Re: Cover for G11 with 9.25 SCT and guide scope
Bought a large reflective tarp (silver one side, blue the other), folded it in half with the silver side out and asked wifey to sew up the ends making a sufficiently large and inexpensive cover. Use it inside my ROR observatory for the telescope and GM811G mount.
Jamey
On Fri, Oct 2, 2020, 1:06 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: +1 for telegizmos covers
I leave my scopes out 24/7 365, including rain and lately temperatures up to 118F (you read that right) and my scopes and equipment have weathered it just fine (pun intended haha)
I also added a bit of radiant heat shield to the top to avoid the sun beating on it too much
Brian
I'm trying to find a suitable cover that will work for the above setup, which measures roughly 40" wide and 46" tall (to upper tripod clamps) for visual and possibly 48" wide for the imaging train when I setup later (though that is more likely when I have an ROR). Ideally, I'm looking for something discreet, e.g. green in colour (which I know is not ideal) but that's not a showstopper. I was recommended the Telegizmos cover for 12-14" EQ/GEM mounted SCTs. That sounds like it might be too bog (and I don't want loose covers flapping about). Until I get a ROR built I envisage leaving the setup out for a couple of weeks at a time if not more (depending on weather). Once I have the ROR the cover would be used for camps, dark site visits, etc. Suggestions welcome.
--
Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Cover for G11 with 9.25 SCT and guide scope
+1 for telegizmos covers
I leave my scopes out 24/7 365, including rain and lately temperatures up to 118F (you read that right) and my scopes and equipment have weathered it just fine (pun intended haha)
I also added a bit of radiant heat shield to the top to avoid the sun beating on it too much
Brian
I'm trying to find a suitable cover that will work for the above setup, which measures roughly 40" wide and 46" tall (to upper tripod clamps) for visual and possibly 48" wide for the imaging train when I setup later (though that is more likely when I have an ROR). Ideally, I'm looking for something discreet, e.g. green in colour (which I know is not ideal) but that's not a showstopper. I was recommended the Telegizmos cover for 12-14" EQ/GEM mounted SCTs. That sounds like it might be too bog (and I don't want loose covers flapping about). Until I get a ROR built I envisage leaving the setup out for a couple of weeks at a time if not more (depending on weather). Once I have the ROR the cover would be used for camps, dark site visits, etc. Suggestions welcome.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Cover for G11 with 9.25 SCT and guide scope
I'm trying to find a suitable cover that will work for the above setup, which measures roughly 40" wide and 46" tall (to upper tripod clamps) for visual and possibly 48" wide for the imaging train when I setup later (though that is more likely when I have an ROR). Ideally, I'm looking for something discreet, e.g. green in colour (which I know is not ideal) but that's not a showstopper. I was recommended the Telegizmos cover for 12-14" EQ/GEM mounted SCTs. That sounds like it might be too bog (and I don't want loose covers flapping about). Until I get a ROR built I envisage leaving the setup out for a couple of weeks at a time if not more (depending on weather). Once I have the ROR the cover would be used for camps, dark site visits, etc. Suggestions welcome.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Nice work Jeff
As I recall, you did a major upgrade into some really long focal lengths, so getting even this far is a pretty big step forward
Brian
After some feedback from Brian, I rounded up the proper cables for PHD2 and plugged them into the correct ports. I also readjusted the worm gear compression on the RA unit. Last night was the first chance I have had to?give
autoguiding a good shot. and it worked. The guiding graph was a bit rough at first, but it smoothed out quickly. I was able to take some decent short exposure shots?of
M13. The stars were round and there was no drift from frame to frame. I would call that a success!?
As I am getting more familiar with my new mount, I am starting to really like how well it is working. I was using my C8 with a .7 focal
reducer last night. Decent guiding with a 1400mm focal length is not a small thing. I have aspirations of using my C11 for imaging, also, but I am quite happy that the smaller scope worked so well for now.?
I am trying to get PHD2 working and then do some autoguiding. I have been able to do autoguiding, using PHD2, with my CGX-L mount, but haven't tried it with my Losmandy mount, yet.
[Edited Message Follows]
What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
After some feedback from Brian, I rounded up the proper cables for PHD2 and plugged them into the correct ports. I also readjusted the worm gear compression on the RA unit. Last night was the first chance I have had to?give
autoguiding a good shot. and it worked. The guiding graph was a bit rough at first, but it smoothed out quickly. I was able to take some decent short exposure shots?of
M13. The stars were round and there was no drift from frame to frame. I would call that a success!?
As I am getting more familiar with my new mount, I am starting to really like how well it is working. I was using my C8 with a .7 focal
reducer last night. Decent guiding with a 1400mm focal length is not a small thing. I have aspirations of using my C11 for imaging, also, but I am quite happy that the smaller scope worked so well for now.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I am trying to get PHD2 working and then do some autoguiding. I have been able to do autoguiding, using PHD2, with my CGX-L mount, but haven't tried it with my Losmandy mount, yet.
[Edited Message Follows]
What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
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Carte du Ciel & GM8+Gemini 2
I want to use Carte du Ciel to control my Gemini. I first do a Gemini startup and confirm all coordinates using the GPS satellite attachment. So times & coordinates are correct pointing to Polaris. I set it as my home position with the Gemini and then connect the Carte du Ciel.?
Unfortunately when I ask the scope to slew it goes in the opposite direction.?
Any ideas how to correct?
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I've just used SuperLube (PTFE) on my G11. Too early to say but I am expecting it to be fine.
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
Thanks. I have some of those screws at hand so will try to find a suitable washer.
