Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Ted,
Thank you so much for all of this great information. I have started my own document on the mount and I have added your comments to it, as I am sure they wil be helpful and time saving when the time comes (shortly I hope!!). Good luck on your first light and I will be watching for your observations on that as I am sure they will be helpful as well! :)
Thanks again!
Regards,
Kirk
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "MartinCavell" <martincavell@...> wrote:
Kirk,
Yes, I did get a polar scope (w/illuminator) and a few other tid bits. I have it all assembled now (been busy the last couple of hours) and I noticed a few things.
The polar scope installs easilly but doesn't look as though it will "travel" well with the scope. There is a nice metal cover that threads up next to the RA clutch knob. Once that is removed the polar scope screws in... but it leaves about an inch sticking out it would seem. I may have it installed incorrectly so I'll continue looking for some description of it and the installation instructions. Since there isn't a screw on cover for it (it came with a plastic dust cap) I'd be worried leaving it installed during transport.
The aluminum motor covers I purchased are apparently for another kind of motor. The cut-outs for the wiring are in the wrong spot and they really don't seem to fit at all with this new motor. I'd caution anyone thinking of purchasing the nice aluminum motor covers (which at the time seemed an excellent idea). Be sure you get ones for the motors you are getting. :)
The motors themselves needed to be installed. They were a bit of a challenge to get lined up and mounted. It involved two fairly small screws and a hex wrench. The two motors didn't seem to have any marking or anthing that would allow one to identify one from the other. Thus, I came to the conclusion that either would work for DEC or RA. I hope I was right on that. :) There was also two possible orientations they would mount. The two screws are centered around the drive shaft / gear assembly and as such you could rotate the motors 180 degrees and still mount them. Luckilly the wires are only long enough to connect the motors when they are in a particular orientation so that was easy enough. Add to that the fact that the mounting screws didn't come with the motors but rather in a seperate ziplock baggy and you get a small puzzle that caused concern until they were found...
The tripod bolts/handles that I ordered ended up unnecessary. The ones that come with the tripod are fantastic. The 1/4 turn locking ones are nice, but really not required at all. I stayed with the stock ones.
The final thing I got was a Kendrick battery pack that supplies 18volts and comes with a Gemini specific power cable. I had heard that though it would run on 12 volts it worked best on 18. I've not yet plugged it in and turned it on. I'm waiting until I finish my homework and make sure everything is plugged in correctly. Better safe than sorry...
I hope your wait is short and your experience as nice as mine!
-Ted
--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@> wrote:
Ted,
Congratulations on your new mount and thanks for sharing your experience. Like others, I am also waiting for those boxes to arrive. I am looking forward to your first light reports, although no doubt the clouds heard about your purchase! :) Did you order the polar scope and aside from what you mentioned did you pick up any other mount accessories?
Thanks,
Kirk
|
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Ted,
Congratulations on the new mount!
If you check the Losmandy site, there are manuals there for the Gemini 1 that should also work for the mechanical aspects of the Gemini 2. There's a couple of manuals for the alignment scope and motor mounting instructions among others.
The differences are going to be with the Gemini 2 unit and there's a set of instructions in the files section of this forum. And then there's the excellent community of users that are represented here. Feel free to ask questions and over comments. We're all here to help each other.
-Jim
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "MartinCavell" <martincavell@...> wrote:
Kirk,
Yes, I did get a polar scope (w/illuminator) and a few other tid bits. I have it all assembled now (been busy the last couple of hours) and I noticed a few things.
The polar scope installs easilly but doesn't look as though it will "travel" well with the scope. There is a nice metal cover that threads up next to the RA clutch knob. Once that is removed the polar scope screws in... but it leaves about an inch sticking out it would seem. I may have it installed incorrectly so I'll continue looking for some description of it and the installation instructions. Since there isn't a screw on cover for it (it came with a plastic dust cap) I'd be worried leaving it installed during transport.
