Re: Gemini 2 unit resets to default??
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýHi Magnus,There¡¯s a known bug in the clock chip (this isn¡¯t something that Losmandy can fix with a firmware update). ?When the battery is changed and it loses the date & time, it starts in a state that causes it to drain power rapidly UNTIL you set the date/time (and then everything is normal again). There are a few techniques to change the battery to avoid this. 1) ?Replace the battery with the unit powered off. ?Once the new battery is installed, immediately power up the Gemini and set the date/time. ? BTW, you do not need to have the Gemini connected to the mount when you do this. ?So if the mount is in an observatory but you¡¯d rather do this inside where it¡¯s warm ¡ just disconnected RA/Dec cables, remove the Gemini module from the mount and bring it in to change it. ?It will likely complain that the motors aren¡¯t working but¡ this wont affect your ability to set the date and time (and you know the reason the motors aren¡¯t responding is because they aren¡¯t connected. 2) ?Replace the battery while the unit is powered on (running on 12v power). ?Take care here to not touch any of the exposed electronics, ?But since the unit technically never lost power it will still have the date/time set. I typically just do method #1 and I always immediately re-order a spare battery (I find local stores tend to not have these sizes so I never want to get caught with a dead battery and no spare). Scott has a YouTube video where he shows how to swap the battery. ?He uses a simple piece of scotch tape so that when he lifts the battery retaining spring he can just pull on the tape and the battery comes out easily. As for voltage¡ The mount runs on 12v-18v power. ?The electronics are completely happy with 12v power. ?BUT¡ if you run the mount on higher voltage then you get more torque to the motors (especially useful if you have a heavy load). ?If you are running a light load ¡ go ahead and stick with 12v power. ?? Clear Skies, Tim
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Timothy Campbell