Re: MA Adapter to pier mount options.
Another update - my plan for getting close polar alignment worked pretty well!? I did the solar noon thing to mark a line in the yard going due North.? Then lined up the bolts on my foundation with that.? Then I used the laser level to line up the bolt pattern on the MA adapter with one of the bolt holes, and drilled a single one of the 1/4-20 holes to use to prevent rotation of the top.? So in theory had the MA pointing true north at that point.?
When I got the pier on the foundation, I noticed there were 5/8" bolts, but the holes in the flange are 3/4", so lots of play.? I fussed with it until the North-South two bolts seemed pretty centered.? When dark came, I only ended up needing a few turns of the azimuth adjustments to get where I needed to be.? So a combo of some prep and some luck worked out for me!??
-Brian
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Just me,? If your weather just turned colder, like mine did, I'm going with adjustment of the RA worm.? That was my problem, Yes my RA motor stalled from the CWD position and I have the Losmandy power adapter.? Now regreasing is not a bad idea either.? For me, the adjustment was easy and fast.? After loosening those 9/16 nuts, you just want to snug them down, this allows for the Allen screws to easily do their job in lifting the worm away from the wheel. Once loose enough, and it's a feel thing, now tighten those 9/16 nuts. ?
I only had an AT115 and a n AT80 stacked on the mount.? Level 5
Joe
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Re: Visual Use Only Reccomendation
Oh, I forgot to say that with an Eagle pier and Nexus DSC all you really need is the adapter to use a Losmandy GM8 or G11 on the Eagle and an old GM8s mount. Update the saddle to the newer 4" D/V saddle and add the Astro Devices Losmandy specific 311K encoders and off you go. This is a very inexpensive way to get to where you want to go.?
If you feel the need for a GOTO EQ mount there are used GM8G mounts, head only, that pop up once in a while and they cost less than the mounts with tripods.?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astrospheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: Visual Use Only Reccomendation
On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 05:28 PM, Gene Fish wrote:
I am pretty strong and fit. work very hard on that. the weight doesn't bother me as much as excess setup time would bother me. I have a grab, n go setup...this won't be that I know.
I dunno about rich but all of these items are within my budget if I plan...but I can't necessarily afford to but to try it...gotta commit. I also don't like having many things..i'm somewhat a minimalist.
I probably should have written in the post, I have already bought an AstroPhysics 6" Eagle Pier. I also already have a nexus DSC & sky safari pro...that's one thing that drew me to the AZ-100...that all my mounts would be similar in terms of learning the software end of it...and all my observing lists would transfer easily. I didn't realize you could use a nexus on a losmandy mount. is that only the 492 ones?
thank you!!!
? Both the Nexus II or Nexus DSC can be used with encoder equipped GM8s, G11s, GM8G or G11G. I had a set of encoders on the G11G for a long time but almost never used the G11G visually. So when COVID came and Scott just got way too busy to do a full tucked servo & spring loaded OPW upgrade to my old GM8 Gemini 1 mount I ended up ordering a new GM8G and selling my Gemini 1 powered classic GM8. Then I moved the G11G encoders to the new Covid GM8G and used it as my visual mount.?
?
When I found a 1992 vintage NOS GM8s that had never been used I snapped it up and I bought another set of encoders. The GM8s #492's simple RA drive system and Porter slip-clutches combined with the Astro Devices 311K tic encoders and Nexus DSC are IME the ultimate way to observe visually. The Mexis DSC allows me to PUSH-TO low mag visual objects which I would not normally have much chance of finding. Yet I can easily find them quickly and quietly, it's really quite nice.?
??
I enjoy the old GM8s / Nexus DSC / Sky Safari 7 Pro combination so much that the new GM8G might need to be sold.?
-- Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astrospheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Re: MA Adapter to pier mount options.
Ok, there it is.? If the forecast holds out, I'll be giving it the maiden voyage tonight.? I've used the mount before, just the first time with the pier.? Its all leveled and ready for PA!
-Brian
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Paul,
?I removed the C14 and put my C9.25 on the mount and it seems fine now. Maybe I just overloaded it for the power supply. I have an 18V 4 Amp power supply ordered but I may just leave the C9.25 on the mount and store the C14 for the time being.
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On Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 12:03 PM, qcernie wrote:
Power supply was checked with a multimeter and it is 13.8 volts at the Gemini.
What you want to see is what voltage is available at the time of the stall. The power supply may not be able to supply the current or maintain the voltage under load. It sounds like you have a pretty heavy load on your mount, so the power supply should really be capable of maintaining the voltage under heavy acceleration, in both axes. You may also want to try lowering the slew and goto speeds to reduce the power requirements and to eliminate stalls. Try 400x if you have it set higher than that. Regards, ? -Paul
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Power supply was checked with a multimeter and it is 13.8 volts at the Gemini.
