Re: mount does not learn from platesolving
Hi Paul,
I don't know the MI-250, but why not just put some washers under the gearbox mounting and space the gearbox away from its mounting position that way... why?cut the gearbox shaft?? ?Too much work!
Michael
Thanks all,
With the new settings, my mount is learning, as evidenced by the RA and DEC error going to zero with each plate solve. Brian and company sent me two new gearboxes with my retrofit kit, so I plan on swapping out my old ones to decrease mechanical problems. With an MI-250 mount, though, this involves shortening the gearbox shaft enough to enable the Oldham coupler to closely match the worm drive, so that? there is no slipping, but also? the motor is seated firmly. There is as bit of apprehension on my part because of lack of experience.
Clear skies,
Paul
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Re: mount does not learn from platesolving
Thanks all,
With the new settings, my mount is learning, as evidenced by the RA and DEC error going to zero with each plate solve. Brian and company sent me two new gearboxes with my retrofit kit, so I plan on swapping out my old ones to decrease mechanical problems. With an MI-250 mount, though, this involves shortening the gearbox shaft enough to enable the Oldham coupler to closely match the worm drive, so that? there is no slipping, but also? the motor is seated firmly. There is as bit of apprehension on my part because of lack of experience.
Clear skies,
Paul
|
Re: mount does not learn from platesolving
For that far off in both axes, I would make sure the following are all correct:
CWD position at warm start/cold start is correct. Mount Type is correct. Dec and RA cables aren't swapped.
In addition, ensure the first alignment is well away from the pole, and that date/time are both correct (watch out for time zone issues, etc)
Graeme
On Mon, 7 Mar 2022, 02:59 Brian Valente, < bvalente@...> wrote: Hi Pal
>>>I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to: 1) Cold Restarts, and? 2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align". NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
Yes you should do this, which is the common?practice when using platesolving.?
If your initial goto is off by that many degrees, chances are one or more of your settings is off, or your computer/gemini information is way out of sync.?
That's roughly 1-3 hours difference between initial goto and target.?
Hi all,
I am running Gemini 2, and I did a rough polar alignment on my mount. It consistently off by 20-40 degrees in RA and similar in DEC. I have had the Gemini 2 setup to do:
1) Warm Restarts
2) "Sync Performs additional align" is turned on.
3) My site: Lat: N 39 24.92 Long: W 119 46.47 Time Zone: UTC-8 PST/YDT
My mount does not find the target after successful platesolves and syncs.
I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to:
1) Cold Restarts, and?
2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align".
NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
If this is the solution, great, but I'd like to hear from you guys if there is other issues (like getting a precise polar alignment) that could be causing this.
Clear Skies,
Paul
--
Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: mount does not learn from platesolving
Hi Pal
>>>I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to: 1) Cold Restarts, and? 2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align". NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
Yes you should do this, which is the common?practice when using platesolving.?
If your initial goto is off by that many degrees, chances are one or more of your settings is off, or your computer/gemini information is way out of sync.?
That's roughly 1-3 hours difference between initial goto and target.?
Hi all,
I am running Gemini 2, and I did a rough polar alignment on my mount. It consistently off by 20-40 degrees in RA and similar in DEC. I have had the Gemini 2 setup to do:
1) Warm Restarts
2) "Sync Performs additional align" is turned on.
3) My site: Lat: N 39 24.92 Long: W 119 46.47 Time Zone: UTC-8 PST/YDT
My mount does not find the target after successful platesolves and syncs.
I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to:
1) Cold Restarts, and?
2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align".
NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
If this is the solution, great, but I'd like to hear from you guys if there is other issues (like getting a precise polar alignment) that could be causing this.
Clear Skies,
Paul
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Re: mount does not learn from platesolving
I found with my Gemini on my MI250 That I have to do additional align, several on each side of the Meridian, Before it would point accurately. And the closer you can get the polar alignment the better but if you don¡¯t get the polar alignment as close as possible and do multiple additional alignments then plate solving will be a real problem.?
Hi all,
I am running Gemini 2, and I did a rough polar alignment on my mount. It consistently off by 20-40 degrees in RA and similar in DEC. I have had the Gemini 2 setup to do:
1) Warm Restarts
2) "Sync Performs additional align" is turned on.
