|
Have had my G11 for about 2 years and have had pointing problems since about first 8 months in. Have had paddle and control box rehabbed twice and now both are undergoing a full reworking. I'm sure Losmandy will rehab my units appropriately but my questions are not about the fixes. I would like advice from the group on what to look for in pointing problems and what might go into correcting them. I understand it's a complex system but is there a check list of possible problems that I can look to addressing if my system encounters further issues. I have researched the web as much as I can and read the info on the Gemini 2 site but would like some guidance from the members on this as I have this feeling I'm not doing all I can to correct the problems. I have a TAK130 sitting on the G11 mount and tripod and all are in excellent operating order. Thanks, Doc
|
Hi Doc,
I find it valuable to do these steps if my pointing goes haywire.??
I am using a Gemini 1, not a Gemini 2.? They differ in hardware, but I'm not aware of any difference between the two in software algorithms.??
So try these steps to diagnose what's going on.
(I use Gemini.net to more easily get to internal pointing model values.? You get that and basic ASCOM software from the ASCOM website.)
1. Using the Gemink.net Advanced window, download the internal parameters ("Read from Gemini".) Write down the existing pointing model parameter values.? I think there are about 9 of these, and they are explained in the Gemini manual.? ?Later, you will? compare the values to those of a good model.??
2. Store the existing pointing model in a file, and name that file "Nov 12 2017 bad pointing" or something like that.??
3. In Gemini.net, on the Advanced window,? uncheck the tick box "Synch performs additional Align ". Also inchecjk the box "PC sends to Gemini on connect" to make sure your PC, that may have bad values in its default file, does not send those to the handset.
4. Exit Gemini.net (software disconnect the Gemini from the PC...the cable can still be there.)
5. From the handset, perform a Cold Boot.? This sets all internal model values to zero.
6. Reconnect Gemini to the PC.? Use Gemini.net to Read the Mount values.? Ensure they are all zero still.? Also look at the Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, UTC date and time.? (There is a tickbox for having Gemini.net send the correct PC known date and time to the Gemini when it connects.? I do use that. )?
7. Start a sky chart on the PC that links to Gemini.net.? For that, I use both Stellarium-scope? (from Dragon-Welch computing website I think is ) and the sky chart itself Stellarium from? Stellarium.org.? ?You run Stellarium first to set its location to your site, then Save configuration, then exit.? Second, start Stellarium-scope, then select mount Gemini.net, then start Stellarium (a button on Stellarium-scope can do that).? Your Stellarium should show "scope" pointed at Polaris, if you are in positive latitude.? (You can minimize the Stellarium-scope window...just don't kill the program as it nicely links Stellarium and the Gemini.net together.? )
8. From the handset,? use Align Telescope to go to a bright star in its list.? Sometimes, this initial point is accurate, and sometimes, for unknown reason, it will be way off.??
(I never know if this is due to old Daylight savings time change dates internal to the Gemini1 code, or why this happens... but it does even for a cold boot.?
It's the weirdest thing because the mount correctly knows CWD...and time and location...how can it be so far far off in 1st star point?! )
9. When you have centered your first Alignment star, complete handset alignment pressing the buttons that requires.?
10. Look at the Model parameters using Gemini.net.? ?They will all still be zero.? What changed?? The settings for RA and DEC offset encoder counts.??
11. Look at the skychart.? It should show the "scope" right atop the star you aligned to.
12. Back to Gemini.net, advanced page.? Now check the tick box for "Synch performs additional Align".? That allows the Sky chart software to not only Synch the existing (all zero) model, but allows Gemini to calculate new parameter values.? ?
13. Back to the Sky chart.? Use your mouse to select a new star... (important!:) on the same side of the meridian as the first star.? (Press the spacebar to center and track that star on Stellarium.? ?) That means keep the 2nd ( and 3rd ) stars East of the meridian if the 1st star was East.? Or stars 2 and 3 must be West if the first star was West.? Use the (Control-1 in Stellarium) issue a goto from the sky chart to move the scope, then center the star on your scope with your handset.? Then on the sky chart do a Synch (Control-3 from Stellarium). Do that again for a 3rd star also same side of meridian as 1st star.
