Re: Stand alone auto guiding systems
Yes - what product are you looking at?
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Stand alone auto guiding systems
Hi all,?
I like the idea of an auto guider but don't want the hassle of using a computer, so have been looking at the stand alone units, if it says it is ST4 compatible will/should it work with my G11 Gemini 1 and has anyone used one of these units and do they actually work, I am in Bortle 6 area ?
Thank you.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
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.
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What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
What are you trying to accomplish?? Get PHD2 auto-guiding working -or- control the mount -or- start up the mount?
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
Robin Cassidy was bought by someone, and many parts are still available
I need to replace a broken safety screw. It seems that the Robin Cassady product is no longer available. Are there any (better) options other than stock?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
You have the correct gearing so it may be academic at this point ;)
The default when it ships is G11, which would explain the 360, and you do need to set it manually.?
Brian
On Wed, Sep 30, 2020 at 8:17 AM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: Hi Brian, ? Type was set to G11T when I received it. I thought it should have been changed automatically too, but it wasn’t. I don’t recall if I tried setting it to another type and then back G11T or not. I might try that just to see what happens. ? Larry ? ? Hi Larry >>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270 ? On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams <adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven’t ran PHD2 as I haven’t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don’t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
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-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Hi Brian, ? Type was set to G11T when I received it. I thought it should have been changed automatically too, but it wasn’t. I don’t recall if I tried setting it to another type and then back G11T or not. I might try that just to see what happens. ? Larry ? ? Hi Larry >>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270 ?
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On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven’t ran PHD2 as I haven’t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don’t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
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Re: Counterweight bar safety screw
I never heard of nor his (her?) products before. (Sorry. But not too proud to show my ignorance.)
On my mount the "toe saver", as I often here these referred to, is the fairly basic and substantial Thumb screw with a 3/8" Allan socket stem screw, and a 3/8" fender washer.
It's difficult for me to see where that could be improved upon, except for personal taste.
While I admittedly have a smaller imaging telescope, and lesser needs, I found my ideal solution in the RAEXT and never having to remove my counter weight from the shaft. I can transport the entire Dec assembly as one of my "chunks".
(As I move my equipment out and in routinely.) By using the RAEXT, I never need to move or remove the counterweight, and the assembly stays in balance.
I can understand where the winged supplied "toe saver" might not appeal to all. Have you considered replacing the stock offering with an or hand screw? One of those could be a custom alternative.
Two ways I know of to remove the broken stem:
1. Drill the remaining stem and use an Easy Out to remove the broken end.
2. Use a left handed drill (Harbor Freight, or McMaster-Carr) to drill into the broken stem. The nature of a Left Handed twist drill often removes the broken bolt end. (Lefty-loosey)
I would recommend a machine shop, or friend with a metal working lathe be sought.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Counterweight bar safety screw
I need to replace a broken safety screw. It seems that the Robin Cassady product is no longer available. Are there any (better) options other than stock?
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Hi Larry
>>>The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T.
if you choose G11T from the Type screen, it should set the gearing correctly to -270
On Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 8:18 PM Larry Adams < adamsll@...> wrote: I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven’t ran PHD2 as I haven’t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don’t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default? from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I am using NINA connected to my Gemini 2 with Ethernet. Haven’t ran PHD2 as I haven’t had anything but smoke and clouds here in Northern Colorado! PHD2 opened in NINA and connected to my guide camera fine so don’t think the Ethernet connection should be an issue The only issue I had was changing the RA tooth count Default from 360 to -270 for the G11T. The instructions in the Gemini-2 guide differs a little from my windows 10 Pro in what the pages look like in the higher level pages, but the actual parameter setting screens are the same.
