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Re: Thanks...
Mark Simmons
midniterider@... wrote:
Bruce, The manufacture of the encoder, US Digital, makes them in a variety of codes/rev. For reasons I don't understand, my encoders have 540 counts per revolutions, which is then multiplied by 4 by a mechanical function within the encoder. the end result is 2160. US Digital makes encoders from 50 to 1024 counts per revolution that can be used resulting in encoder resolutions of 200 to 4096. This is then multiplied by the gear ration of 2 to 1 provided by the encoder gear driven by the Losmondy shaft gear. For whats is worth, it works....... Again, thanks to all. -Mark- |
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Re: Duplex 6 wire for ST-8 & CG-11 Hand Controller
Peter Santangeli
If the ST8 is like the ST4 you could do what I do. I use a simple
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6 wire telephone "Y" splitter. Bought it at Radio Shack. I think Scott sells them too. Pete ----- Original Message -----
From: <sreilly@...> To: <celestronuser-response@...>; <sbiguser@...>; <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 11:51 AM Subject: [Losmandy_users] Duplex 6 wire for ST-8 & CG-11 Hand Controller
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Re: Losmandy DSC strange results
Ray Porter
Thanks, Bruce. I'll try changing the encoder resolution to 4096 and give it
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another shot. Let's hope for less humidity sometime soon! **** Ray Porter lrporter@... dragon@... ray_porter@... Home Page: "Meddle not in the affairs of dragons for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup" ----- Original Message -----
From: <midniterider@...> To: <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 6:54 PM Subject: [Losmandy_users] Re: Losmandy DSC strange results
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Encoder resolution
Charles Taylor
Hi,
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-----Original Message-----
it seems that it should be binary. In other words, for every bit position, the number should double. For instance,if it had only one bit/switch, then the total number of possiblities are two...either on or off. If it had two bits, the number of possible combinations of on/off would be four. You can carry this on out...8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, etc. and see how it doubles every time, thus all combinations are divisible by 2 (binary). Using your numbers, this logic results in fractional numbers, which causes me to wonder. --------End Original Message----------------- I think you are assuming there is a byte size which determines resolution. But if I understand correctly, the actual resolution is a matter of physical layout. A unit can be constructed which sends one, two, three, four or more (actually higher) pulses per revolution. This, combined with the gearing ratio will then determine the actual encoder resolution. Chuck Taylor Losmandy wannabe & lurker |
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Re: Losmandy DSC strange results
Ray:
Seems you had the same seeing in Chapel Hill as I did in Rocky Mount. :-) You are correct in polar aligning, then using the one-star alignment. You are also correct in pressing same button again to "sight second star" when your star on the western side of the mount. You should, however, change your encoder setting to 4096. This is only my opinion, but my Losmandy DSC's on my G-11 use 2048 step encoders with a 2:1 gear ratio, which use the 4096 setting. I have a permanent pier/observatory, so my polar alignment is naturally very tight. I've found that using a high-power EP with a reticle to calibrate the DSC's allow me to center objects that I can't even see visually. Then I replace the EP with a CCD camera, take a 30 second exposure to verify it's there...and bingo! Hope this helps. Regards, Bruce Inscoe |
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Losmandy DSC strange results
Ray Porter
Greetings all,
I finally got a clear night last night to take the G-11 I'm considering buying outside for the first time. The dew was terrible (couldn't even keep my glasses clear) but I was able to try out the DSC (Losmandy according to the labels). I polar aligned using just the polar bore scope then selected 1-star alignment. I used Vega which by this time was just west of the meridian so I selected it from the 2nd-star list. I centered Vega in my reticle then pressed enter. I then tried to target M13. When the DSC display read zero, instead of M13 I was pointing somewhere about halfway between Hercules and Ursa Major. I repeated the process using the 2-star alignment and estimating the +90 degree position and got almost the same results. Where did I go wrong? I had set the date (which I believe affects on planet location). The mount was leveled and it was certainly well enough polar aligned for visual observing. I had not reset the encoder resolution from the default 4000. The manual mentions 4000 as the default and gives the valid range but doesn't recommend a correct value. Thanks, **** Ray Porter lrporter@... dragon@... ray_porter@... Home Page: "Meddle not in the affairs of dragons for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup" |
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Re: Thanks...
