Re: Adjusting the Polar Alignment Scope
Hi Nels,
Any machinist will tell you that anytime a part is removed, it is a bugger to get it aligned again.
So for accuracy, especially repeat accuracy, don't dismount it.
I had a Polar Scope in my old mount. Used it a couple of times and decided it was not accurate enough for me.
|
Re: Losmandy GM9 Tucked Motor Upgrade
My jury is still out about a Polemaster. It looks fine. But I'd want it mounted to my imaging rig and not the mount itself.
That way, once it is true to my imaging rig, it could really get everything Polar Aligned.
But for now, I think I'll continue the way I've been doing by PA through my imaging telescope. Unless Losmandy convinces me otherwise.
But if you get it from Losmandy, you can bet it will fit.
|
Re: Losmandy GM9 Tucked Motor Upgrade
Chip,
Thanks, that is really a good idea.
Nels
|
Re: Adjusting the Polar Alignment Scope
I have finally got it centered, it isn't that easy to do especially to remember which is up and down.? One frustration I have is when I remove the polar scope to and reinstall it doesn't remain centered. What am I doing wrong or is it the machining of the RA and clutch knob?
Nels
|
Which is why Losmandy buys them from a foundry sub. I'm pretty sure that if Scott could sell stainless steel counterweights and make money he would. He has a shop full of CNC machines running but the cost of the SS material, machine time and tooling makes it an expensive proposition very few would buy at a similar margin to the cast CWs which in truth work perfectly.? ? ?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Re: Losmandy GM9 Tucked Motor Upgrade
Hi Nels,
The QHY PoleMaster adapters are mount specific, in other words you need to buy a different adapter for every mount you wish to use the PoleMaster on. For example, if your observing friends have different mounts than you and forget their own PoleMaster you cannot help them. With a universal adapter like the ADM I helped to prototype as above you can use the PoleMaster on ANY EQ mount without the need for a dedicated adapter. Where the PoleMaster is located makes no difference in Polar alignment accuracy.?
Does this help??
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
? The drawback to the portable pier is uneven ground. It has a limited capability to adjust.? Therefore, I copied a design used on many rolling telescope mounts and carriages for a long threaded bolt with a plastic T or round handle through a large captive nut. Add a large diameter round faced carriage bolt for the feet and you have added 4”-6” of adjustment. Put your portable pier legs onto a handy drill press and there’s an ideal spot to drill your holes and mount the hardware. All the parts are available cheap at a good HW store or online.? I assembled everything I needed and have a nice old floor mount Craftsman drill press. That was 4-6 years ago because I then found a nice deal on an Eagle pier, and everything else has been collecting dust since as it is so sweet to use and admire!? I kept the portable pier in case I needed some quick $$ and had to sell the Eagle or in case I needed a second mount! Well, since my notification came from AP for my new Stowaway in February, I may finally need 2 mounts! The portable pier for home with my 155 on it and the Eagle for travel!? I have always wanted to be able to fit my portable setup in one of my sports cars instead of the SUV, but the 6” refractor in its case, would never fit while the mount at least breaks down into manageable pieces! Soon, I’ll be able to head to dark sites with the top down and at speed, finally combining two interests into one! Since you failed to link to the Eagle! here it is...
Ross Elkins 415-235-7727 v/txt
|
Re: Losmandy GM9 Tucked Motor Upgrade
Chip,
I am thinking of buying the QHYCCD system for Polar Alignment. The QHY people make the adapter to screw into the RA shaft so why did you go for this way of mounting the camera on the Dec.?
Nels Johansen
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
LOL... Sonny but do they GLOW in the dark. I'm sure Scot, has one with your name on it. The HD is a beast of a tripod.?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: sonnyedmonds@...
Date: 1/28/20 11:48 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Is a Losmandy right for me?
Deric wrote: "Sonny, the one thing the tripod? feet pads do, is keep the legs from pushing into the ground"
Well, my bricks or pavers do that.... ;^) LOL
Good chat guys!
I'm going for the one Scott Losmandy built for it, the HD.
Coming from a troublesome AVX, I see it as a HUGE step forward.
Possibly more changes, I need to make the call. I may be barking up the wrong tree and have to put in an order.
But I was cruisin on Ebay yesterday and found a Craig Thalhammer chrome camera/movie tripod head. And I won it!
I probably never would have even seen it but I got curious and searched. So now I have a spare head. For that Old Wooden Legged Tripod.
Sometimes I even use it. Like I use my Grandpa's Bamboo Montigue Offshore fishing rod. Feels like I'm holdin his hand.
