Re: Star GPS NX / G-11 Gemini
My Star GPS has been working perfectly with my Gemini 1 for a long time. I always power up the GPS and allow it time to get a fix before starting the Gemini. Once the Gemini starts it would always say "SRAM/RTC Updated" but last night it said "GPS Timed out" and I tried 3 times but the same?? Nothing has changed as far as I know and the internal battery in the Gemini was changed on March 19 2019. Any suggestions?
?Thanks
John
|
Hi Richard,
I'm curious: wh at is the kind of scope loaded on your G11T?
Can you estimate the total scope load weight on your dovetail?
I don't have a GT11 (yet) though I certainly have scopes heavy enough to warrant getting that size of mount.? I have several G11s, and a GM8 and a GM811.??
That your pull to get near zero clutch force is only about 1.4 kg ~ 3 lbs seems way too small.? I think the equation would be like? Force = [Total weight of dovetail load + counterweights] x [cosine(elevation angle)]
Maybe your (very newish) system already has a wavy washer in the RA, and your lifter is just adding a little umph to that?? Brian could tell if the G11T has such a wavy washer in it's RA.? (The Titan RA clutch disk is about 6 inch diameter.)
So if you are at a pole your elevation angle would be 90 degrees, and there will be zero downward force on your RA clutch.? If you were at the equator, you would have 100% of the total weight on your RA clutch disk.? In between it would go like the co sine function of the elevation angle.
I have about 130 lbs total scope + counterweight load on my maxed out G11.? ? That's a near 50 lb C-14HD, top dovetail and 80mm guide refractor, about 50 lbs of counterweights.? At my latitude of? 37¡ã21', the cosine would be? 0.79.? So I calculate needing 103 lbs pull to lift all the weight off the RA clutch disk.? I likely need some oak to lift that!!!??
At that point, I will give the ammeter test a try first.??
If I could make a software gadget... worth a try... I'd have something drive the Gemini to switch the RA drive using (a button for)? CW sidereal drive, or (a different button for) CCW sidereal drive, and a Pause/stop button.? ?Then, you could pause, and shift the counterweights, and run back and forth CW va CCW directions to observe the drive current.? In that way, you would not need to change from Scope East vs Scope west positions.??
-------
Someone recently asked about battery power needs to run a mount.? Some thoughts on that follow:
----
What current draw should you expect to use to run a G11 and Gemini, say?
(Note: Power =Amps x Volts, so the current should be smaller if the supplied volts is higher....if it were all due to motor power...but it isn't all motor power).
My amps used on a balanced G11 mount is around these values:
?Sidereal tracking with PHD2 ~2 sec pulse autoguiding:? ? ?0.17 amp at 17 volt DC power ~ 0.25 amp at 12 Volt DC power
Fast slew to distant target, or Park at CWD from a distant target:? ? ?0.6 amp per axis at 17 V ~ 0.9 amp at 12 Volt DC power.? So my max on my 17 volt system is about 1.4 amp.? On a 12 V system might be bear 2 amps max.? This fast slew time is brief...maybe 10 seconds max.
Dew heaters use up a lot of amps...a lot of a battery capacity will be drained quickly by the heater.? I estimate about 10 ohms per dew heater cable, so estimate about 1.2 Amps continuous per dew heater cable if powered at 12 volts.? If you use a digital control, this is reduced by the duty cycle (on time/total time).? But if you are running off a field battery...watch out for killing your battery!? I did kill a 12 V gell pack battery by overdraining it on feeding a dew heater... can be a costly lesson.??
So I'd run my mount and laptop off one battery, and use a separate battery for the dew heater(s).? If the dew heater battery is exhausted, you won't wipe out your camera and laptop.?
You might damage the dew heater battery if you drain it below some voltage level (like I'd guess 10 volts for a nominal 12 volt battery).? Below that you'd probably kill a wet cell.??
Thinking out loud: if you want a circuit to stop battery drain at some desired voltage, (say 10 volts) contact me and I'll make you up a battery drain protection circuit.??
All the best (a Starbucks Frappuccino at dinner is keeping me up most of the night.? At least it wasn't a COV19 attack... this virus panic is horrible...)
