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Date

Re: Introducing myself

 

On Sun, Aug 9, 2020 at 11:26 AM, Arun Hegde wrote:
Welcome! You have an excellent scope and a mount that suits it very, very well. For many years, you are going to be limited more by your own abilities and interest than by your equipment, especially once you get a mono camera and filter wheel. You should have no issues doing guided LRGB and long exposure narrow band with that combination and getting some very high quality images!
Thanks Arun.

I'm realizing it! With the fires around here, I haven't had a chance to test out the scope & mount yet but I've been using the time to learn the system. I've already received by EFW & ZWO ASI1600MM Pro Cool and gave it a shot last night (indoor! :-D) as we wait for clear skies.

- Arvind


Re: Introducing myself

 

On Sat, Aug 8, 2020 at 10:31 PM, Michael Herman wrote:
Are you really named Base16, or just a digital logic design pro? Maybe a software engineering pro?
Thanks for your welcome and your other informative comments in your response, Michael!

As for base16 -- it's just a handle that I've used in all online forums and also at work, which is a tech company in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'll update my profile here to mention my real name: Arvind


Re: AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Thank you Sonny,
You have that right.?

HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Deric



Sent from my Galaxy Tab A



-------- Original message --------
From: Sonny Edmonds <sonnyedmonds@...>
Date: 8/30/20 9:50 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

That is another appealing thing about Losmandy equipment, all American Standard threads.
No cast, and no metric. Just the real deal, Don Steel. (Old time L.A. radio personality.)

Happy Observing Deric!
--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

Sonny Edmonds
 

That is another appealing thing about Losmandy equipment, all American Standard threads.
No cast, and no metric. Just the real deal, Don Steel. (Old time L.A. radio personality.)

Happy Observing Deric!
--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: Hitting my head against the wall...

Sonny Edmonds
 

Thanks Paul, yep, right mount. I normally do the quick start anyway, just to check I have the correct mount, right Lon/Lat, time and time zone (-7 for my location). That leads me into a cold start, then modeling.

Hi Tim, well I'll give Alberio a shot. Most of the minor players are hard to see here as well. But I'm pretty sure I'm seeing more than 20 out here on the Northern edge of L. A. County (Saugus).

I keep coming up a long way off of the targeted stars. Stellarium shows I'm right on, or close enough I should see these giants like Vega, and big Arcturus, or Deneb in my Guide Scope image in PHD2. But I don't. I have to hunt around even when my course aiming devices are on target.

Then it hit me.... I'm using an Orion 50 mm guide scope with the helical focuser. That is in fairly sharp focus. But when I disassembled it to remove the 3 screw O-ring mount, I recall screwing the front on quite deeply.
So I'm wondering if that may have effected the FOV of that little telescope. As in Narrowing it, so it isn't showing me the area it use to. 8^0
I think I'll look into that tonight. Because the FOV of the guide scope seems very narrow now.
Worth a tinker, anyway. Haven't found anything online about it. I think it was a course focus in the instructions.

The odd part is everything appears to be right. Except what I'm seeing.
Well, coffee-ing up for this evening. Almost time for the stars to come out here.
Sonny was a busy boy today. So Sonny is going to have a busy night. ;^)

When I'm seeing double, Tim, I'm usually almost ready for bed.... LOL!

--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Thank you Brian,
One really nice thing about the AZ8 mount is, no electronics at all.?
I figured that Losmandy used a standard thread pitch it just makes sense.?
THANK YOU AGAIN Brian,
HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Deric



Sent from my Galaxy Tab A



-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 8/30/20 9:02 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

Hi Deric

afaik all the 3/8" we use are 3/8 16


On Sun, Aug 30, 2020 at 6:58 PM Deric Caselli <JethroStCyr@...> wrote:
Hello Every one,
This is little different. I have a Losmandy AZ8 mount and I am going to mount it on a Berlebach planet tripod and I need to know what the thread pitch of the bolt that mounts the AZ8 mounthead to the tripod, it is a 3/8" bolt so 3/8 X ??
Thank you?
HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Deric



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

 

Hi Deric

afaik all the 3/8" we use are 3/8 16


On Sun, Aug 30, 2020 at 6:58 PM Deric Caselli <JethroStCyr@...> wrote:
Hello Every one,
This is little different. I have a Losmandy AZ8 mount and I am going to mount it on a Berlebach planet tripod and I need to know what the thread pitch of the bolt that mounts the AZ8 mounthead to the tripod, it is a 3/8" bolt so 3/8 X ??
Thank you?
HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Deric



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


AZ8 Bolt thread pitch

 

Hello Every one,
This is little different. I have a Losmandy AZ8 mount and I am going to mount it on a Berlebach planet tripod and I need to know what the thread pitch of the bolt that mounts the AZ8 mounthead to the tripod, it is a 3/8" bolt so 3/8 X ??
Thank you?
HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Deric


Re: Maximum weight

 

PS

>>>can you also include piggybacked devices as they effect a greater moment than devices on the saddle.?

