I really don't think freeing up the gearbox fixed anything, but in my case it eliminated an obvious *potential* issue from the matrix.It is weird that those gearboxes bind like that.
The belleville washer holds the precise amount of side load on the bearing, thereby making the worm rotation more predictable for the PEC. Do it!
If you have a PEMPro graph, you are a step away from loading a PEC curve to the mount. Follow the PEMPro instructions and add it! It is literally like 3 clicks. You can add a 2 worm cycle correction and theoretically bring down that 7.5x error from the gearbox.
|
Derek where do you want to add a rail - on top of the guidescope rings?
Besides,
why do you care about the thread if you are unwilling to remove one?
***
Because
I want to put more bolts into the existing “extra holes” to add a
Vixen rail.. But yes, I will try your suggestion and remove one from the middle
ring.. If my focuser and extension tubes are tight, it should stay put.. Nice
idea, Thanks!
?
Derek
?
?
Derek,
?
Remove
just one screw, noting the tension with a precise instrument – the human
hand.
Then
take it to a DIY or Ace store as suggested by one of our other friends. When
you get back to the mount insert that one screw in the ring and tension it as
much as you had before.
?
Since
the other two screws in that ring (not to mention the three in the other ring)
weren’t changed the boresight (to use the proper artillery term) of the
guidescope won’t have changed significantly.
?
The
difference in boresight alignment (main vs. guidescope) will be trivial, unless
you are trying to keep things within arc seconds. I know of no reason worry
about that unless you are shooting very long exposures with poor polar
alignment.
?
Besides,
why do you care about the thread if you are unwilling to remove one?
?
Mark
Christensen
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Besides,
why do you care about the thread if you are unwilling to remove one?
***
Because
I want to put more bolts into the existing “extra holes” to add a
Vixen rail.. But yes, I will try your suggestion and remove one from the middle
ring.. If my focuser and extension tubes are tight, it should stay put.. Nice
idea, Thanks!
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark Christensen
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2020
10:13 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
Thread pitch..
?
Derek,
?
Remove
just one screw, noting the tension with a precise instrument – the human
hand.
Then
take it to a DIY or Ace store as suggested by one of our other friends. When
you get back to the mount insert that one screw in the ring and tension it as
much as you had before.
?
Since
the other two screws in that ring (not to mention the three in the other ring)
weren’t changed the boresight (to use the proper artillery term) of the
guidescope won’t have changed significantly.
?
The
difference in boresight alignment (main vs. guidescope) will be trivial, unless
you are trying to keep things within arc seconds. I know of no reason worry
about that unless you are shooting very long exposures with poor polar
alignment.
?
Besides,
why do you care about the thread if you are unwilling to remove one?
?
Mark
Christensen
|
Re: Not keeping date up to date; + lunar tracking speed error:
how are you setting the date??
Lo all,
I seem to be having a problem with the Gemini 2 on my Titan keeping the date up to date.? The time is remaining correct, but it lags behind on the date, I have had to go in and update the date every time I go to use it during December.? I know you might be thinking "battery" but it has been replaced as of the first incident, and is showing 3.10 volts in the web interface.? Once I update and set the date the targeting works good, so it seems to just be Gemini is not keeping up on the date.? I have tried both turning the mount fully off as well as leaving it on in the observatory, seems to make no difference.
Also just this last session I began to have a tracking error when going to the Moon, the mount would got to fine then take off @ about 8X "tracking" the Moon.? Yea zip!!!? there went the Moon!? In manually switching the tracking with the HC to SideReal it goes back to tracking at the SideReal rate without an issue...? Kind of weird, I'd think if the tracking was going to be messed up it would be messed up at any of the different rates not just lunar.? I think I will try a factory reset next outing and see if anything changes, but any thoughts in the mean time??!
Thanks & CS!
