Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Arun, I like Teleqizmos 365 version. It is more expensive but it is tough and will last for many years. It may be cheaper in the long run. HAPPY SKIES Deric.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...>
Date: 3/5/20 7:19 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun
Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
|
Looser.. Brian.?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 3/4/20 11:30 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
>>Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
do you mean smoother like looser??or something else
generally i don't recommend putting any third party stuff in there.?
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it’s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it’s
not easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael’s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there’s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
|
>>Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ? do you mean smoother like looser??or something else
generally i don't recommend putting any third party stuff in there.?
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it’s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it’s not
easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael’s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there’s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it’s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it’s not
easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael’s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there’s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it ? regarding tightening the clutch, it’s far better not to overtighten ? I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it’s not easy to move left-right wiggle. ? ? ? ? Thanks ? Brian ? portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/ ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ross A
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 6:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount? Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael’s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there’s significant grooving in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK, No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie" ? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle. This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the groove, the RA now moves easier. Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference. ? ? On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch. I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Arun,
Something else to think about is the heat generated by leaving a Black anodized heavy chunk of metal in the Sun.
There are bearings inside the mount, and that solar furnace can degrade the grease in them.
Also, the capacitors and other parts in the Gemini are probably not going to far very well when cooked.
So at least give your mount a cover.
I used to work outside on utility equipment. We had to go to extremes to shade our tools so as to not burn our hands.
Patio umbrellas come to mind.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
I answered you over on The Sky Searchers, Don.?
What is it you are phishing for?
If you want a PMC8 Go-To, go buy one. The one I found (Mount) weighs 33 pounds, total weight. My tripod weighs 35 pounds.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael’s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there’s significant
grooving in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Thanks,
Ross
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Show quoted text
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie" ? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking
pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove
when I had the wavy washer the other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer
so the rounded edges face the groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
Regards,
JohnS
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
<jjkmetz54@...> wrote:
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has a somewhat sharp
cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch. I did not receive
a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
Re: Have a screw loose on my GM-8 Gemini 2 mini
I've been told I have a screw loose.
But I think I'm perfectly normal.
Rusty, but normal.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Re: Have a screw loose on my GM-8 Gemini 2 mini
I've been told I have a screw loose.
But I think I'm perfectly normal.
Rusty, but normal.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
OK, so never before successful with Plate Solving, I'm really trying to succeed with my new mount.
About the time I think I've got it... Darn, I don't.
I have All Sky Plate Solver on board, and it has been successful in trial runs with images saved for plate solving (fit files), after I downloaded many star catalogs. It asked for another pile of images last night, so I let it download a bunch at the mount.
It is getting better, I think, at it's solves. Well, maybe....
But it still is not slewing to target. It thinks it is, and indicates it has, But the mount sits there like it is dumbly waiting for a bus. No matter where it is.
Later on, the mounting oddities took place. Tell the mount to go-to a star obviously there in front of my face, and it decides to point elsewhere. Sometimes at the ground.
It did this enough, I decided to reset the Gemini to its factory default settings, then start fresh again building my model after doing my PA.
I'm really beginning to wonder if these Plate solving programs (ASPS, and APT) are missing up the Gemini's brain.
Now I readily admit I struggle with settings, and such. I often go to You Tube to see how to set things up.
But my 811 acting like it is on the Moon is throwing me. I think I did better without plate solving.
Any ideas on why the mount could be told to go there, and it goes haywire?
The 811 works fine without these Plate solvers open. So that's why I'm suspicious of them.
APT actually took a darn picture (well, several) and plate solved. But couldn't get the job done with the mount.
And it wasn't for a lack of trying on my part, I was out there disturbing the ditch rats until 3 AM. LOL! All bundled up and toasty.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
Gemini is designed by Rene and AVEOX. ? René does most of the design AVEOX does servo loop (to my knowledge) PCBs are produced by AVEOX. He’s been this way since day 1 Gemini 1.?
Of course Losmandy has a big hand in commissioning overseeing and makes the lovely housings. ?The PCBs and parts used are top quality.
But it doesn’t end there. ?There is quite a list of others doing ASCOM and other facets needed.
--
Brendan
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
Let me see.....
Gemini! Because Scott builds the best.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
PMC is not a stand-alone goto computer. ? ?You need a lappy to run it via ASCOM. ?The Gemini is a full standalone goto computer system, which in addition can be used with ASCOM
--
Brendan
|
|
|
PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
Which do you prefer?
--
Don Martin
wd.martin.08@...
|
Re: Power consumption on G11G
Amen, Chip.
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
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-------- Original message --------
From: Chip Louie <chiplouie@...>
Date: 3/3/20 11:34 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Power consumption on G11G
Hi Brian Tucker,
NEAF, I wish I could get to that show someday! Skip the GPS, no need use your phone and a free app to get correct GPS coordinates or a laptop to Google maps your coordinates and then set them on the Gemini 2. That is $150 you can spend on important stuff for
the mount, like counterweights or polar scope or tool-less knobs or a big portable power pack or ...?
?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: Power consumption on G11G
Hi Brian Tucker,
NEAF, I wish I could get to that show someday! Skip the GPS, no need use your phone and a free app to get correct GPS coordinates or a laptop to Google maps your coordinates and then set them on the Gemini 2. That is $150 you can spend on important stuff for the mount, like counterweights or polar scope or tool-less knobs or a big portable power pack or ...?
?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
On Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 11:03 AM, Brian Valente wrote:
ou’re portable dome is titled “Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE 44-Gallon Gray Plastic Trash Can with Lid:????
?
And that’s the *upgraded* version??
?
lol
Yeah, well, if I had upgraded. Bigger dome. +12 gallons & it's a Rubbermade! Oooo, Ahhhh! But instead, the CFO sez to bring it in at night. Makes me It is a thing of beauty. Besides, if I bring it in, it let's me do Plate Solving from pictures. And do imaginary slewing watching Stellarium. Better than any TV show! LOL! -- SonnyE (I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Ross Abel
Don Martin
Chip Louie