Stay well, all !!!? Michael
_______
I'll mention:? I have a batch of Gemini-2 power booster units that I recently made up.? These have an output current digital luminescent meter (ammeter) for the output current.? The output voltage is boosted to 17.1 volts internally by a polarity-protected circuit, from nominal 12 volts input.? That output voltage is also displayed by a digital luminescent display.? The polarity protection is to assure that anyone connecting to a battery input in the dark has no worry about mistaking + for - pins going in... the box automatically switches it to be correct polarity going out to the Gemini unit.??
Here is a photo of a power booster unit driving the RA on that overloaded G11 mount. (And a daytime photo of the overloaded G11 as well). You see that the RA drive is only using about 0.16 amp...because the RA is well balanced.? Most of that 0.16 amp is just running the Gemini (mine are Gemini-1, but you'd get about the same running a Gemini-2).? I get the same 0.16 amp running even a light scope and load.??
Anyone interested in trying one of these units...please contact me off line. I have a small batch of Gemini-2 units ready to go.? If you need a Gemini-1 unit, I will make them up too.? They all come with the correct output cable to go to the specific Gemini units.? ?
Good night!
?
Not sure what my RA washer configuration is, mount is only 1 ? years old. Dec I pulled apart heaps and don¡¯t have the desire to do anything on the RA.
?
Without the ¡°pull¡± system, due to higher system load (which is why I bought the G11GT), I measure about 1.4 kgs at the end of the weight shaft to pull up and same to pull down.
?
With ¡°pull¡± system in place, I¡¯m down to 0.2 kg. It¡¯s almost neutral. Haven¡¯t tried to get to neutral, will try to see what I can get to next time I setup.
?
Yes, Dec much easier to do, including a little push from the counterweight end to completely free it all.
?
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 2:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
The extra photos explain your design...the bolts in front push on metal plates, and lift the upper front wood piece, which is attached to the wire holding the front polar scope cover.? Very clever!
The takeaway for me was that, using this method, you did find the RA axis much easier to rotate for perfect balance.? You got the same benefit as the "wavy washer" new design.? The wavy washer requires a slot machined in the drive clutch
plate area which my earlier mount designs don't have.? So...you provided some ideas to try.? ?
As for me, to date, I have used a "push" in both rotation directions on my RA axis to get a sense of the RA counterweight balance.? As long as that is pretty close, my RA drive seems to have no trouble.? I can also use the current meter
on my Gemini power supply to measure the sidereal drive current with the scope on the East, vs West, side of the mount.??
For DEC, it is far easier...just put the counterweight rod horizontal, and loosen the DEC clutch knob. Then there is zero weight on the DEC clutch and that axis swings around easily with no friction.? That is simple to rebalance.??
Thanks again Richard for sharing your wood lift design.? Something new to try out...!? ?
?
Hi Michael
?
I had the idea and then just made it up quickly using some left over wood from a wine rack, 150 ib tracer wire and large swivel from fishing tackle shop, two large screws, a couple
of washers and a pin of some sort (or use an allen key).
?
If designed professionally ¨C threaded tube could screw into the RA cover thread and then have the frame and finally something like the Dec clutch tightening knob that threads onto
the same threaded tube.
?
Hope the pictures make sense.
?
Regards Richard
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 10:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
I watched your video...now that you mention your "gear puller" I see your wooden rectangular enclosure briefly appears in the video.
I see that the wooden rack pushes down on the RA body mounting, and the front wooden part is attached to the RA front polar scope cover.? There are what appear to be wires pulling
up on the RA cover knob, and the wires lift the RA weight off the RA clutch, so it will rotate more easily.??
How do you adjust the wires to pull up?? I see some bolts in front.? Can you sketch or describe how that mechanism?works?
Anyway, that's quite a clever wood lifter idea.? Thanks for sharing that?with the group.
?
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs
the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient,
you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
Not sure what my RA washer configuration is, mount is only 1 ? years old. Dec I pulled apart heaps and don¡¯t have the desire to do anything on the RA.
