Re: Declination "Motor Stalled" warning on G11/G-1
Russ,
A few things can cause this behavior. First of all, check the motor cable both ends for any corrosion of the 6 pins at each end.? I try to polish those connection pins up. Likewise the female pin contacts inside the connectors could be oxidized.? You might be able to put a thin round (rat-tail) file in and make the contacts better.
So try that first.
Another thing you can do is to reduce the motor max speed setting.? There is a digital setting for this...try reducing that and see if your stall messages go away.
Best of luck, Michael
On Sun, Jan 24, 2021 at 1:11 PM Russell Milton < russmilt@...> wrote: Last time I used my Losmandy G11/Gemini-1, it kept giving "Motor Stalled" message when starting go-to alignment. I came to believe the problem was with the Dec motor/gear train.?
So yesterday during daylight hours, I had an opportunity to service the declination worm-gear set. I was able to tip the worm away from the worm-gear (ring-gear) without disconnecting from the drive motor. This allowed for cleaning the ring-gear of any debris that might be causing the motor to stall. An old toothbrush was used to clean each gear tooth and more uniformly distribute the lubricating grease. I see the need for a more thorough cleaning, to remove old grease and apply fresh lube. But for now I have done a quick service.
?
I used the opportunity to set the gear clearance for minimum free-play and backlash. Even though I could move the worm by hand with no resistance, upon tuning on the Losmandy G-11 electronics, I still got a "motor-stalled" warning. So I restarted and bypassed go-to alignment. Then selecting the "Sidereal" drive rate, I was able to use the hand controller to move both RA and Dec without motor stall error. Then restarting the electronics allowed for normal go-to alignment, without motor-stall errors. This led me to believe the problem was not mechanical - that is detritus where the gears meshed causing the stall. It appeared the problem was electrical or software. Now I'm hoping the mount will function properly under nighttime conditions.
Any comments, suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Russ
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Declination "Motor Stalled" warning on G11/G-1
Last time I used my Losmandy G11/Gemini-1, it kept giving "Motor Stalled" message when starting go-to alignment. I came to believe the problem was with the Dec motor/gear train.?
So yesterday during daylight hours, I had an opportunity to service the declination worm-gear set. I was able to tip the worm away from the worm-gear (ring-gear) without disconnecting from the drive motor. This allowed for cleaning the ring-gear of any debris that might be causing the motor to stall. An old toothbrush was used to clean each gear tooth and more uniformly distribute the lubricating grease. I see the need for a more thorough cleaning, to remove old grease and apply fresh lube. But for now I have done a quick service.
?
I used the opportunity to set the gear clearance for minimum free-play and backlash. Even though I could move the worm by hand with no resistance, upon tuning on the Losmandy G-11 electronics, I still got a "motor-stalled" warning. So I restarted and bypassed go-to alignment. Then selecting the "Sidereal" drive rate, I was able to use the hand controller to move both RA and Dec without motor stall error. Then restarting the electronics allowed for normal go-to alignment, without motor-stall errors. This led me to believe the problem was not mechanical - that is detritus where the gears meshed causing the stall. It appeared the problem was electrical or software. Now I'm hoping the mount will function properly under nighttime conditions.
Any comments, suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Russ
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I'd be fine with adding switches, especially if there were a DIY kit offered from Losmandy.? From this thread on the Gemini forum, it sounded like the functionality was built into the Gemini 2 and there was a plan to make homing switches happen.
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Re: RA Divisor on Gemini 2 G811 mount.
Hi Ed
we did a video on this
On Sun, Jan 24, 2021 at 7:36 AM Edward Beshore via <ebeshore= [email protected]> wrote: Hi.? Would someone be able to comment on how the RA and DEC divisors can be used to generate a custom tracking rate? I would be interested in this for doing ¡°track and stack¡± imagery of asteroids.?
Thanks in advance,
Ed Beshore?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Understanding a GM8 for Possible Purchase
I'm in the "buy new, don't inherit do-do" camp.
I'm not saying the used mount isn't a great value, it may very well be great.
But it might also have some very frustrating quirks, or wear and tear, to work around. Things you can't possibly know ahead of the actual purchase and use.
I bought new with the faith anything I encountered would be attended to.
So far, Golden! And no troubles foreseeable.
Buying new also assures one that everything is exactly as Scott Losmandy intended it to be.
Not a Chevy with a Ford water pump installed. ;^)
Your Mileage May Vary....
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
I have my configuration set to do a Cold Start, because I always want to build a new model.
I did that just to by-pass the "Prompt if not Started", which I believe is the default Boot.
How many Warm Starts, or Warm Restarts, can be done before that model being booted from becomes outdated?
(Assuming the Earth is spinning, and we are moving through space as a solar system.)
I suppose you could say I still use a Sextant, over a GPS for positioning.
(New model VS: Plate Solving) LOL! ;^)
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: RA Divisor on Gemini 2 G811 mount.