The aluminum motor covers I purchased are apparently for another kind of motor. The cut-outs for the wiring are in the wrong spot and they really don't seem to fit at all with this new motor. I'd caution anyone thinking of purchasing the nice aluminum motor covers (which at the time seemed an excellent idea). Be sure you get ones for the motors you are getting. :)
The motors themselves needed to be installed. They were a bit of a challenge to get lined up and mounted. It involved two fairly small screws and a hex wrench. The two motors didn't seem to have any marking or anthing that would allow one to identify one from the other. Thus, I came to the conclusion that either would work for DEC or RA. I hope I was right on that. :) There was also two possible orientations they would mount. The two screws are centered around the drive shaft / gear assembly and as such you could rotate the motors 180 degrees and still mount them. Luckilly the wires are only long enough to connect the motors when they are in a particular orientation so that was easy enough. Add to that the fact that the mounting screws didn't come with the motors but rather in a seperate ziplock baggy and you get a small puzzle that caused concern until they were found...
The tripod bolts/handles that I ordered ended up unnecessary. The ones that come with the tripod are fantastic. The 1/4 turn locking ones are nice, but really not required at all. I stayed with the stock ones.
The final thing I got was a Kendrick battery pack that supplies 18volts and comes with a Gemini specific power cable. I had heard that though it would run on 12 volts it worked best on 18. I've not yet plugged it in and turned it on. I'm waiting until I finish my homework and make sure everything is plugged in correctly. Better safe than sorry...
I hope your wait is short and your experience as nice as mine!
-Ted
--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@> wrote:
Ted,
Congratulations on your new mount and thanks for sharing your experience. Like others, I am also waiting for those boxes to arrive. I am looking forward to your first light reports, although no doubt the clouds heard about your purchase! :) Did you order the polar scope and aside from what you mentioned did you pick up any other mount accessories?
Thanks,
Kirk
|
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Kirk,
Yes, I did get a polar scope (w/illuminator) and a few other tid bits. I have it all assembled now (been busy the last couple of hours) and I noticed a few things.
The polar scope installs easilly but doesn't look as though it will "travel" well with the scope. There is a nice metal cover that threads up next to the RA clutch knob. Once that is removed the polar scope screws in... but it leaves about an inch sticking out it would seem. I may have it installed incorrectly so I'll continue looking for some description of it and the installation instructions. Since there isn't a screw on cover for it (it came with a plastic dust cap) I'd be worried leaving it installed during transport.
The aluminum motor covers I purchased are apparently for another kind of motor. The cut-outs for the wiring are in the wrong spot and they really don't seem to fit at all with this new motor. I'd caution anyone thinking of purchasing the nice aluminum motor covers (which at the time seemed an excellent idea). Be sure you get ones for the motors you are getting. :)
The motors themselves needed to be installed. They were a bit of a challenge to get lined up and mounted. It involved two fairly small screws and a hex wrench. The two motors didn't seem to have any marking or anthing that would allow one to identify one from the other. Thus, I came to the conclusion that either would work for DEC or RA. I hope I was right on that. :) There was also two possible orientations they would mount. The two screws are centered around the drive shaft / gear assembly and as such you could rotate the motors 180 degrees and still mount them. Luckilly the wires are only long enough to connect the motors when they are in a particular orientation so that was easy enough. Add to that the fact that the mounting screws didn't come with the motors but rather in a seperate ziplock baggy and you get a small puzzle that caused concern until they were found...
The tripod bolts/handles that I ordered ended up unnecessary. The ones that come with the tripod are fantastic. The 1/4 turn locking ones are nice, but really not required at all. I stayed with the stock ones.
The final thing I got was a Kendrick battery pack that supplies 18volts and comes with a Gemini specific power cable. I had heard that though it would run on 12 volts it worked best on 18. I've not yet plugged it in and turned it on. I'm waiting until I finish my homework and make sure everything is plugged in correctly. Better safe than sorry...
I hope your wait is short and your experience as nice as mine!
-Ted
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@...> wrote:
Ted,
Congratulations on your new mount and thanks for sharing your experience. Like others, I am also waiting for those boxes to arrive. I am looking forward to your first light reports, although no doubt the clouds heard about your purchase! :) Did you order the polar scope and aside from what you mentioned did you pick up any other mount accessories?
Thanks,
Kirk
|
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Ted,
Congratulations on your new mount and thanks for sharing your experience. Like others, I am also waiting for those boxes to arrive. I am looking forward to your first light reports, although no doubt the clouds heard about your purchase! :) Did you order the polar scope and aside from what you mentioned did you pick up any other mount accessories?
