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Date

Re: Geminids Dust thru M42

 

Well, in about 30 frames, there are almost 100 trails and none on the following night and none a week later. I guess they could be satellites but I'm still leaning the other way.


Re: Geminids Dust thru M42

 

Hmmmm starlink

Worst thing ever....should be banned. but oh noes, there's money to be made.



--
Brendan


Re: Geminids Dust thru M42

Sonny Edmonds
 

I would say Satellites, too.
Reason being, I've capture the same thing about 5-6 years back. If I remember right, there are 5 that cross The Great Orion Nebula.
Unfortunately, it's going to get worse and worse as we fill the sky with space junk.

--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: Geminids Dust thru M42

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

To me, those look more like satellites then Geminids.? Many go through that region of the sky.

Bob R.

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tom via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2020 8:12 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Geminids Dust thru M42

?

I only had a small weather window earlier this month and missed the Geminids Shower. Interestingly though, on the following night, I set up to try to capture one of my favorites - M42.?I haven't processed the images taken but attached are 3 - 30 second exposures of M42 with some Geminids going thru the image. These are in sequence with about a 5 second delay between them and this must of been some of the trailing small dust particles of the main group in the upper atmosphere. Any way - pretty cool to catch them. I probably have about 30 similar images out of about 100 and can't use them in the image stacking for processing,?both disappointing and cool!
Tom




This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.



Re: Geminids Dust thru M42

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Tom,

They are most likely satellite trails.

Paul




On 30 Dec 2020, at 1:11:32 pm, Tom via <thornerz@...> wrote:

I only had a small weather window earlier this month and missed the Geminids Shower. Interestingly though, on the following night, I set up to try to capture one of my favorites - M42.?I haven't processed the images taken but attached are 3 - 30 second exposures of M42 with some Geminids going thru the image. These are in sequence with about a 5 second delay between them and this must of been some of the trailing small dust particles of the main group in the upper atmosphere. Any way - pretty cool to catch them. I probably have about 30 similar images out of about 100 and can't use them in the image stacking for processing,?both disappointing and cool!
Tom <_IGP3290.JPG><_IGP3291.JPG><_IGP3293.JPG>


Geminids Dust thru M42

 

I only had a small weather window earlier this month and missed the Geminids Shower. Interestingly though, on the following night, I set up to try to capture one of my favorites - M42.?I haven't processed the images taken but attached are 3 - 30 second exposures of M42 with some Geminids going thru the image. These are in sequence with about a 5 second delay between them and this must of been some of the trailing small dust particles of the main group in the upper atmosphere. Any way - pretty cool to catch them. I probably have about 30 similar images out of about 100 and can't use them in the image stacking for processing,?both disappointing and cool!
Tom


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Neverfox

?

It¡¯s the way it is with the Losmandy design. I too was surprised when I first got my new mount.

?

There¡¯s a few previous posts on similar subject. Have a read of this string.

?

/g/Losmandy_users/topic/74230547#66288

?

Cheers

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Kmetz
Sent: Wednesday, 30 December 2020 1:18 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

?

Neverfox:

The RA never does swing completely freely as there is a fractional inward vector force of the downward weight of the mount pressing on the clutch. The wavy washer helps but does not eliminate it. This is normal. If you want the best free wheeling motion, you can crank the altitude down to near zero and make the RA axis horizontal (careful you don't tip over!). That way you have minimal pressure on the clutch disc. This is a pain since your lose your latitude setting and you need to redo polar alignment. If you never change your rig setup this could be a way to go. The Losmandy video shows the Titan mount which may be a bit different. My G11G never rotates that freely.

But if you just loosen the the clutch knob and go for telescope east heavy (this is for the Northern Hemisphere), this should be sufficient. By swinging RA lightly with your hand, you should be able to see where it feels the best. But never a free swinging motion like some other mounts.


