Re: Pre purchase questions GM811G
Hi Warren,
I have a GM8 and G11 and just started getting the ASIAIR-PRO ready to test under a real sky. I had been using the G11 with the usual cooled astro camera and autoguider with a Skull Canyon i& NUC on the dovetail to run everything. But I wanted to switch to a setup that was not run off of utility power so the ASIAIR-PRO was my choice.??
#1)? ?The Gemini has an Ethernet port and it is better than using the USB port for autoguiding. The ASIAIR-PRO just needs a Ethernet cable run to the Ethernet post of the Gemini??
#2)? ?The PoleMaster works great but you do not want the dedicated Losmandy PoleMaster adapter. Buy an ADM PoleMaster dovetail clamp and clamp to a dovetail top or bottom for polar alignment using SharpCap with your PoleMaster to do polar alignments, it works great, better than the native PoleMaster app!?
#3)? ?AFAIK no.?
#4)? ?Maybe, maybe not, depends on how your scopebuggy is configured.?
#5)? ?AFAIK about a week after payment but check with Tanya.?
HTH,
Chip
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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I have a GM8 with a Gemini 1 which I had kept for the ability to use with shaft encoders. The problem is the Gemini 1 only supports 10K tic encoders and modern encoders as sold by Astro Devices for the Losmandy mounts are 310K tic encoders so they do not work with Gemini but work great with the WiFi enabled NEXUS DSC with a smartphone or tablet. I love to use the GM8 in PUSH-TO mode with the mount balanced and the clutches free for one finger movement. It works very well as the Gemini still moves the RA just fine once I find an object. This is the best way to use a Losmandy mount IMO?
?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Highly slippery is always better if you can keep in in the right place and it doesn't migrate much. SuperLube does just that and stays soft at low temps with low startup torque. Just read the TDS ASTM test results for SuperLube Multi-Purpose Grease with Syncolon. It really is "Super"
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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On Sat, Oct 3, 2020 at 09:28 PM, David C. Partridge wrote:
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Sadly the Gemini-2 doesn’t have code to support axis encoders which is a real shame.
?
René – is that any reason the axis encoder support couldn’t be ported across to the Gemini-2 – my guess is it should be trivial to do this – possibly even with support for higher resolution eoncoders?
Support for high resolution axis encoders would be a great new feature! :) When done well, these could eliminate the need for PEC and, sometimes guiding. Regards, ? ? -Paul
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David I think if you read what I said it’s true. It’s all the encoders we have available for the Gemini which are the motor encoders.?
Brian
No, axis encoders aren’t included, only motor encoders. ? David ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brian Valente
Sent: 04 October 2020 00:54
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Encoders, yes or no? ? Hi Dave This is a fairly easy one - encoders are included as part of the mount There is a port F that was designed for the idea of future external encoders but that did not come to pass. So the baseline mount already comes with all the encoder options available
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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No, axis encoders aren’t included, only motor encoders. ? David ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brian Valente
Sent: 04 October 2020 00:54
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Encoders, yes or no? ? Hi Dave This is a fairly easy one - encoders are included as part of the mount There is a port F that was designed for the idea of future external encoders but that did not come to pass. So the baseline mount already comes with all the encoder options available
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If you are using a Gemini controller, you have the motor encoders. ? So the question is what’s the point of axis encoders – it buys you the ability to use the mount in “push to” mode while keeping the Gemini-1 informed of where the mount is pointing. ? Also if there’s any slip in the system the axis encoders act to correct for that. ? Sadly the Gemini-2 doesn’t have code to support axis encoders which is a real shame. ? René – is that any reason the axis encoder support couldn’t be ported across to the Gemini-2 – my guess is it should be trivial to do this – possibly even with support for higher resolution eoncoders? ? David
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dave_Kentsbeer
Sent: 03 October 2020 22:02
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Encoders, yes or no? ? All,
Sorry for the barrage of newby questions, I am working my way through the manual to get to grips with all the features on the G11, my first motorised eq, tonight's topic of interest is Encoders.
If I understand there are 2 types of Encoders, the type that is incorporated into the motor, this type uses pins on the motor din plugs to connect, and the other type that fits to the RA and DEC shafts and connects to Gemini via the encoder RJ45 socket..Please correct my if I am wrong!
I understand what they do so my questions are:
Except for manual guiding when attached to a computer running Stellarium were the benefit is obvious,? are they useful for any other purpose and worth the money?
What is the best type, motor or shaft?
Thank you in advance..
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Hi Stosh
answers inline below: On Sat, Oct 3, 2020 at 2:27 PM Stosh <mike@...> wrote:
Hi all, thanks for the responses.??
Brian, I tried the configurable mount section, and the price difference was $5, even though the text said save $200 and $55.? ? ?This first price is the G11G, which according to the specs, come with the HD tripod for $3395, plus the accessories.?
I have to look at the details when i'm back at the shop, i'm not sure if that's correct, but i'll talk with tanya on this ? The second price is from the configurable options where I was "forced" to choose the MA option if I wanted the HD tripod, plus the RA and GPS.? ?
