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Re: AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors

 

Hi Russ,
?
Scott Losmandy will likely give you a better answer. I don't own an AZ8,? but just looking at specs, AZ8 implements a variable slip clutch on both axis, just like all other Losmandy mounts. What that means is that you can push-to to the desired sky position without disengaging or turning off the motors or Gemini. What will happen is that Gemini will lose track of the sky position when you do this, because the motor encoders are not used when you push the mount manually, so Gemini is not aware of this type of motion. A simple Sync operation is then needed to let Gemini know where the mount is positioned if you want to continue using Goto's. Or you can just use push-to for the rest of the session -- your choice!
?
Regards,
?
? -Paul
?
On Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 06:59 PM, Russ Lynn wrote:

I'm considering purchasing the apparently fairly new AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors.
But I have some questions that hopefully some people here can help me with.
?
First, I'm wondering if after alignment it's possible to manually swing the scope to a different portion of the sky while the power is still on? ?I'm asking about this because I know with the Rowan AZ100 mount its motors must be turned off in the Rowan app before manually slewing the scope.
?
If the power to the AZ8 motors has to be turned off to manually move the scope, will the time and location settings have to be reset, or will the mount remember its place in the sky when power to the motors is restored?
?
Also, if using my current refractor (Televue NP 101) weighing when configured at the most about 18 pounds (likely less), will I need a counter weight?
?
Finally, if I opt for the dual sided version of the mount, can the saddle on one side be removed and the lightweight system with 5 pound head be user installed in lieu of the saddle?
?
Thanks for any answers and insights in helping me to decide whether to purchase this mount. ?-- Russ
? ??
Re: AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors

 

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Why not just call Losmandy, the best time to speak to them is in the afternoon. Their mornings are pretty busy which is why I’d suggest an afternoon call. Generally they can answer pretty quickly.

On Mar 5, 2025, at 3:55?PM, Russ Lynn via groups.io <russ.lynn@...> wrote:

I'm considering purchasing the apparently fairly new AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors.
But I have some questions that hopefully some people here can help me with.
?
First, I'm wondering if after alignment it's possible to manually swing the scope to a different portion of the sky while the power is still on? ?I'm asking about this because I know with the Rowan AZ100 mount its motors must be turned off in the Rowan app before manually slewing the scope.
?
If the power to the AZ8 motors has to be turned off to manually move the scope, will the time and location settings have to be reset, or will the mount remember its place in the sky when power to the motors is restored?
?
Also, if using my current refractor (Televue NP 101) weighing when configured at the most about 18 pounds (likely less), will I need a counter weight?
?
Finally, if I opt for the dual sided version of the mount, can the saddle on one side be removed and the lightweight system with 5 pound head be user installed in lieu of the saddle?
?
Thanks for any answers and insights in helping me to decide whether to purchase this mount. ?-- Russ
? ??
AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors

 

I'm considering purchasing the apparently fairly new AZ8 with Gemini 2 and go-to with servo motors.
But I have some questions that hopefully some people here can help me with.
?
First, I'm wondering if after alignment it's possible to manually swing the scope to a different portion of the sky while the power is still on? ?I'm asking about this because I know with the Rowan AZ100 mount its motors must be turned off in the Rowan app before manually slewing the scope.
?
If the power to the AZ8 motors has to be turned off to manually move the scope, will the time and location settings have to be reset, or will the mount remember its place in the sky when power to the motors is restored?
?
Also, if using my current refractor (Televue NP 101) weighing when configured at the most about 18 pounds (likely less), will I need a counter weight?
?
Finally, if I opt for the dual sided version of the mount, can the saddle on one side be removed and the lightweight system with 5 pound head be user installed in lieu of the saddle?
?
Thanks for any answers and insights in helping me to decide whether to purchase this mount. ?-- Russ
? ??
Re: strange behaviour

 

Hi Andrew, the "unreachable" message indicates that your safety limits are not allowing the mount to reach that object. The usual suggestions (test all of these after you connect your PC to the mount):
?
1. That the safety limits are set correctly
2. Start up in proper CWD position using Cold Start -- safety limits position is relative to CWD
3. Make sure your mount is configured with the correct date, time, time zone, and geo location
4. Correct mount type is selected in Gemini
5. If all of these don't help, try resetting Gemini to HGM Defaults, and then do a Cold start and set all the settings again. Try operating the mount without the PC being connected, see if that works.?
?
Regards,
?
? -Paul
Re: strange behaviour