Thanks,
Kirk
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "MartinCavell" <martincavell@...> wrote:
Hello everyone,
The shipping company just dropped off 4 boxes containing my G11 mount and Gemini 2 unit. I've taken photos of these boxes and their contents if anyone is interested. I also have a few first impressions I'd like to share.
Firstly, a bit of background to frame my thoughts. I've never owned a G11 (or any Losmandy product) before. In the past have used an Orion Atlas, a Meade LX 10" SCT with Fork mount, and a number of Dobsonians up to 22". I purchased the G11 after getting interested in photography. I found the Altas mount acceptable for short (5 min.) or so exposures but really needed something better. I paid the deposit on my G11 / Gemini 2 system back in October of 2010 and waited patiently until today.
As you would expect I was very happy when these boxes were dropped off today. I photographed them, opened them and placed the contents onto the living room floor still in the bubble wrap.
My next thought was... no documentation? Indeed, a careful search turned up nothing more than a shipping list attached to the outside of one of the boxes. (And the shipping list only notes the completed assemblies, not the parts). I would feel sorry for any end-user who received these 4 boxes who didn't happen to have internet access and enough know-how to search for some help. As it is I have no way to inventory the contents of the shipment to know if anything is missing. Still, a bit of digging and I came up with some basic assembly information and tons of useful documents and started in.
The Tripod
The tripod parts are all amazingly well machined compared to my past mounts. Nothing looks like it is cast metal. The tripod legs themselves are massive and form a very stable platform for the G11. The finish was flawless. I had ordered some aftermarket knobs for the tripod legs but after seeing the stock ones currently shipped with the tripod I'm not sure I need them. I'll let you know once I try them out.
The G11 Mount
In a word, beautiful. The RA and DEC scales alone put my past mounts to shame. I will say that I'm glad I purchased the aftermarket aluminum motor covers, clutch and elevation knobs. The elevation bolts would have required a hex wrench to tighten (though indeed a full set of hex wrenches came in the box!). The clutch knobs are very nicely made and may have worked well but I had a hard time turning them (they were tightened very tight from the factory it seems). Finally the motor covers just seemed a good idea (though I've not installed them yet).
The Gemini 2 Unit
Not much to say here... it came in a single box with a large number of cables and hardware. I've not used it yet so cannot comment on the functionality however the appearance is again excellent. The lack of a parts list means that I'll need to dig a bit more to be sure it is all here. It certainly LOOKS great. :)
I'll give you guys another update as soon as I get it all together and try it out. I've got a few days to practice in the living room before the clouds clear and I can try it in the field.
-Ted Greer
Proud owner of a new G11 - Gemini 2!
|
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Hello Ted,
Congratulations!!!! I am eagerly waiting for my four boxes to be shipped :).
Regards Hemant Hariyani
On Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 7:32 PM, MartinCavell <martincavell@...> wrote:
?
Hello everyone,
The shipping company just dropped off 4 boxes containing my G11 mount and Gemini 2 unit. I've taken photos of these boxes and their contents if anyone is interested. I also have a few first impressions I'd like to share.
Firstly, a bit of background to frame my thoughts. I've never owned a G11 (or any Losmandy product) before. In the past have used an Orion Atlas, a Meade LX 10" SCT with Fork mount, and a number of Dobsonians up to 22". I purchased the G11 after getting interested in photography. I found the Altas mount acceptable for short (5 min.) or so exposures but really needed something better. I paid the deposit on my G11 / Gemini 2 system back in October of 2010 and waited patiently until today.
As you would expect I was very happy when these boxes were dropped off today. I photographed them, opened them and placed the contents onto the living room floor still in the bubble wrap.
My next thought was... no documentation? Indeed, a careful search turned up nothing more than a shipping list attached to the outside of one of the boxes. (And the shipping list only notes the completed assemblies, not the parts). I would feel sorry for any end-user who received these 4 boxes who didn't happen to have internet access and enough know-how to search for some help. As it is I have no way to inventory the contents of the shipment to know if anything is missing. Still, a bit of digging and I came up with some basic assembly information and tons of useful documents and started in.