The MA is part of the tripod, so it comes with it.?
I've been looking at my use cases.? ?And I can't see me ever using more than an 11inch SCT on it, and that would be for visual which weights 27.5 pounds.? Add in 10 pounds for for the usual accessories and that's 37.5 pounds for visual.? For AP, I'd likely max out at an 8" RASA which is 17 pounds and even the largest refractors I'd likely buy are in the 16 to 18 pound range, not counting all the extras needed for AP.? So I'm thinking perhaps the GM811G w/ HD Tripod might suit my needs as well as the G11G.? ?Besides the payload weight difference, one has a?2.812" DIA versus a?5.625" DIA DEC Gear.? ?Is there any practical benefit to having the larger gear?? I'd like to "future proof" myself as much as possible.
the primary benefit is greater weight capacity. I personally think the GM811 is definitely underappreciated for what it delivers for the price, and if the weight capacity meets your need, it's definitely a great value ? Lastly, ?talks about upgrading older mounts and says you need the RA extension to get the tucked in motors.? Does that mean if I order a mount without the $295 dollar RA extension today, I won't get the tucked in motors?? Or can I assume that all the updates on this page (tucked in high torque servo motors, one piece worm block with spring loaded worm) are standard on the current models?
the mount comes standard with tucked in motors, along with one piece worm block, precision brass worm, and spring-loaded worms.?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Hi Dave
This is a fairly easy one - encoders are included as part of the mount
There is a port F that was designed for the idea of future external encoders but that did not come to pass.
So the baseline mount already comes with all the encoder options available
Brian
All,
Sorry for the barrage of newby questions, I am working my way through the manual to get to grips with all the features on the G11, my first motorised eq, tonight's topic of interest is Encoders.
If I understand there are 2 types of Encoders, the type that is incorporated into the motor, this type uses pins on the motor din plugs to connect, and the other type that fits to the RA and DEC shafts and connects to Gemini via the encoder RJ45 socket..Please correct my if I am wrong!
I understand what they do so my questions are:
Except for manual guiding when attached to a computer running Stellarium were the benefit is obvious,? are they useful for any other purpose and worth the money?
What is the best type, motor or shaft?
Thank you in advance..
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
I’ve had my GM8 since the 90s. At the time there was no Gemini goto unit for the Losmandy mount except for a third party after market mod. The encoders that attached to the RA/Dec gave push to capability to the mount when connected to a computer or a unit such as the JMImini max. With the introduction of the Gemini, the mount needed better resolution and that came with the new upgraded motors instead of the old stepper motors.?
Bill
All,
Sorry for the barrage of newby questions, I am working my way through the manual to get to grips with all the features on the G11, my first motorised eq, tonight's topic of interest is Encoders.
If I understand there are 2 types of Encoders, the type that is incorporated into the motor, this type uses pins on the motor din plugs to connect, and the other type that fits to the RA and DEC shafts and connects to Gemini via the encoder RJ45 socket..Please correct my if I am wrong!
I understand what they do so my questions are:
Except for manual guiding when attached to a computer running Stellarium were the benefit is obvious,? are they useful for any other purpose and worth the money?
What is the best type, motor or shaft?
Thank you in advance..
-- _____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
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Re: Pre purchase questions GM811G
Thank you for responding to my questions, Brian.
My question about TTL was prompted by the section on the website, second to last item, under DRIVE ELECTRONIC GEMINI 2 GOTO?? GEMINI 2 GOTO ELECTRONICS (G):? Auto Guide Port (TTL)
If my old back can handle the extra 6 lbs of EQ head weight ( 27 lbs vs 33 lbs) , are there any other differences between the GM811GHD and the G11G beside (1) $300 cost, (2) larger DEC gear, and (3) increased weight capacity of 10 lbs??
Minor nit:? I noticed that the photos of the mount for the GM811G and the G11G both show a mount inscribed "G-11."? Is that designation merely telling us that the two mounts are just variations of the same 'generic' G-11 mount?? I am probably not wording this effectively, but I hope you get my idea.
Warren
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Hi all, thanks for the responses.??
Brian, I tried the configurable mount section, and the price difference was $5, even though the text said save $200 and $55.? ? ?This first price is the G11G, which according to the specs, come with the HD tripod for $3395, plus the accessories.? The second price is from the configurable options where I was "forced" to choose the MA option if I wanted the HD tripod, plus the RA and GPS.? ?
I've been looking at my use cases.? ?And I can't see me ever using more than an 11inch SCT on it, and that would be for visual which weights 27.5 pounds.? Add in 10 pounds for for the usual accessories and that's 37.5 pounds for visual.? For AP, I'd likely max out at an 8" RASA which is 17 pounds and even the largest refractors I'd likely buy are in the 16 to 18 pound range, not counting all the extras needed for AP.? So I'm thinking perhaps the GM811G w/ HD Tripod might suit my needs as well as the G11G.? ?Besides the payload weight difference, one has a?2.812" DIA versus a?5.625" DIA DEC Gear.? ?Is there any practical benefit to having the larger gear?? I'd like to "future proof" myself as much as possible.