3) My site: Lat: N 39 24.92 Long: W 119 46.47 Time Zone: UTC-8 PST/YDT
My mount does not find the target after successful platesolves and syncs.
I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to:
1) Cold Restarts, and?
2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align".
NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
If this is the solution, great, but I'd like to hear from you guys if there is other issues (like getting a precise polar alignment) that could be causing this.
Clear Skies,
Paul
|
mount does not learn from platesolving
Hi all,
I am running Gemini 2, and I did a rough polar alignment on my mount. It consistently off by 20-40 degrees in RA and similar in DEC. I have had the Gemini 2 setup to do:
1) Warm Restarts
2) "Sync Performs additional align" is turned on.
3) My site: Lat: N 39 24.92 Long: W 119 46.47 Time Zone: UTC-8 PST/YDT
My mount does not find the target after successful platesolves and syncs.
I think that tonight I'd like to set the Gemini 2 to:
1) Cold Restarts, and?
2) Turn OFF "Sync Performs additional align".
NINA is setup to sync with mount at platesolves.
If this is the solution, great, but I'd like to hear from you guys if there is other issues (like getting a precise polar alignment) that could be causing this.
Clear Skies,
Paul
|
If you live in Spain, and you send a Gemini controller to me in the UK for repair, it appears there may be problems getting it back into Spain!
I attached correct documents to the return shipment (commercial invoice, CN23) of a controller that I shipped to Spain on 14th December last year. It has been stuck in Spanish customs at Madrid airport since January 13th. The guy who owns the controller that I repaired has told me that Spanish customs now require that he engage a customs agent to handle the payment of VAT due and to get it delivered to his address.
That's crazy! All they had to do was bill him for the VAT on the repair charge ... and a small handling charge and job done. But no ...
Be warned.
It was shipped using the Post Office (Parcel Force).
PS if you know of a courier that can get stuff past Spanish customs without these problems please let me know - this is the second time this has happened ?.
Cheers, David
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If you find anything,?let me know!
> I forget how much you need to remove off the top of my head. ? Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll get the trepanning saw and we¡¯ll get to work! ? D.
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> I forget how much you need to remove off the top of my head. ? Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll get the trepanning saw and we¡¯ll get to work! ? D.
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Yes, the Mi-250 gearbox has a small amount removed from the output shaft length - sorry but I forget how much you need to remove off the top of my head.
Mark
I note that with a pair of replacement gearboxes, we had to put a couple of spacer washers when mounting the gearbox on the MI-250 ¨C the shaft was fractionally too long for the Oldham coupler ¨C not sure if it will apply for you, but just one thing to be aware of. ? Graeme ? ? Good for you to upgrade your system. Some notes: The Oldham coupler has 3 parts: the two metal ends and a plastic center part.? You want to keep that entire coupler as the new system you will need new motors and cables and Gemini, but won't have the coupler.? (If you are trading in your G-1 for a reduced price on a G-2).? You definitely need the new cables and motors for the G-2.) The coupler metal ends...one fits the gearbox drive output shaft that's 3/16 inch diameter, the other end fits the worm's 1/4 inch shaft.?? The gearboxes you can re-use, but its probably a good idea for you to order 2 new ones.? The new gearboxes have screws to allow you to open the gearbox to clean it or re-lube it. Over a long time the plastic rear panel can crack from the weight of the motor.? It's always good to have a spare gearbox in case of trouble.? Your existing gearboxes are probably quite old.? ? I am seeking a rectangukar type motor, just to use for testing my repairs if those older G-1 units.?? ? Hi Micheal,
Ive hit the jackpot tonight with all the info! Thank you for letting me know if the gearbox and motor will fit in my MI-250. It looks like the Oldman coupler is the only question mark at this point. I assume I can place it on the new motors. I went to our neighbors house, and explained to him the problem with the diode you helped me with earlier, I asked him if he had an opinion, and he said he would go ahead and get a whole new retrofit kit. As my finances have become better since last week, I will be buying a Gemini 2 retrofit kick, instead of repairing the Gemini 1. Thank you for your offer of service, however! Losmandy will be in possession of my RJ 45 motors in a few weeks.
