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I really prefer using the 492 system in conjunction with the DSC Pro but I've got a G11 and a GM-8 with Genesis I systems that I'd really like to convert over to the 492 system on each. I'd need the whole shootin' match - including motors.?
I may end up placing a wanted ad on CloudyNights but figure most everybody here already reads those posts and I feel safer here.
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Please let me know whatcha got!
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Warren
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I have a G11 version of the 492, motors and all.
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Let me know if you're interested.
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MJCW500@...
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PM me, I have a complete system for either the G11 or GM8.
Of course this $20 OnStep controller can do anything?that the 492 can plus wireless control with your cell phone or wired with a basic 492 hand unit or Smart Hand controller. Autoguiding, RTC, etc. supported.
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George I’m a fan Onstep but $20 won’t get you a replacement to the Digital drive. ? Just a quote from one of the sites:
“Total cost can be <$100, I spent about $250 on each of my conversions.”
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But it relays on a lot of DIY and generally users of “push to” are older users more used to this and are reluctant to change. ?
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Please, users of digital drives…. , slap me silly if I speak out of place and assume too much.?
I do like Onstep but IMHO users need to know some Arduino, and have mechanical ability. ? All in one kits are not cheap a wireless smart HC $340 AUD!
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Yes users can build their own but I’d suggest this core group or users must be capable of Arduino code and good machining ability. ?Otherwise they must but “kits” that themselves, while cheaper than Gemini, had no where near the power of an ARM. ?OR even indeed the old 8052 MCU (capable of many instructions at once). ? Multitasking concurrent code with ?Arduino is more difficult.?
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I did see a schematic that the 492 drive within RS232 interface. ?Actually I’m looking at it now on my lappy. ? ?I’ve always wondered if the code for this is actually there (in the EEPROM) or not. ?I don’t have a 492 to play with. ?Plus it’s slew rate is too slow.?
I guess the powers to be didn’t want it competing with the Gemini at the time (back late 1990s to 2001). ?But Rs232 would have sweetened the digital drive?
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FWIW….probably nothing just musing ? I do applaud those using Onstep and it is a great OpenSource system. ?
Again FWIW?
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Brendan
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Brendan
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On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 09:28 PM, @wrvond wrote:
I really prefer using the 492 system in conjunction with the DSC Pro but I've got a G11 and a GM-8 with Genesis I systems that I'd really like to convert over to the 492 system on each. I'd need the whole shootin' match - including motors.?
I may end up placing a wanted ad on CloudyNights but figure most everybody here already reads those posts and I feel safer here.
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Please let me know whatcha got!
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Warren
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When you say your mounts have a Genesis system did you mean the Gemini 1 system??
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If they are Gemini 1 systems they still have quite a bit of value to people lookong to upgrade to a GOTO controller.? For the folks who repair Gemini systems they would be a valuable source of getting hard to find parts.?
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I've been a proponent of the #492 Digital Drive and PUSH-TO mode operation of Losmandy mounts for many years for visual use.? When paired with the 311K encoders, Nexus DSC and Sky Safari, a well balanced scope is a dream to use.??
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I have both a 20+ year old but fully updated G11G-2 as well as a Covid era GM8G-2.? But for straight visual my favorite mount is a 1992 NOS find that I added encoders to and use with the Nexus DSC and Sky Safari. There's nothing else like it for visual work.? A pure experience, an indulgence for visual observation which allows the observer to enjoy the night in quiet contemplation with the stars.??
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You are preaching to the choir here.??
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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You are absolutely correct on all counts. I don't know why I insist on calling the Gemini systems Genesis it's something that I've done for years. Not all the time, but often enough to be annoying, thanks for catching that.
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I hadn't intended to hang on to these Gemini 1 units but until you mentioned it, I didn't think to offer to trade them for working 492 systems. I'd be happy to do that.?
Here's what I've got:
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On the G11:
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On the GM8:
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Warren
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In the same vein the surprisingly cheap (the cheapest one I bought cost me $400!) but almost as good as it gets in a 100mm refractor optics are the older Chinese knock offs of the Japanese made Vixen ED100mm f/9 refractor.? ?These Chinese clones with labels from just about everyone IMO.make the perfect companion to the GM8s mount.?
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Warren
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Those G1s will be much sought after. ?Will more than pay for 492 digital drive and or axes encoders. ? I saw a HT motor on one.?