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I have wondered about the power issue. I have a C14 with a Hodemeyer cradle and the weight is pushing 70 lbs. I currently have 67 lbs of counterweights to acheive balance.
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If the Gemini controller restarts on a stall, it sound like you don¡¯t have sufficient power supply for your mount. While stalls can be detected earlier with L6 than with L5, the controller rebooting isn¡¯t normal. And, a stall can also be a symptom of an insufficient power supply.
Regards,
? -Paul
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On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 11:01 PM, qcernie wrote:
The vertical screws are very hard to turn.
I'd investigate this condition.? As shown, these adjust in the video easily with the block loosely snugged by hand with a small Allen wrench.? After adjustment these limit the engagement in use.??
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I just upgraded from GM811G to G11 Dec axis. One thing I noticed with the 811 is the axis was pretty stiff at first and tracking was not great. I cleaned it and greased it after some time, and it was much better. Now, with the new G11 Dec, it also is pretty stiff, even with the clutch totally loosened.?
Is there break-in period with the clutch? I don't suspect a new axis needs cleaning/lubing....but it's pretty stiff. (which may be not terrible as I am about to get a new, heavier OTA in the mail.) Anyone else find the axis to be too stiff initially?
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This sounds like a mechanical adjustment is needed and/or perhaps a relube or a lube touch up (Jet-Lube MP-50 is used at the factory). If your worms and ring are running dry it will take more power to turn them. I can't speak to Titan adjustments since I don't own one, but it sounds like your spring tension is not getting locked in right. I doubt the L6 is causing stalls all on its own.
John
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Losmandy G11G2 on pier; refurbed Losmandy G11 with OnStep controller; SkyShed design roll-off observatory; ZWO ASI2600MM-P; ZWO ASI071MC; Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 ED with field flattener; Celestron C925 Edge HD with 0.7XFR, William Optics Zenithstar 61 APO; PHD2, Sequence Generator Pro and PixInsight user
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My G11t TRA Axis has started to randomly stall. When it does this the Gemini 2 hand controller also restarts. I checked the worm and it was very tight. I tried to adjust it per the Youtube video for the G11t. I loosened the 2 bolts { not nuts on my mount} pushed down on the worm block and snugged the bolts back down. When I turn the vertical screws in the gears do not get loose. The vertical screws are very hard to turn. If I loosen the worm block bolts and then retighten them with no pressure on the block the gears turn easily and there is no apparent backlash.? After reassmbly and a few slews the worm is tight again and causes stalling.? Any ideas? It worked fine for the past years and has just started this behaviour. I'm wondering if this is related to the level 6 upgrade I did in June?
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Re: Visual Use Only Reccomendation
I am pretty strong and fit. work very hard on that. the weight doesn't bother me as much as excess setup time would bother me. I have a grab, n go setup...this won't be that I know.
I dunno about rich but all of these items are within my budget if I plan...but I can't necessarily afford to but to try it...gotta commit. I also don't like having many things..i'm somewhat a minimalist.
I probably should have written in the post, I have already bought an AstroPhysics 6" Eagle Pier. I also already have a nexus DSC & sky safari pro...that's one thing that drew me to the AZ-100...that all my mounts would be similar in terms of learning the software end of it...and all my observing lists would transfer easily. I didn't realize you could use a nexus on a losmandy mount. is that only the 492 ones?
thank you!!!
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Re: Visual Use Only Reccomendation
On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 04:55 AM, Gene Fish wrote:
Hello group,
I am getting a 140mm refractor soon that I will use for Visual Use only. I use heavier eyepieces or a binoviewer. I mostly enjoy push-to with my Nexus DSC with my smaller scope on an alt-az mount.
I got myself a good tripod and was just going to get a bigger version of my alt-az mount..but these Losmandy GEMs seem to be calling my name.
I totally get it for photos but I know some of you prefer the GEM for visual.
- can you please go into why it's your preference? say you were starting from scratch and had? zero itch to image?
- my main observing site is a little weird in that it's my front porch that shows a limited view of the sky (can't see polaris). In a session I will sometimes move my scope 2-3 times to get different views. it's still enough of the sky to keep my busy and I have an option (time-wise) to go somewhere 1-2x / month to see more of the sky
- most of my sessions are shorter ~1/2 - 1hour
- I will have to carry the entire setup up and down steps (the weight doesn't bother me at this stage in my life.
- I know there will be a learning curve. if I proceed with it, what is the main payoff? why would a GEM be better? (or is Alt-Az really just a no-brainer for me)
thank you!!!