The Tripod
The tripod parts are all amazingly well machined compared to my past mounts. Nothing looks like it is cast metal. The tripod legs themselves are massive and form a very stable platform for the G11. The finish was flawless. I had ordered some aftermarket knobs for the tripod legs but after seeing the stock ones currently shipped with the tripod I'm not sure I need them. I'll let you know once I try them out.
The G11 Mount
In a word, beautiful. The RA and DEC scales alone put my past mounts to shame. I will say that I'm glad I purchased the aftermarket aluminum motor covers, clutch and elevation knobs. The elevation bolts would have required a hex wrench to tighten (though indeed a full set of hex wrenches came in the box!). The clutch knobs are very nicely made and may have worked well but I had a hard time turning them (they were tightened very tight from the factory it seems). Finally the motor covers just seemed a good idea (though I've not installed them yet).
The Gemini 2 Unit
Not much to say here... it came in a single box with a large number of cables and hardware. I've not used it yet so cannot comment on the functionality however the appearance is again excellent. The lack of a parts list means that I'll need to dig a bit more to be sure it is all here. It certainly LOOKS great. :)
I'll give you guys another update as soon as I get it all together and try it out. I've got a few days to practice in the living room before the clouds clear and I can try it in the field.
-Ted Greer
Proud owner of a new G11 - Gemini 2!
|
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Ted
Let me be one of the first to tell you congratulations receiving your G11 and Gemini 2.
Tom Hilton
|
Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
Hello everyone,
The shipping company just dropped off 4 boxes containing my G11 mount and Gemini 2 unit. I've taken photos of these boxes and their contents if anyone is interested. I also have a few first impressions I'd like to share.
Firstly, a bit of background to frame my thoughts. I've never owned a G11 (or any Losmandy product) before. In the past have used an Orion Atlas, a Meade LX 10" SCT with Fork mount, and a number of Dobsonians up to 22". I purchased the G11 after getting interested in photography. I found the Altas mount acceptable for short (5 min.) or so exposures but really needed something better. I paid the deposit on my G11 / Gemini 2 system back in October of 2010 and waited patiently until today.
As you would expect I was very happy when these boxes were dropped off today. I photographed them, opened them and placed the contents onto the living room floor still in the bubble wrap.
My next thought was... no documentation? Indeed, a careful search turned up nothing more than a shipping list attached to the outside of one of the boxes. (And the shipping list only notes the completed assemblies, not the parts). I would feel sorry for any end-user who received these 4 boxes who didn't happen to have internet access and enough know-how to search for some help. As it is I have no way to inventory the contents of the shipment to know if anything is missing. Still, a bit of digging and I came up with some basic assembly information and tons of useful documents and started in.
The Tripod
The tripod parts are all amazingly well machined compared to my past mounts. Nothing looks like it is cast metal. The tripod legs themselves are massive and form a very stable platform for the G11. The finish was flawless. I had ordered some aftermarket knobs for the tripod legs but after seeing the stock ones currently shipped with the tripod I'm not sure I need them. I'll let you know once I try them out.
The G11 Mount
In a word, beautiful. The RA and DEC scales alone put my past mounts to shame. I will say that I'm glad I purchased the aftermarket aluminum motor covers, clutch and elevation knobs. The elevation bolts would have required a hex wrench to tighten (though indeed a full set of hex wrenches came in the box!). The clutch knobs are very nicely made and may have worked well but I had a hard time turning them (they were tightened very tight from the factory it seems). Finally the motor covers just seemed a good idea (though I've not installed them yet).
The Gemini 2 Unit
Not much to say here... it came in a single box with a large number of cables and hardware. I've not used it yet so cannot comment on the functionality however the appearance is again excellent. The lack of a parts list means that I'll need to dig a bit more to be sure it is all here. It certainly LOOKS great. :)
I'll give you guys another update as soon as I get it all together and try it out. I've got a few days to practice in the living room before the clouds clear and I can try it in the field.
-Ted Greer
Proud owner of a new G11 - Gemini 2!
|
RS-232 Wiring for Gemini 1 and Gemini 2
I have add another page for the RS-232 wiring of both the Gemini 1 and Gemini 2 to my web site
Tom Hilton
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Rene,
Thanks for the info. I've been a technology pioneer for years and years and have the arrows in my butt to prove it. So I don't mind have to be a beta tester as I have other mounts available anyway.
