Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
On Fri, Aug 14, 2020 at 08:41 AM, Les Niles wrote:
While I appreciate the theoretical interest, the luddite in me still asks, what is gained by inhibiting the RA motor output, vs. just shutting off power to the 492?
Throwing the slide switch is going to disturb the mount. But I see no reason a normally on (closed) momentary switch can't be wired into the power switch and be used to cut power when desired.?
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Another idea to consider:
I thought that the autoguider or motor motion in RA rate of 1X just shuts off the RA motor if it is trying to "slew" in one direction, else 2X sidereal in the other direction.? ? If so perhaps there is a software approach to having RA stand still...
Have fun, Michael
On Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 3:21 PM John Desbiens via <jdlittlewing= [email protected]> wrote: Yea it looks like an RA power interrupt switch on the hand controller is the ticket. Allowing it to track on an alt/az mount moves the object out of the fov faster than if it was off.
Anyway the 492 works pretty nice with encoders, nexus, and sky safari 6. Manual controls induced hesitation, stuttering and backlash. Not to mention the 492 keeps my hands off the mount.
Thanks Everybody,
John
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Yea it looks like an RA power interrupt switch on the hand controller is the ticket. Allowing it to track on an alt/az mount moves the object out of the fov faster than if it was off.
Anyway the 492 works pretty nice with encoders, nexus, and sky safari 6. Manual controls induced hesitation, stuttering and backlash. Not to mention the 492 keeps my hands off the mount.
Thanks Everybody,
John
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Re: Polemaster Adapter for Titan Mounts
Donald,
Anything you can do to make using the scope and mount easier and more accessible will improve the number of observing sessions you get per year, trust me! Before I got the Wheelie Bar and plopped the LWT from the GM8 on it to carry the GM8 or G11 depending on the scope I basically very rarely observed from the driveway unless I could see that the conditions were going to be spectacular. With the Wheelie Bar I leave the GM8 and FC-100DL (or whatever scope I left in the saddle) setup and covered ready for a quick look at the night sky. I takes me maybe 15 minutes to get it setup and polar aligned well enough to have the GOTOS be close enough to see in a longer eyepiece. Then a Gemini sync command and I'm off to the GOTO races. Don't worry about leaving it setup and ready to go good quality gear should not be significantly affected by heat or cold.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
i saw some suggestions for uses previously, but i'm also thinking you could just insert a power switch? :)
On Fri, Aug 14, 2020 at 8:41 AM Les Niles < les@...> wrote: While I appreciate the theoretical interest, the luddite in me still asks, what is gained by inhibiting the RA motor output, vs. just shutting off power to the 492?
[Edited Message Follows] Hi John
here's a quick synopsis of stopping the 492 drive output electronically.
IC U2 (MIC58001) pin 1 (CLR) and 22 (/OE)are connected together and held "low" in normal operation.? This "low state" function allows the IC to provide drive outputs when /OE is "low".? Aka the stepper works.
/OE is provided by IC U3 (MC3847 Line driver) pin 10 (3Y) going "low" when commanded by other circuitry. ??
So, what you ideally want to do is change this
state on IC 2 pins 1 and 22 to a "high" but no damage U3!?? This would be best done thru a steering transistor/FET/diode/or electronic sw.?
Actually ?no, a logic OR gate would be easier! Added Drive SW (On HC) OFF = low as input yo one leg of iOR gate. Other OF Zgate leg input input ?low from U3. This OR OP = low Out. This U3 is /OE
Now ?activate added SW to HC to give a high out ?The OR ?will flip state to opposite to /OE now a high meaning it¡¯s drive is off ?
?This would that allow normal /OE? normal functional operation but allow us to to change this to a "high" by activating an added button (in the HC) that switches this and a sml OR gate IC. Should even be simpler ways with guides and resistors?
Ideally you need to change the HC RJ 6 pin to an 8 pin (RJ45).? The PCB indeed has 8 pads and holes already its just they only fitted the 6Pin version (left the outer pins unconnected)...but you can change this.? This would allow you to add another switch into the HC and run its wires as needed thru the 8P8C RJ45 plug socket to the circuit that switches/OE.?