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>>>
Right now I'm thinking that just cleaning the pads has made a world of difference.
that doesn't surprise me, good news
>>>I don't have a way to ensure that the nut is the same tightness, other than "hmm that seems about the same".
if you are continuing this into the future, maybe a couple pieces of tape, one on the clutch knob and one on the axis, where at least you can line up the tape points. Figuring out the same # of tightening revolutions should be easier
I don't have a way to ensure that the nut is the same tightness, other than "hmm that seems about the same". I was thinking of 3d printing a part that I could clamp to the tightening nut and attach the torque wrench to that. I would of course be careful not to over-tighten the nut -- my whole thought here is that too much pressure on the bearing may cause it to roll unevenly.?
Right now I'm thinking that just cleaning the pads has made a world of difference. I'll take the scope out tonight and see how it goes. If my guiding spikes are gone and I can get those great images again I'll probably put this stuff on the back burner.? There's only so many hours in a day to obsess over this after all!
Jamie
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I tried an Ethernet cable, and it didn't work. I re-tried the USB port, but this time I did a mount setup which a got with the little black button on the left of connect/disconnect button. I put in some numbers, tried connecting again and it worked with the
USB port. So far so good. Thanks?for the reply!
Jeff
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I would suggest using Ethernet. All the setup instructions are on the Gemini-2.com website. Worked for me first try.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
Are you using PHD2 with the ethernet port or something else?
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I would suggest using Ethernet. All the setup instructions are on the Gemini-2.com website. Worked for me first try.
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Re: PHD2/G11T connection problems
I would suggest using Ethernet. All the setup instructions are on the Gemini-2.com website. Worked for me first try.
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PHD2/G11T connection problems
Hi everybody. I have been using my new G11t for about three weeks, but I haven’t tried autoguiding with it yet. Today I plugged in my mount to my PC using the USB port on the Gemini box. I get a message telling me that the system was trying to connect to the mount but it never does. I did download the Gemini mount ASCOM app, previously. At this point I have no idea what I need to do to get the computer and mount paired up. Any help would be really appreciated.
Jeff
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I don't have a way to ensure that the nut is the same tightness, other than "hmm that seems about the same". I was thinking of 3d printing a part that I could clamp to the tightening nut and attach the torque wrench to that. I would of course be careful not to over-tighten the nut -- my whole thought here is that too much pressure on the bearing may cause it to roll unevenly.?
Right now I'm thinking that just cleaning the pads has made a world of difference. I'll take the scope out tonight and see how it goes. If my guiding spikes are gone and I can get those great images again I'll probably put this stuff on the back burner.? There's only so many hours in a day to obsess over this after all!
Jamie
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Re: Options for software control of Gemini 1 (G11)
I use Ekos/Kstars from Indilib.org too and am very happy with it.? It integrates a whole bunch of functionality including dome control of your observatory, planetarium control, autoguiding, alignment, plate solving, multiple configurations.? It is a one stop shop free of charge, and can even run on a Pi 2B (client and server) controlled remotely.? If you need to transfer images and if power is no issue you may want to get a Pi 4B.? It also has an OnStep driver in case you want to build your own Goto controller, which I did (and happy about the outcome).? But Ekos supports the Gemini too IIRC.
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Lithium is the worst grease for the mount, it gets hot and drips and runs, it gets cold and stiff , it also dries up and leaves hard clay behind. Buy a true synthetic based grease with Teflon, I like SuperLube with Teflon, it is the best stuff out there IMO and has the lab tests to prove it. Here in the USA Amazon has tubs of the stuff for $10 and is lasts forever. I have been giving blobs to my friends with Losmandy mounts in ziplocks and have rebuilt about a dozen friends Losmandy G11 and GM8 mounts using that can and I still have 2/3 of it left.?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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ah okay thanks
how do you ensure you are hand tightening the same amount?
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This is how I used the torque wrench:?? So now I have a number that I can look at to see if my clutches are slipping and if it's time to clean them. I can also note down the torque numbers on good or bad nights to help understand how the clutch tightness affects guiding.?
Jamie
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Dave_Kentsbeer
jeff marston
Jamie Amendolagine
Chip Louie