I hope Scott Losmandy has a mount in Burbank with my name, and his fingerprints on it.
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
Here you go, Ross.
I brought back a link:
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
Deric wrote: "Sonny, the one thing the tripod? feet pads do, is keep the legs from pushing into the ground"
Well, my bricks or pavers do that.... ;^) LOL
Good chat guys!
I'm going for the one Scott Losmandy built for it, the HD.
Coming from a troublesome AVX, I see it as a HUGE step forward.
Possibly more changes, I need to make the call. I may be barking up the wrong tree and have to put in an order.
But I was cruisin on Ebay yesterday and found a Craig Thalhammer chrome camera/movie tripod head. And I won it!
I probably never would have even seen it but I got curious and searched. So now I have a spare head. For that Old Wooden Legged Tripod.
Sometimes I even use it. Like I use my Grandpa's Bamboo Montigue Offshore fishing rod. Feels like I'm holdin his hand.
I hope Scott Losmandy has a mount in Burbank with my name, and his fingerprints on it.
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
Wow! This thread is interesting, alot of good input for discussion and thought.?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 1/28/20 8:12 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Is a Losmandy right for me?
>>>
one factor in giving up wood tripods for the motion picture industry was easy access to stabilization filters via a digital editing suite.
i can only speak from my experience, but no one in hollywood would use stabilization filters if they don't have to. they are prone to artifacting, require additional
cost in post production, and take quite a while to render. It's much easier and more prevalent to hire competent best boys and first ACs who know what they're doing, a good chapman dolly, and you're off and running.?
i think wood has just proven a less effective solution in terms of weight, flexibility (can you attach a jib arm to a wooden tripod?), and cost. I think if it were truly a better solution but more expensive, you would see wooden tripods everywhere in higher
end productions.?
that's not to take away from wood. i appreciate the aesthetic and more organic nature of wood. there has been a recent uptick in wooden handles for camera rigs
lately in tv/film, to try and differentiate. seems to have gotten some steam.
[AMD Official Use Only - Internal Distribution Only]
>I guess that I will do a Beta test for my self, you see alot of these Berlebach, and retasked surveyors tripods at star parties. There has to be more to them than just good looks.
I had always assumed (albeit without confirmation) that one factor in giving up wood tripods for the motion picture industry was easy access to stabilization filters via a digital editing suite.
Haven't looked at the timing though... if wood tripods were replaced with aluminum back when film was still being edited with a knife and a tape dispenser then this is obviously not a factor.
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
>>>
one factor in giving up wood tripods for the motion picture industry was easy access to stabilization filters via a digital editing suite.
i can only speak from my experience, but no one in hollywood would use stabilization filters if they don't have to. they are prone to artifacting, require additional cost in post production, and take quite a while to render. It's much easier and more prevalent to hire competent best boys and first ACs who know what they're doing, a good chapman dolly, and you're off and running.?
i think wood has just proven a less effective solution in terms of weight, flexibility (can you attach a jib arm to a wooden tripod?), and cost. I think if it were truly a better solution but more expensive, you would see wooden tripods everywhere in higher end productions.?
that's not to take away from wood. i appreciate the aesthetic and more organic nature of wood. there has been a recent uptick in wooden handles for camera rigs lately in tv/film, to try and differentiate. seems to have gotten some steam.
[AMD Official Use Only - Internal Distribution Only]
>I guess that I will do a Beta test for my self, you see alot of these Berlebach, and retasked surveyors tripods at star parties. There has to be more to them than just good looks.
I had always assumed (albeit without confirmation) that one factor in giving up wood tripods for the motion picture industry was easy access to stabilization filters via a digital editing suite.
Haven't looked at the timing though... if wood tripods were replaced with aluminum back when film was still being edited with a knife and a tape dispenser then this is obviously not a factor.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Re: Astro-Imaging, the incurable disease !
Everything will work as planned, I can feel it in the Force Gary.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: "Gary C. via Groups.Io" <glcrealty@...>
Date: 1/28/20 6:13 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Astro-Imaging, the incurable disease !
Natalie, Sonny, Deric:
Thanks much for all your thoughts and comments.? I am now starting to setup my initial configuration in my house for testing.? Going to start with
Direct Ethernet Crossover Cat 5 connection between G-II Mount and my Computer.? We'll see how that goes.
Gary in Oklahoma City
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
[AMD Official Use Only - Internal Distribution Only]
>I guess that I will do a Beta test for my self, you see alot of these Berlebach, and retasked surveyors tripods at star parties. There has to be more to them than just good looks.
I had always assumed (albeit without confirmation) that one factor in giving up wood tripods for the motion picture industry was easy access to stabilization filters via a digital editing suite.
