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Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

 

Terry,
I was just looking at the same thing. My illuminator seems much more "modern". All self contained with internal batteries and not much of a dimmer... more on/off.
-Ted

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




Hi Kirk:

I had a look at that dimmer. It seems totally incompatible with the illuminator I received with my polar scope. Mine is totally self-contained and powered by two LR-41 watch batteries. There is no external battery pack and no wire whatsoever, so it will not plug into the dimmer. It seems a more elegant solution in that there is no battery pack to find a place for and no additional wires to flop about. But as for dimming it . . .well, I think that not practical with the kind of unit I received. It does have an on/off switch . . . if I can just remember the "off" part. :) I could do a picture and supply a link if that would help.

Terry Danks
Nova Scotia, CA
presently in FL


--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@> wrote:

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here:
<> . I think it is a
good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have
issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what
I am already spending, a drop in the bucket. [;)]
Kirk
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

 

Hey guys,
I was setting up to plug in my Gemini 2 for the first time this morning and noticed something that is likely everyone here already knows... The Gemini 1 and Gemini 2 power connectors are different apparently.

I wanted to run my system off of 18 volts. I'd read that it was better but the exact reason escapes me. Anyhow, I purchased a very nice Kendrick battery and a cable for the Gemini 1. I though to myself "why would they change that..."... well it is totally different. Indeed so much that I'm concerned. The Kendrick power cable has 4 pins and is pretty beefy. Additionally there is no way I could accidentally plug that into one of my MANY other 12 volt accessories I have as the plug is not in any way a standard power plug. The new Gemini 2 seems to use a normal power plug like any other powered device, only it is labeled 12-18 volts (and apparently likes 18!) I don't really want an 18 volt plug laying around that could plug into my CCD, computer, fans, or video setup.

So, I'll be running 12 volts for awhile I guess until I come up with a reasonable solution that will remove the chance of me smelling smoke in the dark.

Do any of you have an opinion on the 12 vs 18 volts Gemini 2 operation? Is it actually better at 18? Should I just wire up an 18v cable with the normal plug and put a huge label on it... near the business end?

Thx,
-Ted

--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@...> wrote:


Dave and Terry,

Thanks for all of the advice on the accessories and keep it coming if
you think of anything else! It is very helpful to someone like myself
who has not even received his mount yet! I hope it is helping other
group members as well! [:D]

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here:

<> . I think it is a
good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have
issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what
I am already spending, a drop in the bucket. [;)]
Dave your idea that the TKS knobs are too large is not the first time I
have heard that. I may just go with the Bob's Knobs versions as the
knobs do look smaller and would be less likely to cramp the area.

I have considered the Casady saddles, however I do have a couple of
scopes with Vixen dovetails which I use with an ADM D to V adapter. I
suppose I could just put D type dovetails on them, but then I could not
use them on my 3rd mount a CG-5 ASGT that I use some nights while not
doing AP and I really do not want to carry the big guns out. This will
change when I get the financial approval from the CFO to build the
observatory. From what I hear, that is the best accessory!

As I said, I will probably buy some additional stuff after I sell the
CGEM. I really do like those Casady CWs! I know...it's dark and no one
sees them! I was just amazed at how plain the Losmandy CWs look when
compared to the beautiful way they make their mounts.

More importantly and keeping with the theme of this group is my concern
for the finalizing of the Gemini II firmware. I do have confidence that
it will someday be an incredible product, I like everyone else here just
wish that were sooner than later at this point in time.

Clear Skies!

Kirk
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

dawziecat
 

Hi Kirk:

I had a look at that dimmer. It seems totally incompatible with the illuminator I received with my polar scope. Mine is totally self-contained and powered by two LR-41 watch batteries. There is no external battery pack and no wire whatsoever, so it will not plug into the dimmer. It seems a more elegant solution in that there is no battery pack to find a place for and no additional wires to flop about. But as for dimming it . . .well, I think that not practical with the kind of unit I received. It does have an on/off switch . . . if I can just remember the "off" part. :) I could do a picture and supply a link if that would help.

Terry Danks
Nova Scotia, CA
presently in FL

--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@...> wrote:

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here:
<> . I think it is a
good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have
issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what
I am already spending, a drop in the bucket. [;)]
Kirk
Re: Gemini II to computer

Brian V
 

Thanks Paul - do you (or anyone else) have a recommendation on a wireless adapter?