Mark
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Not keeping date up to date; + lunar tracking speed error:
Lo all,
I seem to be having a problem with the Gemini 2 on my Titan keeping the date up to date.? The time is remaining correct, but it lags behind on the date, I have had to go in and update the date every time I go to use it during December.? I know you might be thinking "battery" but it has been replaced as of the first incident, and is showing 3.10 volts in the web interface.? Once I update and set the date the targeting works good, so it seems to just be Gemini is not keeping up on the date.? I have tried both turning the mount fully off as well as leaving it on in the observatory, seems to make no difference.
Also just this last session I began to have a tracking error when going to the Moon, the mount would got to fine then take off @ about 8X "tracking" the Moon.? Yea zip!!!? there went the Moon!? In manually switching the tracking with the HC to SideReal it goes back to tracking at the SideReal rate without an issue...? Kind of weird, I'd think if the tracking was going to be messed up it would be messed up at any of the different rates not just lunar.? I think I will try a factory reset next outing and see if anything changes, but any thoughts in the mean time??!
Thanks & CS!
Mark
|
Derek, ? Remove just one screw, noting the tension with a precise instrument – the human hand. Then take it to a DIY or Ace store as suggested by one of our other friends. When you get back to the mount insert that one screw in the ring and tension it as much as you had before. ? Since the other two screws in that ring (not to mention the three in the other ring) weren’t changed the boresight (to use the proper artillery term) of the guidescope won’t have changed significantly. ? The difference in boresight alignment (main vs. guidescope) will be trivial, unless you are trying to keep things within arc seconds. I know of no reason worry about that unless you are shooting very long exposures with poor polar alignment. ? Besides, why do you care about the thread if you are unwilling to remove one? ? Mark Christensen
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
Derek, you are a lot further along than I am. I'm doing baby steps to learn this mount. I am very sure that when I start doing AP the frustrations are going to happen I know this to be a truth. Mechanically the G11 is pretty straight forward
but as far as the computer stuff... I am a idiot and this is where I know, That I will have issues. But if you dont try you will never understand how to do it. I will keep this in mind when I start modeling.?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Derek C Breit <breit_ideas@...>
Date: 1/1/20 9:14 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
That’s so awesome, Deric! I had *serious* frustration for months, and again, it wasn’t the mounts
fault.. But I do have a bit of wisdom for “newbies”.. I think I made a fundamental mistake from the start and pass this along for others to remember to try before frustration sets in.. Might not suit everyones “issue, but.. Maybe..
?
I would set out at Sunset to accomplish something.. To see this or that object.. To mount / align
a guidescope.. To build a model.. Whatever.. Something would go “wrong” and my evening would be over, but I wouldn’t have accomplished anything, and it was immensely frustrating.. My “Things to Accomplish” did not include observing, which should be #1, obviously..
?
So instead of adding 3 alignment stars, and switching sides of the mount and adding three more, I
STARTED observing and I built a model while observing. I stopped observing while building a model.. Once I did that, things have been vastly better..
?
It’s a suggestion maybe especially for new G11 owners (and many things in life).. I (now that I know
this) not setup the G11, mount the scope, guidescope, cameras, two computers, a Polemaster, and all the cables, and the 137 pieces of software, and scratch my head trying to figure out why it doesn’t work.. I would at least observe the Moon, add a piece of
equipment, observe something, add a piece of software, observe something..
?
It’s really great you had a great time your first time out.. I am slower on the uptake.. :-))
?
Some other answers all in one handy email..
?Yes.. I do need to call Losmandy.. More for (for me) to hunt and peck my day away here.. :-//
?? Made Wifey listen to cold dark place, as that is here in a nutshell.. If you switch out musical
gear for Astronomy gear, you have my place.. Boxes, packing peanuts, and parts as far as the eye can see.. “I can’t start selling until I start using it all and see what I want / need or don’t.. Soon Honey!”
???? As for my Oldham, did all that Michael. I remember last time I “checked things out” to address
the Dec problem, the Oldham was pulled apart about half the diameter of the metal rod.. I was explaining it to Wifey about how I – again – need to change my perspective.. I need to actually get guiding and fix whatever shows up, not fix / modify things first..