 

Some ideas - make sure your geo location is correct, double check your time zone is correct, check your horizon limits in your imaging app are not set too high, recheck your mount safety limits including your western GoTo limit.
?
Good luck,
?
John
--
Losmandy G11G2 on pier; refurbed Losmandy G11 with OnStep controller; SkyShed design roll-off observatory; ZWO ASI2600MM-P; ZWO ASI071MC; Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 ED with field flattener; Celestron C925 Edge HD with 0.7XFR, William Optics Zenithstar 61 APO; PHD2, Sequence Generator Pro and PixInsight user
strange behaviour

 

Dear fountain of knowledge,
I have been having the following issue
the g11 will not goto anything on the southern part of the sky, "says unreachable"
the following has been done
gps?
Polar align?
plate solving
all time date setting ok
point to anything west of the sky perfectly
balanced
I have 2 g11 and the other is perfect
I am stumped?
I'm in uk 51 degrees
went to m51 perfect
went to Mars perfect?
asked to go to orion or m45 and unreachable comes up, Any ideas at all ??
?
?
Re: Problem with GFU

 

On Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 03:24 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I can’t retry as I sent the updated G2 back to the owner.

?

I will update to the latest.

?

?

?
Oh, got it.? Do you add a network device in Windows so you can see what is being copied to the Gemini 2 using Windows explorer?? This can make life easier in this situation.??
?
--
?
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
Re: USB Connection to Gemini 2 Disconnect Issue

 

On Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 09:00 AM, Paul Romero wrote:
hi,
?
I think you need to install a network analyzer on your PC, and check to see if you see the Gemini on the list. Take the IP address of the Gemini, and insert it into the INDI driver control panel on StellarMate. Hit set, and see if it connects. I have seen my Gemini change IP addresses, so I plan on giving it a permanent IP address through the hand controller when I get back from out of town.
?
Clear skies, Paul
?
Your Gemini 2 will only change IP addresses if you allow it to use DHCP.? By assigning a static IP address and unchecking the DHCP box in the Gemini 2 or HC the Gemini 2 will always be found at the IP address you entered.??
?
--

Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
Re: USB Connection to Gemini 2 Disconnect Issue

 

hi,
?
I think you need to install a network analyzer on your PC, and check to see if you see the Gemini on the list. Take the IP address of the Gemini, and insert it into the INDI driver control panel on StellarMate. Hit set, and see if it connects. I have seen my Gemini change IP addresses, so I plan on giving it a permanent IP address through the hand controller when I get back from out of town.
?
Clear skies, Paul
Re: Problem with GFU

 

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I can’t retry as I sent the updated G2 back to the owner.

?

I will update to the latest.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky
Sent: 04 March 2025 01:19
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Problem with GFU

?

Not sure why GFU 1.0.0.31 would be any different, but I just used and was able to flash HC just fine. Gemini showed "Uploading new Firmware..." on the HC after a power-down/power-up cycle. At the end, the correct version of HC firmware was displayed.

?

These were my settings:

?
Re: Problem with GFU

 

David,
?
We have been over this several times before.? GFU works fine and very reliability does what it's supposed to do. I just used the current 1.32 GFU and reinstalled L6.1 and HC 1.63 no problem.? I can look at the HC firmware directory in the Gemini 2 and see that the file is being loaded into the right directory by GFU.? This is the memory address that the HC controller chip looks at when it is powered up to upload the code and execute.?
?
We know it works correctly.so if you are having an issue with it you probably have some other issues.? Loose uSD card, dirty connectors, out of spec uSD card, poor Ethernet cable etc. etc. whatever it is it isn't the GFU.? These aren't the droids you're looking for, move along.?
?
--

Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
Re: Problem with GFU

 

Not sure why GFU 1.0.0.31 would be any different, but I just used and was able to flash HC just fine. Gemini showed "Uploading new Firmware..." on the HC after a power-down/power-up cycle. At the end, the correct version of HC firmware was displayed.
?
These were my settings:
?
Re: Problem with GFU

 

开云体育

This was GFU 1.0.0.31 if that should be relevant

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of David C. Partridge via groups.io
Sent: 04 March 2025 00:54
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Problem with GFU

?

Yes, I did have that selected

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky
Sent: 03 March 2025 18:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Problem with GFU

?

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I selected 6.1 and asked it to update everything including the HC.

?