Hi. ?Would someone be able to comment on how the RA and DEC divisors can be used to generate a custom tracking rate? I would be interested in this for doing ¡°track and stack¡± imagery of asteroids.?
Thanks in advance,
Ed Beshore?
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...as far as CWD, Bill, I have a plumb bob I hang on a hook centered on the toe-saver weight stop.
It's pretty simple, just a steel fishing leader, 24" long, with a 1 ounce pyramid sinker on one end.
The weight centers over the North leg of my tripod.
When beginning with everything plumb from the tripod up, it is natural for the weight shaft to be centered on a North pointing tripod leg.
This is for initial set up, and when returning to CWD from an approximate 90¡ã swing during Polar Alignment, before doing adjustments.
Then I remove it from the hook for Modeling and operation.
Bubble levels are better than nothing. But there are better ways available.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Hi Bill!
I'm pretty anal about my set up. I level my tripod, with the head off.
I've long done that with my AVX mount, and now with my GM811GHD.
The idea is to Start off with the base plumb to the earth.
Then, when the head is set on the mounts base, it goes on plumb. (In my case I have the 12" extension to make a portable pier out of it. and the RA head is "permanently" attached to the extension.")
Since the parts are precision machined, they fit together straight.
The RA setting is accurate, and the azimuth is plumb to the Earth. (Flat)
The Dec swings so it follows the Prime Vertical, and the RA is aligned to the North/South Meridian and when Polar Aligned, zeroed to the North Celestial Pole.
Now, we aren't building a 100 story sky scraper. But if we were, and we got hap-hazard about starting out plumb, we would be building the leaning tower of Pizza. ;^)
So I go to greater pains to begin plumb. As plumb as I can. And I use my digital level I know to be accurate, on a bar of cold rolled Steel
It's just doing the best I can to be accurate and consistent.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
David, you are correct.? Paul K caught my error last night and set me straight.? I apologize.??
I was wrong to say it was different between the G-1 and G-2.? There is Warm Start, Warm Restart, and Cold Start options on both Gemini models.??
I had to boot up my G-1 and finally see the three different options appear.? In the G-2, the display text does not scroll across the multiline display.? In the G-1 the messages scroll across a one line LED display.? My mind was just looking for the word "Warm" to mean "a bootup that recalls the model values," I never paid attention to the next word, and I never noticed if the next word was Start or Restart.? On the G-2 these options are clearly one below the other, but I just got a G-2 recently.? I never understood the difference seeing them on the G-2, and didn't know they were discussed in the G-1 manual at all....til last night.??
Up above in this thread, I attached a copy of the G-1 manual that explains these choice options on its page 38.? That section of the manual also explains under what conditions you would pick one over the other.??
After using the system for a decade, I learned something new.? And...I apologize for my error.??
They say Helen's was the face that launched a thousand ships.? Here the prefix "Re" has launched a thousand words, (maybe a thousand apologies from me).??
Related: The handy Gemini.net? center? section below the South diamond button has an option "Unpark".? I use that if I have parked my system, and then decide....one more target!? Unpark starts the RA tracking (Sidereal rate or whatever you were using last) and the model values are still in the system.?
So if you have a need...."Unpark" is also an option on Gemini.net to get out of a parked position...if the Gemini has not been powered off yet.??
Have fun, all,...? Michael
Michael, ? G-1 DOES have Warm Restart? ? David
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
Michael, ? G-1 DOES have Warm Restart? ? David
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
That is how I have it setup now.? Just did another verification test and I am getting a prompt now regarding boot sequence.? Thanks for all help.
Think I learned more today with this system then the past few weeks!!!
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking
Russ
>>>.? I then slewed the scope to different location and had to goto the new park position and it did.? Now, I powered off the mount (while waiting for clouds to go by) and powered back up 30 minutes later.
Also you don't have to power down the mount - you can either leave it parked with power on, or you can also just stop tracking where it is and when the clouds pass, re-enable tracking
If you aren't powering down, you can skip the whole park thing completely
you can slew it to whatever position best works for you (ROR, etc.) and just disable tracking.?
then when you're ready to go again, you can enable tracking and pick up from where you left off
Problem:? I used Warm Start tonight and as usual had my scope parked at CWD.? I can slew the scope anywhere and when I say park at CWD, it does.?
Now, I then slewed the scope to point East and slightly down so I can prevent dust from getting on lense when closing roof.? Forgot the actual verbage in handheld but I selected a new home position there.? I then slewed the scope to different location and had to goto the new park position and it did.? Now, I powered off the mount (while waiting for clouds to go by) and powered back up 30 minutes later.
Now the scope is lost again.? If I select to park at CWD, it goes way off but it will park at home position.??