Dave
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., Rene Goerlich <Rene@...> wrote:
Dave,
BTW is this what is holding up deliveries of Gemini 2? Because I'm
will to take mine now and download later.
Short answer: Simply... me 8-/
Somewhat longer answer: I'm porting 10 years of development into a
completely new system, not only trying to copy G1 1 by 1, but to create
a new base for the next 10 years, extended by a lot of new features.
First priority was to assure secure software down/uploads for the user,
this works well.
Regarding the missing features: The math is no problem. It the detail
that sucks.
Really long answer... no, sorry, later, I'm busy now ;-)
If you tell Scott that you're aware that you'll have to upload the
latest software to get the modeling and PEC working I don't see a reason
why he should not deliver; you could join the beta testers. You just
have to be a bit patient with me.
Ren???
Dave
--- In Gemini-II@... <mailto:Gemini-II%40yahoogroups.com>,
"tom@" <tom@> wrote:
Please Note to all:
THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
Modeling is still being work on.
PEC is not working yet.
Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper goto's.
Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not working yet.
Ren??? is working as fast as he can. Please be patient. As soon as
we have a new tested firmware package, we will post it with
instructions on how to install it.
Sincerely
Tom Hilton
Beta tester and Group owner.
|
I would like to post an enhancement idea for PEC after the original Gemini-1 PEC has been re-implemented. Every PEC system I know if is based on a correction curve for a single worm period its harmonics - 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc of the 4 minute worm period. The OPW solves the 76 second error, but not the lesser 32 second error from the gearbox. This too could be handled by PEC if it could be trained for 8 minute system periodic error. Or if it could be trained for the 2 periods separately - a 4 minute curve and a 32 second curve. You might be able to get multi-period PEC down to sub arcsec peak-to-peak remaining error.
Is this feasible?
Is it worth the effort given just about everyone uses autoguiding and possibly AO?
Thanks,
Gale
|
Re: What is going one here?
Ok, Tom. Thanks.
Terry
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "tom@..." <tom@...> wrote:
Terry
Have Los. shipped G2 units with later FW than Feb 13?
No
Tom
|
Hello from new G11 - Gemini 2 owner
Hi Tom, people,
Well I am very glad I found this group. I'm in Sydney Australia. I took delivery of my new G11 mount with a Gemini 2 controller yesterday. I had no idea that the G2 software was more or less still in beta. Anyway, I'm in no rush but looking forward to updates.
Regards to all,
Bob Miller
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Thanks very much, Gale,
This software is for sure complex and complicated, but the update
process was well tested by the beta testers and is reliable.
I'm working hard on these to missing features... as I wrote in my
previous email, the devil is in the detail.
搁别苍é
Gale wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
?
Just want to let you know I have faith in 搁别苍é and the team. With
software haste makes waste and worse, so my vote is for solid work
leading to a stable quality product. As long as the firmware update
process is reliable the tested PEC and modelling features can be
downloaded when they are available.
Gale
--- In Gemini-II@...,
"tom@..." wrote:
>
> Thank you Brian
> It does feel thankless some times. Were it not for the
encouragement of
> people like you, 搁别苍é and the people at Losmandy, it could really
get to
> you.
> I don't only moderate this group, but also the beta user group.
> I am also trying to build what I call the unofficial
> site with most of the information I had about the G1 on it and
some of
> the info
> that I have on the G2 that i can release.
>
> I hope that all realizes that it is 搁别苍é's goal is have the G2
with all
> the features of the G1, plus with all the features listed besides
the
> picture on the main page.
> Companies like AP, Celestron, Meade etc would probably have a
gaggle of
> programmers working on the project. We have 搁别苍é doing the code,
with
> Robert and Benoit helping him where they can. Benoit has been
doing the
> French translations, and Robert is working on the Mobile Web
interface.
> I know that 搁别苍é has been putting in late hours, because it is not
> uncommon for us to be exchanging email at 02:00 UTC with each
other.
> This is kind of the way the G1 grew, and for 10 or more years been
a
> pretty darn good controller.
> Of course there are others Like Dave Sandage, doing testing and
> documentation, Paul modifying the ASCOM drivers, and others here
and
> there, plus of course myself. There are 24 user on the beta list
at
> this time. Not all are active however.