Clear Skies,
Paul
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I note that with a pair of replacement gearboxes, we had to put a couple of spacer washers when mounting the gearbox on the MI-250 ¨C the shaft was fractionally too long for the Oldham coupler ¨C not sure if it will apply for you, but just one thing to be aware of. ? Graeme ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Michael Herman
Sent: 07 February 2022 02:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini_users_io] RA and DEC motors? Good for you to upgrade your system. Some notes: The Oldham coupler has 3 parts: the two metal ends and a plastic center part.? You want to keep that entire coupler as the new system you will need new motors and cables and Gemini, but won't have the coupler.? (If you are trading in your G-1 for a reduced price on a G-2).? You definitely need the new cables and motors for the G-2.) The coupler metal ends...one fits the gearbox drive output shaft that's 3/16 inch diameter, the other end fits the worm's 1/4 inch shaft.?? The gearboxes you can re-use, but its probably a good idea for you to order 2 new ones.? The new gearboxes have screws to allow you to open the gearbox to clean it or re-lube it. Over a long time the plastic rear panel can crack from the weight of the motor.? It's always good to have a spare gearbox in case of trouble.? Your existing gearboxes are probably quite old.? ? I am seeking a rectangukar type motor, just to use for testing my repairs if those older G-1 units.?? ? Hi Micheal,
Ive hit the jackpot tonight with all the info! Thank you for letting me know if the gearbox and motor will fit in my MI-250. It looks like the Oldman coupler is the only question mark at this point. I assume I can place it on the new motors. I went to our neighbors house, and explained to him the problem with the diode you helped me with earlier, I asked him if he had an opinion, and he said he would go ahead and get a whole new retrofit kit. As my finances have become better since last week, I will be buying a Gemini 2 retrofit kick, instead of repairing the Gemini 1. Thank you for your offer of service, however! Losmandy will be in possession of my RJ 45 motors in a few weeks.
Clear Skies,
Paul
|
Good for you to upgrade your system.
Some notes:
The Oldham coupler has 3 parts: the two metal ends and a plastic center part.? You want to keep that entire coupler as the new system you will need new motors and cables and Gemini, but won't have the coupler.? (If you are trading in your G-1 for a reduced price on a G-2).? You definitely need the new cables and motors for the G-2.)
The coupler metal ends...one fits the gearbox drive output shaft that's 3/16 inch diameter, the other end fits the worm's 1/4 inch shaft.??
The gearboxes you can re-use, but its probably a good idea for you to order 2 new ones.? The new gearboxes have screws to allow you to open the gearbox to clean it or re-lube it. Over a long time the plastic rear panel can crack from the weight of the motor.? It's always good to have a spare gearbox in case of trouble.? Your existing gearboxes are probably quite old.?
Have fun, Michael
?
I am seeking a rectangukar type motor, just to use for testing my repairs if those older G-1 units.??
Hi Micheal,
Ive hit the jackpot tonight with all the info! Thank you for letting me know if the gearbox and motor will fit in my MI-250. It looks like the Oldman coupler is the only question mark at this point. I assume I can place it on the new motors. I went to our neighbors house, and explained to him the problem with the diode you helped me with earlier, I asked him if he had an opinion, and he said he would go ahead and get a whole new retrofit kit. As my finances have become better since last week, I will be buying a Gemini 2 retrofit kick, instead of repairing the Gemini 1. Thank you for your offer of service, however! Losmandy will be in possession of my RJ 45 motors in a few weeks.
Clear Skies,
Paul
|
Hi Micheal,
Ive hit the jackpot tonight with all the info! Thank you for letting me know if the gearbox and motor will fit in my MI-250. It looks like the Oldman coupler is the only question mark at this point. I assume I can place it on the new motors. I went to our neighbors house, and explained to him the problem with the diode you helped me with earlier, I asked him if he had an opinion, and he said he would go ahead and get a whole new retrofit kit. As my finances have become better since last week, I will be buying a Gemini 2 retrofit kick, instead of repairing the Gemini 1. Thank you for your offer of service, however! Losmandy will be in possession of my RJ 45 motors in a few weeks.
Clear Skies,
Paul
|
Hi guys,
Those original Gemini-1 motors in your photos have the early version rectangular motor cable.