Otherwise I may never get to guiding.. ?
?
Derek
?
?
?
In Large Derek, that is how I learn, I forgot to put the minus sign the time zone ( 6 ) instead of ( -6 ) my mount thought it was? 12 hours ahead of me. A bit of frustration,
then I remembered a YouTube video about this, oh yeah it's me. Any way I had a wonderful first outing and perfect New Years. I'm not sorry one bit that my New Years festivities were canceled due to clear Skies and great transparency. Clear Skies to you.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
From: Derek C Breit <breit_ideas@...>
Date: 1/1/20 6:36 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
What do you think made it go bonkers?
***
Undoubtedly *User Error*..
?
Either Stellarium did it, as I was slewing around with Stellarium for the first time, as I don’t have
a pointing device anymore (which is why I need the Vixen rail that no one makes).. Or I did it myself by accidently adding an alignment star to the model while not being pointed where I thought I was..
?
What get’s me about my G11, is I don’t seem to understand it.. I was in the area of Diphda, which
is in the South.. When I did a GOTO to get back to the big bright Moon, which I CAN find, it started to slew to the East.. So I stopped that slew (with the hand controller).. Tried to go to Neptune.. Object Unreachable.. HA! “I wonder where it thinks it is
pointed and if it will park”.. Parked Perfectly.. HUH?? Cycle the power tried to GOTO The Moon from Park (Polaris) and it headed East again.. SAY WHAT?? Verified the time.. Verified the SITE.. Warm Start again.. Moon.. Slewed East.. NOW I AM CRAZY! Checked
the Model and some numbers are 6 digits.. Powered up and did a cold start.. No Model.. To the Moon, Alice! And BAM! Dead Center.. Do a small ROI with the camera and did a GOTO to Neptune.. Not centered, but in the FOV, i.e. essentially perfect..
?
Nothing is ever wrong with my G11, except me..
?
Derek
?
?
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
Re: Almost a new owner....
Oh, but Derek, I live close enough to drop in at the factory.....?
8^)
Thank You Magnus, it looks interesting.
But I'm more apt to stay with the programs I have.
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
That’s
so awesome, Deric! I had *serious* frustration for months, and again, it wasn’t
the mounts fault.. But I do have a bit of wisdom for “newbies”.. I
think I made a fundamental mistake from the start and pass this along for
others to remember to try before frustration sets in.. Might not suit everyones
“issue, but.. Maybe..
?
I
would set out at Sunset to accomplish something.. To see this or that object.. To
mount / align a guidescope.. To build a model.. Whatever.. Something would go “wrong”
and my evening would be over, but I wouldn’t have accomplished anything,
and it was immensely frustrating.. My “Things to Accomplish” did
not include observing, which should be #1, obviously..
?
So
instead of adding 3 alignment stars, and switching sides of the mount and
adding three more, I STARTED observing and I built a model while observing. I
stopped observing while building a model.. Once I did that, things have been
vastly better..
?
It’s
a suggestion maybe especially for new G11 owners (and many things in life).. I
(now that I know this) not setup the G11, mount the scope, guidescope, cameras,
two computers, a Polemaster, and all the cables, and the 137 pieces of software,
and scratch my head trying to figure out why it doesn’t work.. I would at
least observe the Moon, add a piece of equipment, observe something, add a
piece of software, observe something..
?
It’s
really great you had a great time your first time out.. I am slower on the
uptake.. :-))
?
Some
other answers all in one handy email..
?Yes..
I do need to call Losmandy.. More for (for me) to hunt and peck my day away
here.. :-//
??
Made Wifey listen to cold dark place, as that is here in a nutshell.. If you
switch out musical gear for Astronomy gear, you have my place.. Boxes, packing
peanuts, and parts as far as the eye can see.. “I can’t start
selling until I start using it all and see what I want / need or don’t..
Soon Honey!”
????