Cheers

Brian

--- In Gemini-II@..., Paul Kanevsky <yh@...> wrote:

Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using Gemini.net ASCOM driver.

Regards,

-Paul




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@...> wrote:

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian
Re: Gemini II to computer

[email protected]
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Paul
Glad that you can join us again, it has been since Feb 6 that we have heard from you.?
I know that the Gemini ASCOM group is really keeping you busy. (I monitor that one also)
For the New Comer to this group, Paul has modified the ASCOM Gemini.net driver to provide Ethernet web interface, just like you would be using a USB port, or serial port, but now you can use Ethernet.
With this interface, you can use any ASCOM compliant device that can communicate with the Gemini.net driver.? That way you can have the ASCOM driver talking to the Gemini, and also all the Gemini 2 native screens up also.? His driver in in the files section?


We look forward to when he pops in from time to time, as he is a wealth of knowledge.

Tom Hilton

On 3/19/2011 9:31 AM, Paul Kanevsky wrote:

?
Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).?

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using ASCOM driver.

Regards,

?? ? -Paul




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@...> wrote:

?

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian
Re: Enhancement idea for PEC

 

Anyone care to say why it is a lousy idea?

Thanks,
Gale

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Gale" <galedy2@...> wrote:

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: Gemini II to computer

 

Wired Ethernet and wireless wi-fi can all be used with G2 (with optional wireless adapters).?

TheSky will work over serial or USB, and will also work over Ethernet/wi-fi if you use the TeleAPI plugin to connect using ASCOM driver.

Regards,

?? ? -Paul




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:35 AM, "Brian V" <bvalente@...> wrote:

?

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

Dave Wagner
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Terry,

?

I share your thinking on the clutch tightening. They are clutches, not locks. With the CKS it seems easier to tell when it is sufficiently tight but it is also just easier to loosen and tighten in general. I do however give them an extra bit of grip when doing Astrophotography. I don¡¯t want an inadvertent bump degrading my go to.

?

Dave

?


I have the CKS on back order. IMO, it is needed. That said, I find there is an instinct to tighten the clutches too much. That sort of defeats their purpose. You should still be able to move the scope in RA and dec manually without much effort when the clutches are tightened. If you feel the need to choke down on 'em . . . back off. You're just making it hard on yourself. If your balance is good, not much tightening is necessary. Seems to me that you should not be relying on excessive force on the clutches to remedy a balance problem.
Gemini II to computer

Brian V
 

Aside from the interesting look web interface, I'm curious how Gemini II is conceived to be controlled by a planetarium program like theSky? Is the idea we connect via USB? I really like the idea of ethernet and a web server, but I'm not sure how useful that is going to be, particularly if it has to be a wired connection with a router. Well, maybe that's great for installations, but for portable mounts the application/value is less clear to me.

Cheers

Brian
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

gray_k99
 

Dave and Terry,

Thanks for all of the advice on the accessories and keep it coming if you think of anything else! It is very helpful to someone like myself who has not even received his mount yet! I hope it is helping other group members as well!

If you want to see more about the dimmer for the polar scope, look here: . I think it is a good idea, as I have other illuminated optical devices and always have issues with them being too bright. It's only $30...and compared to what I am already spending, a drop in the bucket.
Dave your idea that the TKS knobs are too large is not the first time I have heard that. I may just go with the Bob's Knobs versions as the knobs do look smaller and would be less likely to cramp the area.

I have considered the Casady saddles, however I do have a couple of scopes with Vixen dovetails which I use with an ADM D to V adapter. I suppose I could just put D type dovetails on them, but then I could not use them on my 3rd mount a CG-5 ASGT that I use some nights while not doing AP and I really do not want to carry the big guns out. This will change when I get the financial approval from the CFO to build the observatory. From what I hear, that is the best accessory!

As I said, I will probably buy some additional stuff after I sell the CGEM. I really do like those Casady CWs! I know...it's dark and no one sees them! I was just amazed at how plain the Losmandy CWs look when compared to the beautiful way they make their mounts.

More importantly and keeping with the theme of this group is my concern for the finalizing of the Gemini II firmware. I do have confidence that it will someday be an incredible product, I like everyone else here just wish that were sooner than later at this point in time.

Clear Skies!