?
Without the ¡°pull¡± system, due to higher system load (which is why I bought the G11GT), I measure about 1.4 kgs at the end of the weight shaft to pull up and same to pull down.
?
With ¡°pull¡± system in place, I¡¯m down to 0.2 kg. It¡¯s almost neutral. Haven¡¯t tried to get to neutral, will try to see what I can get to next time I setup.
?
Yes, Dec much easier to do, including a little push from the counterweight end to completely free it all.
?
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 2:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
The extra photos explain your design...the bolts in front push on metal plates, and lift the upper front wood piece, which is attached to the wire holding the front polar scope cover.? Very clever!
The takeaway for me was that, using this method, you did find the RA axis much easier to rotate for perfect balance.? You got the same benefit as the "wavy washer" new design.? The wavy washer requires a slot machined in the drive clutch
plate area which my earlier mount designs don't have.? So...you provided some ideas to try.? ?
As for me, to date, I have used a "push" in both rotation directions on my RA axis to get a sense of the RA counterweight balance.? As long as that is pretty close, my RA drive seems to have no trouble.? I can also use the current meter
on my Gemini power supply to measure the sidereal drive current with the scope on the East, vs West, side of the mount.??
For DEC, it is far easier...just put the counterweight rod horizontal, and loosen the DEC clutch knob. Then there is zero weight on the DEC clutch and that axis swings around easily with no friction.? That is simple to rebalance.??
Thanks again Richard for sharing your wood lift design.? Something new to try out...!? ?
?
Hi Michael
?
I had the idea and then just made it up quickly using some left over wood from a wine rack, 150 ib tracer wire and large swivel from fishing tackle shop, two large screws, a couple
of washers and a pin of some sort (or use an allen key).
?
If designed professionally ¨C threaded tube could screw into the RA cover thread and then have the frame and finally something like the Dec clutch tightening knob that threads onto
the same threaded tube.
?
Hope the pictures make sense.
?
Regards Richard
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 10:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
I watched your video...now that you mention your "gear puller" I see your wooden rectangular enclosure briefly appears in the video.
I see that the wooden rack pushes down on the RA body mounting, and the front wooden part is attached to the RA front polar scope cover.? There are what appear to be wires pulling
up on the RA cover knob, and the wires lift the RA weight off the RA clutch, so it will rotate more easily.??
How do you adjust the wires to pull up?? I see some bolts in front.? Can you sketch or describe how that mechanism?works?
Anyway, that's quite a clever wood lifter idea.? Thanks for sharing that?with the group.
?
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs
the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient,
you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
Hi Richard,
The extra photos explain your design...the bolts in front push on metal plates, and lift the upper front wood piece, which is attached to the wire holding the front polar scope cover.? Very clever!
The takeaway for me was that, using this method, you did find the RA axis much easier to rotate for perfect balance.? You got the same benefit as the "wavy washer" new design.? The wavy washer requires a slot machined in the drive clutch plate area which my earlier mount designs don't have.? So...you provided some ideas to try.? ?
As for me, to date, I have used a "push" in both rotation directions on my RA axis to get a sense of the RA counterweight balance.? As long as that is pretty close, my RA drive seems to have no trouble.? I can also use the current meter on my Gemini power supply to measure the sidereal drive current with the scope on the East, vs West, side of the mount.??
For DEC, it is far easier...just put the counterweight rod horizontal, and loosen the DEC clutch knob. Then there is zero weight on the DEC clutch and that axis swings around easily with no friction.? That is simple to rebalance.??
Thanks again Richard for sharing your wood lift design.? Something new to try out...!? ?
Very best, Michael
Hi Michael
?
I had the idea and then just made it up quickly using some left over wood from a wine rack, 150 ib tracer wire and large swivel from fishing tackle shop, two large screws, a couple of washers and
a pin of some sort (or use an allen key).
?
If designed professionally ¨C threaded tube could screw into the RA cover thread and then have the frame and finally something like the Dec clutch tightening knob that threads onto the same threaded
tube.
?
Hope the pictures make sense.
?