Well it depends. How rich and how strong are you??Any 140mm refractor worth using will be expensive, heavy and kind of long. IME as the current owner of the bespoke Parallax/AT130m f/6 SDT, occasional TEC140 user these are weighting in over 30 pounds plus ready to use and on the shorter side of the refractor scale you will need a better mount than most of the entry level ALT/AZ mounts can reliably carry. The cheapest mount I can think of is the iOptron AZ-Mount Pro which with the (IMO required) pier runs about $2K. I like this mount as it has encoders and allows you to PUSH-TO and not lose its place in the sky. But this mount has some issues and IMO is marginal for this payload without the counterweight shaft to add stability and a much heavier tripod than the 1.75" leg tripod they offer with it. Another option would be the larger iOptron strain wave mount but that is $3K no pier or tripod which easily adds $1K so $4K.?? The Rowan AZ100 ALT/AZ mount is beautiful and comparable quality to the GM8 or G11. The AZ100 very impressive with integral encoders and GOTO system but configured as simply as possible it is a minimum of $4K PLUS a $1K for a comparable tripod or pier. But if I had the money the AZ100 GOTO is the best in this class when paired with a Nexus DSC and Sky Safari 7 Pro. which adds another $700 or so. This is the cream of the crop in the portable better ALT/AZ GOTO mounts.? ?? Now some more realistic mount options (for my budget anyway). IME a used GM8s with a Losmandy LWT can be found for under $1K to which you add $700 for the encoders and Nexus DSC and Sky Safari 7 Pro. Realistically this will solve your EQ mount needs for visual with a 140mm refractor. If you sell off the LWT and buy a used Berlebach Planet you will have the lightest possible EQ mount that can occasionally be used to carry a C11 for visual work. Obviously?I am a huge fan of the classic Losmandy GM8s or G11s digital drive mounts used as PUSH-TO mounts with encoders and a Nexus DSC. The Porter slip-clutches run loose with a balanced payload in the saddle is a delight to push around the sky with two fingers. Once on target guided by the NEXUS DSC you let go and the digital drive tracks the object perfectly. Of course you need to be reasonably well polar aligned but even using the Losmandy polar scope the GM8s keeps an object in the eyepiece for hours ar moderately high magnification.?I have a vintage NOS 1992 GM8s #492 powered mount just for visual work because it is IMO just the most pleasant way to observe visually. I bought it used but untouched, rebuilt the mount due to the gummed up axle bearings, installed a new Losmandy GM8 DV saddle (it still had the original Losmandy spec 2.5"? saddle on it) and a new set of 311K encoders and Nexus DSC. I usually use the GM8s on a double leg clamp Berlebach Planet with Berlebach adapter top.?? I also have a new GM8G and a 20 year old fully updated G11G which I love but they are just used for imaging. I prefer the simplicity of the #492 digital drive and Nexus DSC / Sky Safari combo for the freedom to roam the sky and still easily nail deep targets. You will too once you try it.? ? -- Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astrospheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 08:23 AM, George Cushing wrote:
If you are interested field power, many power tools use LiPO batteries that have 18-24V output.
These are rated 9 Ah. They have a no load voltage of 20V. A couple fin nicely in a .50cal. sized ammo case.
You can also get two 6-7 Ah units for about $50.? That's a pretty good price for LiPO power.
$50 for 9Ah is over priced. This is $50 for 162Watts, about .31 per Watt.?Amazon also offers up a more attractive high quality 600 Watt (12V - 50Ah) battery for $150. That's about 20% less per Watt. This is enough to run the Gemini 2 and almost any microcontroller (ASIAIR, other RPi4-B systems) or lightweight laptop imaging system all night long. To even get close to the same capacity using those batteries would cost $250. With the $100 you save you can buy a plastic tool box along with one of Mike Herman's DC-DC converters and still have money left over for burgers and fries for a week under the stars.? ? -- Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astrospheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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OK, then you are wedded to 12-13.8VDC Then your only option is a DC-DC converter. You have enough amperage to weld with. When it comes to power supplies I like to check MPJA.com's offerings. Here's their current? line.
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On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 08:52 PM, photon_trap wrote:
Thanks Greg, is the input of Micheals PS ~12 v?? if so, do you have current contact info ? All the links I have found recently are dead ends -
Yes the input is 12 volts. ? Michael¡¯s number is (408) 421-1239 He is in California. It¡¯s a cell phone so you can text him through that.
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Thanks George, but I have a very solid DC source as I live off-grid? : )
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Chip Louie
qcernie
Paul Kanevsky
Chuck Schreiner
Greg
photon_trap