11. Now use Gemini.net "advanced" page,? Read from Gemini, and look at the model pointing parameters again.? You should see a few non-zero values.? You can save that data in a file with some name..."Model with 3 stars Nov 12 2017" etc.
12. Now use the sky chart to pick 3 stars on the opposite side of meridian.? Synch (and "Synch performs additional Align" is checked in Gemini.net) and Align to those from the sky chart.? ?Download and look at the parameter list and see more values change.??
14. At this point,? I stop and save the model as full model for the? date.? ?Your system should accurately point to new objects around the sky.? I also Un-check the box "Synch performs additional Align " because I don't want added star's data to somehow mess up the calculations (which are a black- box to me).??
15.? Now examine the model values.? ?How do your original "bad" model values compare? Let us know what you find....?
I hope all these steps get you to a good and repeatable solution, and more enjoyment of your system.
- Michael Herman?
?
Have had my G11 for about 2 years and have had pointing problems since about first 8 months in. Have had paddle and control box rehabbed twice and now both are undergoing a full reworking. I'm sure Losmandy will rehab my units appropriately but my questions are not about the fixes. I would like advice from the group on what to look for in pointing problems and what might go into correcting them. I understand it's a complex system but is there a check list of possible problems that I can look to addressing if my system encounters further issues. I have researched the web as much as I can and read the info on the Gemini 2 site but would like some guidance from the members on this as I have this feeling I'm not doing all I can to correct the problems. I have a TAK130 sitting on the G11 mount and tripod and all are in excellent operating order. Thanks, Doc
|
typo: "" is wrong... is correct...sorry for that!
Michael?
On Nov 12, 2017 7:36 AM, "Michael Herman" < mherman346@...> wrote: Hi Doc,
I find it valuable to do these steps if my pointing goes haywire.??
I am using a Gemini 1, not a Gemini 2.? They differ in hardware, but I'm not aware of any difference between the two in software algorithms.??
So try these steps to diagnose what's going on.
(I use Gemini.net to more easily get to internal pointing model values.? You get that and basic ASCOM software from the ASCOM website.)
1. Using the Gemink.net Advanced window, download the internal parameters ("Read from Gemini".) Write down the existing pointing model parameter values.? I think there are about 9 of these, and they are explained in the Gemini manual.? ?Later, you will? compare the values to those of a good model.??
2. Store the existing pointing model in a file, and name that file "Nov 12 2017 bad pointing" or something like that.??
3. In Gemini.net, on the Advanced window,? uncheck the tick box "Synch performs additional Align ". Also inchecjk the box "PC sends to Gemini on connect" to make sure your PC, that may have bad values in its default file, does not send those to the handset.
4. Exit Gemini.net (software disconnect the Gemini from the PC...the cable can still be there.)
5. From the handset, perform a Cold Boot.? This sets all internal model values to zero.
6. Reconnect Gemini to the PC.? Use Gemini.net to Read the Mount values.? Ensure they are all zero still.? Also look at the Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, UTC date and time.? (There is a tickbox for having Gemini.net send the correct PC known date and time to the Gemini when it connects.? I do use that. )?
7. Start a sky chart on the PC that links to Gemini.net.? For that, I use both Stellarium-scope? (from Dragon-Welch computing website I think is ) and the sky chart itself Stellarium from? Stellarium.org.? ?You run Stellarium first to set its location to your site, then Save configuration, then exit.? Second, start Stellarium-scope, then select mount Gemini.net, then start Stellarium (a button on Stellarium-scope can do that).? Your Stellarium should show "scope" pointed at Polaris, if you are in positive latitude.? (You can minimize the Stellarium-scope window...just don't kill the program as it nicely links Stellarium and the Gemini.net together.? )
8. From the handset,? use Align Telescope to go to a bright star in its list.? Sometimes, this initial point is accurate, and sometimes, for unknown reason, it will be way off.??
(I never know if this is due to old Daylight savings time change dates internal to the Gemini1 code, or why this happens... but it does even for a cold boot.?
It's the weirdest thing because the mount correctly knows CWD...and time and location...how can it be so far far off in 1st star point?! )
9. When you have centered your first Alignment star, complete handset alignment pressing the buttons that requires.?
10. Look at the Model parameters using Gemini.net.? ?They will all still be zero.? What changed?? The settings for RA and DEC offset encoder counts.??