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
Thanks all, it might help if I spelt the name correctly!?
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I bought my G811 in March from High Point Scientific but it was shipped directly from Losmandy so I know it was properly adjusted. I've bought some additional parts direct from Losmandy as I found a need for them. Their customer service is great and they respond promptly if you have any questions or comments.
Richard
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Hi Stosh
Here are a couple thoughts for you:
all dealers have the identical product. They sell packaged solutions
Losmandy direct has the (relatively new) option of configurable mounts, so if you want something specific you can choose the options, and maybe save some $$ depending on the options you get ?
the flip side is we are way backordered on all mounts. Interest in astronomy has just been.... astronomical (for lack of better word, or perhaps the perfect word ha!)?
Scott personally hand tunes each mount that goes out, and I'm fairly certain the resellers do not do any additional QC efforts (at least afaik)
Brian
On Thu, Oct 1, 2020 at 6:20 PM Stosh <mike@...> wrote:
I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve decided that the G11G with the HD Tripod is the correct mount for my current and future requirements. ? The price is the same at every authorized vendor I’ve checked, but some vendors don’t seem to charge out of state tax and some offer free shipping. ? Aside from this, is there any reason to order from a particular vendor or from Losmandy itself? ? Shipping speed and having to wait on back orders is not a concern for me.? I’m more interested to know if certain vendors are known to qualify control the mount before shipping or are known to better package the mount to prevent shipping damage.
Thanks.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Stosh,
I'm all for giving vendors business.? I usually order from HPS, Astronomics, ADM, a couple of times a year.? Few others but they are my go to shops.
When I bought my G11T last Spring, I ordered it directly from Losmandy.? I did the same thing you are doing, visited vendor sites, etc..? I ended up speaking with Tanya and Scott, who both helped me a lot with my decision.? I just felt more comfortable purchasing it from them directly.? Not to say trusted vendors could not support you as well, but it was how I felt.??I had to wait about a week and a half for delivery.
As for quality control, I don't know if vendors actually QC the mounts prior to shipment.? But I'm sure the mount I purchased was QC'd at Losmandy's shop prior to shipment.? And the mount I ordered was they mount shipped.? I haven't had one problem with it since I received it.
I guess its a personal decision.? Wish I could give you more objective info.
- Jerry
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I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve decided that the G11G with the HD Tripod is the correct mount for my current and future requirements. ? The price is the same at every authorized vendor I’ve checked, but some vendors don’t seem to charge out of state tax and some offer free shipping. ? Aside from this, is there any reason to order from a particular vendor or from Losmandy itself? ? Shipping speed and having to wait on back orders is not a concern for me. ?I’m more interested to know if certain vendors are known to qualify control the mount before shipping or are known to better package the mount to prevent shipping damage.
Thanks.
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Astro Gadget wifi adaptor - adding to home router
After having issues with the BT adaptor i got recently Alexander at Astro Gadget kindly replaced it for a wifi adaptor, this is working fine with K Stars for MAC so this will be my controller of choice for now, I have yet to get the Gemini 1 to work with Stellarium for MAC or Stellarium Mobile for Android but happy that I got it working at all, at least it proves that the mount is ok and the issue is Stellarium.
Although I can connect the computer directly to the wifi adaptor that then stops the computer wifi connection to my camera at the same time so to make life a bit easier I am trying to find a way to connect the wifi adaptor to my home router but bare in mind there is no interface on the wifi adaptor i cannot configure the connection there, so need to add the wifi adaptors configuration (IP and port) to the router but do not know where to start, I have googled it to death but am yet to find an answer, are there any network experts on here that might be able to help please ?
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Yes i have seen the Lacerta MGEN, a bit out of my price range at the moment, reading reviews on the other systems i might give it a miss for now, thanks for the advice though.
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Hi Dave,
I haven't tested it myself, but I have heard only good things about Lacerta MGEN II.
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Brendan is spot on
But also I know there are a lot of DSLR-only imagers out there who aren't using any sort of computer
I had experience with SBIG's standalone guider some years ago.?
PROS
- gets the basic guiding job done? ?- doesn't require computer - compact solution (vs computer and cables) - probably best for <500mm focal lengths and widefield
CONS - more $$ (compared with just guide camera) - not a lot of control if guiding isn't quite spot-on - not tunable enough for longer focal lengths? - if something goes wrong, it's hard to figure out what happened
Dave if your autoguiding then you’re probably imaging and need an image sequence control system.? If you have a camera usually you need a focus routine ?(Large screen to focus test) and or a motor focuser with temp compensation.? Also a larger screen to review images. ?
Then you’re in the domain of planetarium telescope control and more.......
Basically you are fast arriving at the point “you need a computer (laptop)”. ? Or a remote computer.?
I’ve also found standalone autoguider systems more expensive than a std autoguider ?
FWIW ?--
Brendan
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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I am using Superlube in my GM-8, works great. But I also have a can of industrial moly grease that I used to use on the brakes in a high performance sports sedan many years ago. It seems to plate itself on any metal surface -- was curious if this might be usable as well?
Thanks,
Greg Latiak
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Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Dave if your autoguiding then you’re probably imaging and need an image sequence control system. ?If you have a camera usually you need a focus routine ?(Large screen to focus test) and or a motor focuser with temp compensation. ?Also a larger screen to review images. ?
Then you’re in the domain of planetarium telescope control and more.......
Basically you are fast arriving at the point “you need a computer (laptop)”. ? Or a remote computer.?
I’ve also found standalone autoguider systems more expensive than a std autoguider ?
FWIW ?--
Brendan
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jeff marston
Dave_Kentsbeer