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

Neverfox:

The RA never does swing completely freely as there is a fractional inward vector force of the downward weight of the mount pressing on the clutch. The wavy washer helps but does not eliminate it. This is normal. If you want the best free wheeling motion, you can crank the altitude down to near zero and make the RA axis horizontal (careful you don't tip over!). That way you have minimal pressure on the clutch disc. This is a pain since your lose your latitude setting and you need to redo polar alignment. If you never change your rig setup this could be a way to go. The Losmandy video shows the Titan mount which may be a bit different. My G11G never rotates that freely.

But if you just loosen the the clutch knob and go for telescope east heavy (this is for the Northern Hemisphere), this should be sufficient. By swinging RA lightly with your hand, you should be able to see where it feels the best. But never a free swinging motion like some other mounts.


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

Sonny Edmonds
 

My GM811GHD was "sticky" like that as well when brand new. The Wavey Washer fixed it.
One of the biggest improvements I made was when I installed the on my 811.
I have to move most of my mount out, and back in, each night that I use it. (which is a LOT!) If the weather is going to be clear, I leave my tripod set-up, covered, and it stays near perfectly aligned. (But I always PA, and build a new model.)
But the RAEXT allowed me to make "Chunks" out of my mount. In doing so, my balance weight (1 - 11 pound) stays where it is on the CW shaft bar, and the whole Dec axis with the CW is one sub-assembly. So it is in balance when mounted to the RA.
My telescope assembly, likewise, is a "chunk" that when it mounts in my saddle I have a ?clamped as a stop that indexes my D-bar in the clamp and it lands in balance every time. The DVA is underhung on my , and it stops against the front of the clamp.
By doing this, dismantling and reassembling my mount all the time has become a breeze, and it assembles in balance each time. (When I have checked it, it is boringly in balance!)
Incidentally, I balance mine with my wiring harness attached so it is factored in to the over all balance.
(I'm also the guy who uses a digital level to make sure my tripod is plumb to the Earth before assembly. ;^) )
--
SonnyE


(I suggest viewed in full screen)


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

Brian,

Thanks. I tried the lower altitude trick and that gave me a less sticky experience on the stickier side (while actually making the less sticky side more sticky). In any case, I was able to get enough free movement that I could find a balance point I believed. So as long as what I'm experiencing isn't abnormal, I'm satisfied. It's a little frustrating to have to take the mount out of the usual altitude setting if I need to rebalance, but hopefully a few pieces of tape will work more often than not.

FWIW, before trying the hack, I did make just to demonstrate how sticky it was at first, which seems a lot more than the mount in the Losmandy video.


Re: Gemini2 HC touch screen problem

 
Edited

Did you try plug the HC into the other serial port? ?Remember to increase the baud?

if that fails ....and sorry I think it will. ?.....the HC Is bad. ?Yes Thursday did have old boards ....or early version PCBs but they are not available. ?The manufacturer has changed designs more than once.?


That ?HC was was the first there have been 3 differing displays you cannot just use a new one the display controllers are different. the OEM buys them by thousands the manufacturer changes designs like they change underwear. ?This is the pace of modern manufacturing. ?


I don¡¯t think those original displays are available anywhere I¡¯ve tried. ?

--
Brendan


Re: Gemini2 HC touch screen problem

 

Hello Brendan,

Thanks a lot for the response. I opened up the HC again and checked for anything pressing. I tried to use the display without the cover and still the same issue. SD card is okay and I cleaned up the connections. Nothing seems to change the behavior.

Regards
Hemant

On Mon, Dec 28, 2020 at 3:47 PM Brendan Smith <brenatlilydale@...> wrote:

Hi Hermant

usual cause of this is the case is putting pressure on the display somewhere long it¡¯s edge usually called the ¡°gasket¡±. ? You need to clean the display and gasket to stop this.?

Power off the unit take apart he HC case halves apart.? Gently clean the Display with an alcohol wipe or eye glasses spray.? Just a small amount. ? ?