11. Look at the skychart.? It should show the "scope" right atop the star you aligned to.
12. Back to Gemini.net, advanced page.? Now check the tick box for "Synch performs additional Align".? That allows the Sky chart software to not only Synch the existing (all zero) model, but allows Gemini to calculate new parameter values.? ?
13. Back to the Sky chart.? Use your mouse to select a new star... (important!:) on the same side of the meridian as the first star.? (Press the spacebar to center and track that star on Stellarium.? ?) That means keep the 2nd ( and 3rd ) stars East of the meridian if the 1st star was East.? Or stars 2 and 3 must be West if the first star was West.? Use the (Control-1 in Stellarium) issue a goto from the sky chart to move the scope, then center the star on your scope with your handset.? Then on the sky chart do a Synch (Control-3 from Stellarium). Do that again for a 3rd star also same side of meridian as 1st star.
11. Now use Gemini.net "advanced" page,? Read from Gemini, and look at the model pointing parameters again.? You should see a few non-zero values.? You can save that data in a file with some name..."Model with 3 stars Nov 12 2017" etc.
12. Now use the sky chart to pick 3 stars on the opposite side of meridian.? Synch (and "Synch performs additional Align" is checked in Gemini.net) and Align to those from the sky chart.? ?Download and look at the parameter list and see more values change.??
14. At this point,? I stop and save the model as full model for the? date.? ?Your system should accurately point to new objects around the sky.? I also Un-check the box "Synch performs additional Align " because I don't want added star's data to somehow mess up the calculations (which are a black- box to me).??
15.? Now examine the model values.? ?How do your original "bad" model values compare? Let us know what you find....?
I hope all these steps get you to a good and repeatable solution, and more enjoyment of your system.
- Michael Herman?
|
AH HA! All my ‘problems’
will disappear if I just use ‘gemink.net’ ! Must be some super secret decoder
ring version!
?
***
typo: ""
is wrong... is correct...sorry for
that!
***
?
Well Darn!
:-))
?
Seriously
though.. These steps you have outlined are awesome! I look forward to seeing
the PDF on the Gemini 2 website so I will be able to ocate these instructions
when I want to apply them.. Hint Hint!
?
Derek
|
HI Derek,
I try my best...but since I've repeated that list a few times this year...yes...it's time to make a PDF and just point to that.? I can add screen shots too... another benefit.??
I rely wish I had access to the source code so I could remedy or at least understand the causes of these strange pointing errors.? But...it is locked up.? Gemini2 code might be open but...I don't have one!
Michael?
On Nov 12, 2017 11:10 AM, "'Derek C Breit' breit_ideas@... [Losmandy_users]" < Losmandy_users@...> wrote:
?
AH HA! All my ‘problems’
will disappear if I just use ‘’ ! Must be some super secret decoder
ring version!
?
***
typo: ""
is wrong... is correct...sorry for
that!
***
?
Well Darn!
:-))
?
Seriously
though.. These steps you have outlined are awesome! I look forward to seeing
the PDF on the Gemini 2 website so I will be able to ocate these instructions
when I want to apply them.. Hint Hint!
?
Derek
|
Gemini2 code might be open but...I don't have one! Neither Gemini 1 or 2 source code is ‘open’. Gemini.NET is. Regards, -Paul
|
Fortunately you know someone who does..
?
When it gets more into the dumping rain
season maybe it will magically appear on your porch..
?
Ya just never know..
?
:-))
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2017
11:57 AM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: RE: [Losmandy_users]
Pointing issues
?
?
HI Derek,
I try my best...but since I've repeated that list a few times this
year...yes...it's time to make a PDF and just point to that.? I can add
screen shots too... another benefit.??
I rely wish I had access to the source code so I could remedy or at
least understand the causes of these strange pointing errors.? But...it is
locked up.? Gemini2 code might be open but...I don't have one!
?
On Nov 12, 2017 11:10 AM, "'Derek C Breit' breit_ideas@...
[Losmandy_users]" <Losmandy_users@...>
wrote:
?
AH HA! All my
‘problems’ will disappear if I just use ‘’ ! Must be some super secret decoder ring
version!
?
***
typo: "" is wrong... is correct...sorry for that!
***
?
Well Darn!
:-))
?