Kirk

?
Re: RS-232 Wiring for Gemini 1 and Gemini 2

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Guys,

Don't worry, G2 can make all of you happy. There are plenty of old RS232 connections (USB for sure imposes a huge overkill if you only want serial communication): 2 with very ruggedized line drivers and another two using TTL level. Since I was sure that someone will ask for a direct USB connection, it is there. Maybe one needs a driver information file for the PC operation system that is used, but it works with Windows XP and with some minor adaptions also with Windows 7. Works well with ASCOM, TheSkyX Pro, GCC, Hyperterm, ...

Since this may not be enough, the serial commands can also be sent over HTTP/TCP/IP/Ethernet. I invented a "serial port emulator" since I wanted to make every serial command available over the web interface, too. Works well for ASCOM and for web pages.

After all, presently there are 6 separate channels to control a G2, using 4 different types of hardware. All are supported by software. Should be enough for the start. Once I find the time I may add a telnet serial emulator and so on, this is already prepared...

And yes, I'm programming and wiring for RS232 since 1978, and it still can be mean and tricky every now and then. And, also yes, I saw USB connections hanging up, especially if the wires got longer. I also saw my preferred FDTI USB2serial converter garble characters through several resets until I powered it off for at least 30 seconds... every technology has its limits and it is important to stay on the safe side.

¸é±ð²Ô¨¦

david schrieb:

?

Seriously? I had computer stores in 1979 and wired this frakking things. I hate RS232 with a passion that will never end I suppose.

The funny thing is you have to have a USB adapter to attach to the RS232 cable. And having been in technology all my life I've never even heard of a USB cable hanging up somehow. Never happened to me at all. What actually happens?

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Keith" wrote:
>
> Here Here! I agree completely with Rainer. There is nothing as stable and trouble-free as good 'ole RS-232 or RS-422. The amount of bandwidth needed for communicating with positional or slow devices is very adequately met by serial communication. USB is complete overkill and causes way too many headaches. USB is a kludge. Anyone remember Bill Gates CES demo of the first appearance of USB? What a laughing stock he was made to look.
>
>
> May RS-232 live forever!
>
> Keith
>
> --- In Gemini-II@..., "Rainer" wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dave,
> >
> > " ... but when will this antiquated practice of 9 pin serial finally come to an end ... "
> >
> > I hope never ! as a RS232 serial connection never hangs up and the Sh...y USB, be it whatever version, if it hangs up you need to unplug the cable and reset it in that way ... If you have a solution for unplugging a USB cable remotely I would be very thankful :-)
> >
> > I wish you many USB hang ups :-) and you will pray for having an Antique RS232 serial connector somewhere ...
> >
> > Happy unpluggings :-)
> >
> > regards Rainer
>
Re: RS-232 Wiring for Gemini 1 and Gemini 2

 

Seriously? I had computer stores in 1979 and wired this frakking things. I hate RS232 with a passion that will never end I suppose.

The funny thing is you have to have a USB adapter to attach to the RS232 cable. And having been in technology all my life I've never even heard of a USB cable hanging up somehow. Never happened to me at all. What actually happens?

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Keith" <keith.myers@...> wrote:

Here Here! I agree completely with Rainer. There is nothing as stable and trouble-free as good 'ole RS-232 or RS-422. The amount of bandwidth needed for communicating with positional or slow devices is very adequately met by serial communication. USB is complete overkill and causes way too many headaches. USB is a kludge. Anyone remember Bill Gates CES demo of the first appearance of USB? What a laughing stock he was made to look.


May RS-232 live forever!

Keith

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

Hi Dave,

" ... but when will this antiquated practice of 9 pin serial finally come to an end ... "

I hope never ! as a RS232 serial connection never hangs up and the Sh...y USB, be it whatever version, if it hangs up you need to unplug the cable and reset it in that way ... If you have a solution for unplugging a USB cable remotely I would be very thankful :-)

I wish you many USB hang ups :-) and you will pray for having an Antique RS232 serial connector somewhere ...

Happy unpluggings :-)