Haven't looked at the timing though... if wood tripods were replaced with aluminum back when film was still being edited with a knife and a tape dispenser then this is obviously not a factor.
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
Thanks Brian, saves me a phone call.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...>
Date: 1/28/20 3:29 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Is a Losmandy right for me?
FYI i just talked to losmandy, they confirmed they sell the GM8 standalone, it's $200 less than with tripod
I can't speak to the shipping costs, not privy?to that
On Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 12:58 PM Chip Louie < chiplouie@...> wrote:
Deric,
Always buy a mount with the tripod from Losmandy, the small cost increase is typically less than you can sell the tripod for. Buy low sell high, reduces your mount cost.
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
--
Brian?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
Darn it I should read all my emails first before responding.sorry Chip.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Chip Louie <chiplouie@...>
Date: 1/28/20 2:58 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Is a Losmandy right for me?
Deric,
Always buy a mount with the tripod from Losmandy, the small cost increase is typically less than you can sell the tripod for. Buy low sell high, reduces your mount cost.
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
I guess that I will do a Beta test for my self, you see alot of these Berlebach, and retasked surveyors tripods at star parties. There has to be more to them than just good looks. And if it does not work out I should be able to sell it. Alot
of this hobby involves trial and error. I will talk to Rene or Scott maybe tomorrow about buying a Gm8 less the tripod.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------
From: Chip Louie <chiplouie@...>
Date: 1/28/20 2:52 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Is a Losmandy right for me?
Brian,
Metal camera supports are easier to design and metals are more durable than wood. Commercial quality metal tubes are cheaper than high quality wood materials but the death knell for wooden camera supports came with the lower cost that CNC machining brought
and the ability to fabricate complex shapes cheaply. Wood has been replaced by fiberglass in surveyor's tripods for many of the same reasons and fiberglass also avoids wood's potential weakness when exposed to moisture though fiberglass tripods tend to be
heavier.?
Wood as a material has been replaced in a lot of applications for these reasons. But from a material use perspective wood tripods can be built just as strong as the metal tube tripods and with reasonable care and maintenance are just as durable and perform
better than the metal tube tripods.?
I have been a photographer since the '60s and an astronomer since the early '70s and used the best metal and carbon fiber camera supports. But after a chance deal on an Oberwerk wooden tripod, CADing and CNCing an adapter for the 2-axis drive SkyView-Pro mount
I had used for years I discovered the Oberwerk tripod made the SVP so much more better dampened that it dawned on me that there is more to a tripod than just payload capacity. So when a deal for a used Berlebach Planet came up I jumped on it and discovered
the same sort of improvement namely a more damp view at the eyepiece. Stability is the same but portability is much better than the Losmandy HD. After a year of looking at the HD collecting dust I sold it and would never use an HD again even for imaging.?
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
I have owned all the various losmandy tripods.? If you want to look at something different, i suggest the astrophysics piers.? The 42” hi 6” AP wrought iron portable pier is usually available for around $400 used and less. All the legs and braces store within the central column for transport except for the base ring.? If you absolutely want to go first class, their aluminum Eagle pier is a real upgrade with light weight, a one piece work of art design. It allows you to rotate the G11 head independently of the pier orientation if you need to center Polaris better to use the built in polar alignment scope, but like the legs just where they are on uneven ground. It is expensive used and not easy to find, but works easier and packs smaller than all the other less expensive piers and tripods that I have seen.? At around $1200, It is way cheaper than the really expensive custom piers from ATS, Paramount or others but is easily in their class of design and construction and rock solid for photography. You can drill 2 holes and add the losmandy cheek pieces ($25) to attach the gemini computer to the pier. I use the cheaper Losmandy extensions on either AP pier and drill my holes in the extension for the Gemini mounts to maintain the resale value of the Eagle! You do need the AP to Losmandy adapter for $110 which is very hard, if not impossible to find used.? AP fully machines gorgeous aluminum tray systems for their mounts that provide a virtual erector set of combo’s for EP’s, tools and misc stuff.? Take a look at their web site if only to look over the fine craftsmanship!
|
Re: Is a Losmandy right for me?
FYI i just talked to losmandy, they confirmed they sell the GM8 standalone, it's $200 less than with tripod
I can't speak to the shipping costs, not privy?to that
On Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 12:58 PM Chip Louie < chiplouie@...> wrote: Deric,
Always buy a mount with the tripod from Losmandy, the small cost increase is typically less than you can sell the tripod for. Buy low sell high, reduces your mount cost.
--
Chip Louie - Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Chip Louie
Ross Elkins