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I have a Gemini 1 L4 controlling a G11. I have just replaced the CR2354 battery with a new one measuring at 3.3v. I cold started the system and successfully set all the parameters such as mount type, time and location but when I put it in sidereal mode it refuses to activate the motors using the buttons on the handset.?

Any suggestions?

David

On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 07:30 AM, David Boyd wrote:

I have a Gemini 1 L4 controlling a G11. I have just replaced the CR2354 battery with a new one measuring at 3.3v. I cold started the system and successfully set all the parameters such as mount type, time and location but when I put it in sidereal mode it refuses to activate the motors using the buttons on the handset.?

Any suggestions?

David

Hi David, do you get any messages on the controller? Stall messages, heavy lag tr messages? Do the motors work when you do a Goto or use HC buttons to slew? Did you try swapping between RA and DEC? Swapping Cables? If you remove the RA motor off the mount and watch it when you start up in Sidereal tracking mode, can you see it turning??

Hi Paul,

Thanks for replying. After displaying Sidereal Mode on the controller, the screen goes blank. When you press any tracking buttons, either in RA or Dec, there is no message on the controller, the screen remains completely blank and there is no sound from either motor. However, when you issue a GoTo command on the controller, the mount starts driving the scope. All the other functions on the hand controller seem to work including setting the home position and driving the scope to the home position after it moved. As there was a CMOS reset with the battery change, there is no pointing model.

That sounds like you just have the mount set to Guide mode. When moving at Sidereal or at guide rate, you’re not going to hear the motor. You need to get to at least centering speed or slew speed.?

I have now been able to try a second identical hand controller and the behaviour is the same. So it doesn't look like a problem with the controller, more likely in the Gemini itself.

On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 11:11 AM, David Boyd wrote:

I have now been able to try a second identical hand controller and the behaviour is the same. So it doesn't look like a problem with the controller, more likely in the Gemini itself.

David, if you’re basing this on the fact that you can’t hear the motor moving, then you’re most likely mistaken. The motor moves very quietly and you will not see the motion until you switch the HC to slew speeds.

Thanks to your advice, Paul, and a very helpful email from Michael Herman, I have identified the problem. The Gemini was starting up in a mode where it would not respond to the buttons, even when held simultaneously which usually enables quick slewing. After I cold started again and toggled the guiding mode, it has recovered. All now seems to be well.

Thank you for your help.

David