Regards Richard
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 10:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
I watched your video...now that you mention your "gear puller" I see your wooden rectangular enclosure briefly appears in the video.
I see that the wooden rack pushes down on the RA body mounting, and the front wooden part is attached to the RA front polar scope cover.? There are what appear to be wires pulling up on the RA cover knob, and the wires lift the RA weight
off the RA clutch, so it will rotate more easily.??
How do you adjust the wires to pull up?? I see some bolts in front.? Can you sketch or describe how that mechanism?works?
Anyway, that's quite a clever wood lifter idea.? Thanks for sharing that?with the group.
?
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs
the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying
or distribution of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
Hi Steve
It worked this time
and this is following the baseline guiding? I can look at these later and give you feedback
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 8:56 PM Steve Elmore via <gizmo_s67= [email protected]> wrote: I tried four times to upload the files and they never show up.? I will try again.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Hi Michael
?
I had the idea and then just made it up quickly using some left over wood from a wine rack, 150 ib tracer wire and large swivel from fishing tackle shop, two large screws, a couple of washers and
a pin of some sort (or use an allen key).
?
If designed professionally ¨C threaded tube could screw into the RA cover thread and then have the frame and finally something like the Dec clutch tightening knob that threads onto the same threaded
tube.
?
Hope the pictures make sense.
?
Regards Richard
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Michael Herman via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 10:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi Richard,
I watched your video...now that you mention your "gear puller" I see your wooden rectangular enclosure briefly appears in the video.
I see that the wooden rack pushes down on the RA body mounting, and the front wooden part is attached to the RA front polar scope cover.? There are what appear to be wires pulling up on the RA cover knob, and the wires lift the RA weight
off the RA clutch, so it will rotate more easily.??
How do you adjust the wires to pull up?? I see some bolts in front.? Can you sketch or describe how that mechanism?works?
Anyway, that's quite a clever wood lifter idea.? Thanks for sharing that?with the group.
?
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
From:
[email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs
the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying
or distribution of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
I tried four times to upload the files and they never show up.? I will try again.
|
That seems artificially large. even with comparable systems i usually see around 4-5"/pix
it really depends on your guiding results and your imaging resolution.?
If you G811 is brand new, that backlash number is not correct. PHD does not read the spring loaded worms well.?
As i mentioned above and several times, we would really need to see the guidelogs, preferably from a baseline guiding.?
Steve is there a reason you aren't doing the baseline or uploading guidelogs??
?
i'd love to help, but this is just poking around the edges until we get some real data here
|
I had not noticed the guiding resolution.? I may have 2x2 binning.? The guide camera 648x486, 7.4¦Ìm with a 100mm lens.? No binning will bring it down to 15.2"/pixel.? I did just add a 200mm guide scope.? That will bring it down to 7.6"/pixel.? How low do I go?? The guide camera is old, so I might be able to justify a new one.?
|
Hi Richard,
I watched your video...now that you mention your "gear puller" I see your wooden rectangular enclosure briefly appears in the video.
I see that the wooden rack pushes down on the RA body mounting, and the front wooden part is attached to the RA front polar scope cover.? There are what appear to be wires pulling up on the RA cover knob, and the wires lift the RA weight off the RA clutch, so it will rotate more easily.??
How do you adjust the wires to pull up?? I see some bolts in front.? Can you sketch or describe how that mechanism?works?
Anyway, that's quite a clever wood lifter idea.? Thanks for sharing that?with the group.
Michael
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to
find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of
this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
Hi Rick
?
I have a G11GT so it¡¯s the Titan RA. I use electronic luggage scales and at the end of the weight shaft pull up then pull down, adjust until the numbers are the same.
?
The heavier your load and higher the altitude the worse it gets.
?
Lately I build like a gear puller to help with the balancing the RA. Pulls the weight off the clutch plate so balancing much more accurate. See video attached.
?
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of rboudah via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Balancing RA
?
Hi just received new G11G and was trying to balance the RA axis and at my latitude of 45 degrees and there was way to much friction to balance the mount. This mount definitely needs the wavy washer. To get around this I used 2 methods to
find balance.
