Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
Les, Brian,
I used to eyeball it but that gave me sort of inconsistent results, stacks on stacks as it were. I was already guesstimating the position to position the reticle based on the constellation lines and positions and by adding yet another layer of estimation I think caused me to get too far from the correct position. It would work mostly but when it didn't I sort of struggled with GOTO accuracy.
My reticles were fine but old and I got tired of guessing and finding that I was a poor guesser. So I updated them and problem solved.?
Oh, the updated reticles are still available from Hutech Astro down in the OC> Look at the link: .? ? ?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
Brian,?
We have more common experiences than is allowed here. I just left them in the mounts NOT because I'm lazy but mostly due to inertia. Because - a) they don't get in the way, b) by leaving them there I won't lose them, c) I would need to find the caps, d) I would need to sell or store them and they seemed to be stored just fine already, e) the thought that it may be handy if the lappy fails, I forget the cable etc. See, not lazy!?
But as it turned out, being a frequent visual observer made me realize what a good tool it is to have on hand. I mean I can't forget it, it's already in the mount, takes up no space and has a very useful function when using the Gemini or the Nexus DSC but not using the laptop or imaging.??
But seriously though I just think it is funny that we so frequently come to such similar conclusions about Losmandy things.??
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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You can also swap the worms. Sometimes the DEC worm will be better (half the time in general!).??
Better if you can perform a PE evaluation and quantify the PE of each worm.
New brass high precision worms are $100 each from Losmandy.? If you have the old steel worms you should consider replacing at least the RA worm...or buy two and use the better one for RA.
Very best, Michael
On Sat, Aug 1, 2020, 12:28 PM John Hawk < jhawk@...> wrote: Thanks Michael,
I'll swap the RA and Dec Motors and see what happens as I mentioned the RA worm gear is questionable. Thanks!
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The ?stars are gradually moving in one direction. Have a Feathertouch focuser that I lock down after focus. I always retighten Alt and Az after Sharp Cap polar align and check for any changes. I'm going to focus on the RA worm gear and check things again tonight. thanks for all you help!
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Thanks Michael,
I'll swap the RA and Dec Motors and see what happens as I mentioned the RA worm gear is questionable. Thanks!
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Thanks Michael, I found it.
Tom
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Show quoted text
On 8/1/20 1:33 PM, Michael Herman wrote: Hi Tom
The PECprep.exe is made by the EQMOD owners group for the Orion EQ6 mounts.? Please look for links to download EQNOD and you will find PECPrep there in the list of downloads.? It will analyze PE data for frequency components taken by PHD2 for a large variety of mounts, including G11, GM8, Titan and many other brands and types.
SourceForge is a very good place to get software downloads.? Many groups use that.
I hope that helps.? If you encounter further problems please let me know. You can email me directly at mherman346 at Gmail dot com.
Very best,
Michael
On Sat, Aug 1, 2020, 5:40 AM wa1vta01452 <loeblt@... <mailto:loeblt@...>> wrote:
Michael,
your attached document suggests downloading PECPrep.exe. The link in
the document didn't work for me. It eventually takes me to
Sourceforge where it downloads TrueVoiceSounds.zip. Do you have
another source for it or can you send it via personal email?
Thanks,
Tom
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Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
you can kind of eyeball the precession too
fortunately my reticle is good through 2030
On Sat, Aug 1, 2020 at 11:59 AM Les Niles < les@...> wrote: An out-of-date polar scope reticle will work fine for visual use. Even if it¡¯s 40 years out of date, the resulting polar misalignment will cause a drift of only a few arc seconds per minute.? ?Hi Brian,
I found it funny that the PoleMaster was so amazingly essential to me that I almost sold off all my Losmandy Polar scopes thinking who needs them? But I also came to realize that if I'm not imaging that night why carry the laptop out into the dark with me when I have that optical device already installed in the mount to do the same thing? For a visual observer using the same mount for imaging IME the PoleMaster camera is as essential as a polar scope. I had to own both at the same time to come to that realization, I even updated both of my polar scopes with the reticles to the 2030 version years ago because of the PoleMaster.??
In case you need an updated polar scope reticle for your Losmandy or AP polar scope Astro Hutech was who I bought them from. I am not sure they are still available but they might have more by now.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
An out-of-date polar scope reticle will work fine for visual use. Even if it¡¯s 40 years out of date, the resulting polar misalignment will cause a drift of only a few arc seconds per minute.?
