Re: I don't understand why Losmandy disabled the port for the axis encoders
The code for the Gemini-2 was a complete re-write for a new platform.?? As I said,I believe it was a business decision not to write code to support encoders attached to Port “E”, because the number of DSCH units sold was pretty low. ? D.
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Tomsen
Sent: 15 March 2025 16:54
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Gemini-II_io] I don't understand why Losmandy disabled the port for the axis encoders? I don't understand why Losmandy disabled the port for the axis encoders on the Gemini II.
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I don't understand why Losmandy disabled the port for the axis encoders
I don't understand why Losmandy disabled the port for the axis encoders on the Gemini II. It was present on the Gemini I, so Losmandy wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel.
The reason: There would be so few users who would use encoders, a really great reason.
If I understand correctly, you can connect the Nexus devices in parallel and use the encoders.
I control the mount via Cartes de Ciel, i.e., via Ascom?
The Nexus devices are also capable of being controlled via Ascom, so will the parallel installation work?
Regards, Edwin
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 02:53 PM, PAT&SANDY wrote:
Hello !?? this question is somewhat along this current topic.? I have two older Gemini 2 units on MI- 250 mounts. I have never updated the firm wear on the unit or hand controller. I have the kiss of death when it comes to computer stuff, so I didn’t want to take any chances of screwing things up on the Gemini 2. I have a friend who has been able to upgrade to Level 6 on an older Gemini 2 unit with no problems. He had me order one of the Comidox 1 PCS PICkit3 Electronic Chips Emulator MPLAB so we can do the upgrade. If I try to do this upgrade without never having done any upgrades prior will this cause problems ? I did question Tayna at Losmandy about the kits they were selling to DYI the upgrade your self and she said they are no longer supplying them. I could send the Gemini Units to Losmandy to do the upgrade and they will do for $150.00 per unit. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I just want to say that I very much appreciate all the information and help that is provided through this group. Thank you all !!!
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Sandy
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Why not just ask your friend to help with the updating and PIC chip reprogramming?? You already have the PIC chip programmer, just schedule an afternoon to have some fun with it.? If your friend is not local and you are not real comfortable with getting the Gemini 2 controllers connected using cabled Ethernet to run the GFU app and opening up the Gemini 2 for the PIC chip update yourself you should probably have Losmandy perform the upgrade for you to be sure it is done safely and correctly.?
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There is really not that much to it but if you have any misgivings you really should send it in.??
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
Hey Paul,
Thanks! I read through the instructions and it seems pretty straight forward. I ordered a Pic 3 kit on Amazon (the recommended on was not available, but I found a different one. Looking through the comments someone mentioned they successfully programmed their Losmandy with it).
Jason
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 01:39 PM, Jason Hissong wrote:
Ok great. I will probably go that route as I have experience doing that type of thing. Are the files/instructions available to properly flash the servo firmware?
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Some instructions for doing this yourself here:
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Re: Push-to to get Alt Az coordinates
If you use NINA, there’s a plug-in that does just that. You slew the scope to the different obstructions and NINA will know what to do with the info, in essence creating a “virtual horizon” for your location. Granted, you still will need to slew the scope but it should be fairly accurate.?
Just a thought?
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Re: Push-to to get Alt Az coordinates
If Theodelite depends on the phone's sensors, I doubt it would work very well. My phone, when set for true north, is at least 15 degrees off. (And where I live, in Virginia, has about a 10 degree westerly declination to add to the mix.) However, since I see that one person "liked" this suggestion, maybe it would be worth a try. For now, after the clouds clear, should I live that long...., anyway, for now, I'll give the "picture" idea a try. I also thought that if I can't make out many stars, I might could plate solve it and use the "solved" picture dimensions to get a better idea of the "hole" situation. (Sorry, couldn't resist that one!) Thanks for the ideas and any more that might come this way.
