Thanks for the info, gents. It's great to hear the components are rated at 25V - that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

I'll wire up a new connector and give it a try soon.

-Bryan

Bryan

more than likely that voltage measured is “un-loaded” meaning it doesn’t have a load drawing current…..which usually drops (or loads) the Voltage somewhat?

18.2V is ok, components inside rated on this rail are 25v capacitors and H bridge and voltage converters. ? ?All can take can take this 18.2V

That said, Laptop PSUs are usually “well regulated” and are quite stable Vout. ? ?Indeed I have one I use on a G2. NEC should be a good one well made?

cheers
--
Brendan

On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 04:30 PM, Bryan Duke wrote:

The Gemini manual states "The Gemini System requires 12–18 Volts DC, 3 Amps to operate." Putting on my engineer hat, those voltages are just 2 significant digits each...so, I guess that's what gives me a little bit of pause. Is that 18.000V max, 18.4V max, etc.?

I'd err on the conservative side and use a lower voltage power supply. It's not much of a benefit to have 18v over 16v, but having some Gemini component overheat or even burn out, or just shorten its lifespan due to overvoltage, seems like a pretty significant potential downside.

Thanks Paul. It's an NEC AU80001 power supply with a rated output of 18V & 4.44A. Since it's an NEC part, I'm guessing that 4.44A is fairly accurate. There are a few people who have talked about using them with success with their G11 mounts on CN, but I haven't tried it myself yet. To be fair, I don't know how well regulated it is.

?

The Gemini manual states "The Gemini System requires 12–18 Volts DC, 3 Amps to operate." Putting on my engineer hat, those voltages are just 2 significant digits each...so, I guess that's what gives me a little bit of pause. Is that 18.000V max, 18.4V max, etc.?

Thanks,
Bryan

On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 04:03 PM, Bryan Duke wrote:

Hey everybody,

I’m a new-to-me G11 Gemini 1 owner. I have an 18V laptop power supply that’d I’d like to use to power my mount. It’s actual measured output voltage is about 18.2V though. My guess is this is close enough, but does anyone know the actual max voltage we can use? I’d hate to fry this thing if 18.0 is a brick wall.

Thanks!
Bryan

Hi Bryan, welcome! 18.2v is just above the maximum range, so will probably work ok, but I would prefer something closer to 16v. Any problems with the supply, a spike in the AC, or possibly some overload condition can push it even further above 18v, which could risk overheating or even frying some of the components. As important, what is the maximum current that this supply is capable of delivering and how well regulated is it?

Regards,

? ?-Paul

Hey everybody,

I’m a new-to-me G11 Gemini 1 owner. I have an 18V laptop power supply that’d I’d like to use to power my mount. It’s actual measured output voltage is about 18.2V though. My guess is this is close enough, but does anyone know the actual max voltage we can use? I’d hate to fry this thing if 18.0 is a brick wall.

Thanks!
Bryan

I have one. Gimme a call or text 540 273-0063.?

Scott

If worse comes to worse a aftermarket HC can easily be made. ?

Even use a matrix vebro PCB in lieu of a properly made DIY board. ?Though that said it’s easy enough to make a home made PCB using toner method. ?Buttons easy to get (good ones) and case is easy to get let’s say Hammond?

Plenty of different types available suitable size! ?

Let’s say $10. ?Switches $10-$15 total. ?Sockets $2. ?Cable $1

Sure you have to make it but maybe a repairer or a mate who knows Electronics and or PCB CAD …easy Peasy

FWIW
CHEERS


--
Brendan

Which version is it? I found a couple of versions on cloudy nights that show the different styles.

Does anyone have a hand controller for the 492 Losmandy Digital system? Losmandy has a used one one but they want way too much for it in my opinion.

$200 or best offer.?

I was hoping to get $200.

I have a Gemini 2 for sale for those interested. It is brand new, atleast in use. I bought it from Losmandy in Sept 2023 and have used it one time. Very soon after I bought it, I realized what was wrong with my Gemini 1 and fixed it. Not wanting to get into something new and to late to return it, it's up for sale. Asking $900.00 for it. It includes the computer, handbox and the cord...No motors included, Losmandy said I could use my existing motors.

Please respond directly to wd4sel@... if interested. Pictures upon request.

Regards,
Stu Beaber

开云体育

Greetings all. I have a Gemini I available if anyone is interested. I am enjoying the upgrade to the Gemini II. I just fired it up a couple of nights ago.

On Sun, Apr 21, 2024 at 06:21 PM, Drifting wrote:

Paul,?
I need to clear my mind and read the entire manual. Twice.
Fair to ask if there is a block diagram with pictures?
1,000 Thanks Paul!

The menu is fully documented in the appendix of the manual. I don't recall seeing a flow-chart diagram for it, so can't really help you there.

Paul,?
I need to clear my mind and read the entire manual. Twice.
Fair to ask if there is a block diagram with pictures?
1,000 Thanks Paul!

Brendan, Thank You!
It sure does scroll through the sub menu fast. Some points (it seems) I need to press RA+ to except or am I imagining it??
Another possibility; I'm using a parallel cable from the Hand Controller to the same style connector on the side of the Gemini I module. I'm oddly attracted to the R11 / 4 pin socket label Hand Control.??
The most likely possibility is to clear my mind and read the entire manual. Twice.?

As Paul said it’s clunky but you get used to it. ?It has shortcuts that once learned you will love it.?

Most users discover them by accident but they are documented :
When in any rate, let’s say sidereal mode. ? Hold Ra+ button down and press Ra- once it’ll start moving at “move rate”. ?But if you double tap Ra-press instead it’ll start moving at “slew rate” in Ra+. ?Release buttons it stops and resumes normal rate. ?Of course this works in any direction and this faster rate changes depends which mode you are in. ?Aka photo mode it moves at slower rates.?

Hold menu button down. ?It will cycle thru sub “quick menus” . ?If you hold it till it cycles then let go at “Park mount” and it will now cycle thru park menus….press menu again when you see “park CWD” …..it parks mount at CWD. ?

Of course there are other quick and sub menus. ?Explore press away you’ll soon get the idea.?

Cheers
--
Brendan