Based on this it appears it lost its CWD position after poweroff due to the new home position.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
Hello Russ,
The way you start from inside is about the same I do with my G11G mount powered by a WiFi controlled outlet (Kasa brand) which I can activate from my iPhone. To get the Prompt from the Gemini Telescope app, you must go to Setup>Configure Telescope and select the radio button for "Prompt if not Started" in the Boot Mode Box at top center, then click OK to save. After you click on Connect at the bottom of the virtual Hand Controller you should be getting the prompt with how to start. Setting the prompt in the actual Hand Controller may not do the same thing. After I flop over to the Home Position I can then slide open the roof remotely with a garage door opener arrangement. But I always watch the progress on a security camera to make sure the scope is down before moving the roof.
Hope this helps you out.
John
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
Hi Russ
make sure that option is selected, you can configure it in your Gemini Telescope.net
and then here:
I've setup the handheld to 'Prompt' start position location on powerup.? However; since I connect remotely into my obs;?
1)? I apply power to the mount (via X10 Power Module).
2)? I then double click on the 'Gemini Telescope' icon on desktop, launches the Gemini software to duplicate the hand held.
3)? Was expecting to get a prompt asking how mount is parked but not getting such a prompt.
Not sure what is happening with the software.? Definitely fun experimenting and seeing how this all works together.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Hi Brian,
I'm sure I can complete it in 12 months, but depending on clear skies, it could be as little as 9 months.?
The Herschel 400 is one of the Astronomical League Observing Programs. I'm still very much a visual amateur astronomer, so I really enjoy star hopping, and learning the night sky in-depth.?
I'm buying the Losmandy G11, because I know that eventually I'll get into some astrophotography and that will be my mount for the future!
Andrew
--
Main Telescope:?Explore Scientific 152ED APO Refractor in Carbon Fiber
Mount:?Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial
Other Scopes:?Meade 8"LX90 SCT, William Optics ZenithStar 66mm APO Refractor
Binoculars:?Oberwerk 20x80 & 25x100 Giant Binoculars, Alpen 8x42
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
Apologies,
I have just realized, thanks to Paul K's knowledge, that the Gemini-1 also has offered all 3 boot options, same as the Gemini-2:
Warm Restart Warm Start Cold Start
I never knew that!? I thought both Warm options were identical.? Now thanks to this conversation, I realize they are different.? ?
See page 38 of the Gemini-1 manual attached.? It describes these options.? It says that if you did not move your mount (AZ or elevation or move the tripod) and did not move the scope (loosen the clutches and move it) then you should do a Warm Restart.??
If you moved the scope by loosening the clutches, but the mount itself has not moved, use Warm Start (keeps the sky model, but has to resynch the encoders to the first star).
If you moved the mount (adjusted AZ or elevation or moved the tripod, or you have a bad model), use Cold Start.?
Sorry for sowing confusion.? When in doubt read the manual.? Here it is!
Best regards, and thanks again Paul, Apologetically,
Michael
I've setup the handheld to 'Prompt' start position location on powerup.? However; since I connect remotely into my obs;?
1)? I apply power to the mount (via X10 Power Module).
2)? I then double click on the 'Gemini Telescope' icon on desktop, launches the Gemini software to duplicate the hand held.
3)? Was expecting to get a prompt asking how mount is parked but not getting such a prompt.
Not sure what is happening with the software.? Definitely fun experimenting and seeing how this all works together.
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congrats!
sounds like an ambitious project re:?Herschel 400 Observing Guide
how long do you anticipate this may take you?
On Sat, Jan 23, 2021 at 5:51 PM ACorkill < viram@...> wrote: Hi All,
Very excited and looking forward to my POD shipping in the JAN 29th shipment!
Just had my birthday party and my wife and son got me the Herschel 400 Observing Guide. This will be a project that I plan to execute 100% within my new POD over the next few months.
Also putting a down payment on a new Losmandy G11 with PMC-Eight from Explore Scientific. That will be the permanent mount for my POD.
Andrew
--
Main Telescope:?Explore Scientific 152ED APO Refractor in Carbon Fiber
Mount:?Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial
Other Scopes:?Meade 8"LX90 SCT, William Optics ZenithStar 66mm APO Refractor
Binoculars:?Oberwerk 20x80 & 25x100 Giant Binoculars, Alpen 8x42
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
I've setup the handheld to 'Prompt' start position location on powerup.? However; since I connect remotely into my obs;?
1)? I apply power to the mount (via X10 Power Module).
2)? I then double click on the 'Gemini Telescope' icon on desktop, launches the Gemini software to duplicate the hand held.
3)? Was expecting to get a prompt asking how mount is parked but not getting such a prompt.
Not sure what is happening with the software.? Definitely fun experimenting and seeing how this all works together.
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Re: Permanent Pier Parking... behavior seems wrong
What you described is correct and I had my system set at Warm Start instead of Warm Reboot.? Think I'm going to change my system to prompt first, that way I can select the appropriate restart.? Thanks!
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Michael Herman
Russell Milton
Aaron Lovett
David C. Partridge
ACorkill