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Show quoted text
On Aug 1, 2020, at 11:45 AM, Chip Louie <chiplouie@...> wrote:
?Hi Brian,
I found it funny that the PoleMaster was so amazingly essential to me that I almost sold off all my Losmandy Polar scopes thinking who needs them? But I also came to realize that if I'm not imaging that night why carry the laptop out into the dark with me when I have that optical device already installed in the mount to do the same thing? For a visual observer using the same mount for imaging IME the PoleMaster camera is as essential as a polar scope. I had to own both at the same time to come to that realization, I even updated both of my polar scopes with the reticles to the 2030 version years ago because of the PoleMaster.??
In case you need an updated polar scope reticle for your Losmandy or AP polar scope Astro Hutech was who I bought them from. I am not sure they are still available but they might have more by now.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
Chip i think you and I have/had a similar experience!
i'm very lucky and fortunate i kept my polar scope, mostly out of laziness haha. but now I picked up a LW tripod and hope to do more interesting things in the field
On Sat, Aug 1, 2020 at 11:45 AM Chip Louie < chiplouie@...> wrote: Hi Brian,
I found it funny that the PoleMaster was so amazingly essential to me that I almost sold off all my Losmandy Polar scopes thinking who needs them? But I also came to realize that if I'm not imaging that night why carry the laptop out into the dark with me when I have that optical device already installed in the mount to do the same thing? For a visual observer using the same mount for imaging IME the PoleMaster camera is as essential as a polar scope. I had to own both at the same time to come to that realization, I even updated both of my polar scopes with the reticles to the 2030 version years ago because of the PoleMaster.??
In case you need an updated polar scope reticle for your Losmandy or AP polar scope Astro Hutech was who I bought them from. I am not sure they are still available but they might have more by now.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Re: Apology to the polar alignment scope
Hi Brian,
I found it funny that the PoleMaster was so amazingly essential to me that I almost sold off all my Losmandy Polar scopes thinking who needs them? But I also came to realize that if I'm not imaging that night why carry the laptop out into the dark with me when I have that optical device already installed in the mount to do the same thing? For a visual observer using the same mount for imaging IME the PoleMaster camera is as essential as a polar scope. I had to own both at the same time to come to that realization, I even updated both of my polar scopes with the reticles to the 2030 version years ago because of the PoleMaster.??
In case you need an updated polar scope reticle for your Losmandy or AP polar scope Astro Hutech was who I bought them from. I am not sure they are still available but they might have more by now.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Hi Tom
The PECprep.exe is made by the EQMOD owners group for the Orion EQ6 mounts.? Please look for links to download EQNOD and you will find PECPrep there in the list of downloads.? It will analyze PE data for frequency components taken by PHD2 for a large variety of mounts, including G11, GM8, Titan and many other brands and types.??
SourceForge is a very good place to get software downloads.? Many groups use that.
I hope that helps.? If you encounter further problems please let me know. You can email me directly at mherman346 at Gmail dot com.
Very best, Michael
On Sat, Aug 1, 2020, 5:40 AM wa1vta01452 < loeblt@...> wrote: Michael,
your attached document suggests downloading PECPrep.exe. The link in the document didn't work for me. It eventually takes me to Sourceforge where it downloads TrueVoiceSounds.zip. Do you have another source for it or can you send it via personal email?
Thanks,
Tom
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Clicking through your subs in rapid succession can reveal a lot.
- If the stars are gradually moving in one direction, it is most likely
? - Polar misalignment.? If your polar alignment looks super in SharpCap, re-check it after you tighten the bolts because that can easily throw it off again.
? - Flexure.?
? ? - Is the OTA mounted on rings? (Probably not the case)
? ? - Is the focuser sloppy so it shifts under the camera's weight?? Check any screws you can find, add extenders to get the eyepiece tube under them if necessary so it is tight.
? ? - Tripod feet not stable enough (Probably not the case)
- If the stars are making a cyclic motion, it is PE.? Apply PEC analysis and control.
- If the stars are making irregular movements in one direction (RA), the worm may be too tight and the motors are skipping steps at the high points of the crown wheel.