>
> Tom
>
> On 3/16/2011 8:33 AM, Brian V wrote:
> >
> > Tom
> >
> > I wanted to thank you and this group for your ongoing support
for
> > Gemini II and getting it out to us.
> >
> > It is a little nerve wracking to watch these threads while I
still
> > have one on order (moving from non goto G-11, so no
experience with
> > GOTOs yet).
> >
> > After reading through all these past few months of emails,
I'm still
> > keeping my order, and I recognize and appreciate this group
is an
> > invaluable resource to be successful during this transition
time. It
> > seems at times a thankless job to moderate this group, but i
for one
> > am grateful.
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > Brian
> >
> > --- In Gemini-II@...
,
> > "tom@" wrote:
> > >
> > > Please Note to all:
> > > THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
> > > Modeling is still being work on.
> > > PEC is not working yet.
> > > Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper
goto's.
> > > Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not working
yet.
> > >
> > > 搁别苍é is working as fast as he can. Please be patient. As
soon as
> > > we have a new tested firmware package, we will post it
with
> > > instructions on how to install it.
> > >
> > > Sincerely
> > > Tom Hilton
> > > Beta tester and Group owner.
> > >
> >
> >
>
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Dave,
?
BTW is this what is holding up deliveries of Gemini 2? Because I'm
will to take mine now and download later.
Short answer: Simply... me 8-/
Somewhat longer answer: I'm porting 10 years of development into a
completely new system, not only trying to copy G1 1 by 1, but to create
a new base for the next 10 years, extended by a lot of new features.
First priority was to assure secure software down/uploads for the user,
this works well.
Regarding the missing features: The math is no problem. It the detail
that sucks.
Really long answer... no, sorry, later, I'm busy now ;-)
If you tell Scott that you're aware that you'll have to upload the
latest software to get the modeling and PEC working I don't see a
reason why he should not deliver; you could join the beta testers. You
just have to be a bit patient with me.
搁别苍é
Dave
--- In Gemini-II@...,
"tom@..." wrote:
>
> Please Note to all:
> THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
> Modeling is still being work on.
> PEC is not working yet.
> Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper goto's.
> Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not working yet.
>
> 搁别苍é is working as fast as he can. Please be patient. As soon as
> we have a new tested firmware package, we will post it with
> instructions on how to install it.
>
> Sincerely
> Tom Hilton
> Beta tester and Group owner.
>
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Just want to let you know I have faith in 搁别苍é and the team. With software haste makes waste and worse, so my vote is for solid work leading to a stable quality product. As long as the firmware update process is reliable the tested PEC and modelling features can be downloaded when they are available.
Gale
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "tom@..." <tom@...> wrote:
Thank you Brian
It does feel thankless some times. Were it not for the encouragement of
people like you, 搁别苍é and the people at Losmandy, it could really get to
you.
I don't only moderate this group, but also the beta user group.
I am also trying to build what I call the unofficial www.Gemini-2.com
site with most of the information I had about the G1 on it and some of
the info
that I have on the G2 that i can release.
I hope that all realizes that it is 搁别苍é's goal is have the G2 with all
the features of the G1, plus with all the features listed besides the
picture on the main page.
Companies like AP, Celestron, Meade etc would probably have a gaggle of
programmers working on the project. We have 搁别苍é doing the code, with
Robert and Benoit helping him where they can. Benoit has been doing the
French translations, and Robert is working on the Mobile Web interface.
I know that 搁别苍é has been putting in late hours, because it is not
uncommon for us to be exchanging email at 02:00 UTC with each other.
This is kind of the way the G1 grew, and for 10 or more years been a
pretty darn good controller.
Of course there are others Like Dave Sandage, doing testing and
documentation, Paul modifying the ASCOM drivers, and others here and
there, plus of course myself. There are 24 user on the beta list at
this time. Not all are active however.
Tom
On 3/16/2011 8:33 AM, Brian V wrote:
Tom
I wanted to thank you and this group for your ongoing support for
Gemini II and getting it out to us.
It is a little nerve wracking to watch these threads while I still
have one on order (moving from non goto G-11, so no experience with
GOTOs yet).