As for my Oldham, did all that Michael. I
remember last time I “checked things out” to address the Dec
problem, the Oldham was pulled apart about
half the diameter of the metal rod.. I was explaining it to Wifey about how I –
again – need to change my perspective.. I need to actually get guiding
and fix whatever shows up, not fix / modify things first.. Otherwise I may
never get to guiding.. ?
?
Derek
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Deric Caselli
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2020
5:01 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
?
In Large Derek, that is how I learn, I forgot to put the minus sign the
time zone ( 6 ) instead of ( -6 ) my mount thought it was? 12 hours ahead
of me. A bit of frustration, then I remembered a YouTube video about this, oh
yeah it's me. Any way I had a wonderful first outing and perfect New Years. I'm
not sorry one bit that my New Years festivities were canceled due to clear
Skies and great transparency. Clear Skies to you.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
From: Derek C Breit <breit_ideas@...>
Date: 1/1/20 6:36 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
What do you think made it go bonkers?
***
Undoubtedly
*User Error*..
?
Either
Stellarium did it, as I was slewing around with Stellarium for the first time,
as I don’t have a pointing device anymore (which is why I need the Vixen
rail that no one makes).. Or I did it myself by accidently adding an alignment
star to the model while not being pointed where I thought I was..
?
What
get’s me about my G11, is I don’t seem to understand it.. I was in
the area of Diphda, which is in the South.. When I did a GOTO to get back to
the big bright Moon, which I CAN find, it started to slew to the East.. So I
stopped that slew (with the hand controller).. Tried to go to Neptune..
Object Unreachable.. HA! “I wonder where it thinks it is pointed and if
it will park”.. Parked Perfectly.. HUH?? Cycle the power tried to GOTO
The Moon from Park (Polaris) and it headed East again.. SAY WHAT?? Verified the
time.. Verified the SITE.. Warm Start again.. Moon.. Slewed East.. NOW I AM
CRAZY! Checked the Model and some numbers are 6 digits.. Powered up and did a
cold start.. No Model.. To the Moon, Alice!
And BAM! Dead Center.. Do a small ROI with the camera and did a GOTO to Neptune.. Not centered, but in the FOV, i.e. essentially
perfect..
?
Nothing
is ever wrong with my G11, except me..
?
Derek
?
?
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them
too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
In Large Derek, that is how I learn, I forgot to put the minus sign the time zone ( 6 ) instead of ( -6 ) my mount thought it was? 12 hours ahead of me. A bit of frustration, then I remembered a YouTube video about this, oh yeah it's me. Any
way I had a wonderful first outing and perfect New Years. I'm not sorry one bit that my New Years festivities were canceled due to clear Skies and great transparency. Clear Skies to you.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Derek C Breit <breit_ideas@...>
Date: 1/1/20 6:36 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
What do you think made it go bonkers?
***
Undoubtedly *User Error*..
?
Either Stellarium did it, as I was slewing around with Stellarium for the first time, as I don’t have
a pointing device anymore (which is why I need the Vixen rail that no one makes).. Or I did it myself by accidently adding an alignment star to the model while not being pointed where I thought I was..
?
What get’s me about my G11, is I don’t seem to understand it.. I was in the area of Diphda, which
is in the South.. When I did a GOTO to get back to the big bright Moon, which I CAN find, it started to slew to the East.. So I stopped that slew (with the hand controller).. Tried to go to Neptune.. Object Unreachable.. HA! “I wonder where it thinks it is
pointed and if it will park”.. Parked Perfectly.. HUH?? Cycle the power tried to GOTO The Moon from Park (Polaris) and it headed East again.. SAY WHAT?? Verified the time.. Verified the SITE.. Warm Start again.. Moon.. Slewed East.. NOW I AM CRAZY! Checked
the Model and some numbers are 6 digits.. Powered up and did a cold start.. No Model.. To the Moon, Alice! And BAM! Dead Center.. Do a small ROI with the camera and did a GOTO to Neptune.. Not centered, but in the FOV, i.e. essentially perfect..