regards Rainer
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

dawziecat
 

I have used my G-11 G2 about a dozen times now. Based on that, this is how I feel about the need for add-ons.
I have the CKS on back order. IMO, it is needed. That said, I find there is an instinct to tighten the clutches too much. That sort of defeats their purpose. You should still be able to move the scope in RA and dec manually without much effort when the clutches are tightened. If you feel the need to choke down on 'em . . . back off. You're just making it hard on yourself. If your balance is good, not much tightening is necessary. Seems to me that you should not be relying on excessive force on the clutches to remedy a balance problem.
I already have the TKS and feel it is a more appealing solution than the plastic T handled set from Bob's.
The polar scope illuminator: I have already burned through a set of batts by forgetting to turn 'em off. I KNEW this would happen! Ideally, the thing would have a timer, eh? But the batts are dirt cheap . . . $2.13 for a card of 10 on Amazon. Mine are in the mail now. :) Dimmer? Nice but not necessary IMO.
An alt adjustment knob would be nice but AZ already has a T handle bolt on either side of the head so no after market addition seems necessary to me for that.
I have ordered the tilt-in head from Casady and succumbed to impulse and ordered their 23 lb bejeweled CW and CW shaft stop as well. Placed order with him March 7 but it has not shipped yet. I will say I would NOT have ordered the tilt-in plate had I experimented a bit with sliding the C-11 OTA into the stock plate a bit first.

My first attempts were by placing the dec axis horizontal. Seemed logical but it is incorrect. You can't see what you are doing as the OTA blocks line of sight to the bar. Place the mount in park with saddle oriented towards the NCP and CW shaft down. It is then pretty easy to slide the C-11 OTA into the dovetail clamp. You see the contact point between bar and clamp easily. The tilt-in will likely be easier still but I no longer feel the additional convenience will offset the steep price for the additional plate.

The telescoping legs: Bother me a bit. I plan to drill a hole for a small stainless steel bolt in each leg when I get to my semi-permanent site and decide on a height. This seems true with or without any supplementary leg lock lever set IMO. Friction fit stops allow for a slight possibility of catastrophic collapse and a single small bolt will preclude that completely and allow me to sleep more easily. Who knows what that friction fit will do over long periods of set up with daytime heating and nightime cooling and rain and frost, etc., etc.

Terry Danks
Nova Scotia
presently in FL
=

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Dave Wagner" <djwhouse@...> wrote:

CKS - absolutely needed.I just can't get the standard ones tight enough. Much easier to manage.
Polar Scope - yep. Need something
TKS - work well, though the spacing gets cramped between the knobs and the azimuth adjustment knobs on the mount. I wonder if the Bob's knobs versions would provide a bit more finger room. TKS are good though.
Not familiar with the dimmer controller. The polar scope I had came with an LED (non dimmable), and it works ok. I find it a bit challenging to do a very accurate polar scope alignment anyway due to the angle and my eyeglasses, so I tend to just rough in the polar scope, then do a good PAC later.
Leg clamp levers. I got the same. I like that I can be sure that they are very very tight and there is no risk of a tripod colapse. I turn one of the levers up and hang a kitchen gadget on it to provide a place to collect eyepiece covers and to set the hand controller in. I have a friend that has the same levers and didn't realize you could pull them out and set them at any angle... so you can turn them so that you don't catch them by accident.
Safety Stop Casady - Great great safety piece that looks great and I have compete faith I will never loose a weight. One of my favorite options.
Bob's knobs - great addition. I did Alt and Az.

Counterweights - I'm not familiar with the Casady model, but I've been very pleased with how well the stock CW work and I haven't seen any issues with maring the shaft (6 months of limited use). You can judge better when you get yours. I did get a second 22# weight or an 11" sct.

One addition I went with (not on your list) was a Casady saddle (side loading) to ease mounting of the 11" SCT. I mount it offset from center to bettter accomodate the back heavy SCT.

Hope you get your mount soon!

Dave W
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

Dave Wagner
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Sounds like you did some good research. Nice list!
?
My 2 cents of experience so far.
?
CKS - absolutely needed.I just can't get the standard ones tight enough. Much easier to manage.
Polar Scope - yep. Need something
TKS - work well, though the spacing gets cramped between the knobs and the azimuth adjustment knobs on the mount. I wonder if the Bob's knobs versions would provide a bit more finger room. TKS are good though.
Not familiar with the dimmer controller. The polar scope I had came with an LED (non dimmable), and it works ok. I find it a bit challenging to do a very accurate polar scope alignment anyway?due to the angle and my eyeglasses, so I tend to just rough in the polar scope, then do a good PAC later.
Leg clamp levers. I got the same. I like that I can be sure that they are very very tight and there is no risk of a tripod colapse. I turn one of the levers up and hang a kitchen gadget on it to provide a place to collect eyepiece covers and to set the hand controller in. I have a friend that has the same levers and didn't realize you could pull them out and set them at any angle... so you can turn them so that you don't catch them by accident.
Safety Stop Casady - Great great safety piece that looks great and I have compete faith I will never loose a weight. One of my favorite options.
Bob's knobs - great addition. I did Alt and Az.
?
Counterweights - I'm not familiar with the Casady model, but I've been very pleased with how well the stock CW work and I haven't seen any issues with maring the shaft (6 months of limited use). You can judge better when you get yours. I did get a second 22# weight or an 11" sct.
?
One addition I went with (not on your list) was?a Casady saddle (side loading) to ease mounting of the 11" SCT. I mount it offset from center to bettter accomodate the back heavy SCT.
?
Hope you get your mount soon!
?
Dave W

----- Original Message -----
From: gray_k99
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 4:24 PM
Subject: [Gemini-II] Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

?