--- In Losmandy_users@..., Mark Simmons <msimmons@d...> wrote:
Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your input regarding mysetting is 4320. Apparently the encoders I have are 2160 instead of thenormal 2048 shipped with the Losmandy kit. The DSC unit now is set upMark: Your numbers just don't sound right. I'm no expert, but it seems that it should be binary. In other words, for every bit position, the number should double. For instance,if it had only one bit/switch, then the total number of possiblities are two...either on or off. If it had two bits, the number of possible combinations of on/off would be four. You can carry this on out...8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, etc. and see how it doubles every time, thus all combinations are divisible by 2 (binary). Using your numbers, this logic results in fractional numbers, which causes me to wonder. Maybe one of the engineering types on the list can enlighten us both. Bruce Inscoe |
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Duplex 6 wire for ST-8 & CG-11 Hand Controller
For whatever reason, I don't seem to be able to fabricate a duplex 6 pin
box for the hand controller and the ST-8 TIC cable to operate from. I am using a 6 pin RJ25 duplex box and have it wire as the hand controller is wired. The main plug is parallel wired to the second plug. The hand controller works fine while plugged directly into the mount but when the duplex box is connected, no power is seen at the hand controller. Any idea as to where the proper wiring schematic can be found? This is driving me nuts!! Any help is appreciated. Steve |
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Re: Encoder resolution
Donald J. D'Egidio
Greg,
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Glad to have been of help. Don ----- Original Message -----
From: "Gregory David Stempel" <fyrframe@...> To: <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 14:03 Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Encoder resolution
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Re: Encoder resolution
Greg Crawford
Don,
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Thanks for enlightening me. I was not aware of this difference. Greg -----Original Message-----
From: Donald J. D'Egidio [mailto:djd52@...] Sent: Monday, 11 September 2000 1:43 AM To: Losmandy_users@... Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Encoder resolution Greg, Mark specifically said he had 2160 encoders. The Losmandy supplied encoders are normally 2048 which when doubled by the gear ratio will require a 4096 setting. Mark is using used encoders and did notice that the label said 2160, so doubling that means his setting should be 4320. Don |
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Re: Encoder resolution
Donald J. D'Egidio
Greg,
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Mark specifically said he had 2160 encoders. The Losmandy supplied encoders are normally 2048 which when doubled by the gear ratio will require a 4096 setting. Mark is using used encoders and did notice that the label said 2160, so doubling that means his setting should be 4320. Don ----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Crawford" <gc@...> To: <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 0:28 Subject: RE: [Losmandy_users] Encoder resolution
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Thanks...
Mark Simmons
Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your input regarding my
encoder problem. It appears that the correct encoder resolution setting is 4320. Apparently the encoders I have are 2160 instead of the normal 2048 shipped with the Losmandy kit. The DSC unit now is set up correctly, I just have to wait for clear a sky to test it! Thanks again to everyone! -Mark- |
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Re: Encoder resolution
--- In Losmandy_users@..., Mark Simmons <msimmons@d...> wrote:
Hi,Does every one have to go through the 90 degree alignment setup beforeMark: Polar align the mount, then use the one-star alignment method. The two-star and 90 degree are for innaccurate or poorly aligned mount. After choosing one-star alignment, merely choose your star from the list and center it using high power EP, preferably with a reticle. If your star is on the western side of the mount, after choosing one-star alignment, press it again and the display will read something like "sight second star", then choose your star from the list, etc. I think this information can be found at www.losmandy.com under support. Bruce Inscoe |
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Re: Wanted: ONE aluminum motor cover
In a message dated 9/9/00 11:01:54 PM EST, katzung1@... writes:
I'm contemplating some homemadeYa have to have patience, and it will all fit. I did have to file off a small amount of circuit board around the screw holes, and then carefully fit everything together. It does fit, patience is whats needed... Allan |
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Re: Encoder resolution
Greg Crawford
4320? When I received my Losmandy DSCs, my dealer advised that they should be
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set to 4096. Greg Crawford -----Original Message-----