However you would need to ensure you wire this and the old pins to the correct existing positions....not change them to the wrong pin place.?
It can be done I haven't gone too deep into it and of course....if you do pursue it I cannot be held responsible for anything that goes bad.? It would be up to you top decide.? Sure it can be done.? There are fine details to design the switching "state" without damaging? U3 but his can be done.? U2 state just follows that pin 10 U3 commands it to.? A "high" /OE stops all output of U2, aka it stops Ra and DEC drive.?
Brendan
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
While I appreciate the theoretical interest, the luddite in me still asks, what is gained by inhibiting the RA motor output, vs. just shutting off power to the 492?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
[Edited Message Follows] Hi John
here's a quick synopsis of stopping the 492 drive output electronically.
IC U2 (MIC58001) pin 1 (CLR) and 22 (/OE)are connected together and held "low" in normal operation.? This "low state" function allows the IC to provide drive outputs when /OE is "low".? Aka the stepper works.
/OE is provided by IC U3 (MC3847 Line driver) pin 10 (3Y) going "low" when commanded by other circuitry. ??
So, what you ideally want to do is change this
state on IC 2 pins 1 and 22 to a "high" but no damage U3!?? This would be best done thru a steering transistor/FET/diode/or electronic sw.?
Actually ?no, a logic OR gate would be easier! Added Drive SW (On HC) OFF = low as input yo one leg of iOR gate. Other OF Zgate leg input input ?low from U3. This OR OP = low Out. This U3 is /OE
Now ?activate added SW to HC to give a high out ?The OR ?will flip state to opposite to /OE now a high meaning it¡¯s drive is off ?
?This would that allow normal /OE? normal functional operation but allow us to to change this to a "high" by activating an added button (in the HC) that switches this and a sml OR gate IC. Should even be simpler ways with guides and resistors?
Ideally you need to change the HC RJ 6 pin to an 8 pin (RJ45).? The PCB indeed has 8 pads and holes already its just they only fitted the 6Pin version (left the outer pins unconnected)...but you can change this.? This would allow you to add another switch into the HC and run its wires as needed thru the 8P8C RJ45 plug socket to the circuit that switches/OE.?
However you would need to ensure you wire this and the old pins to the correct existing positions....not change them to the wrong pin place.?
It can be done I haven't gone too deep into it and of course....if you do pursue it I cannot be held responsible for anything that goes bad.? It would be up to you top decide.? Sure it can be done.? There are fine details to design the switching "state" without damaging? U3 but his can be done.? U2 state just follows that pin 10 U3 commands it to.? A "high" /OE stops all output of U2, aka it stops Ra and DEC drive.?
Brendan
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Hi John
here's a quick synopsis of stopping the 492 drive output electronically.
IC U2 (MIC58001) pin 1 (CLR) and 22 (/OE)are connected together and held "low" in normal operation.? This "low state" function allows the IC to provide drive outputs when /OE is "low".? Aka the stepper works.
/OE is provided by IC U3 (MC3847 Line driver) pin 10 (3Y) going "low" when commanded by other circuitry. ??
So, what you ideally want to do is change this
state on IC 2 pins 1 and 22 to a "high" but no damage U3!?? This would be best done thru a steering transistor/FET/diode/or electronic sw.?
Actually ?no, a logic OR gate would be easier! Added Drive SW (On HC) OFF = low as input yo one leg of iOR gate. Other OF Zgate leg input input ?low from U3. This OR OP = low Out. This U3 is /OE
Now ?activate added SW to HC to give a high out ?The OR ?will flip state to opposite to /OE now a high meaning it¡¯s drive is off ?
?This would that allow normal /OE? normal functional operation but allow us to to change this to a "high" by activating an added button (in the HC) that switches this and a sml OR gate IC. Should even be simpler ways with guides and resistors?