Ken
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 05:53 PM, PAT&SANDY wrote:
Hello !?? this question is somewhat along this current topic.? I have two older Gemini 2 units on MI- 250 mounts. I have never updated the firm wear on the unit or hand controller. I have the kiss of death when it comes to computer stuff, so I didn’t want to take any chances of screwing things up on the Gemini 2. I have a friend who has been able to upgrade to Level 6 on an older Gemini 2 unit with no problems. He had me order one of the Comidox 1 PCS PICkit3 Electronic Chips Emulator MPLAB so we can do the upgrade. If I try to do this upgrade without never having done any upgrades prior will this cause problems ? I did question Tayna at Losmandy about the kits they were selling to DYI the upgrade your self and she said they are no longer supplying them. I could send the Gemini Units to Losmandy to do the upgrade and they will do for $150.00 per unit. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I just want to say that I very much appreciate all the information and help that is provided through this group. Thank you all !!!
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Sandy
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Hi Sandy,
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If you're not comfortable with computers and making a few connections to the Gemini printed circuit board (no soldering), then I'd recommend using Losmandy's $150 upgrade service for peace of mind.
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Regards,
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? -Paul
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Re: Push-to to get Alt Az coordinates
Not sure about accuracy for gaps in folliage, but I use Theodelite for mapping treelines.?
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I don't see an Android version.
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Dave
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
Hello !?? this question is somewhat along this current topic.? I have two older Gemini 2 units on MI- 250 mounts. I have never updated the firm wear on the unit or hand controller. I have the kiss of death when it comes to computer stuff, so I didn’t want to take any chances of screwing things up on the Gemini 2. I have a friend who has been able to upgrade to Level 6 on an older Gemini 2 unit with no problems. He had me order one of the Comidox 1 PCS PICkit3 Electronic Chips Emulator MPLAB so we can do the upgrade. If I try to do this upgrade without never having done any upgrades prior will this cause problems ? I did question Tayna at Losmandy about the kits they were selling to DYI the upgrade your self and she said they are no longer supplying them. I could send the Gemini Units to Losmandy to do the upgrade and they will do for $150.00 per unit. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I just want to say that I very much appreciate all the information and help that is provided through this group. Thank you all !!! ? Sandy
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Chip Louie via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 4:41 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU? On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 10:44 PM, Jason Hissong wrote: So I figured it out. Apparently, it helps when you don't fat finger a comma in the IP address. I was able to successfully upgrade and flash the firmware. However, I have Level 6 in my Gemini, and the mount appears to work with it. I have NOT updated the servo firmware (I need to get a pic programmer or order one from Losmandy). Will this cause any issues?? I would think that it would not work if that was the case. Perhaps I cannot use the upgraded finer resolution that Level 6 gives. I am willing to keep it this way until Losmandy has the programmer in stock. Thanks for the assistance everyone! Jason ? GFU is trying to get the current firmware version from Gemini. The error appears to be caused by that call. Can you try navigating to? In your browser and see if you get a web page with Build Date on it? That's what GFU is trying to do when you get that error.
The newest L6.x firmware was designed to use the v.3 PIC code.? It was not extensively tested with the old PIC code and there may be new issues using the old PIC code as the main firmware changes over time. Because of this i recommend updating your Gemini-2 PIC chip code sooner than later.?? AFAIK it's unlikely that Losmandy will restock their L6 update kits and PIC Kit programers any time soon.? They have the ability in house to update Gemini-2 firmware and turn them around quickly.? There is nothing to be gained by waiting, the best way to get your Gemini-2 updated quickly is to ship your Gemini-2 and HC to Losmandy for updating.? You will not have the controller for a week or so depending on this or that.? IMHO anyone still not updated should just do it now while the weather is killing opportunities to use the mount anyway.? It's not much more time or money than ordering your own PIC Kit programmer. There are some good how-to videos to help you get past the PIC Kit software's learning curve, if that's something you're comfortable with but the majority of people just sent them in and at this point, IDK well over a year since the L6 rollout I think majority of Gemini-2 are up to date.?? I am a regular visitor to Losmandy, going to drop off a couple mounts for service this AM, and AFAIK the turnaround for this bench job is short.? That said I don't work at Losmandy so call and verify with Tanya.?