HC wasn’t updated.? I needed to copy the gemhc.bin for 1.63 to the HCFirmwre directory on the SD car using Filezilla and then reboot to get it to install it.

?

David, did you have Flash Firmware selected? HC firmware will not be uploaded if you check just the HC option but not the flash firmware.
Re: Problem with GFU

 

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Yes, I did have that selected

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky
Sent: 03 March 2025 18:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Problem with GFU

?

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I selected 6.1 and asked it to update everything including the HC.

?

HC wasn’t updated.? I needed to copy the gemhc.bin for 1.63 to the HCFirmwre directory on the SD car using Filezilla and then reboot to get it to install it.

?

David, did you have Flash Firmware selected? HC firmware will not be uploaded if you check just the HC option but not the flash firmware.
Re: Replacement Touch Screen

 

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Thank you all - I just ordered a replacement screen for $150. Hopefully it's an easy install!

Dale

On 3/2/25 11:20 AM, DaleN via groups.io wrote:

Is there a source for replacement touch screens for the G2 HC??
?
3 year old GM811G screen has been damaged by sun UV exposure over time, such that it is difficult to read.?
?
Thanks!
Dale
Re: Problem with GFU

 

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 07:16 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I selected 6.1 and asked it to update everything including the HC.

?

HC wasn’t updated.? I needed to copy the gemhc.bin for 1.63 to the HCFirmwre directory on the SD car using Filezilla and then reboot to get it to install it.

?

Cheers, David

?

?

?
Normally if you have the right boxes checked the HC is enabled to be downloaded but cannot be updated until you reboot the Gemini 2 by powering off then powering back up.? You get a updating HC firmware message which can take a long time but eventually it will update and reboot.? Sometimes the Gemini 2 need to be power cycled to get it to wake up after this which AFAIK is normal.?
?
If you have connected to the Gemini-2 over your LAN and can access the Gemini-2 using the network you can also just copy the HC file to the right directory in the Gemini-2 and when the Gemini 2 is power cycled it will update the firmware as above.? ??
?
--

Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
Re: Problem with GFU

 

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I selected 6.1 and asked it to update everything including the HC.

?

HC wasn’t updated.? I needed to copy the gemhc.bin for 1.63 to the HCFirmwre directory on the SD car using Filezilla and then reboot to get it to install it.

?

David, did you have Flash Firmware selected? HC firmware will not be uploaded if you check just the HC option but not the flash firmware.
Problem with GFU

 

开云体育

I selected 6.1 and asked it to update everything including the HC.

?

HC wasn’t updated.? I needed to copy the gemhc.bin for 1.63 to the HCFirmwre directory on the SD car using Filezilla and then reboot to get it to install it.

?

Cheers, David

?

?
Re: Hit RA Safety limit and couldn't move away from it.

 

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 03:22 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

The servo imposed limit is written so you should always be able to back out of the limit.

?

Yeah, it sounds like something else is going on. I've not been able to reproduce this, but others have. Something that Rene may need to look into.

?

Regards,

?

? -Paul

?
Re: Hit RA Safety limit and couldn't move away from it.

 

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The servo imposed limit is written so you should always be able to back out of the limit.

?

??? //

??? // If the position counter is outside the valid range only allow steps

??? // that will move out of the forbidden zone.

??? //

??? bool direction = GetDirection();

??? if (!checkLimits ||

??????? ((posCount < lowerLimit && direction) ||

???????? (posCount > upperLimit && !direction)) ||

??????? ((posCount >= lowerLimit) && (posCount <= upperLimit))

?????? )

??? {??

?

I was using the touch screen diamonds, but I seem to remember that I also tried the physical buttons.

?

Daivd

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky
Sent: 02 March 2025 16:34
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Hit RA Safety limit and couldn't move away from it.

?

On Sun, Mar 2, 2025 at 08:50 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:

I was resetting the worm mesh on my G11 (I‘d been getting RA stalls) and during testing I hit the RA safety limit.?? My problem is that I couldn’t use the arrow keys on the HC to move the mount after that.? Surely I should be able to move out of the limit?

?

What am I missing?

Hi David,


I've not had that happen to me. Were you trying to use the touch-screen or the physical buttons? Did you try the ASCOM driver virtual HC buttons? Does it happen every time you hit a safety limit or occasionally?

?

The one thing that could explain it is if the mount somehow reached your hard servo firmware-imposed limit to stop the mount from rotating a full 360 degrees.
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