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With the sunny weather we've been having, I've taken to leaving my mount outside (I take my scope and box computer in). That has been really helpful in starting back up quickly the next night, since it is already polar aligned etc. But it does mean that it stays exposed to the sun, including the Gemini control unit (I take the HC inside). Any issues tat may arise? It is still pretty cold here, around or slightly above freezing.
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Hi Arun
I leave my mounts out 24/365
I don't think doing this once or twice is a problem.?
However I recommend you cover them so as to reduce contaminants and also sun bleaching of the anodizing. I was just at a friend's house?and his short refractor telescope's "black" rings are all now copper colored. Also the gemini is a computer, so generally it's a good idea to minimize temperature variations (i.e., it may not be hot but the sun beating on the black case will cause fluctuations)
I use a cover from telegizmos which is the best, but you can also use a tarp or a sun reflector or combo
my two cents ;)
With the sunny weather we've been having, I've taken to leaving my mount outside (I take my scope and box computer in). That has been really helpful in starting back up quickly the next night, since it is already polar aligned etc. But it does mean that it stays exposed to the sun, including the Gemini control unit (I take the HC inside). Any issues tat may arise? It is still pretty cold here, around or slightly above freezing.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Brian is spot on use a cover.?? I've seen pics of users leaving them in snow to deserts!?? Of course, bearing lubricants etc used may differ between users like this.? Probably best to Take your Gemini electronics inside. ? The motors should be ok.? That said, most ICs are rated to -40°C (-40°f) to +85°C (185°f)...its just to keep condensing moisture away.
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Brendan
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I have left the G11 out for over a year under a Telegizmos 365 cover. I leave the Gemini attached unless there is an expected long spell of inclement weather but even when I have left everything connected including the camera, the cover has protected it all. Even the famous Gemini 2 battery has lasted without replacement, yet anyway. Tonight I did remove the portable powerbox and ASIair because of heavy rain. I also rigged a plastic box that holds the powerstrip, AC adapters, etc and keep them dry under the tripod. I can be up and running in ten minutes with this setup.
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I have read all these testaments to the hardiness of the Losmandy mount can be. There is no way I'm leaving my rig out. I will put up with the 30 minutes or so setup to get things up and running and breaking down. Weather is one the other is
thieves. HAPPY SKIES Deric
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
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-------- Original message --------
From: "doctorharris via Groups.Io" <doctorharris@...>
Date: 3/1/20 7:28 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun
I have left the G11 out for over a year under a Telegizmos 365 cover. I leave the Gemini attached unless there is an expected long spell of inclement weather but even when I have left everything connected including the camera, the cover has protected it
all. Even the famous Gemini 2 battery has lasted without replacement, yet anyway. Tonight I did remove the portable powerbox and ASIair because of heavy rain. I also rigged a plastic box that holds the powerstrip, AC adapters, etc and keep them dry under the
tripod. I can be up and running in ten minutes with this setup.
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>>>
Weather is one the other is thieves
yeah - no cover i'm aware of will prevent thieving!
I have read all these testaments to the hardiness of the Losmandy mount can be. There is no way I'm leaving my rig out. I will put up with the 30 minutes or so setup to get things up and running and breaking down. Weather is one the other is
thieves. HAPPY SKIES Deric
Sent from my Galaxy Tab A
-------- Original message --------
Date: 3/1/20 7:28 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun
I have left the G11 out for over a year under a Telegizmos 365 cover. I leave the Gemini attached unless there is an expected long spell of inclement weather but even when I have left everything connected including the camera, the cover has protected it
all. Even the famous Gemini 2 battery has lasted without replacement, yet anyway. Tonight I did remove the portable powerbox and ASIair because of heavy rain. I also rigged a plastic box that holds the powerstrip, AC adapters, etc and keep them dry under the
tripod. I can be up and running in ten minutes with this setup.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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I have the Orion 15206 Cover, and I leave everything but electronics under it, on my back deck, thru all weather. ?Great cover so far.?