There is likely nothing wrong with those motors, or the Gemini version that drives those motors.? I fix those Geminis.? But I cannot fix the motors.??
But those new motors in the later photos have the more modern round DIN cable connectors.?? So those new motors will not, in general, work unless a suitable conversion cord is made up.?
?(I recently tried to make up a conversion cord from a CAT5 internet cable to my round DIN motor type.? The connections were correct in a DC sense, but the new motors vibrated a lot and the Gemini motor chips were getting hot.? So there is more to the conversion cable puzzle than I first thought.? Does someone in this group know what magic is needed to get a new motor to work properly in an old Gemini with rectangular motor connector?)
The old motors you show are still bolted to their stock gearbox. And you still show the end of the Oldham coupler attached.??
So I'll ask:
?Is it really a new gearbox you are seeking, not the motor?? A new gearbox is only about $35.??
The motor and gearbox pinion gear is the same, so any stock Losmandy gearbox should work with any Losmandy motor of any version.? So a Gemini-2 (only came with round DIN motor cable connectors) can replace a Gemini-1 with the same motor connectors.??
(Incidentally, the newer "hi torque" motors are stronger than the earlier DC motors.? But you can increase the motor torque anyway by increasing the DC supply voltage toward 18V.? The torque of the DC motor is directly proportional to the DC voltage supply.? )
Best of luck!
Michael
[Edited Message Follows]
Hi Mario,
I like new!
But I need to find out if I can use them without machining with my MI-250 gearboxes first.
Paul
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Hi Mario,
I like new!
But I need to find out if I can use them without machining with my MI-250 gearboxes first.
Paul
|
Hi Paul, I have two brand new Losmandy motors for sale (latest generation) if it¡¯s good for you. ?Need to be use with Gemini2. Mario
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Hi Brian and all, I finally took some clear photos of my RA and DEC motors for my Gemini 1 on my MI-250. My goal is to swap these out for new Losmandy motors, so any help in whether the new ones would fit or not would be appreciated! Clear Skies, Paul
?
<MI-250 DEC bolt pattern.jpg><MI-250 DEC motor angle.jpg><MI-250 RA Bolt pattern.jpg><MI-250 RA motor angle.jpg>
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oh man, you do not want to drink that stuff!
Alternatively,
you could send me a pint of Everclear.. I have a lot of cleaning to do.. *hiccup*
Derek
?
?
>>> Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non
drinking type).
interestingly, you can use Everclear as a cleaner as well :)
?
Yes most cards will work we don't have go after the fastest class
card....I've seen C10 8GB is more than sufficient.? You really don't need
large? capacity cards.?? Do format the card (FAT32)? before
use .
Its probably a little odd if its a mini and needs new cards but that will
depend upon many factors, files installed, use.....??
Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non drinking type).
cheers
--
Brendan
--
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Alternatively,
you could send me a pint of Everclear.. I have a lot of cleaning to do.. *hiccup*
Derek
?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brian Valente
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2022
3:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Gemini_users_io] SD
card problem
?
>>> Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non
drinking type).
interestingly, you can use Everclear as a cleaner as well :)
?
Yes most cards will work we don't have go after the fastest class
card....I've seen C10 8GB is more than sufficient.? You really don't need
large? capacity cards.?? Do format the card (FAT32)? before
use .
Its probably a little odd if its a mini and needs new cards but that will
depend upon many factors, files installed, use.....??
Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non drinking type).
cheers
--
Brendan
--
|
Hi Brian and all, I finally took some clear photos of my RA and DEC motors for my Gemini 1 on my MI-250. My goal is to swap these out for new Losmandy motors, so any help in whether the new ones would fit or not would be appreciated! Clear Skies, Paul
?
|
>>>
Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non drinking type).
interestingly, you can use Everclear as a cleaner as well :)
Yes most cards will work we don't have go after the fastest class card....I've seen C10 8GB is more than sufficient.? You really don't need large? capacity cards.?? Do format the card (FAT32)? before use .
Its probably a little odd if its a mini and needs new cards but that will depend upon many factors, files installed, use.....??
Clean the SD card pad contact area with some alcohol (non drinking type).
cheers
--
Brendan
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Michael Herman
David C. Partridge
