Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Yes i have seen the Lacerta MGEN, a bit out of my price range at the moment, reading reviews on the other systems i might give it a miss for now, thanks for the advice though.
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Hi Dave,
I haven't tested it myself, but I have heard only good things about Lacerta MGEN II.
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Brendan is spot on
But also I know there are a lot of DSLR-only imagers out there who aren't using any sort of computer
I had experience with SBIG's standalone guider some years ago.?
PROS
- gets the basic guiding job done? ?- doesn't require computer - compact solution (vs computer and cables) - probably best for <500mm focal lengths and widefield
CONS - more $$ (compared with just guide camera) - not a lot of control if guiding isn't quite spot-on - not tunable enough for longer focal lengths? - if something goes wrong, it's hard to figure out what happened
Dave if your autoguiding then you¡¯re probably imaging and need an image sequence control system.? If you have a camera usually you need a focus routine ?(Large screen to focus test) and or a motor focuser with temp compensation.? Also a larger screen to review images. ?
Then you¡¯re in the domain of planetarium telescope control and more.......
Basically you are fast arriving at the point ¡°you need a computer (laptop)¡±. ? Or a remote computer.?
I¡¯ve also found standalone autoguider systems more expensive than a std autoguider ?
FWIW ?--
Brendan
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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I am using Superlube in my GM-8, works great. But I also have a can of industrial moly grease that I used to use on the brakes in a high performance sports sedan many years ago. It seems to plate itself on any metal surface -- was curious if this might be usable as well?
Thanks,
Greg Latiak
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Dave if your autoguiding then you¡¯re probably imaging and need an image sequence control system. ?If you have a camera usually you need a focus routine ?(Large screen to focus test) and or a motor focuser with temp compensation. ?Also a larger screen to review images. ?
Then you¡¯re in the domain of planetarium telescope control and more.......
Basically you are fast arriving at the point ¡°you need a computer (laptop)¡±. ? Or a remote computer.?
I¡¯ve also found standalone autoguider systems more expensive than a std autoguider ?
FWIW ?--
Brendan
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Yes - what product are you looking at?
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Stand alone auto guiding systems
Hi all,?
I like the idea of an auto guider but don't want the hassle of using a computer, so have been looking at the stand alone units, if it says it is ST4 compatible will/should it work with my G11 Gemini 1 and has anyone used one of these units and do they actually work, I am in Bortle 6 area ?
Thank you.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I am trying to get PHD2 working and then do some autoguiding. I have been able to do autoguiding, using PHD2, with my CGX-L mount, but haven't tried it with my Losmandy mount, yet.
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What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
Robin Cassidy was bought by someone, and many parts are still available
I need to replace a broken safety screw. It seems that the Robin Cassady product is no longer available. Are there any (better) options other than stock?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
You have the correct gearing so it may be academic at this point ;)
The default when it ships is G11, which would explain the 360, and you do need to set it manually.?
Brian
On Wed, Sep 30, 2020 at 8:17 AM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: Hi Brian, ? Type was set to G11T when I received it. I thought it should have been changed automatically too, but it wasn¡¯t. I don¡¯t recall if I tried setting it to another type and then back G11T or not. I might try that just to see what happens. ? Larry ? ? Hi Larry >>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270 ? On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams <adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven¡¯t ran PHD2 as I haven¡¯t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don¡¯t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
--
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Hi Brian, ? Type was set to G11T when I received it. I thought it should have been changed automatically too, but it wasn¡¯t. I don¡¯t recall if I tried setting it to another type and then back G11T or not. I might try that just to see what happens. ? Larry ? ? Hi Larry >>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270 ?
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On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven¡¯t ran PHD2 as I haven¡¯t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don¡¯t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
I never heard of nor his (her?) products before. (Sorry. But not too proud to show my ignorance.)
On my mount the "toe saver", as I often here these referred to, is the fairly basic and substantial Thumb screw with a 3/8" Allan socket stem screw, and a 3/8" fender washer.
It's difficult for me to see where that could be improved upon, except for personal taste.
While I admittedly have a smaller imaging telescope, and lesser needs, I found my ideal solution in the RAEXT and never having to remove my counter weight from the shaft. I can transport the entire Dec assembly as one of my "chunks".
(As I move my equipment out and in routinely.) By using the RAEXT, I never need to move or remove the counterweight, and the assembly stays in balance.
I can understand where the winged supplied "toe saver" might not appeal to all. Have you considered replacing the stock offering with an or hand screw? One of those could be a custom alternative.
Two ways I know of to remove the broken stem:
1. Drill the remaining stem and use an Easy Out to remove the broken end.
2. Use a left handed drill (Harbor Freight, or McMaster-Carr) to drill into the broken stem. The nature of a Left Handed twist drill often removes the broken bolt end. (Lefty-loosey)
I would recommend a machine shop, or friend with a metal working lathe be sought.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Counterweight bar safety screw
I need to replace a broken safety screw. It seems that the Robin Cassady product is no longer available. Are there any (better) options other than stock?
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Hi Larry
>>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T.
if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270
On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven¡¯t ran PHD2 as I haven¡¯t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don¡¯t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven¡¯t ran PHD2 as I haven¡¯t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don¡¯t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
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>>>
Right now I'm thinking that just cleaning the pads has made a world of difference.
that doesn't surprise me, good news
>>>I don't have a way to ensure that the nut is the same tightness, other than "hmm that seems about the same".
if you are continuing this into the future, maybe a couple pieces of tape, one on the clutch knob and one on the axis, where at least you can line up the tape points. Figuring out the same # of tightening revolutions should be easier
I don't have a way to ensure that the nut is the same tightness, other than "hmm that seems about the same". I was thinking of 3d printing a part that I could clamp to the tightening nut and attach the torque wrench to that. I would of course be careful not to over-tighten the nut -- my whole thought here is that too much pressure on the bearing may cause it to roll unevenly.?
Right now I'm thinking that just cleaning the pads has made a world of difference. I'll take the scope out tonight and see how it goes. If my guiding spikes are gone and I can get those great images again I'll probably put this stuff on the back burner.? There's only so many hours in a day to obsess over this after all!
Jamie
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I tried an Ethernet cable, and it didn't work. I re-tried the USB port, but this time I did a mount setup which a got with the little black button on the left of connect/disconnect button. I put in some numbers, tried connecting again and it worked with the
USB port. So far so good. Thanks?for the reply!
Jeff
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I would suggest using Ethernet. All the setup instructions are on the Gemini-2.com website. Worked for me first try.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Are you using PHD2 with the ethernet port or something else?
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I would suggest using Ethernet. All the setup instructions are on the Gemini-2.com website. Worked for me first try.
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Dave_Kentsbeer
jeff marston