This may get you a quicker answer than doing test runs for PE analysis or drift alignment (while the PA may also not be the same).? Good luck.
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Re: GM-8G ¨C Attaching The Tucked-in Motors
One thing to be aware of is that the ball end is very delicate. I snapped the end off tightening the setscrew on my Oldham coupler and the broken piece was the devil to get out. Understand why they do it given the shape of the pieces -- but it is a concern because that is just one more point that can move slightly when tracking.
greg latiak
avalon observatory
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Michael,
your attached document suggests downloading PECPrep.exe. The link in the document didn't work for me. It eventually takes me to Sourceforge where it downloads TrueVoiceSounds.zip. Do you have another source for it or can you send it via personal email?
Thanks,
Tom
|
Re: GM-8G Polar Scope Opening In Dec Axis
Michael,
You are supposed to rotate the polar scope to position the reticle tic marks in the appropriate location using the constellation lines to approximately orient the reticle before moving the elevations and azimuth adjusters. It works very well once the reticle is centered. Is there another way???
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
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Re: GM-8G ¨C Attaching The Tucked-in Motors
Where I live, I found a shop that sells individual Allen keys, coz I want to keep my Bondhus set intact.? I bought two sizes; one for the motor and one for the worm gear bearing block, and cut off a bit of the shorter ends.? Works great for me.
John
On Saturday, 1 August 2020, 12:30:28 pm AEST, Peter Natscher <natscher@...> wrote:
I received my new GM-8G mount last week directly from Losmandy.? The main mount parts came in two pieces that were easily attached simply with two bolts. The difficult part was attaching the two drive motors to the Dec and RA axes. They were not attached upon delivery.? It was very difficult for me to attach these motors as they are close fitting to the sides of the mount. I could not get the allen wrench into the area squarely to screw the small machine screws in. There is very little space to get an allen wrench with attachment screw in place squarely to the receiving hole. I resorted to using a needle nose pliers and turning the screws from the side for most of the screwing -- a very slow process without scraping the finish on the close mount walls. Is there an easier way to do this operation?
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GM-8G on Berlebach Uni 18
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Re: GM-8G ¨C Attaching The Tucked-in Motors
okay thanks for the update Peter
we have?your vid as well, looking at it
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 9:58 PM Peter Natscher < natscher@...> wrote: I'm sure I attached the motors correctly because they operate fine.? The motors appear to be totally seated.? The ball end of the allen wrench is only on the long end of the allen wrench, not the shorter end, and so in using the long end to screw in the small screw was difficult for positioning in the very narrow space between it and the mount wall.
While observing with telescope on the GM-8G and Gemini 2 setup, slewing, moving, and centering with the hand pad all worked well at the eyepiece.
--
GM-8G on Berlebach Uni 18
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: GM-8G Polar Scope Opening In Dec Axis
Ah thanks. I understand now!
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 9:50 PM Paul Homer < phomer60@...> wrote: Brian,
Sorry, you misunderstood me, I believe the current design is the best solution.
It keeps the telescope out of the way of your head but not so far as to be in the way of other things.
On 1 Aug 2020, at 2:14:47 pm, Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote:
>>>In my opinion it is the difference between a mount that is designed by someone who actually uses the mount and someone who doesn¡¯t. hmmm... well I use it all the time and have for about 12 years, so maybe i'm missing something. That's why I asked what problem this would solve? or is it more of a preference?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 9:09 PM Paul Homer < phomer60@...> wrote: Brian,
I agree, it may at first seem odd, but the reasons are good.
In my opinion it is the difference between a mount that is designed by someone who actually uses the mount and someone who doesn¡¯t. On 1 Aug 2020, at 1:50:15 pm, Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote:
>>> Brian: please ask if the factory can put the opening at 90 degrees. That would allow the scope to be rotated around the RA axis, so the polar scope can be lined up with Polaris, without having to physically rotate the polar scope itself, as one must do now.? ?
Hi Michael
i'm not sure what solution you are proposing here??
you have to rotate the polar scope to set the correct position of polaris within the reticle based on time, etc. so afaik you have to rotate it anyways.?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 8:45 PM Michael Herman < mherman346@...> wrote: Hi Peter,
As Brian said, it is neither at the direct angle of the scope forward, nor at 90 degrees from there as other mounts have used.? There is nothing abnormal about your mount....it is normal for Losmandy mounts to date.? ??
