Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
If you want to see an elongated summation of differences between Stepper drives, or Servo drives, .
Bottom line? The Earths rotation does not "Step". It moves in a smooth clockwork motion.
We fight enough variables as it is without adding steps into our tracking.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Thank you Astronut, I think that the first thing? is, to maybe see if grease has gotten on the clutch disk. Before trying something new. My last mount needed to be tight to track well. I probably did tighten the clutches on the G11 a little too tight.I
know better now.This I will chock up to a Rookie mistake thinking the G11 works like my last mount.
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
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-------- Original message --------
From: Astronut <hg2u@...>
Date: 3/5/20 8:51 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
Hi Everyone,
I too got the wavy washers and tried it to reduce the friction on the RA and DEC while balancing.
It did seem to reduce the friction some, especially with heavier payloads.
Mine came with specific instructions to put "this side toward worm", and I believe this is because that depending on the orientation and how much you might loosen the clutch, the washer could jump out of the groove.
Brian, could you please get official installation recommendations and post them?
Also, everywhere I have ever tried ptfe plumbers tape, regardless of it's thickness, it seemed to disintegrate over time, shredding into tiny filaments, at the contact points, when used on moving surfaces. I'd be curious to see after some use, if there is filament
residue from the sharp edges of the washer where actual contact is made? I don't know what effect those filaments would have on the needle bearings...
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Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Hi Arun
I use the 365 version, which is detailed here:?
you choose the size based on your telescope
the one you linked to is for the tripod only (i am mean and don't really care about or cover my tripod) and is lightweight use. If you plan on leaving it out all year, you'll def want to look at the 365 series.
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Hi Everyone,
I too got the wavy washers and tried it to reduce the friction on the RA and DEC while balancing.
It did seem to reduce the friction some, especially with heavier payloads.
Mine came with specific instructions to put "this side toward worm", and I believe this is because that depending on the orientation and how much you might loosen the clutch, the washer could jump out of the groove.
Brian, could you please get official installation recommendations and post them?
Also, everywhere I have ever tried ptfe plumbers tape, regardless of it's thickness, it seemed to disintegrate over time, shredding into tiny filaments, at the contact points, when used on moving surfaces. I'd be curious to see after some use, if there is filament residue from the sharp edges of the washer where actual contact is made? I don't know what effect those filaments would have on the needle bearings...
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oops, I almost forgot, I also noticed that after using the wavy washers for a while, they seemed to actually cut or wear grooves into the white plastic nylon washers.
As a result of this, I now only tighten my chutches as much as necessary.
G'day All.
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Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
That's probably too much and seems like it would just trap heat inside. ?It also makes it look like routing wiring out to motors would be difficult. ?
I use one of these: ? Grabber - The Original Space Brand Emergency Survival Blanket - Gold/Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047N2LMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wWqyEb51ZZM2B
There are lots of them if you search for "Mylar survival blanket". ?But preferably get one with one side gold (and have that side face out). ?Gold reflects infrared better than silver. ?I cut the thing down to size to just make a small panel that shades the actual control panel and not much else (I'm just trying to keep the heat off the Gemini). ?
I *only* do this when doing solar observing -- when the mount is exposed to the sun in the heat of the day.
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On Mar 5, 2020, at 8:19 AM, Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...> wrote:
?Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
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Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Arun, I like Teleqizmos 365 version. It is more expensive but it is tough and will last for many years. It may be cheaper in the long run. HAPPY SKIES Deric.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Arun Hegde <arun.k.hegde@...>
Date: 3/5/20 7:19 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun
Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
|
Looser.. Brian.?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 3/4/20 11:30 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
>>Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
do you mean smoother like looser??or something else
generally i don't recommend putting any third party stuff in there.?
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it¡¯s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it¡¯s
not easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael¡¯s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there¡¯s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
|
>>Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ? do you mean smoother like looser??or something else
generally i don't recommend putting any third party stuff in there.?
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it¡¯s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it¡¯s not
easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael¡¯s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there¡¯s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Brian, would adding an extra waffle washer help to make the RA or Dec smoother when loosened ?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 3/4/20 10:51 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it
?
regarding tightening the clutch, it¡¯s far better not to overtighten
?
I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it¡¯s not
easy to move left-right wiggle.
?
?
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/
?
?
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael¡¯s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there¡¯s significant grooving
in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie"
? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the
other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the
groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
?
?
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has
a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch.
I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
you should not grease the clutch disk or any surfaces that touch it ? regarding tightening the clutch, it¡¯s far better not to overtighten ? I try to keep it as loose as I can while still keeping the axis tight. I wiggle it left to right, tighten a little, wiggle a little, tighten, until it¡¯s not easy to move left-right wiggle. ? ? ? ? Thanks ? Brian ? portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/ ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ross A
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 6:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Quite sticky mount? Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael¡¯s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there¡¯s significant grooving in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Hi JohnK, No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie" ? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle. This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove when I had the wavy washer the other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer so the rounded edges face the groove, the RA now moves easier. Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference. ? ? On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has a somewhat sharp cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch. I did not receive a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
Re: Leaving Mount in the sun
Arun,
Something else to think about is the heat generated by leaving a Black anodized heavy chunk of metal in the Sun.