Ideally you need to change the HC RJ 6 pin to an 8 pin (RJ45).? The PCB indeed has 8 pads and holes already its just they only fitted the 6Pin version (left the outer pins unconnected)...but you can change this.? This would allow you to add another switch into the HC and run its wires as needed thru the 8P8C RJ45 plug socket to the circuit that switches/OE.?
However you would need to ensure you wire this and the old pins to the correct existing positions....not change them to the wrong pin place.?
It can be done I haven't gone too deep into it and of course....if you do pursue it I cannot be held responsible for anything that goes bad.? It would be up to you top decide.? Sure it can be done.? There are fine details to design the switching "state" without damaging? U3 but his can be done.? U2 state just follows that pin 10 U3 commands it to.? A "high" /OE stops all output of U2, aka it stops Ra and DEC drive.?
Brendan
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Another is to time the movement across a pair of crosshairs to calculate the separation of a binary pair.
?
Lately I turn off tracking, watch some TV and go back out without worry of the scope hitting the mount.
?
BG
?
Sent from for Windows 10
?
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From: k warren
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 4:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] How to pause a 492 digital drive
?
One reason, old school, is to time a star moving across an eyepiece to calculate field of view, if I remember correctly.
Ken
On 8/13/2020 9:25 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:
Why do you want to stop RA traking surely the object will rapidly drift out of view?
?
D.
?
?
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
One reason, old school, is to time a star moving across an
eyepiece to calculate field of view, if I remember correctly.
Ken
On 8/13/2020 9:25 AM, David C.
Partridge wrote:
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Show quoted text
Why do you
want to stop RA traking surely the object will rapidly drift
out of view?
?
D.
?
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I just measured those bolts. Both the bottom hold down bolts for the worm blocks to the mounting plate, and the side OPW bolts for the worm blocks to the OPW, are 10-32 thread.
Greg will source the bolts he needs locally...in Australia.
All the best, Michael
Sonny,?
There is nothing authentically American about using imperial fasteners.?
As to why Losmandy uses imperial fasteners I think they were more widely in use by American machinists at the time the mounts were designed and machinists like everyone else tend to use what they know.
Why Losmandy continues to use imperial fasteners I am fairly sure has to do with economics and ease of continued support.?
Neither of these has much to do with being authenticity American unless you are talking about being pragmatic.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: Polemaster Adapter for Titan Mounts
Thank you all again for the superb replies.? I am probably going to go with the G11G and Polemaster w/ sharpcap.? I do like the idea of the tripod on the dolly. If I do that, then it will be a huge temptation to roll the rig back into my garage, which, I really do not feel comfortable with (as far as temps go).? If I go with a Teleview NP101is or an NP127is, that is (to me) a very much considerable amount of $$$ sitting out in a hot garage or cold garage (seasonal).
But then again, the guys that have sheds, PODs, and piers don't worry about such things (and I probably should not either). In Mississippi, only in August does it get what I call very hot usually up into the upper 95-98. I have a temp gauge in my garage that I have on occasions noticed it about 105¡ã -108¡ã.
I also like the ADM mount for the camera, I have to keep that in mind as well !!!
Donald
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Sonny,?
There is nothing authentically American about using imperial fasteners.?
As to why Losmandy uses imperial fasteners I think they were more widely in use by American machinists at the time the mounts were designed and machinists like everyone else tend to use what they know.
Why Losmandy continues to use imperial fasteners I am fairly sure has to do with economics and ease of continued support.?
Neither of these has much to do with being authenticity American unless you are talking about being pragmatic.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Put the slew/guide setting at 2X and pull the E pin to ground n the guider (aka ST4). That will shut off the RA.
Mark Christensen
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
Why do you want to stop RA traking surely the object will rapidly drift out of view? ? D. ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Desbiens via groups.io
Sent: 12 August 2020 18:57
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] How to pause a 492 digital drive ? [Edited Message Follows] Hi all,
I had a 492 for a G8 laying around and I just installed it on my AZ8. It really work great. Better then the slo-mo cables.
