Stosh,
I'm all for giving vendors business.? I usually order from HPS, Astronomics, ADM, a couple of times a year.? Few others but they are my go to shops.
When I bought my G11T last Spring, I ordered it directly from Losmandy.? I did the same thing you are doing, visited vendor sites, etc..? I ended up speaking with Tanya and Scott, who both helped me a lot with my decision.? I just felt more comfortable purchasing it from them directly.? Not to say trusted vendors could not support you as well, but it was how I felt.??I had to wait about a week and a half for delivery.
As for quality control, I don't know if vendors actually QC the mounts prior to shipment.? But I'm sure the mount I purchased was QC'd at Losmandy's shop prior to shipment.? And the mount I ordered was they mount shipped.? I haven't had one problem with it since I received it.
I guess its a personal decision.? Wish I could give you more objective info.
- Jerry
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I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve decided that the G11G with the HD Tripod is the correct mount for my current and future requirements. ? The price is the same at every authorized vendor I’ve checked, but some vendors don’t seem to charge out of state tax and some offer free shipping. ? Aside from this, is there any reason to order from a particular vendor or from Losmandy itself? ? Shipping speed and having to wait on back orders is not a concern for me. ?I’m more interested to know if certain vendors are known to qualify control the mount before shipping or are known to better package the mount to prevent shipping damage.
Thanks.
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Astro Gadget wifi adaptor - adding to home router
After having issues with the BT adaptor i got recently Alexander at Astro Gadget kindly replaced it for a wifi adaptor, this is working fine with K Stars for MAC so this will be my controller of choice for now, I have yet to get the Gemini 1 to work with Stellarium for MAC or Stellarium Mobile for Android but happy that I got it working at all, at least it proves that the mount is ok and the issue is Stellarium.
Although I can connect the computer directly to the wifi adaptor that then stops the computer wifi connection to my camera at the same time so to make life a bit easier I am trying to find a way to connect the wifi adaptor to my home router but bare in mind there is no interface on the wifi adaptor i cannot configure the connection there, so need to add the wifi adaptors configuration (IP and port) to the router but do not know where to start, I have googled it to death but am yet to find an answer, are there any network experts on here that might be able to help please ?
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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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Dave_Kentsbeer
jeff marston