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I live in an older neighborhood with tall mature trees (easily 100+ yr old oaks, etc.) so I can’t really do any observations from home (other than straight up near the zenith). ?So while I don’t leave my scope out “all year”, I do use the Telegizmos covers when I go to extended weekend star parties. ?These aren’t the “365” covers designed for year-round use. ?They do hold up quite well… they’ve saved me from weather and let me leave the scope out for the weekend.
Also, they come in sizes… so the cover I use for my 100mm refractor on the GM8 mount is totally different than the cover I use for the 12.5” CDK on the G11 mount. ?I also have one for my 14” Meade SCT (but that’s not on an EQ mount).
But there is one more point I should make…
I have, once or twice, had the Gemini lock up while doing day-time solar outreach. ?I realized that this is a black anodized metal control box that has no vents facing south on hot sunny days … there’s gotta be a lot of heat build-up inside. ?
SO… I grabbed one of those really cheap (NASA spin-off) thermal “survival” blankets. ?It’s a very thin mylar with gold coating on one side and silver on the other. ?Gold is an good reflector of infrared energy. ?So I made a skirt that covers the control panel with the gold side facing out … and now I have no more issues when I do solar observing with it.
I have never had an issue with the mount being too cold. ?Probably the coldest weather it has experienced is low 20’s F (I don’t think I’ve ever tried to use it in the teens and I’m definitely not going out of my way to set up in single digit temps. ?I’m not worried about the scope complaining so much as I’m worried about me complaining.)
Clear Skies,
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I have the Orion 15206 Cover, and I leave everything but electronics under it, on my back deck, thru all weather. ?Great cover so far.?
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I used to leave my mount out 24/7/365.
But my brand new GM811G HD is just to darn pretty for that.
But, for those who would like to, I suggest a $15 portable dome.
I always covered my mount (POS that it was) with a waterproof canvas BBQ cover, and put a can over that.
And leave the bottoms wide open for maximum ventilation.
I was going to upgrade my dome to ,?
But I just can't leave mine out. Besides, my "Observatory" (LOL) is Pool Side, and chlorine fumes ain't a great thing for metals.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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You’re portable dome is titled “Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE 44-Gallon Gray Plastic Trash Can with Lid:???? ? And that’s the *upgraded* version?? ? lol ? ? Thanks ? Brian ? portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/ ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sonny Edmonds
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 11:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun ? I used to leave my mount out 23/7/365.
But my brand new GM811G HD is just to darn pretty for that.
But, for those who would like to, I suggest a $15 portable dome.
I always covered my mount (POS that it was) with a waterproof canvas BBQ cover, and put a can over that.
And leave the bottoms wide open for maximum ventilation.
I was going to upgrade my dome to ,?
But I just can't leave mine out. Besides, my "Observatory" (LOL) is Pool Side, and chlorine fumes ain't a great thing for metals.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Tim,
Have used my Gll? at cooler temps. (0 to -5 F) with no issues. Below that cables become brittle and rigid. I do get a frost build up on the inside of the roll off roof when it is -10 to -20 F . Don't need that dripping on anything when the sun hits it in the am, so it stays closed. Usually at those temps. I am a visual observer, or I use my astro-binocs. Out last eve. (temps in the mid 20's..) felt downright balmy!
Bill
From: "Timothy Campbell via Groups.Io" <tim.campbell@...> To: "Losmandy users" < [email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 12:39:25 PM Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Leaving Mount in the sun I live in an older neighborhood with tall mature trees (easily 100+ yr old oaks, etc.) so I can’t really do any observations from home (other than straight up near the zenith). ?So while I don’t leave my scope out “all year”, I do use the Telegizmos covers when I go to extended weekend star parties. ?These aren’t the “365” covers designed for year-round use. ?They do hold up quite well… they’ve saved me from weather and let me leave the scope out for the weekend.
Also, they come in sizes… so the cover I use for my 100mm refractor on the GM8 mount is totally different than the cover I use for the 12.5” CDK on the G11 mount. ?I also have one for my 14” Meade SCT (but that’s not on an EQ mount).