The only thing is once I center the object in the ep. and on sky safari, ?I'd like to stop the tracking altogether.
Any suggestions.
Thanks,
John
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
I'm doing a circuit on this now but cannot release all the info due to CIC but can give enough to accomplish a task like this.
Give me a few days I'm almost done my cct.? I guess you could run it on the HC...Interesting thing here is the 492 PCB has holes for an 8 pin pin RJ HC socket but fitted a 6 pin RJ version.? There is one spare pin on the 6 pin RJ HC......(I think)....but even if not one could fit an 8Pin RJ and re-do this HC socket and plug to suit.
Sounds difficult but not really.
All that said.....one step is much more functional.? Yes I love the old 492 but one step adds things you that are much more modern.?
--
Brendan
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Hi Greg!
I'm pretty new around here, with a new mount.
But everything I've seen is American Standard size, thread, and pitch.
I haven't taken mine apart (nor do I plan to).
Scott's use of all American Standard fasteners was another of the things I found gave an authenticity?to it being American Made.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Issues With Initial GoTos on new GM811G
I, too, run a GM811G HD.
On occasion mine would go haywire and do a 180¡ã slew.
fixed the odd behavior. Which also requires you do your initial set up settings over again.
I will usually do my start up via menu just to make sure my previous settings are still sound.
That leaves me at a cold start anyway. But with the assurance everything is sound.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Issues With Initial GoTos on new GM811G
You are very welcome, Ryan.
I only got familiar with these "hidden" gear settings when I changed my gearboxes to McLennan metal ones, from the stock plastic version. The stock plastic ones were fine for many years, but one or two cases eventually cracked apart after a decade or so.? On the older systems I have, the motor hangs out the end of the gearbox and that weight might cause gearbox breakage.??
The metal gearbox version output shaft rotates opposite to that of the plastic type.? So in the Gemini system, you must select Custom mount, and then change the Worm setting from positive to negative.? That's why I got more deeply into those gear settings. Strangely, the gear settings are not documented in the Gemini manual.... I should write up a document for that.? I got them out of the Gemini itself using the Gemini.net Advanced panel display.?
Anyway, I'm quite happy as you are that you solved your riddle.??
The bigger riddle is: why was your new system not set up properly from the factory (if you bought it directly) or from your retail vendor?? Someone along the line should have tested it out before you received it.??Anyway, it is worth a phone call to your vendor, to help...the next person... (If you bought it from a place like Adorama ... call the factory who put the kit together.? Did it come with instructions on setting up the Gemini settings?)
Another puzzle to me is: that RA Worm setting should not have been negative.? I believe the MI (Mountain Instruments) -250 RA and Titan RA motor revolves in the opposite direction to the G11.? ? Gemini-1 mount settings default to Titan...hmmm maybe your Gemini-2 was still set to Titan not GM811???
?As I said when you change a major setting, park at CWD then reboot into a cold boot to get the settings into use.??
Have fun with your new GM811.!
Michael
Thanks Michael for this response.? I changed the values to the ones you stated in your post and this solved the issue.? First goto from CWD was almost in the field of view of my lowest powered eyepiece.? Once I aligned on it, i went to a number of objects in the same half of the sky without any issues at all.??
Ryan
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Re: Issues With Initial GoTos on new GM811G
Thanks Michael for this response.? I changed the values to the ones you stated in your post and this solved the issue.? First goto from CWD was almost in the field of view of my lowest powered eyepiece.? Once I aligned on it, i went to a number of objects in the same half of the sky without any issues at all.??
Ryan
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Re: How to pause a 492 digital drive
John,
Why do you need to stop it tracking?
Obviously, you could power it down or unplug the RA cable.
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Show quoted text
[Edited Message Follows]
Hi all, I had a 492 for a G8 laying around and I just installed it on my AZ8. It really work great. Better then the slo-mo cables. The only thing is once I center the object in the ep. and on sky safari, ?I'd like to stop the tracking altogether. Any suggestions. Thanks, John
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Michael Herman
Chip Louie
David C. Partridge