Seriously
though.. These steps you have outlined are awesome! I look forward to seeing
the PDF on the Gemini 2 website so I will be able to ocate these instructions
when I want to apply them.. Hint Hint!
?
Derek
|
Figured as much..
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2017
12:14 PM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: RE: [Losmandy_users]
Pointing issues
?
?
>
Gemini2 code might be open but...I don't have one!
Neither Gemini 1 or 2 source code is ‘open’. Gemini.NET is.
Regards,
-Paul
|
Paul,
I understand and the openness of Gemini.net is of great value.? ?Your authorship and maintenance and improvements of that are also a fabulous benefit.
The Orion Atlas/Synta EQ6 group has a PC interface program called EQMOD that is so good, people sell off their hand controllers completely and just use that.? ?In their EQMOD pointing model method, they do model cone error and some other parameters, but as importantly, they triangulate in the region between known "align" stars, so each portion of the sky can have a unique "pointing model" for its part of the sky? (actually each star ).? Then any other object is just interpolated.? Extrapolation is used outside "align" points but that is a less certain region.? You add align stars across the sky as the need arises for new targets, which you just interpolate position.??
The Atlas mount itself is not as rigid a platform as the G11, or maybe not even as solid as the GM8.? The tripod is weak, the mount head is inadequately coupled to the tripod, the AZ and elevation adjustments are weak.? PE is worse.? But still the Atlas GoTos are rarely if ever far from their target.? There is just a conceptual difference in how the sky and mount and scope are modeled between the EQMOD and the Gemini.
So...my question is:? Do you think there could be a way to do that multiple star triangulation and interpolation, using the Gemini model system.? That is, keep all the Gemini parameters zero, yet get its encoder tick positions, and then map the GoTo sky chart location to the Gemini through a PC program like EQMOD is doing?
Anyway...not a short term project for sure...
Best, Michael??
?
Fortunately you know someone who does..
?
When it gets more into the dumping rain
season maybe it will magically appear on your porch..
?
Ya just never know..
?
:-))
?
Derek
?
?
?
HI Derek,
I try my best...but since I've repeated that list a few times this
year...yes...it's time to make a PDF and just point to that.? I can add
screen shots too... another benefit.??
I rely wish I had access to the source code so I could remedy or at
least understand the causes of these strange pointing errors.? But...it is
locked up.? Gemini2 code might be open but...I don't have one!
?
On Nov 12, 2017 11:10 AM, "'Derek C Breit' breit_ideas@...
[Losmandy_users]" <Losmandy_users@yahoogroups.com>
wrote:
?
AH HA! All my
‘problems’ will disappear if I just use ‘’ ! Must be some super secret decoder ring
version!
?
***
typo: "" is wrong... is correct...sorry for that!
***
?
Well Darn!
:-))
?
Seriously
though.. These steps you have outlined are awesome! I look forward to seeing
the PDF on the Gemini 2 website so I will be able to ocate these instructions
when I want to apply them.. Hint Hint!
?
Derek
|
> Do you think there could be a way to do that multiple star triangulation and interpolation, using the Gemini? > model system.?
Michael, yes, of course, you could do the same with Gemini.NET with some coding. Alternatively, you could easily create an ASCOM hub that would be independent of Gemini and Gemini.NET. Original T-Point works this way, although it's not free. Existing Gemini implementation of the pointing model has the benefit that it works without a PC, which none of the other PC-based software can claim.
I had an idea about 4-5 years ago to implement a very simple pointing corrector as part of Gemini.NET, but after a few attempts, I found that my chosen method (using only three stars) wasn't accurate enough, so I gave up :)
Of course, if someone wanted to contribute the modeling code to Gemini.NET, I would be interested, and would help where I can.
Regards,
? ? -Paul
|
Thanks, Paul.
I agree that the best approach is understanding how to best use Gemini, as it does work well.
If my list of steps work for Doc (PuzzleWuzzle), then his problem is solved on the practical level.??
Let's see what Doc reports as progress,.. or remaining trouble.
Best, Michael
On Sun, Nov 12, 2017 at 3:40 PM, yh@... [Losmandy_users] <Losmandy_users@...> wrote:
?
> Do you think there could be a way to do that multiple star triangulation and interpolation, using the Gemini? > model system.?