I included that graph because it also shows how to measure the effect of piggyback scopes as well

On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 9:39 PM Brian Valente via <bvalente=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi John

The AP graph (Arun referenced earlier) is a good illustration and fairly accurate for Losmandy as well, just substitute the weight capacity of the G11 for the Mach2.

here it is, hopefully Roland won't mind i borrowed it for posting here ;)



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 6:59 PM JohnS via <jsand0val=[email protected]> wrote:
Brian,

While you're looking into more details, can you also include piggybacked devices as they effect a greater moment than devices on the saddle.? For example, a hefty guide scope piggybacked on a fat SCT.

I use a side-by-side plate to avoid this.? Also allows me to balance the load better as.

John


On Sunday, 30 August 2020, 11:06:52 am AEST, Brian Valente <bvalente@...> wrote:


>>> It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.

That's pretty much it. Losmandy specs for max payload is for the Telescope side of the mount, so it does not include the counterweight side or the counterweights.

Yes the tube length can play a role, but we don't really customers putting 20" tubes on the G11

I will see if we have more details

Brian



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 10:48 AM Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...> wrote:
That's the total weight of equipment only, not including counterweights. It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: Maximum weight

 

Hi John

The AP graph (Arun referenced earlier) is a good illustration and fairly accurate for Losmandy as well, just substitute the weight capacity of the G11 for the Mach2.

here it is, hopefully Roland won't mind i borrowed it for posting here ;)



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 6:59 PM JohnS via <jsand0val=[email protected]> wrote:
Brian,

While you're looking into more details, can you also include piggybacked devices as they effect a greater moment than devices on the saddle.? For example, a hefty guide scope piggybacked on a fat SCT.

I use a side-by-side plate to avoid this.? Also allows me to balance the load better as.

John


On Sunday, 30 August 2020, 11:06:52 am AEST, Brian Valente <bvalente@...> wrote:


>>> It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.

That's pretty much it. Losmandy specs for max payload is for the Telescope side of the mount, so it does not include the counterweight side or the counterweights.

Yes the tube length can play a role, but we don't really customers putting 20" tubes on the G11

I will see if we have more details

Brian



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 10:48 AM Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...> wrote:
That's the total weight of equipment only, not including counterweights. It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: Maximum weight

JohnS
 

Brian,

While you're looking into more details, can you also include piggybacked devices as they effect a greater moment than devices on the saddle.? For example, a hefty guide scope piggybacked on a fat SCT.

I use a side-by-side plate to avoid this.? Also allows me to balance the load better as.

John


On Sunday, 30 August 2020, 11:06:52 am AEST, Brian Valente <bvalente@...> wrote:


>>> It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.

That's pretty much it. Losmandy specs for max payload is for the Telescope side of the mount, so it does not include the counterweight side or the counterweights.

Yes the tube length can play a role, but we don't really customers putting 20" tubes on the G11

I will see if we have more details

Brian



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 10:48 AM Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...> wrote:
That's the total weight of equipment only, not including counterweights. It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: Maximum weight

 

>>> It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.

That's pretty much it. Losmandy specs for max payload is for the Telescope side of the mount, so it does not include the counterweight side or the counterweights.

Yes the tube length can play a role, but we don't really customers putting 20" tubes on the G11

I will see if we have more details

Brian



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 10:48 AM Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...> wrote:
That's the total weight of equipment only, not including counterweights. It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: Hitting my head against the wall...

 

Hi Sonny,
I sometimes have problems identifying which of the 20 stars I can see from my urban SoCal skies, is the right alignment star, so during the summer when I start model building, I start out by pressing (I think it's the East button (the one on the left)) repeatedly until Albiero is selected ant use that as my first goto. I have mistaken other stars before, but the colorful double is hard to mistake, except when I'm seeing double, of course ;).?

Since adopting that precedure, my confidence level that I properly located the correct alignment star goes to 100%.

Astronut Tim


Re: Hitting my head against the wall...

 

Hi SonnyE,

One thing to check, since you¡¯ve done a full reset, is that the correct mount is selected in Gemini. I believe you have a G811, so make sure that¡¯s what¡¯s selected. The default setting of G11 will produce gotos that will be away from the desired destination.