Dave,
Well, now that you ask... :) here is my current list:

- CKS Losmandy Clutch Knobs
- Losmandy Polar Scope for GM-8 and G11 Mounts
- Losmandy TKS Tripod Knob Set Alum. with SS Threads
- AstroElectric Dimmer Controller (for the polar scope)
- Losmandy - Leg clamp levers (set of 6)?
- Safety Stop for Losmandy Counterweight Shaft(From Robin Casady) I hear it is much better than the stock one and only $12.

As I posted I already picked up the altitude lock knobs from Bob's Knobs.

On my dream list:
-Stainless Steel 21.7lb. Robin Casady Counterweight
-Stainless Steel 14.5lb. Robin Casady Counterweight

I say dream because at over $11/lb they are a bit pricey. But I really like the idea of a bronze bushing, and a non-rotating brass plunger to prevent scarring of the counterweight shaft. To start I did pick up a used 21 lb. Losmandy CW on Astromart to augment the one I will get with the mount. I am going to sell my CGEM once the new mount comes in, so I can use those funds for those expensive CWs from Casady.

Kirk
Re: RS-232 Wiring for Gemini 1 and Gemini 2

 

Here Here! I agree completely with Rainer. There is nothing as stable and trouble-free as good 'ole RS-232 or RS-422. The amount of bandwidth needed for communicating with positional or slow devices is very adequately met by serial communication. USB is complete overkill and causes way too many headaches. USB is a kludge. Anyone remember Bill Gates CES demo of the first appearance of USB? What a laughing stock he was made to look.


May RS-232 live forever!

Keith

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

Hi Dave,

" ... but when will this antiquated practice of 9 pin serial finally come to an end ... "

I hope never ! as a RS232 serial connection never hangs up and the Sh...y USB, be it whatever version, if it hangs up you need to unplug the cable and reset it in that way ... If you have a solution for unplugging a USB cable remotely I would be very thankful :-)

I wish you many USB hang ups :-) and you will pray for having an Antique RS232 serial connector somewhere ...

Happy unpluggings :-)

regards Rainer
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

 

Yes, those are indeed the ones. :)
-Ted

--- In Gemini-II@..., "gray_k99" <nemo129@...> wrote:

Ted,

are you talking about the Bob's Knobs bolts?


Knobs for locking elevation adjustment

If so, they are a bargin at $21.00 shipped. I purchased a pair and they look nice in the bag...still waiting for the mount!

Kirk

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Brian V" <bvalente@> wrote:

Ted

Can you elaborate on the third party elevation bolt replacement? That's irked me as well. I wasn't aware there is a third party solution
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

gray_k99
 

Dave,
Well, now that you ask... :) here is my current list:

- CKS Losmandy Clutch Knobs
- Losmandy Polar Scope for GM-8 and G11 Mounts
- Losmandy TKS Tripod Knob Set Alum. with SS Threads
- AstroElectric Dimmer Controller (for the polar scope)
- Losmandy - Leg clamp levers (set of 6)?
- Safety Stop for Losmandy Counterweight Shaft(From Robin Casady) I hear it is much better than the stock one and only $12.

As I posted I already picked up the altitude lock knobs from Bob's Knobs.

On my dream list:
-Stainless Steel 21.7lb. Robin Casady Counterweight
-Stainless Steel 14.5lb. Robin Casady Counterweight

I say dream because at over $11/lb they are a bit pricey. But I really like the idea of a bronze bushing, and a non-rotating brass plunger to prevent scarring of the counterweight shaft. To start I did pick up a used 21 lb. Losmandy CW on Astromart to augment the one I will get with the mount. I am going to sell my CGEM once the new mount comes in, so I can use those funds for those expensive CWs from Casady.