Do the same with the edge of the case upper half.? The half the display is see thru.? While apart check the SD card is seated ok. ??


Reassemble but do not tighten the case screws too much as said, pressure from the case/gasket edge can cause this.?


I have seen similar multipule display presses not responding and it¡¯s usually the display/gasket pressure or dirt dust caught between them.?


When you have the case apart you will see 4 small dedicated icons at the base of the display.? These are because the display was a multipurpose display.? Do not touch these with power on it can put the display into modes you cannot recover from.?


Finally clean the HC plugs/sockets ? Get back how all this goes ?

--
Brendan


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

We have a video that covers how to balance the mount along with additional balancing tips (watch to end):



On Mon, Dec 28, 2020 at 1:54 PM Paul Goelz <pgoelz@...> wrote:
On 12/28/2020 3:32 PM, neverfox@... wrote:
> With the clutch knob loosened, the axis doesn't swing freely like I've
> become accustomed to with other mounts.

and.....

> seems to be on older mounts not fitted with a wavy washer, but mine has
> said washer. Is what I'm experiencing normal or should I be reaching out
> to Losmandy? If it is normal, how do I balance in RA with that much
> tolerance?

I'll let Brian weigh in on whether that is normal or not.? However, my
new(ish) GM811 is the same.? The RA axis never becomes fully free like
the DEC axis.

To balance, I just nudge RA in both directions with the clutch fully
loose and see how long it coasts after I let go.? Adjust the
counterweight until it coasts about the same in both directions for the
same amount of force.

Paul

--
Paul Goelz
Rochester Hills, MI? USA
pgoelz@...








--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio


Re: Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

On 12/28/2020 3:32 PM, neverfox@... wrote:
With the clutch knob loosened, the axis doesn't swing freely like I've become accustomed to with other mounts.
and.....

seems to be on older mounts not fitted with a wavy washer, but mine has said washer. Is what I'm experiencing normal or should I be reaching out to Losmandy? If it is normal, how do I balance in RA with that much tolerance?
I'll let Brian weigh in on whether that is normal or not. However, my new(ish) GM811 is the same. The RA axis never becomes fully free like the DEC axis.

To balance, I just nudge RA in both directions with the clutch fully loose and see how long it coasts after I let go. Adjust the counterweight until it coasts about the same in both directions for the same amount of force.

Paul

--
Paul Goelz
Rochester Hills, MI USA
pgoelz@...
www.pgoelz.com


Re: Gemini2 HC touch screen problem

 

Hi Hermant

usual cause of this is the case is putting pressure on the display somewhere long it¡¯s edge usually called the ¡°gasket¡±. ? You need to clean the display and gasket to stop this.?

Power off the unit take apart he HC case halves apart. ?Gently clean the Display with an alcohol wipe or eye glasses spray. ?Just a small amount. ? ?


Do the same with the edge of the case upper half. ?The half the display is see thru. ?While apart check the SD card is seated ok. ??


Reassemble but do not tighten the case screws too much as said, pressure from the case/gasket edge can cause this.?


I have seen similar multipule display presses not responding and it¡¯s usually the display/gasket pressure or dirt dust caught between them.?


When you have the case apart you will see 4 small dedicated icons at the base of the display. ?These are because the display was a multipurpose display. ?Do not touch these with power on it can put the display into modes you cannot recover from.?


Finally clean the HC plugs/sockets ? Get back how all this goes ?

--
Brendan


Stiff RA axis on brand new GM811G

 

First of all, glad to be part of the group, as I just received my GM811G today, which is also my first Losmandy. Everything is set up but I'm a bit perplexed by the RA axis.

With the clutch knob loosened, the axis doesn't swing freely like I've become accustomed to with other mounts. I can pretty much get it to stay put in any position unless I move the counterweights a good deal. I can move the weights 4-5 inches with no apparent change in the balance. That just doesn't seem right to me as I'm not sure how I would verify when or if I've actually achieved proper balance. I have about 25lbs of payload and two 11lb counterweights (works with one, but it just ends up further down the shaft and doesn't change what I'm describing).