Regards,

? ?-Paul


On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 06:00 PM, Sonny Edmonds wrote:

So, I revamped my guide scope to a true Piggy-backed with my main telescope. I always wanted to do that, and with Brian's advice it was easy enough.
So first night out,
Just a fresh start. And re-entered all the Quick Start perimeters, and I use GPS coordinates from my phone that are most accurate. Better than city or town designations.
Time is accurate, too.

Sighting in the guide scope to my main was nice and easy, as was my RED DOT finder, and my Laser Pointer. I used Polaris as my aim point, and made any small adjustments as I was centering thing.
Adjusting in the guide scope with the mounted to a upside down on my .

But here is my problem, and I can usually bumble my way through these sorts of things, but not this time.
When I go looking for my first star for my Model building, it's usually off by a bit or a lot. Not unexpected. So I go to pains of finding it with Stellarium, and generally looking for the bright star closest to the point of aim.
My Gemini 2 has been very reliable before the changes, so I always had a great deal of confidence in it.
But now... I can't seem to get even close, and it's getting frustrating.

So since browsing through Jeff's finding Stars post, I think tonight I'm going to try starting with a Bright Star from the list for my first star, then work from there.
Because things are not working like they use to for me currently. I can't even seem to build a model anymore. ;^}

Any other suggestions for this bumblefart?



--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)

?

?

?


Re: Maximum weight

Arun Hegde
 

I'd actually like a definition similar to how AP defines it for their Mach 2 - they have two graphs, one for RA the other for DEC:



The capacity is not a single number but the lower of the two numbers in the RA and DEC graph.?

I currently own two mounts - the 811 and the AP Mach 1. My current set up is well under half the weight of either. I also have experience from other members of my club who use Asian mounts. Both the Losmandy and the AP mount are clearly better than similarly specified Asian mounts.?


Re: Maximum weight

Sonny Edmonds
 

I'd like some definition on that specification, too, Arun.

Generally the accepted standard for the Asian mounts has been 1/2 of the rating.
So I kept my weight from the clamp up less than 15 pounds for my AVX.

But now with my 811 I'm way below 1/2 of the mounts rating. And 3.2 times below the 50 pound rating.
My telescope is like a fly on an elephants back now.
--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Hitting my head against the wall...

Sonny Edmonds
 

So, I revamped my guide scope to a true Piggy-backed with my main telescope. I always wanted to do that, and with Brian's advice it was easy enough.
So first night out,
Just a fresh start. And re-entered all the Quick Start perimeters, and I use GPS coordinates from my phone that are most accurate. Better than city or town designations.
Time is accurate, too.

Sighting in the guide scope to my main was nice and easy, as was my RED DOT finder, and my Laser Pointer. I used Polaris as my aim point, and made any small adjustments as I was centering thing.
Adjusting in the guide scope with the mounted to a upside down on my .

But here is my problem, and I can usually bumble my way through these sorts of things, but not this time.
When I go looking for my first star for my Model building, it's usually off by a bit or a lot. Not unexpected. So I go to pains of finding it with Stellarium, and generally looking for the bright star closest to the point of aim.
My Gemini 2 has been very reliable before the changes, so I always had a great deal of confidence in it.
But now... I can't seem to get even close, and it's getting frustrating.

So since browsing through Jeff's finding Stars post, I think tonight I'm going to try starting with a Bright Star from the list for my first star, then work from there.
Because things are not working like they use to for me currently. I can't even seem to build a model anymore. ;^}

Any other suggestions for this bumblefart?



--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: Maximum weight

Arun Hegde
 

That's the total weight of equipment only, not including counterweights. It is supposed to be rated for 60 lbs ?imaging payload, though I am not sure how that's determined.


Maximum weight

 

Hi all, sorry another newbie question,

When referring to the 60lb maximum capacity weight of the G11, are the balance weights including in that total, or is the 60lb total just the telescope and add-ons..

Promise i will find something more technical to ask when the UK weather decides to let us do some star gazing!
Thanks


Re: Target unreachable?

Sonny Edmonds
 

The simple act of writing things down can help you remember them.
Once I jot it down, it seems to be memorized.

I got the RA extension kit for my GM811G to make a break point for easier carrying.
Somewhere in the Video's I recalled being able to image across the meridian with the RA extension.
I decided to test that one night and it worked like a charm.
I also learned to adjust my limits on the fly over the course of the evening.
The configuration of your telescope and equipment may push the issue for adjusting your limits to avoid crashes.
Because not everything is simply East to West...
I would suggest you try and get more familiar with setting your limits when and as needed.
--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)