?
Nothing is ever wrong with my G11, except me..
?
Derek
?
?
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
For reasons unknown, the Gemini can end up with erroneous T pointing model values.? To fix this:
1. Park the mount? 2. Power off and on...in "cold boot" 3. Do your star alignments. Do 3 in the East of meridian, and a few in the West.? (Or 3 in the West and a few in the East)
After you have made your sky model, be sure in Gemini.net that the checkbox "Synch performs additional align" on the top right of the Advanced panel is Not checked.??
Download that new model from the Gemini to the PC, using the buttons on the Advanced panel.? You might save it to a name like "Good_G11_Jan_1_2020"
Hope this solves your?problem!
Michael
What do you think made it go bonkers?
***
Undoubtedly
*User Error*..
?
Either
Stellarium did it, as I was slewing around with Stellarium for the first time,
as I don’t have a pointing device anymore (which is why I need the Vixen
rail that no one makes).. Or I did it myself by accidently adding an alignment
star to the model while not being pointed where I thought I was..
?
What
get’s me about my G11, is I don’t seem to understand it.. I was in
the area of Diphda, which is in the South.. When I did a GOTO to get back to
the big bright Moon, which I CAN find, it started to slew to the East.. So I
stopped that slew (with the hand controller).. Tried to go to Neptune..
Object Unreachable.. HA! “I wonder where it thinks it is pointed and if
it will park”.. Parked Perfectly.. HUH?? Cycle the power tried to GOTO
The Moon from Park (Polaris) and it headed East again.. SAY WHAT?? Verified the
time.. Verified the SITE.. Warm Start again.. Moon.. Slewed East.. NOW I AM
CRAZY! Checked the Model and some numbers are 6 digits.. Powered up and did a
cold start.. No Model.. To the Moon, Alice!
And BAM! Dead Center.. Do a small ROI with the camera and did a GOTO to Neptune.. Not centered, but in the FOV, i.e. essentially
perfect..
?
Nothing
is ever wrong with my G11, except me..
?
Derek
?
?
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them
too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
What do you think made it go bonkers?
***
Undoubtedly
*User Error*..
?
Either
Stellarium did it, as I was slewing around with Stellarium for the first time,
as I don’t have a pointing device anymore (which is why I need the Vixen
rail that no one makes).. Or I did it myself by accidently adding an alignment
star to the model while not being pointed where I thought I was..
?
What
get’s me about my G11, is I don’t seem to understand it.. I was in
the area of Diphda, which is in the South.. When I did a GOTO to get back to
the big bright Moon, which I CAN find, it started to slew to the East.. So I
stopped that slew (with the hand controller).. Tried to go to Neptune..
Object Unreachable.. HA! “I wonder where it thinks it is pointed and if
it will park”.. Parked Perfectly.. HUH?? Cycle the power tried to GOTO
The Moon from Park (Polaris) and it headed East again.. SAY WHAT?? Verified the
time.. Verified the SITE.. Warm Start again.. Moon.. Slewed East.. NOW I AM
CRAZY! Checked the Model and some numbers are 6 digits.. Powered up and did a
cold start.. No Model.. To the Moon, Alice!
And BAM! Dead Center.. Do a small ROI with the camera and did a GOTO to Neptune.. Not centered, but in the FOV, i.e. essentially
perfect..
?
Nothing
is ever wrong with my G11, except me..
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of sonnyedmonds@...
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2020
3:29 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
?
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them
too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
But, if you would like to reinvent the wheel, .
***
NOPE!..
I shouldn’t have done that!
?
Does
anyone know where the Oldham’s Losmandy
sells come from?? At a minimum I would like to replace the set screw version
with a clamping version.. I haven’t seen any pictures yet where the
coupler has the “rods” seen on The G11 couplers..
?
“Better
Oldham Couplers” are definitely in my future..
?
Derek
?
?
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
The couplings shouldn't wear much, unless something it worrying them too much.