Brian: please ask if the factory can put the opening at 90 degrees. That would allow the scope to be rotated around the RA axis, so the polar scope can be lined up with Polaris, without having to physically rotate the polar scope itself, as one must do now.? ?
Best, Michael
?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 8:38 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: It's simple
it was designed that way so you can move your OTA out of the way when sighting Polaris.?
otherwise you risk hitting your head on the end of the scope/eyepiece/camera
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 8:18 PM Peter Natscher < natscher@...> wrote: On my new GM-8G mount, I?don't understand why the opening for the polar scope, to see Polaris for doing the polar alignment, positions the saddle plate and telescope at an eastward angle 25¡ã from north.? My experience with my other mounts is that when the?opening in the Dec axis is visible from the front,?the saddle plate and telescope are pointed north the same way.? Why the different angle?? I attached the 8 in. saddle plate correctly as it had only one way to attach using the two attachment bolts. Is there something wrong on this mount?
<Polar Scope Opening.JPG>
--?
Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
--?Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
--?Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: GM-8G ¨C Attaching The Tucked-in Motors
I'm sure I attached the motors correctly because they operate fine.? The motors appear to be totally seated.? The ball end of the allen wrench is only on the long end of the allen wrench, not the shorter end, and so in using the long end to screw in the small screw was difficult for positioning in the very narrow space between it and the mount wall.
While observing with telescope on the GM-8G and Gemini 2 setup, slewing, moving, and centering with the hand pad all worked well at the eyepiece.
--
GM-8G on Berlebach Uni 18
|
Re: GM-8G Polar Scope Opening In Dec Axis
Brian,
Sorry, you misunderstood me, I believe the current design is the best solution.
It keeps the telescope out of the way of your head but not so far as to be in the way of other things.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 1 Aug 2020, at 2:14:47 pm, Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote:
>>>In my opinion it is the difference between a mount that is designed by someone who actually uses the mount and someone who doesn¡¯t. hmmm... well I use it all the time and have for about 12 years, so maybe i'm missing something. That's why I asked what problem this would solve? or is it more of a preference?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 9:09 PM Paul Homer < phomer60@...> wrote: Brian,
I agree, it may at first seem odd, but the reasons are good.
In my opinion it is the difference between a mount that is designed by someone who actually uses the mount and someone who doesn¡¯t. On 1 Aug 2020, at 1:50:15 pm, Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote:
>>> Brian: please ask if the factory can put the opening at 90 degrees. That would allow the scope to be rotated around the RA axis, so the polar scope can be lined up with Polaris, without having to physically rotate the polar scope itself, as one must do now.? ?
Hi Michael
i'm not sure what solution you are proposing here??
you have to rotate the polar scope to set the correct position of polaris within the reticle based on time, etc. so afaik you have to rotate it anyways.?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 8:45 PM Michael Herman < mherman346@...> wrote: Hi Peter,
As Brian said, it is neither at the direct angle of the scope forward, nor at 90 degrees from there as other mounts have used.? There is nothing abnormal about your mount....it is normal for Losmandy mounts to date.? ??
Brian: please ask if the factory can put the opening at 90 degrees. That would allow the scope to be rotated around the RA axis, so the polar scope can be lined up with Polaris, without having to physically rotate the polar scope itself, as one must do now.? ?
Best, Michael
?
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 8:38 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: It's simple
it was designed that way so you can move your OTA out of the way when sighting Polaris.?
otherwise you risk hitting your head on the end of the scope/eyepiece/camera
On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 8:18 PM Peter Natscher < natscher@...> wrote: On my new GM-8G mount, I?don't understand why the opening for the polar scope, to see Polaris for doing the polar alignment, positions the saddle plate and telescope at an eastward angle 25¡ã from north.? My experience with my other mounts is that when the?opening in the Dec axis is visible from the front,?the saddle plate and telescope are pointed north the same way.? Why the different angle?? I attached the 8 in. saddle plate correctly as it had only one way to attach using the two attachment bolts. Is there something wrong on this mount?
<Polar Scope Opening.JPG>
--?
Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
--?Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
--?Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio?
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Chip Louie
Michael Herman