Kirk

--- In Gemini-II@..., "Dave Wagner" <djwhouse@...> wrote:

What other accessories are you looking at Kirk?



Dave W



From: Gemini-II@... [mailto:Gemini-II@...] On Behalf
Of gray_k99
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 4:34 PM
To: Gemini-II@...
Subject: [Gemini-II] Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2





Hi Dave,
Thanks for confirming that as I am putting together the list of accessories
I am going to pick up for the G11 with Gemini II and the metal motor covers
were 3rd on the list. You have saved me the hassle of buying, then returning
the metal covers. :)

Thanks again!
Kirk
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

Dave Wagner
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

What other accessories are you looking at Kirk?

?

Dave W

?

From: Gemini-II@... [mailto:Gemini-II@...] On Behalf Of gray_k99
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 4:34 PM
To: Gemini-II@...
Subject: [Gemini-II] Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

?

?

Hi Dave,
Thanks for confirming that as I am putting together the list of accessories I am going to pick up for the G11 with Gemini II and the metal motor covers were 3rd on the list. You have saved me the hassle of buying, then returning the metal covers. :)

Thanks again!
Kirk
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

gray_k99
 

Hi Dave,
Thanks for confirming that as I am putting together the list of accessories I am going to pick up for the G11 with Gemini II and the metal motor covers were 3rd on the list. You have saved me the hassle of buying, then returning the metal covers. :)

Thanks again!
Kirk

--- In Gemini-II@..., djwhouse@... wrote:

Hi Kirk,
?
Yes, the motors for the Gemini driven mount arrived already in some type of metal housing. I assume this is a different motor configuration to agree with the gemini cabling perhaps? I have not seen the other type of motor that had the plastic cover and needs the additional covers you can order.
?
I had heard about the motor covers being a very needed accessory, but didn't realize until I had them in my hand, that the suggestion came from a mount owner, but not a gemini mount owner.
?
I don't recall OPTCORP having this sentence in place when I ordered, but I now see they do state the motor covers are for non-gemini units.
?
"?



Aluminum Motor Covers [AMC]

The Losmandy Aluminum Motor Covers are a set of two aluminum motor covers that fit Losmandy GM-8, G-9, G-11 non- Gemini mounts. "
?
I got the Gem I and G11 last year. I have a friend who just got his Gem II and G11, and the motors, with covers are identical to mine (i.e. no additional cover is needed).
?
Dave W.



--- On Fri, 3/18/11, gray_k99 <nemo129@...> wrote:


From: gray_k99 <nemo129@...>
Subject: [Gemini-II] Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
To: Gemini-II@...
Date: Friday, March 18, 2011, 2:53 PM


?



Dave,

You are the first person I have heard say that. Are the stock motor covers you recieved metal? That would be excellent as it would save me about $100.

Thanks,
Kirk

--- In Gemini-II@..., djwhouse@ wrote:

I had the same experience. It appears when you order the gemini, you get a different motor and it has hard covers already.
?
Sent them back.
?
Dave
Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2

[email protected]
 

Hi Kirk,
?
Yes, the motors for the Gemini driven mount arrived already in some type of metal housing. I assume this is a different motor configuration to agree with the gemini cabling perhaps? I have not seen the other type of motor that had the plastic cover and needs the additional covers you can order.
?
I had heard about the motor covers being a very needed accessory, but didn't realize until I had them in my hand, that the suggestion came from a mount owner, but not a gemini mount owner.
?
I don't recall OPTCORP having this sentence in place when I ordered, but I now see they do state the motor covers are for non-gemini units.
?
"?
[AMC]
The Losmandy Aluminum Motor Covers are a set of two aluminum motor covers that fit Losmandy GM-8, G-9, G-11 non- Gemini mounts.
"
?
I got the Gem I and G11 last year. I have a friend who just got his Gem II and G11, and the motors, with covers are identical to mine (i.e. no additional cover is needed).
?
Dave W.



--- On Fri, 3/18/11, gray_k99 wrote:

From: gray_k99
Subject: [Gemini-II] Re: Just received my G11 and Gemini 2
To: Gemini-II@...
Date: Friday, March 18, 2011, 2:53 PM

?
Dave,

You are the first person I have heard say that. Are the stock motor covers you recieved metal? That would be excellent as it would save me about $100.

Thanks,
Kirk

--- In , djwhouse@... wrote:
>
> I had the same experience. It appears when you order the gemini, you get a different motor and it has hard covers already.
> ?
> Sent them back.
> ?
> Dave
>

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