I'd be looking for one or the other shaft run-outs, possibly something bent.
And I'd want a spare coupler if I was you.
And Amen about shipping costs!
What do you think made it go bonkers?
|
I can understand. Believe me, after a lifetime of Industrial Electrical work you just develop that itch and eye and ear for making things better. OCD is a good label.
I often got put on "Special Projects" by my supervisors because of the way I approached things. I bet we'd find a lot of things in common.
But I'd hate to see you have any heartache over modifications messing up any warranty issues. Where I bet neither one of us gives a tinker damn about to begin with.
We just want things to be the best they can be.
I'm tain't right now.
I tain't got my POS AVX, and I tain't got my new Losmandy.
OK, nuff cryin in my beer.
Clear Nights and Cloudy Dayz, Glen!
|
G11 - Oldham Coupler middle piece not tight...
Hi Derek,
You might be correct, but your Oldham is probably not worn out.? It's just not assembled well enough yet.??
The middle nylon part does not hold the metal rods in place... It is that you must move the metal Oldham parts inward toward the center piece, tightly, then tighten down the metal part(s).??
Start with the idea that you want the plastic center part to be centered over the gap between the gearbox drive end and the worm end.? They will be pretty close together but the coupler must fit in between.? You will be able to slide the coupler toward the gearbox, or the worm.? But best if it is centered between the two.??
When one of the metal ends gets loose, or the gearbox bolts get loose, then the Oldham coupler middle will not be tight together.? That does cause problems...usually time lag when you reverse directions.?
If you have an older long OPW type (the gearbox mounted to the OPW) then try first tigtening on the gearbox, then adjusting the metal Oldham parts.
If you have a newer short type OPW, the gearbox does not mount to that.? In that case you must try and adjust the metal end on the gearbox after locking down the metal and plastic coupler parts on the worm in the OPW.? Then you mount the gearbox, letting it's metal Oldham coupler part slide.? Finally, push the gearbox coupler metal part toward the worm, and lock that down.? Now the center plastic Oldham part should be tight.? Hope this makes sense.
Michael
I
will check out the link.. Thanks!
?
HOWEVER..
No I don’t want to reinvent the wheel or break things so if it is a BAD
IDEA.. I will just go ahead and buy a couple new Oldham’s and think of
them as solid, which they will be since they are new, while still having “flexibility”
if things go awry..
?
I
*assume* I need to address this as the middle nylon appears worn, allowing the
metal ends to move out from the nylon.. I also have Dec issues seen in my early
guiding career.. I need some stuff from Losmandy and wish to combine shipments,
but the couplers could wait until I can prove what’s wrong with the Dec..
AMAZINGLY, I was attempting to “do stuff” after mounting and
aligning the (heavy) guidescope the previous day.. After rebalancing and such, and
using the Ammeter in Michael’s power Supply, the drives *seemed* to be
operating MUCH more freely, using much less current and sounding free.. It was
so good I had to check for freeplay, but I have none..
?
But
I never made it to guiding, as the mount lost it’s mind and started
slewing the wrong way.. Something ruined my model.. When I looked up, no stars
were even visible, so next time.. ?
?
Thanks!
?
Derek
?
?
I spent ~42 years in the heavy side of the Industrial Electrical field.
Every machine I worked with where shaft to shaft coupling was done, flexible
couplings where used.
Even with very heavy machinery, roller chain coupler's were used (Multiple hundreds
of Horsepower applications) And Machinists aligned these.
Couplers allow for ease of disassembly, but they also take up things like
flexing due to torque loads, temperature variations and stress that could
shorten the drive's life.
Often, it is just better to let things run the way they were engineered, and
have been proven over countless hours of use.
When you solid couple something, the stresses must be compensated for
elsewhere. Like breaking things. Or rubber mounted feet.
But, if you would like to reinvent the wheel, .
|
Re: G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
I
will check out the link.. Thanks!
?
HOWEVER..