Michael, yes, of course, you could do the same with Gemini.NET with some coding. Alternatively, you could easily create an ASCOM hub that would be independent of Gemini and Gemini.NET. Original T-Point works this way, although it's not free. Existing Gemini implementation of the pointing model has the benefit that it works without a PC, which none of the other PC-based software can claim.
I had an idea about 4-5 years ago to implement a very simple pointing corrector as part of Gemini.NET, but after a few attempts, I found that my chosen method (using only three stars) wasn't accurate enough, so I gave up :)
Of course, if someone wanted to contribute the modeling code to Gemini.NET, I would be interested, and would help where I can.
Regards,
? ? -Paul
|
?
Food for thought..
If Gemini is unique in modeling without
a PC, why would the answer be to modify Gemini.net / ASCOM??
?
Visual Observers who setup each time are
an after thought to Gemini 2.. I continue to wish I had not acquired this
mount.. And no.. I am not an idiot, and I will figure it out or I will beat it
to death with a large sledgehammer..
?
I have never made it to the 3rd
star and seldom to the second.. And I am staring at The Summer Triangle!!
?
There.. I said it..
?
Derek
|
> If Gemini is unique in modeling without a PC, why would the?> answer be to modify Gemini.net / ASCOM??
Primarily because this can be done without involving the author of Gemini, Rene Goerlich.? Only he can make changes to Gemini internals.?
Anybody with some coding skills can create an ASCOM hub, or contribute some source code into Gemini.NET source tree.
Regards,
? -Paul
|
Derek, When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help. Dave...
|
Hello, Dave
?
I am slowly working on it. Obviously
since so many love their mounts, it has to be me and I continue to have little “AH
HA” moments and pick up a little tidbit of info every time out.. I do
have local help. I just haven’t utilized yet.. Rest assured that I will
if it doesn’t all ‘come together’ in the next few attempts..
?
I am pretty much shut down for the rainy
season, though I will setup if work and weather cooperate.. If I am still
frustrated in April, then we will have trouble..
?
:-))
?
Derek
Morgan Hill, CA
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
2:02 PM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: RE: [Losmandy_users]
Pointing issues
?
?
Derek,
When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps
someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased
with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help.
|
Hi Derek,? I’m a relative rookie in that I’ve only had my mount for about 10 months, but I’ve learned things with that have really with astro photography. First, make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever reaching those limits. Second, because I am using SGP with plate solving, I cold start the mount and don’t do any alignment. This solved all of my pointing in astrophotography.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 14, 2017, at 5:50 PM, 'Derek C Breit' breit_ideas@... [Losmandy_users] < Losmandy_users@...> wrote:
?
Hello, Dave
?
I am slowly working on it. Obviously
since so many love their mounts, it has to be me and I continue to have little “AH
HA” moments and pick up a little tidbit of info every time out.. I do
have local help. I just haven’t utilized yet.. Rest assured that I will
if it doesn’t all ‘come together’ in the next few attempts..
?
I am pretty much shut down for the rainy
season, though I will setup if work and weather cooperate.. If I am still
frustrated in April, then we will have trouble..
?
:-))
?
Derek
Morgan Hill, CA
?
?
?
Derek,
When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps
someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased
with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help.
|
“make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever reaching those limits.” ? Are you sure about that? I haven’t experienced that, though the gemini settings have to match the mount ? ? “I am using SGP with plate solving” ? 100% agree on this one. Alignment was such a headache and then fine tuning the targets. SGP and plate solving are a god send. That and polemaster have turned a chore into a pleasure ? ? Thanks ? Brian ? ? Brian Valente Brianvalentephotography.com ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 12:58 PM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Pointing issues? ? Hi Derek,? I’m a relative rookie in that I’ve only had my mount for about 10 months, but I’ve learned things with that have really with astro photography. First, make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever reaching those limits. Second, because I am using SGP with plate solving, I cold start the mount and don’t do any alignment. This solved all of my pointing in astrophotography. Rob? ? Hello, Dave ? I am slowly working on it. Obviously since so many love their mounts, it has to be me and I continue to have little “AH HA” moments and pick up a little tidbit of info every time out.. I do have local help. I just haven’t utilized yet.. Rest assured that I will if it doesn’t all ‘come together’ in the next few attempts.. ? I am pretty much shut down for the rainy season, though I will setup if work and weather cooperate.. If I am still frustrated in April, then we will have trouble.. ? :-)) ? Derek Morgan Hill, CA ? ? ? Derek, When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help.
|
Yes, I’m very sure. I was having problems with pointing, especially around the meridian where Gemini was trying to keep from doing a meridian flip so it would try to use safety limits to point east with a west flip, if that make sense.