There are bearings inside the mount, and that solar furnace can degrade the grease in them.
Also, the capacitors and other parts in the Gemini are probably not going to far very well when cooked.
So at least give your mount a cover.
I used to work outside on utility equipment. We had to go to extremes to shade our tools so as to not burn our hands.
Patio umbrellas come to mind.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
I answered you over on The Sky Searchers, Don.?
What is it you are phishing for?
If you want a PMC8 Go-To, go buy one. The one I found (Mount) weighs 33 pounds, total weight. My tripod weighs 35 pounds.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Apologies for jumping in so late on this one, but i just noticed some significant drag/gripping as i slewed i believe at the point of Michael¡¯s replacement disc adjacent to the wavy washer. When i checked it out, there¡¯s significant
grooving in the disc (see attached for picture of grooving). I had greased the bar, but just to clarify- i should not grease this surface of the disc, correct? Was i tightening the clutch too much?
Thanks,
Ross
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi JohnK,
No, the other way around.? I inverted the "cookie" ? so the side with the raisins ... ahem ... rounded edges face the inside of the groove on the metal clutch (the main body of the RA), and the sharp baking
pan side faces the plastic/nylon (in my case Michael Herman's) clutch pad on the RA spindle.
This is because the wavy washer rotates WITH the nylon clutch pad and spindle, and SLIDES along the groove on the metal clutch.? At least this is what I concluded from seeing metal filings along the groove
when I had the wavy washer the other way around.? I reasoned that the friction between the sharp edges of the washer and the groove surface was causing metal wear hence the metal filings.? And it was difficult to balance on the RA.? Since inverting the washer
so the rounded edges face the groove, the RA now moves easier.
Try reversing your wavy washer and see if there is a difference.
Regards,
JohnS
On Thu., 17 Oct. 2019 at 5:51 pm, John Kmetz
<jjkmetz54@...> wrote:
Simple metal parts like this are of often just stamped out of steel sheet using a die tool, kind of like a cookie cutter slicing through dough. The top surface of the cookie is depressed downwards with a rounded edge and the bottom has a somewhat sharp
cut where cutting edge meets the baking pan. The stamped part has similar edges, rounded off top side and sharper on the bottom. I assume you would want the sharp side towards the metal clutch and the rounded side towards the plastic clutch. I did not receive
a note either, so I hope I installed it right. Seems to be working OK, but long term wear is still unknown.
John K
|
Re: Have a screw loose on my GM-8 Gemini 2 mini
I've been told I have a screw loose.
But I think I'm perfectly normal.
Rusty, but normal.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Re: Have a screw loose on my GM-8 Gemini 2 mini
I've been told I have a screw loose.
But I think I'm perfectly normal.
Rusty, but normal.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
OK, so never before successful with Plate Solving, I'm really trying to succeed with my new mount.
About the time I think I've got it... Darn, I don't.
I have All Sky Plate Solver on board, and it has been successful in trial runs with images saved for plate solving (fit files), after I downloaded many star catalogs. It asked for another pile of images last night, so I let it download a bunch at the mount.
It is getting better, I think, at it's solves. Well, maybe....
But it still is not slewing to target. It thinks it is, and indicates it has, But the mount sits there like it is dumbly waiting for a bus. No matter where it is.
Later on, the mounting oddities took place. Tell the mount to go-to a star obviously there in front of my face, and it decides to point elsewhere. Sometimes at the ground.
It did this enough, I decided to reset the Gemini to its factory default settings, then start fresh again building my model after doing my PA.
I'm really beginning to wonder if these Plate solving programs (ASPS, and APT) are missing up the Gemini's brain.
Now I readily admit I struggle with settings, and such. I often go to You Tube to see how to set things up.
But my 811 acting like it is on the Moon is throwing me. I think I did better without plate solving.
Any ideas on why the mount could be told to go there, and it goes haywire?
The 811 works fine without these Plate solvers open. So that's why I'm suspicious of them.
APT actually took a darn picture (well, several) and plate solved. But couldn't get the job done with the mount.
And it wasn't for a lack of trying on my part, I was out there disturbing the ditch rats until 3 AM. LOL! All bundled up and toasty.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
Gemini is designed by Rene and AVEOX. ? Ren¨¦ does most of the design AVEOX does servo loop (to my knowledge) PCBs are produced by AVEOX. He¡¯s been this way since day 1 Gemini 1.?
Of course Losmandy has a big hand in commissioning overseeing and makes the lovely housings. ?The PCBs and parts used are top quality.
But it doesn¡¯t end there. ?There is quite a list of others doing ASCOM and other facets needed.
--
Brendan
|
Re: PMC-Eight GoTo or Gemini?
Let me see.....
Gemini! Because Scott builds the best.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Timothy Campbell
Ross Abel