No I don’t want to reinvent the wheel or break things so if it is a BAD
IDEA.. I will just go ahead and buy a couple new Oldham’s and think of
them as solid, which they will be since they are new, while still having “flexibility”
if things go awry..
?
I
*assume* I need to address this as the middle nylon appears worn, allowing the
metal ends to move out from the nylon.. I also have Dec issues seen in my early
guiding career.. I need some stuff from Losmandy and wish to combine shipments,
but the couplers could wait until I can prove what’s wrong with the Dec..
AMAZINGLY, I was attempting to “do stuff” after mounting and
aligning the (heavy) guidescope the previous day.. After rebalancing and such, and
using the Ammeter in Michael’s power Supply, the drives *seemed* to be
operating MUCH more freely, using much less current and sounding free.. It was
so good I had to check for freeplay, but I have none..
?
But
I never made it to guiding, as the mount lost it’s mind and started
slewing the wrong way.. Something ruined my model.. When I looked up, no stars
were even visible, so next time.. ?
?
Thanks!
?
Derek
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toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of sonnyedmonds@...
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2020
1:34 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
G11 survival kit - Oldham Coupler
?
I spent ~42 years in the heavy side of the Industrial Electrical field.
Every machine I worked with where shaft to shaft coupling was done, flexible
couplings where used.
Even with very heavy machinery, roller chain coupler's were used (Multiple hundreds
of Horsepower applications) And Machinists aligned these.
Couplers allow for ease of disassembly, but they also take up things like
flexing due to torque loads, temperature variations and stress that could
shorten the drive's life.
Often, it is just better to let things run the way they were engineered, and
have been proven over countless hours of use.
When you solid couple something, the stresses must be compensated for
elsewhere. Like breaking things. Or rubber mounted feet.
But, if you would like to reinvent the wheel, .
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I'd say just email them and maybe they have the answer
they are out until next week right now, but they are usually good about info like this
Brian
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Thanks..
But I can’t do that as the guidescope is mounted and aligned.. There is
NO WAY I am removing one of these screws now.. I had expected to find the right
PDF from Losmandy – they are very good at having all patterns somewhere –
but haven’t.. I did find some Vixen rails with 5/16 – 16 holes in
them.. 99% sure that’s the guidescope adjustment screw size also, so I *will*
go buy some from ACE..
And
some drill bits.. Some painter’s tape.. etc..
?
No
idea how to countersink a hole so the bottom is flat and not conical so the
bottom of the cap screw has a place to land, but that might become apparent
when I am standing in the store eyeballing the drill bit section..
?
Maybe..
?
Derek
?
?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of sonnyedmonds@...
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2020
12:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
Thread pitch..
?
No.
But if you take one to a Lowe's, or a Home Depot, they usually have a thread
matching card or device and you can >carefully< try your screw and find
the right thread and pitch.
Ask for help if you need to, but remember, the help you get may know less than
you do and might screw up your screw.
And that you don't wanna do.
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Re: Almost a new owner - Safety Limits..
Thanks Derek.
Yeah, I tend to do a lot of proof running to be sure my telescope and attachments aren't going to accidentally jam up the works.
I was reading about setting the limits earlier today in the Gemini 2 section of the Losmandy website. Sure a lot of details there.
Thank You for the extra heads-up!
I will likely dawn my Carr-Hartts and spend some time out just enjoying the new mount, watching and listening, trying things out, enjoying how it tracks.
I always enjoy being near precision equipment when it is operating.
Scott Losmandy reminds me of my approach, take something, get to know it well, and try and perfect it and how it does work for you. These Losmandy Mounts haven't changed much over decades of use, from my observations. Great designs don't change much, just small improvements. All the biggest changes seem to be in the controllers, and with the Dec and RA motors being tucked under now. Nice!
Clean and purposeful. No need for zoomie gitchie color schemes, or alien looking casting and zing-powie shape changing.
But Thank You for pointing out setting the limits. That is a very important step. ;^)
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Michael Herman