I've come across mention of this issue when poking around but it always seems to be on older mounts not fitted with a wavy washer, but mine has said washer. Is what I'm experiencing normal or should I be reaching out to Losmandy? If it is normal, how do I balance in RA with that much tolerance?


Gemini2 HC touch screen problem

 

Hello all,

I am facing a strange problem with my HC touch screen. Center left part of the screen does correctly respond to touch. Touching that portion of the screen is recognized as touch towards the center of the screen. Attached is an image that shows?response of touch screen along all four edges. Top, bottom and right edges seem fine but left edge shows?a strage D shaped response.

Calibration, reflashing the firmware, resetting SRAM, nothing works. I opened?the HC up just in case something was pressing against the screen but that doesn't seem to be the?issue as well. The behaviour is very consistent and does not change at all. My guess is that this is a problem with the touch screen itself.

Has anyone else faced this issue? Anything I can try before considering a replacement?

I see that that touch screen is a part of a blue screen display board from thaieasyelec. I can't find a replacement for the board. Not sure if I can change out the touch screen overlay - seems to be a few dollars from ebay but not sure of the compatibility.

Any suggestions?

Regards
Hemant



Re: ES Losmandy G11 RA Backlash

 

Mark. Thanks so much. In my ignorance I have maintain the clutches fairy tight to help with unloading and setting up. I had no idea I could damage the Mount. Thanks again and I¡¯ll keep them very loose from now on. ?Tom

--- mjcw500@... wrote:

From: "Mark Christensen" <mjcw500@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] ES Losmandy G11 RA Backlash
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 2020 18:21:57 -0800

Persons Coverdale,

By locking the clutches (including when person-handling the mount in and out of the boxes) you are taking an unnecessary risk of damaging the AL worm.

I once saw a cheaper (poor quality cast gears) mount shred a section of its worm wheel (aka ring gear in some quarters) when the user hefted it with the counterweight attach. An extreme case but an extreme result.

You may get lucky on any give trek and you may not. Why take the risk in the future?

Mark C.


Re: ES Losmandy G11 RA Backlash

 

Persons Coverdale,

By locking the clutches (including when person-handling the mount in and out of the boxes) you are taking an unnecessary risk of damaging the AL worm.

I once saw a cheaper (poor quality cast gears) mount shred a section of its worm wheel (aka ring gear in some quarters) when the user hefted it with the counterweight attach. An extreme case but an extreme result.

You may get lucky on any give trek and you may not. Why take the risk in the future?

Mark C.


Re: ES Losmandy G11 RA Backlash

 

hmm

I don't see the calibration prior to the GA run, but it looks to me like you may have had an orthagonality?problem there

Towards the end of the log the long guiding runs look pretty good, you're only .05 pixels difference between the axis. I think RA needs to be more responsive, so a faster guiderate 0.5 or higher would probably do it

On Sat, Dec 26, 2020 at 7:47 PM Sunil Bhaskar Bhaskaran <cyclops12321@...> wrote:
Brian,
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? I wanted to share the screen so that you can have a better idea as to why I had chosen the numbers for guiding :D. I am attaching the phd2 log during which I ran the guide assistant. As for the guide speed the phd2 wizard automatically chose this value. I had good success with .4x speed but will try out .5 tonight and compare results. One small change was observed by me today morning - even after almost eliminating DEC play the mount seems to have? developed significant DEC play now. Is it possible that weather caused some compression or something? It did get chilly yesterday. I had just to change my exposures in phd2 from 2 to 3 and vice versa as the moonlight or something was really blowing up my stars. Only reducing the duration managed to help me atleast guide the mount little bit.
?
Sunil

?



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
portfolio