1. Set the altitude adjustment to 0 so that all loads are on the bearings and none on the friction plate. This works perfectly.
2. I have an amp meter on my battery box so I set the RA axis to horizontal and slewed in one direction and then the other waiting for the current to steady . I adjusted the weight so that the current was the same. This I could do with the altitude at 45 degrees.
Both were very close to each other.
Rick
This e-mail and any files attached are intended solely for the use of the addressee. They may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of
this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
|
The GM8, with a light tripod would be a fantastic grab and go rig but I think that Scot Losmandy, under rates the payload? capacity.? I think the GM8 will lift a little more.Their will be one in my Astro toy box at some point.
"HAPPY SKIES EVERYONE AND KEEP LOOKING UP" Deric
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 5/15/20 1:12 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Thanks to everyone!
Nice guys! Great to hear you are enjoying?
personally i think the G8 is super underrated. it's an exceptional mount and the imaging capacity is 50lbs? crazy
Richard, I have had a G11G for about five months now I've had a few issues with mine, all my own doing. The mount worked just like I told it work even if it was not what I wanted
Every one here on this forum. Brian, Michael, Sonny, Chip, and others put up with my rantings. Brian, was the key to finding out what I was doing wrong. I thought about buying a Gm8, maybe later. This next go around I will buy a,15," Obsession Dob. For
a different experience. My Losmandy G11G works great, now that I understand how to communicate with it. Enjoy that mount.
"HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP"?
Deric
?
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
-------- Original message --------
Date: 5/15/20 8:40 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Thanks to everyone!
I joined this group last year before I bought my G11. This group helped me make the decision. ?
I have had my G11 for a month now and I could not happier with it! It¡¯s taken my Astrophotography to another level!
Plan was to to use my other mount, an iOptron for star parties. I do a lot of those. Well, I¡¯m so happy with the G11 I¡¯m considering trading in the iOptron for a G8!
--
Rick Paul
Tucson, AZ
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
On the topic of using current to balance RA, has anyone had much luck with the Gemini 2 balance function?? My old iOptron iEQ45 had a similar function and it worked perfectly (and was extremely accurate, it even told where to move the weights), but in my very limited messing with the Gemini 2 one I didn't see much change.
|
Yes, good point Brian.? He'll need to add up the total amps for his system.?
I run off the house power for my observatory but with the portable GM8 I use a battery.
?
Chris
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----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Sent: 5/15/2020 2:18:42 PM
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Power
nice links Chris
as far as battery capacity, you'd probably want to measure your amp hours, and multiply by at least 1.5
I recall running a G11 with an Intel Nuc computer, focuser, camera, and filter wheel all plugged in, and it was around 12ah for the night. so I went with a 25ah battery (i also anticipated future use of dew heaters, which pull about 3-5ah per night additional)
Brian
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 11:08 AM Chris Cook <chris@...> wrote:
Bill,
?
I just bought a 12v 12Ah sealed lead acid battery for my non-goto GM8.
I got it from Battery Mart.? Good prices and fast shipping.
?
Since you're running a goto system, you'll want a larger capacity battery like this one.
?
Hope this helps.
Chris
?
-----------------------------------
Chris Cook Photography
--------------------------------------------------
Web:
Blog:
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
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?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Gardner <pictorobservatory@...>
Sent: 5/15/2020 12:17:44 PM
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Power
I¡¯m taking my old GM-8 with Gemini v1 out of storage and am wondering what people suggest for powering these days.
Thanks
Bill --
_____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
nice links Chris
as far as battery capacity, you'd probably want to measure your amp hours, and multiply by at least 1.5
I recall running a G11 with an Intel Nuc computer, focuser, camera, and filter wheel all plugged in, and it was around 12ah for the night. so I went with a 25ah battery (i also anticipated future use of dew heaters, which pull about 3-5ah per night additional)
Brian
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 11:08 AM Chris Cook < chris@...> wrote:
Bill,
?
I just bought a 12v 12Ah sealed lead acid battery for my non-goto GM8.
I got it from Battery Mart.? Good prices and fast shipping.
?