Lastly, ?talks about upgrading older mounts and says you need the RA extension to get the tucked in motors.? Does that mean if I order a mount without the $295 dollar RA extension today, I won't get the tucked in motors?? Or can I assume that all the updates on this page (tucked in high torque servo motors, one piece worm block with spring loaded worm) are standard on the current models?
|
All,
Sorry for the barrage of newby questions, I am working my way through the manual to get to grips with all the features on the G11, my first motorised eq, tonight's topic of interest is Encoders.
If I understand there are 2 types of Encoders, the type that is incorporated into the motor, this type uses pins on the motor din plugs to connect, and the other type that fits to the RA and DEC shafts and connects to Gemini via the encoder RJ45 socket..Please correct my if I am wrong!
I understand what they do so my questions are:
Except for manual guiding when attached to a computer running Stellarium were the benefit is obvious,? are they useful for any other purpose and worth the money?
What is the best type, motor or shaft?
Thank you in advance..
|
One night I was testing my mount doing a No Meridian Flip imaging session. (Something Scott Losmandy mentions about the RAEXT)
As the mount came upon the warning beep, I reset the limit. I did that 3 times watching my telescope did not crash into my EX12 extension.
Finally, at 03:00 Hrs. I stopped as crashing was eminent.
So not only did I learn I don't have to do Meridian Flips anymore, I I also learned how to set limits on the fly, without disturbing my imaging run.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Carte du Ciel & GM8+Gemini 2
If you are using the Gemini virtual controller, you could try using the Rev RA and Rev Dec check boxes just below the 4 diamond touch pad. (Reverse RA and Dec)
Other than that, I've used Stellarium for probably 5 years now, with two different mounts. I use it as basically my Planetarium Program and slew the mount and telescope to the objects I find in it of interest.
One of my latest was a tiny Nebula called the Fossil Footprint Nebula, and a while back a relatively new Nebula that is estimated to be only 600 years old.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Hopefully some of the Observatory Guys and Gals will weigh in on this.
Even when I left my mount set up, I always did a polar alignment at start up.
My logic was that things always change from night to night. Even if you negate ground vibrations, you must agree the Earth has moved in relation to the stars.
So at least a check of the PA is the first step in beginning.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Cover for G11 with 9.25 SCT and guide scope
Prepare for a belly ache...
For going on 6 years now, I've used a cover that came with a Bar-B-Que, And a 32 gallon dome. What the hell is a 32 gallon dome?
OK, you buy a cheap plastic 32 gallon trash bin, and you invert it over the top of of your Bar-B-Que covered mount. 6 years ago, my 32 gallon dome cost me $9.95 USD. The unused BBQ cover was free.
I always brought in my telescope/imaging rig.
I currently use my 32 gallon dome, and BBQ cover, over my HD tripod. But since I was able to configure my new Losmandy into chunks to make it easy to move out and back in, I leave my HD tripod set and aligned North so my equipment lands nearly Polar Aligned night after night. But I put the BBQ cover over it, then wrap a painters tarp around to shade the legs and elevation knobs from the sun. I have my tripod setting on my 12x6x1 inch redwood elevator planks that keep the bottoms off the concrete and brick in my observation area.
I have considered upgrading to a 44 gallon dome. But my 6 year old dome is doing fine as it is. So I'd like to get my money's worth out of the investment.
Exit stage right...
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SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Hi everybody,
We have installed one month ago a telescope in an remote observatory, before this we haven?t got any problem with the mount (Losdmandy G11 Gemini-1), but after we installed in the observatory it came the problems.
we made the aligment and everthing was going fine, but after a while (8-6 hours) the mount lost the aligment, we change the Gemini, we replace the battery, we made a new realigment, the system works one or two days an again it lost the aligment.
Even we try to charge the aligment and the Gemini doesn?t permit. Is like hand control suddendly collapsed!!
We have 12v that feed all the mount,camera, rotator….,it works by a relay (Dragonfly), we connected the computer and the power supply by the dragonfly.
We are confused with the problem of the Gemini, which could be the problem, it supposed the 12V output is fine.
Are we loosing something with the Gemini that whwn we switch off the mount the Gemini loose the aligment???
The mount is "lost", is something rlated with the warm, or cold star. The parameters of aligment are in Gemini, but I think that we made something wrong when we swith off that cause that when we restarted the mount gest "lost" and ask for a realigment.
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Re: Carte du Ciel & GM8+Gemini 2
Strange as CdC is all I ever use with Gemini Ii and have never had issues? No special configuration apart from setting location and time the same as Gemini (I set to UTC with no offset).
Keith
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Re: Carte du Ciel & GM8+Gemini 2
Hi again Tony
before you reset your limits (your other post), I suggest you get this figured out.
I tried CDC and was able to connect but it also appeared it treated my losmandy backwards. I connected via stellarium and sky safari and they were fine, so it seems there's some setting in CDC.
I'm not sure why that is, but i would get this straightened out. it may fix your DEC coordinates/setting Limits question
Brian
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Chip Louie
Paul Kanevsky
David C. Partridge
Dave_Kentsbeer