But there is one more point I should make…
I have, once or twice, had the Gemini lock up while doing day-time solar outreach. ?I realized that this is a black anodized metal control box that has no vents facing south on hot sunny days … there’s gotta be a lot of heat build-up inside. ?
SO… I grabbed one of those really cheap (NASA spin-off) thermal “survival” blankets. ?It’s a very thin mylar with gold coating on one side and silver on the other. ?Gold is an good reflector of infrared energy. ?So I made a skirt that covers the control panel with the gold side facing out … and now I have no more issues when I do solar observing with it.
I have never had an issue with the mount being too cold. ?Probably the coldest weather it has experienced is low 20’s F (I don’t think I’ve ever tried to use it in the teens and I’m definitely not going out of my way to set up in single digit temps. ?I’m not worried about the scope complaining so much as I’m worried about me complaining.)
Clear Skies, Tim
I have the Orion 15206 Cover, and I leave everything but electronics under it, on my back deck, thru all weather. ?Great cover so far.?
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Thanks to all for your suggestions... I did fashion a makeshift cover to protect the mount itself and the Gemini computer from the sun.
Re - running in the cold. I can say I have imaged pretty close to 0F on a few occasions with no issues. The mount itself has no problems at all. It was bit amusing to see SGP report the focuser temperature as -18C and the fan on TEC of my ASI1600 camera struggle to run slow enough to cool it the extra 2 degrees to -20C! The only cold related issue I had was when it was close to 0F with a bit of wind. My ASI 290MM mini guide cam wouldn't download to the computer. I suspect it was because of it being so small, it would lose heat much faster than the remaining electronics I was using and it didn't like that. Can't say I blame it. I called it a night and waited till it got a bit warmer and all was fine.
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On Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 11:03 AM, Brian Valente wrote:
ou’re portable dome is titled “Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE 44-Gallon Gray Plastic Trash Can with Lid:????
?
And that’s the *upgraded* version??
?
lol
Yeah, well, if I had upgraded. Bigger dome. +12 gallons & it's a Rubbermade! Oooo, Ahhhh! But instead, the CFO sez to bring it in at night. Makes me It is a thing of beauty. Besides, if I bring it in, it let's me do Plate Solving from pictures. And do imaginary slewing watching Stellarium. Better than any TV show! LOL! -- SonnyE (I suggest viewed in full screen)
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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)
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Which cover do you guys use???
Arun
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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
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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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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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Sorry to revive a dead topic, but it isn't worth making a brand new one for a comment.?
I have left my G11T out (sans electronics) with a mylar cover on my deck since early June and I went out today to wipe it and notices a nickel-sized puddle of oil that appears to have been running off the RA clutch. It's been very hot here in Kansas City this year (92-95f this week and my deck gets over 110f).
So I brought the elephant inside and spun the RA axis around for a few minutes while it cooled to redistribute the lube. Needless to say it gave me a spook and I'll probably be giving Scott a call to make sure I don't need to tear it down and re-lube it, or check other internal parts for lube runoff.?
MysMy is that the clutches use something like a gun oil, or bicycle wet-lube for chains and cassettes and this isn't the same as the synthetic grease used for the bearings and gears, but I want to be sure before I load it up again with 60lbs of gear and 35lbs of weights. Also rain is forecast all week so I can't really measure PEC until I have another rare good night of seeing.?
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It's OK, Kevin.
I leave my tripod out and covered. But everything else comes in out of the heat of summer.
So nothing electrical is outside in the heat. Beyond the heat stressing the lubricants, people don't realize excessive heat also stresses the capacitors in the electronics.
I do a new Model every night anyway, and I have my mount "modularized" into "chunks" for moving back and forth.
1. 12" EX12 has the Gemini and wiring harness, and the RA on it; 2. The RAEXT carries the DEC and the bar/weight as a chunk; 3. And lastly is the telescope assembly. (Mine is everything from a D Bar up.)
I cover my tripod with a heavy canvas painters tarp and my 32 gallon plastic dome.
But the tripod remains polar oriented, so when I set up the pieces, the bayonet indexes bring the RA into near Polar Alignment.
The mount is as near a perfect mount as any ever made.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Timothy Campbell