Since you're running a goto system, you'll want a larger capacity battery like this one.
?
Hope this helps.
Chris
?
-----------------------------------
Chris Cook Photography
--------------------------------------------------
Web:
Blog:
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
--------------------------------------------------
?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Gardner <pictorobservatory@...>
Sent: 5/15/2020 12:17:44 PM
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Power
I¡¯m taking my old GM-8 with Gemini v1 out of storage and am wondering what people suggest for powering these days.
Thanks
Bill --
_____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Nice guys! Great to hear you are enjoying?
personally i think the G8 is super underrated. it's an exceptional mount and the imaging capacity is 50lbs? crazy
Richard, I have had a G11G for about five months now I've had a few issues with mine, all my own doing. The mount worked just like I told it work even if it was not what I wanted
Every one here on this forum. Brian, Michael, Sonny, Chip, and others put up with my rantings. Brian, was the key to finding out what I was doing wrong. I thought about buying a Gm8, maybe later. This next go around I will buy a,15," Obsession Dob. For
a different experience. My Losmandy G11G works great, now that I understand how to communicate with it. Enjoy that mount.
"HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP"?
Deric
?
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
-------- Original message --------
Date: 5/15/20 8:40 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Thanks to everyone!
I joined this group last year before I bought my G11. This group helped me make the decision. ?
I have had my G11 for a month now and I could not happier with it! It¡¯s taken my Astrophotography to another level!
Plan was to to use my other mount, an iOptron for star parties. I do a lot of those. Well, I¡¯m so happy with the G11 I¡¯m considering trading in the iOptron for a G8!
--
Rick Paul
Tucson, AZ
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Bill,
?
I just bought a 12v 12Ah sealed lead acid battery for my non-goto GM8.
I got it from Battery Mart.? Good prices and fast shipping.
?
Since you're running a goto system, you'll want a larger capacity battery like this one.
?
Hope this helps.
Chris
?
-----------------------------------
Chris Cook Photography
--------------------------------------------------
Web:
Blog:
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
--------------------------------------------------
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Gardner <pictorobservatory@...>
Sent: 5/15/2020 12:17:44 PM
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Power
I¡¯m taking my old GM-8 with Gemini v1 out of storage and am wondering what people suggest for powering these days.
Thanks
Bill --
_____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
|
Richard, I have had a G11G for about five months now I've had a few issues with mine, all my own doing. The mount worked just like I told it work even if it was not what I wanted
Every one here on this forum. Brian, Michael, Sonny, Chip, and others put up with my rantings. Brian, was the key to finding out what I was doing wrong. I thought about buying a Gm8, maybe later. This next go around I will buy a,15," Obsession Dob. For
a different experience. My Losmandy G11G works great, now that I understand how to communicate with it. Enjoy that mount.
"HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP"?
Deric
?
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: "Richard Paul via groups.io" <rickpaul@...>
Date: 5/15/20 8:40 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Thanks to everyone!
I joined this group last year before I bought my G11. This group helped me make the decision. ?
I have had my G11 for a month now and I could not happier with it! It¡¯s taken my Astrophotography to another level!
Plan was to to use my other mount, an iOptron for star parties. I do a lot of those. Well, I¡¯m so happy with the G11 I¡¯m considering trading in the iOptron for a G8!
--
Rick Paul
Tucson, AZ
|
Hi Bill
boy, you are not alone! lots of people?are getting into astronomy lately which is great
Your mount came with a cigarette lighter style plug adapter, so you can use that with any 12v battery?
If you are using AC power, Losmandy has a good 15v AC-DC adapter.
Michael Herman has a good solution for general use including the mount, i'm sure he will chime in here too
I¡¯m taking my old GM-8 with Gemini v1 out of storage and am wondering what people suggest for powering these days.
Thanks
Bill --
_____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
I¡¯m taking my old GM-8 with Gemini v1 out of storage and am wondering what people suggest for powering these days.
Thanks
Bill -- _____________ Pictor Observatory
Twitter: @pictorobs
Minor Planet 21350 - billgardner
|
JohnVanAllen
Michael Herman
Steve Elmore