These problems went away as well as some others when I adjusted safety limits to my gear to, which were not nearly as liberal as the presets for the mount.
Rob
Get
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... on behalf of 'Brian Valente' bvalente@... [Losmandy_users]
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 1:00:34 PM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: RE: [Losmandy_users] Pointing issues
?
?
“make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever
reaching those limits.”
?
Are you sure about that? I haven’t experienced that, though the gemini settings have to match the mount
?
?
“I am using SGP with plate solving”
?
100% agree on this one. Alignment was such a headache and then fine tuning the targets. SGP and plate solving are a god send. That and polemaster have turned a chore into a pleasure
?
?
Thanks
?
Brian
?
?
Brian Valente
Brianvalentephotography.com
?
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 12:58 PM
To: Losmandy_users@...
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Pointing issues
?
?
Hi Derek,?
I’m a relative rookie in that I’ve only had my mount for about 10 months, but I’ve learned things with that have really with astro photography. First, make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really
affects pointing without ever reaching those limits. Second, because I am using SGP with plate solving, I cold start the mount and don’t do any alignment. This solved all of my pointing in astrophotography.
Rob?
?
Hello, Dave
?
I am slowly working on it. Obviously since so many love their mounts, it has to be me and I continue to have little “AH HA” moments and pick up a little tidbit of info every time out.. I do
have local help. I just haven’t utilized yet.. Rest assured that I will if it doesn’t all ‘come together’ in the next few attempts..
?
I am pretty much shut down for the rainy season, though I will setup if work and weather cooperate.. If I am still frustrated in April, then we will have trouble..
?
:-))
?
Derek
Morgan Hill, CA
?
?
?
Derek,
When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help.
|
So you are using limits to “trick” the mount into doing (or not doing) meridian flips, is that correct? ? Thanks ? Brian ? ? Brian Valente Brianvalentephotography.com ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Losmandy_users@... [mailto:Losmandy_users@...]
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 1:42 PM
To: losmandy_users@...; losmandy_users@...
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users] Pointing issues? ? Yes, I’m very sure. I was having problems with pointing, especially around the meridian where Gemini was trying to keep from doing a meridian flip so it would try to use safety limits to point east with a west flip, if that make sense. These problems went away as well as some others when I adjusted safety limits to my gear to, which were not nearly as liberal as the presets for the mount.
? “make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever reaching those limits.” ? Are you sure about that? I haven’t experienced that, though the gemini settings have to match the mount ? ? “I am using SGP with plate solving” ? 100% agree on this one. Alignment was such a headache and then fine tuning the targets. SGP and plate solving are a god send. That and polemaster have turned a chore into a pleasure ? ? Thanks ? Brian ? ? Brian Valente Brianvalentephotography.com ? ? ? Hi Derek,? I’m a relative rookie in that I’ve only had my mount for about 10 months, but I’ve learned things with that have really with astro photography. First, make sure the safety limits at set specially for your gear. Believe it or not this really affects pointing without ever reaching those limits. Second, because I am using SGP with plate solving, I cold start the mount and don’t do any alignment. This solved all of my pointing in astrophotography. Rob? ? Hello, Dave ? I am slowly working on it. Obviously since so many love their mounts, it has to be me and I continue to have little “AH HA” moments and pick up a little tidbit of info every time out.. I do have local help. I just haven’t utilized yet.. Rest assured that I will if it doesn’t all ‘come together’ in the next few attempts.. ? I am pretty much shut down for the rainy season, though I will setup if work and weather cooperate.. If I am still frustrated in April, then we will have trouble.. ? :-)) ? Derek Morgan Hill, CA ? ? ? Derek, When as frustrated as you seem to be, post your location.? Perhaps someone nearby can stop by and give you a hand.? Many folks are pleased with their G11 and G2.? No reason to suffer alone.? Get local help.
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Michael Herman
Paul Kanevsky
David Cochrun