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 10:44 PM, Jason Hissong wrote:
So I figured it out. Apparently, it helps when you don't fat finger a comma in the IP address. I was able to successfully upgrade and flash the firmware.
However, I have Level 6 in my Gemini, and the mount appears to work with it. I have NOT updated the servo firmware (I need to get a pic programmer or order one from Losmandy). Will this cause any issues?? I would think that it would not work if that was the case. Perhaps I cannot use the upgraded finer resolution that Level 6 gives.
I am willing to keep it this way until Losmandy has the programmer in stock.
Thanks for the assistance everyone!
Jason
Hi Jason,
?
GFU is trying to get the current firmware version from Gemini. The error appears to be caused by that call. Can you try navigating to?
?
?
In your browser and see if you get a web page with Build Date on it? That's what GFU is trying to do when you get that error.
?
Regards,
?
? -Paul
?
?
?
The newest L6.x firmware was designed to use the v.3 PIC code.? It was not extensively tested with the old PIC code and there may be new issues using the old PIC code as the main firmware changes over time. Because of this i recommend updating your Gemini-2 PIC chip code sooner than later.??
?
AFAIK it's unlikely that Losmandy will restock their L6 update kits and PIC Kit programers any time soon.? They have the ability in house to update Gemini-2 firmware and turn them around quickly.? There is nothing to be gained by waiting, the best way to get your Gemini-2 updated quickly is to ship your Gemini-2 and HC to Losmandy for updating.?
?
You will not have the controller for a week or so depending on this or that.? IMHO anyone still not updated should just do it now while the weather is killing opportunities to use the mount anyway.? It's not much more time or money than ordering your own PIC Kit programmer. There are some good how-to videos to help you get past the PIC Kit software's learning curve, if that's something you're comfortable with but the majority of people just sent them in and at this point, IDK well over a year since the L6 rollout I think majority of Gemini-2 are up to date.??
?
I am a regular visitor to Losmandy, going to drop off a couple mounts for service this AM, and AFAIK the turnaround for this bench job is short.? That said I don't work at Losmandy so call and verify with Tanya.?
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 01:39 PM, Jason Hissong wrote:
Ok great. I will probably go that route as I have experience doing that type of thing. Are the files/instructions available to properly flash the servo firmware?
?
Some instructions for doing this yourself here:
?
?
?
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
Ok great. I will probably go that route as I have experience doing that type of thing. Are the files/instructions available to properly flash the servo firmware?
Thanks so much! My GM811 is humming along nicely.?
Jason On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 6:07?AM David C. Partridge via <david.partridge= [email protected]> wrote:
Any PICKit 3 from (e.g. eBay) should work fine ? The level 6 code will work with the old servo code, you just won’t have the x4 precision mode, and a number of other fixes and enhancements. ? Davod ? ? So I figured it out. Apparently, it helps when you don't fat finger a comma in the IP address. I was able to successfully upgrade and flash the firmware. However, I have Level 6 in my Gemini, and the mount appears to work with it. I have NOT updated the servo firmware (I need to get a pic programmer or order one from Losmandy). Will this cause any issues?? I would think that it would not work if that was the case. Perhaps I cannot use the upgraded finer resolution that Level 6 gives. I am willing to keep it this way until Losmandy has the programmer in stock. Thanks for the assistance everyone! Jason ? GFU is trying to get the current firmware version from Gemini. The error appears to be caused by that call. Can you try navigating to? In your browser and see if you get a web page with Build Date on it? That's what GFU is trying to do when you get that error.
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Re: Push-to to get Alt Az coordinates
How about this idea:
Take a photo, or a series of photos, of your sky showing the stars and the treeline. Make note of the exact date and time of the photo(s).
Then use a planetarium program like Sky Safari that will allow you to see the azimuth and altitude of each star at the instant the photo was taken. This should allow you to map out your effective horizon. Just make sure the exposures are long enough so you can see and identify the stars. A bit of star streaking shouldn’t matter.