From: Donald J. D'Egidio [mailto:djd52@...] Sent: Sunday, 10 September 2000 6:02 AM To: Losmandy_users@... Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Encoder resolution Mark, If you are using the Losmandy gear set you need to set the encoder resolution at 4320 because Losmandy uses a 2:1 gear ratio. Try that number and see what happens. Don |
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Re: Wanted: ONE aluminum motor cover
bert katzung
Doug, Herm, and List:
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Is there a secret to installing the aluminum motor covers? I just got a pair for my G-11 and the method "implied" by the hardware (there were no instructions) is use of extension stand-offs (supplied) at the two screws that hold the motors on the mount. The cover is then supposed to screw down onto the stand-offs (presumably). The problem I find is that the circuit board on the motor intrudes into the space where the stand-off has to go, so I can't get the stand-offs in there. I'm contemplating some homemade outside clips to hold the covers on rather than cutting off bits of circuit board. Must be an easier way... Thanks for any enlightenment... Bert Bert Katzung San Rafael, CA katzung1@... ----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Culbertson" <dculber403@...> To: <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Friday, 08 September, 2000 4:40 PM Subject: [Losmandy_users] Re: Wanted: ONE aluminum motor cover
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Re: Encoder resolution
Donald J. D'Egidio
Mark,
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If you are using the Losmandy gear set you need to set the encoder resolution at 4320 because Losmandy uses a 2:1 gear ratio. Try that number and see what happens. Don ----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Simmons" <msimmons@...> To: <Losmandy_users@...> Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2000 9:25 Subject: [Losmandy_users] Encoder resolution
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Re: Encoder resolution
Gregory David Stempel
Mark,
Here is what I did to determine exact encoder res. Remove your weights and the bar that holds them. Remove the OTA as well. Balance the mount with the bubble levels, then use a small bubble level like the line levels used by carpenters which are hexagonal in shape, available at most hardware stores. Level the mount head so the RA axis and the DEC axis are level in both vertical and horizontal positions. Now, turn on your DSC's and ensure the encoder resolution function is set to zero. Turn either the RA or DEC axis one complete 360 deg revolution with the encoder resolutions set to first 2160 and then again at 4096 and your cables connected. Watch for cable binding. Both your axis encoder readouts should return to zero on the resolution setting that is right for the encoders you are using. That will be your encoder res. to use always. You gain pointing accuracy the higher the encoder resolution. They are inexpensive, so upgrading is no problem. Check out; <> On star alignment. I am not sure what DSC's your are using, but I will tell you how I get great alignment with my NGC Sky Vector. I first polar align the system, taking my time to ensure as accurate an alignment as possible. Here, you should try to be directly behind the ep, not off to one side which is usually more comfortable. I find the star is more accurately align this way. Upon power up, the DSC's ask me to set my DEC to equal 0 degs. I first balance the RA shaft to have it pointing east/west, again using the small line level. I then balance my OTA/DEC axis to have pointing directly at my zenith. I now have a T-configuaration with my two axis as it the T is laying on it's side. Do this with the DSC's off. I turn on my DSC's so the encoders readout function is set to zero. I then move my OTA/DEC axis until the encoders read +90 degs. I then turn off and back on my DSC's to reset the encoders to zero. Again, I slew the OTA/DEC axis back toward its original position until the encoders read the product of 90 degs minus my longitude of 47.17.48 N or -42. I then turn off the DSC's and back on, and when the DEC = 0 comes on, I hit enter. This works every time and provides me with an excellent initialization. I then use two stars that are at least 60 degrees apart, such as Deneb and Arcturus. The first star's warp factor is always way off. The second star is within the limits suggested by Lumicon for their particular DSC's. I then ask the DSC's to guide me to M13, an easy target in the finder scope. I center that in my 12.5mm Ultima, and hit align. I get a very good warp factor and off I go. This seems like a lot a work to do before ever looking at anything, but it becomes second nature after awhile and takes very little time. Depending on the resolution of the encoders being used, you should occasionally re-align on what ever target you may be looking at, a couple of times through out your observing session to ensure accuracy based on what ever slop may be in the system. Sorry for the long post everyone. Take care, Gregory david Stempel FIREFRAME |
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