access them on the Gemini 2 HC unit. I have the Gemini 2 Quickstart guide but there is a crying need for a full manual.
For instance, even the mundane task of supplying a name for the observing location, as described in section 2.4.2.2 of the Level 4 manual seems impossible without a manual specific to G2. Are we weeks or (horrors!) months from a manual?

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

Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first
name so we know how to address you.

Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start
guide, then the manual.

Tom Hilton
Group admin.
Re: Automatic Meridian Flip

[email protected]
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Steve
You really need to read the L4 Manual, and the ASCOM Gemini.net manual.? Meridian Flips are part of the Quick menu system in the Gemini 1.
The ASCOM driver.net also provides a way to do a meridian Flip with the Gemini 1.

Please search both manuals for Meridian Flip and both have sections and instructions on how to accomplish this.

Tom Hilton



On 3/9/2011 4:13 PM, Steve wrote:

?

Tom - Thanks for that information. So what is stopping auto meridian flips being introduced for existing Gemini users, eg through the gemini.net driver?

Steve

--- In Gemini-II@..., "tom@..." wrote:
>
> Steve
> It is already in the Gemini 2. In the catalog selection, when you
> select an object, you have the option to select Meridian Flip.
>
> Tom
>
> On 3/9/2011 9:37 AM, Steve wrote:
> >
> > Hi - Is there a list of future enhancements to Gemini? If so, can I
> > make a request to add a facility for Automatic Meridian Flips to be
> > performed. It is so frustrating sometimes when my mount just bleeps at
> > me when getting to the safety limits. I don't tknow whether this is a
> > technical issue but certainly in terms of data, the mount 'knows'
> > where it is and 'knows' where it needs to be after the flip. So should
> > be capable of moving from oone to the tother. The flip may not be
> > absolutely accurate depending particularly on the quality of the
> > pointing model but something would be better than nothing. Since it
> > can be performed manually, it seems logical (to me at least!) that
> > this process can therefore be automated
> >
> > (I don't know which is the most appropriate forum for this suggestion,
> > so I've also posted it elsewhere)
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Steve
> >
>
Re: Automatic Meridian Flip

 

Tom - Thanks for that information. So what is stopping auto meridian flips being introduced for existing Gemini users, eg through the gemini.net driver?

Steve

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

Steve
It is already in the Gemini 2. In the catalog selection, when you
select an object, you have the option to select Meridian Flip.

Tom

On 3/9/2011 9:37 AM, Steve wrote:

Hi - Is there a list of future enhancements to Gemini? If so, can I
make a request to add a facility for Automatic Meridian Flips to be
performed. It is so frustrating sometimes when my mount just bleeps at
me when getting to the safety limits. I don't tknow whether this is a
technical issue but certainly in terms of data, the mount 'knows'
where it is and 'knows' where it needs to be after the flip. So should
be capable of moving from oone to the tother. The flip may not be
absolutely accurate depending particularly on the quality of the
pointing model but something would be better than nothing. Since it
can be performed manually, it seems logical (to me at least!) that
this process can therefore be automated

(I don't know which is the most appropriate forum for this suggestion,
so I've also posted it elsewhere)

Thanks

Steve
Re: Automatic Meridian Flip

[email protected]
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Steve
It is already in the Gemini 2.? In the catalog selection, when you select an object, you have the option to select Meridian Flip.

Tom

On 3/9/2011 9:37 AM, Steve wrote:

?

Hi - Is there a list of future enhancements to Gemini? If so, can I make a request to add a facility for Automatic Meridian Flips to be performed. It is so frustrating sometimes when my mount just bleeps at me when getting to the safety limits. I don't tknow whether this is a technical issue but certainly in terms of data, the mount 'knows' where it is and 'knows' where it needs to be after the flip. So should be capable of moving from oone to the tother. The flip may not be absolutely accurate depending particularly on the quality of the pointing model but something would be better than nothing. Since it can be performed manually, it seems logical (to me at least!) that this process can therefore be automated

(I don't know which is the most appropriate forum for this suggestion, so I've also posted it elsewhere)

Thanks

Steve
Automatic Meridian Flip

 

Hi - Is there a list of future enhancements to Gemini? If so, can I make a request to add a facility for Automatic Meridian Flips to be performed. It is so frustrating sometimes when my mount just bleeps at me when getting to the safety limits. I don't tknow whether this is a technical issue but certainly in terms of data, the mount 'knows' where it is and 'knows' where it needs to be after the flip. So should be capable of moving from oone to the tother. The flip may not be absolutely accurate depending particularly on the quality of the pointing model but something would be better than nothing. Since it can be performed manually, it seems logical (to me at least!) that this process can therefore be automated

(I don't know which is the most appropriate forum for this suggestion, so I've also posted it elsewhere)

Thanks

Steve
Re: When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

[email protected]
 

Who every you are, it would be polite to at least include your first name so we know how to address you.

Scott has a Tech writer on staff, working first on the quick start guide, then the manual.

Tom Hilton
Group admin.
When will we have a manual for Gemini 2?

dawziecat
 

I have found GeminiL4UserManual.pdf but it is not really relevant to the new Gemini 2 is it?
Gemini II on G11... not alignment?

 

Hallo again..

After solved the problems with the Main Board firmware, HC and Main board comunications are apparently ok.. but now, my partner in the observatory has the next problems:

1. When he try to set the Home Position, it seems that it is not stored, because he doesn?t receive any message and when he does "park Home pos" the mount does not go to the position that he tried to set...

2. Aligning: Slew to a Bright star.. center and Align .. any confirmation is displayed and any alignment point is added ... ?

Advices?

Thanks and regards..
?

Miguel Angel P¨¦rez Hern¨¢ndez
Alpha Cygni S.L.



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

?

?nete a Betacygni, la trastienda: ?
Slow approach

Rex Groves
 

While synching on a calibration star last weekend, I noted that the mount would slew rapidly toward the star to within a few degrees and then approach the final position veeerry slooowly. It took up to a minute to complete the slew. Is something in my settings causing this?

Thanks..Rex
Re: Updates re: Delivery Times

 

I ordered mine back in September and just inquired and was told I will have it in two weeks. ?

Bryan Bradley


On Mar 6, 2011, at 9:06 AM, Bob Betenia wrote:

?

Hi,

I ordered a G11 with Gemini in November, prior to knowing about Gemini II. ?The order is through All Star Telescopes in Didsbury, Alberta, and the owner talked to Losmandy early last week; the current shipping date on two G11's that he ordered (mine and one on spec) is the end of March. ?I wish it would be a couple of weeks earlier as there is a group from this area going to Rodeo New Mexico for a week of observing and imaging at the end of the month. ?I guess I will still be using my EQ6.
Bob
On 2011-03-05, at 7:56 AM, chaztro1215 wrote:

?

While some of us are waiting for our Gemini II's wondering if anyone can help us with expected delivery dates based on their experience. I've been on order since early January (3rd or 4th) and just getting curious; was initially told end of March at the latest. Also, I ordered the one-piece worm and polarscope from Losmandy about one month ago and have yet to hear anything back from them, despite leaving a couple follow-up messages. I know they're probably busy, but sheesh!! Keep the updates coming, its great to read the experiences of others to help us new owners when our delivery day arrives (and this will be my first Losmandy mount)!!
Pictures of the internals of the Gemini 2 and hand controller posted

tomhilton1
 

There is a link in the links section callel Pictures pf the Gemini 2 Unit under this link


and also here is a more direct link to it.



Tom Hilton
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