I have a lot of tree around at my place, so I used Sky Safari to set then date and time of the Lunar Eclipse Fri morning, to make sure there wouldn’t be any trees blocking the Moon at totality.
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Clear skies.
Kevin
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Re: Push-to to get Alt Az coordinates
Chris, that's a perspective I hadn't thought of, but may be able to make use of. The angle I was approaching this from was... well, when I started in astronomy, I star hopped to objects (who does that any more?). To do that, I had a piece of cardboard with a hole that matched the FOV of the scope or finder for the star chart I was using. Pretty much the way everybody did it, I guess. I was thinking that if I could create the "piece of cardboard with a hole in it" in stellarium, I would be able to see potential targets as they came into the "viewing area." Somewhat doable, but not easy.
Ken
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Re: Gemini is turning 25!
Been with it for all that time plus but older age and no personal observatory possible on my hillside property means a strainwave mount is in my future.
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Re: Gemini is turning 25!
Fascinating write-up.? A lot of the technical details are way above my understanding but fascinating nonetheless to read how Gemini developed.
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I have been a Gemini user since late 2005 when I purchased a used, 2001 MI-250.? That mount had the original G1 controller (RJ45 cables).? I still use that same MI-250 today and the original G1 unit has been replaced by the current G2 controller and motors.
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A big THANKS to all that work behind the scenes and in this forum to keep Gemini current and continue to provide enhancements/support/bug fixes for this system.? Your efforts are appreciated.
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Chris N
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
Any PICKit 3 from (e.g. eBay) should work fine ? The level 6 code will work with the old servo code, you just won’t have the x4 precision mode, and a number of other fixes and enhancements. ? Davod ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Jason Hissong via groups.io
Sent: 12 March 2025 05:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU? So I figured it out. Apparently, it helps when you don't fat finger a comma in the IP address. I was able to successfully upgrade and flash the firmware. However, I have Level 6 in my Gemini, and the mount appears to work with it. I have NOT updated the servo firmware (I need to get a pic programmer or order one from Losmandy). Will this cause any issues?? I would think that it would not work if that was the case. Perhaps I cannot use the upgraded finer resolution that Level 6 gives. I am willing to keep it this way until Losmandy has the programmer in stock. Thanks for the assistance everyone! Jason ? GFU is trying to get the current firmware version from Gemini. The error appears to be caused by that call. Can you try navigating to? In your browser and see if you get a web page with Build Date on it? That's what GFU is trying to do when you get that error.
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Re: Gemini 2 Hits Western Limit Early
Good to know I’m not going mad – over to you René ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Mike Rousseau via groups.io
Sent: 11 March 2025 22:39
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] Gemini 2 Hits Western Limit Early? I've also discovered that when it hits the limit I am unable to back out of the limit. The only way I found to do it is to tell the Gemini to go to CWD position. Then I push the stop button when it starts to move . I then can move the mount around with the hand paddle. ? ? I also have a friend who has a G11 Gemini 2 recently updated to latest version. It also experiences the same problem.
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Re: Error when attempting to connect to Gemini 2 with GFU
So I figured it out. Apparently, it helps when you don't fat finger a comma in the IP address. I was able to successfully upgrade and flash the firmware.
However, I have Level 6 in my Gemini, and the mount appears to work with it. I have NOT updated the servo firmware (I need to get a pic programmer or order one from Losmandy). Will this cause any issues?? I would think that it would not work if that was the case. Perhaps I cannot use the upgraded finer resolution that Level 6 gives.
I am willing to keep it this way until Losmandy has the programmer in stock.
Thanks for the assistance everyone!
Jason
Hi Jason,
?
GFU is trying to get the current firmware version from Gemini. The error appears to be caused by that call. Can you try navigating to?
?
?
In your browser and see if you get a web page with Build Date on it? That's what GFU is trying to do when you get that error.
?
Regards,
?
? -Paul
?
?
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Thank you Paul. I'm going to skip right to the PemPro method.
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David C. Partridge
Chip Louie
Paul Kanevsky
Ross Elkins
Art Trail