After reading through all these past few months of emails, I'm still
keeping my order, and I recognize and appreciate this group is an
invaluable resource to be successful during this transition time. It
seems at times a thankless job to moderate this group, but i for one
am grateful.
Cheers
Brian
--- In Gemini-II@... <mailto:Gemini-II%40yahoogroups.com>,
"tom@" <tom@> wrote:
Please Note to all:
THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
Modeling is still being work on.
PEC is not working yet.
Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper goto's.
Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not working yet.
搁别苍é is working as fast as he can. Please be patient. As soon as
we have a new tested firmware package, we will post it with
instructions on how to install it.
Sincerely
Tom Hilton
Beta tester and Group owner.
|
Re: What is going one here?
Terry
Have Los. shipped G2 units with later FW than Feb 13?
No
Tom
|
Re: What is going one here?
Thanks Jim and Tom for clearing up that cryptic box and dot routine for calibrating the LCD.
I referred back to the pole . . . 15 folks have received G2 with only 9 having used it under the stars so far. Another 38 either ordered or are waiting to order. No info on firmware versions though.
Have Los. shipped G2 units with later FW than Feb 13?
Terry Danks
NS, Canada
currently in FL
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Tom,
I totally agree with what Brian said. I have been reading your posts on this forum and they have really been helpful. I would say that anyone who is interested in the new system really appreciates your work here and the work 搁别苍é and everybody is doing.
Being a programmer myself I can understand the time and work involved in a project like this and the frustration that can sometimes come from it.
Keep up the good work.
Keith
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In Gemini-II@..., "tom@..." <tom@...> wrote:
Thank you Brian
It does feel thankless some times. Were it not for the encouragement of
people like you, 搁别苍é and the people at Losmandy, it could really get to
you.
I don't only moderate this group, but also the beta user group.
I am also trying to build what I call the unofficial www.Gemini-2.com
site with most of the information I had about the G1 on it and some of
the info
that I have on the G2 that i can release.
I hope that all realizes that it is 搁别苍é's goal is have the G2 with all
the features of the G1, plus with all the features listed besides the
picture on the main page.
Companies like AP, Celestron, Meade etc would probably have a gaggle of
programmers working on the project. We have 搁别苍é doing the code, with
Robert and Benoit helping him where they can. Benoit has been doing the
French translations, and Robert is working on the Mobile Web interface.
I know that 搁别苍é has been putting in late hours, because it is not
uncommon for us to be exchanging email at 02:00 UTC with each other.
This is kind of the way the G1 grew, and for 10 or more years been a
pretty darn good controller.
Of course there are others Like Dave Sandage, doing testing and
documentation, Paul modifying the ASCOM drivers, and others here and
there, plus of course myself. There are 24 user on the beta list at
this time. Not all are active however.
Tom
On 3/16/2011 8:33 AM, Brian V wrote:
Tom
I wanted to thank you and this group for your ongoing support for
Gemini II and getting it out to us.
It is a little nerve wracking to watch these threads while I still
have one on order (moving from non goto G-11, so no experience with
GOTOs yet).
After reading through all these past few months of emails, I'm still
keeping my order, and I recognize and appreciate this group is an
invaluable resource to be successful during this transition time. It
seems at times a thankless job to moderate this group, but i for one
am grateful.
Cheers
Brian
--- In Gemini-II@... <mailto:Gemini-II%40yahoogroups.com>,
"tom@" <tom@> wrote:
Please Note to all:
THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
Modeling is still being work on.
PEC is not working yet.
Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper goto's.
Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not working yet.
搁别苍é is working as fast as he can. Please be patient. As soon as
we have a new tested firmware package, we will post it with
instructions on how to install it.
Sincerely
Tom Hilton
Beta tester and Group owner.
|
Re: What is going one here?
Hi Terry
I will try and answer some of your questions inline with your
comments.
Sorry for again incurring displeasure for neglecting a signature . .
.Yahoo groups seem quite unique in the inability to auto append a
sig. and I am unused to it.
If you used email to post your messages, you could make the email
add your signature.
I received nothing from Losmondy to the effect that "Doing
more than a Sync and Initial alignment does not work." Had
I received that information, it would have made the
reasons for the flaky performance I have been experiencing
both more clear and less frustrating. I have been totally
wasting my time doing additional alignments . . . and
wondering why my GOTOs remain so inaccurate as to barely
place the object within the FOV of an 8X50 finder. Even
the little quickstart sheet I DID receive with the mount
clearly states on the 4th page that 'more accurate
positioning can be enabled by using the ADDITIONAL
ALIGNMENT" feature and selecting at least three objects
spread across the sky." So, barring membership here, how
can one possibly be expected to know that?
Sorry, that is beyond my control.
Thank you for replying and making it crystal clear that
"doing more than a Sync and Initial alignment does not
work."
You are welcome.?
I wonder how many others are as equally puzzled and
frustrated by the behaviour of their new mounts? This
information surely should have been communicated to new
buyers! Losmondy should have the acumen to appreciate how
poor an impression this crippled performance makes on
users who do not understand the reason for it. It had
occurred to me that, despite the readily apparent better
mechanics of the G-11, that I had made a mistake in buying
this unit . . . should even send it back. After all, poor
performance can be had for half the price, eh? :)
Can't answer that your you.? There is a pole that you can look at
So I look forward to far better GOTOs and fewer "crashes"
with updated software.
Me too
On the good news front . . . there has been no recurrence
of the disappearing/reappearing catalogs. Could the
necessity of turning the unit off and then back on when it
crashed have caused this? There seemed nothing else I
could do at that point as the unit was unresponsive.
That is good news
I still can not but wonder just how small the number of
actual Gemini 2 users are here as opposed to those
awaiting delivery?
Are there ANY actual users running firmware later than
mine, dated Feb. 13, 2011 other than beta testers "in the
know"?
See the pole I list above
A final question: What is the initial calibration when
starting Gemini 2 supposed to accomplish? The procedure
where you "press the center of each of the three dots as
they appear sequentially?"
You are calibrating the screen, so that your touch is over the
correct spot.
Tom Hilton
|
Re: FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of March 15, 2011
Thank you Brian
It does feel thankless some times.? Were it not for the
encouragement of people like you, 搁别苍é and the people at Losmandy,
it could really get to you.
I don't only moderate this group, but also the beta user group.
I am also trying to build what I call the unofficial
site with most of the information I had about the
G1 on it and some of the info
that I have on the G2 that i can release.?
I hope that all realizes that it is 搁别苍é's? goal is have the G2 with
all the features of the G1, plus with all the features listed
besides the picture on the main page.
Companies like AP, Celestron, Meade etc would probably have a gaggle
of programmers working on the project.? We have 搁别苍é doing the code,
with Robert and Benoit helping him where they can.? Benoit has been
doing the French translations, and Robert is working on the Mobile
Web interface.?
I know that 搁别苍é has been putting in late hours, because it is not
uncommon for us to be exchanging email at? 02:00 UTC with each
other.
This is kind of the way the G1 grew, and for 10 or more years been a
pretty darn good controller.
Of course there are others Like Dave Sandage, doing testing and
documentation, Paul modifying the ASCOM drivers, and others here and
there, plus of course myself.?? There are 24 user on the beta list
at this time.? Not all are active however.
??
Tom
On 3/16/2011 8:33 AM, Brian V wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
?
Tom
I wanted to thank you and this group for your ongoing
support for Gemini II and getting it out to us.
It is a little nerve wracking to watch these threads while
I still have one on order (moving from non goto G-11, so
no experience with GOTOs yet).
After reading through all these past few months of emails,
I'm still keeping my order, and I recognize and appreciate
this group is an invaluable resource to be successful
during this transition time. It seems at times a thankless
job to moderate this group, but i for one am grateful.
Cheers
Brian
--- In Gemini-II@...,
"tom@..." wrote:
>
> Please Note to all:
> THE FIRMWARE IS NOT FINISHED as of MARCH 15, 2011
> Modeling is still being work on.
> PEC is not working yet.
> Some targets have incorrect signs causing improper
goto's.
> Not, sure, but I think that the limits are not
working yet.
>
> 搁别苍é is working as fast as he can. Please be patient.
As soon as
> we have a new tested firmware package, we will post
it with
> instructions on how to install it.
>
> Sincerely
> Tom Hilton
> Beta tester and Group owner.
>
|