One trap is the Gemini motor mount ring and standoffs are different to the stepper motors. ?If you read the digital drive conversion document to Gemini …this mentions this.?
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Maybe someone will do a complete swap?
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Brendan
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Thanks for the link Brendan, very handy for identifying all the parts needed for the swap.
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A complete swap would be ideal.?
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I just saw a 492 box for the G11 on cloudy nights, if you’re still looking for one. Just the box though, no motors.
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Aside from all the back and forth about Gemini and Onstep, are you still interested in buying a used 492 (G11 PROMs) and motors???
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Mark C.
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Yes. I sent a private message, but perhaps I messed that up. I'll try again.
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W
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I saw that ad, too. Sent the seller a message but no reply. I'd really prefer not to piece anything together.?
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Thanks to Mark I'll soon have the 492 for my G-11.
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I'm still in the market for a 492 to go on a GM-8 with Losmandy DSC.??
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On Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 05:30 PM, @wrvond wrote:
Thanks to Mark I'll soon have the 492 for my G-11.
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I'm still in the market for a 492 to go on a GM-8 with Losmandy DSC.??
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Not the Losmandy DSC!? Using that is like jumping back in time to vacuum tube calculation machines.? Its cool in theory but not IRL!??
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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If you want a whole or parts of the DSC 492 system I suggest that you contact Losmandy directly. The still offer the DSC hand controller and drive boards in their Replacement Parts section. And they probably still have complete units laying around somewhere. BTW, I personally have the DSC system on two of my mounts (G11 and Starlapse) and like them very much.?
I am 74 years old and still enjoy star hopping to my sky targets like I did when I started imaging in 1975. It gives me a more intimate feeling and relationship with the sky vs GOTO. Furthermore, the DSC yields excellent long exposure autoguiding results if everything is set up and aligned correctly. And it is cheap.
I hope that you find your DSC. Best wishes.
John
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 01:16:14 AM GMT+8, Chip Louie <chiplouie@...> wrote:
On Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 05:30 PM, @wrvond wrote:
Thanks to Mark I'll soon have the 492 for my G-11.
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I'm still in the market for a 492 to go on a GM-8 with Losmandy DSC.??
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Not the Losmandy DSC!? Using that is like jumping back in time to vacuum tube calculation machines.? Its cool in theory but not IRL!??
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Well, Brendan I have a long standing?grudge with the manufacturers of commercial?systems. It's based on a lot of things, lousy?support, extortionate parts prices, when parts are offered, woeful reliability and some pretty awful designs.?
In 2020 Steve Schwartz asked if I would?take on distribution?of the STMF103 based Blue Pill controller and his Espressif ESP32 based hand control parts kits, I accepted. As I pulled together an inventory of parts from Asia. I realized that most of the cost was the shipping. And if I ordered large 50-500 units the price of a kit could be cut drastically. If you go to AliExpress and JLBPCB and order the minimum parts needed for, say, a MaxESP3, it will run over a hundred. If I order?enough parts to build 40-50 it's under $20 for each controller. I add 20-30% for carrying costs so I can tell my wife I'm breaking even.
Why sell at cost? Remember my grudge, to expand the hobby to those who may be less able to afford a goto mount or repair the one they have and free others from having to deal with the manufacturers. It also gives me a purpose.
The D1-R32 is a ESP32 development board with an Arduino UNO configuration. $8-10 on AliExpress. The daughter?board was designed and placed in the public domain by a fellow in the Czech Republic who works for SAP. 50 ran about a buck a piece delivered. Resistors are a penny and caps about 2, males and female heads are 10? cents each, 12 to 3.3V power regulator is 58 -78 cents, RJs are a quarter, WiFi transceiver $1.50, RTC about the same. Add it up and it comes to $20 for the controller parts. Drivers are $4-$18 depending on your needs.
NEMA17 0.9° step angle motors are $10 delivered by 5 units. I generally?figure $15 per drive for toothed pulleys and belts and for commonally converted mounts, 3D motor bracket designs are available on the web. I generally put my faith in 6160, although?I used?scrap plastic for my GM-8 as an experiment. .?
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Chip,
With only five mounts I don't consider myself a power user like you guys. I've got the Astro Devices DSC Pro on the other four mounts while this fifth mount happened to come with the Losmandy DSC. I figure I'll use it until I have saved up for another DSC Pro unit.? ?
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On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 05:08 PM, John Nassr wrote:
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If you want a whole or parts of the DSC 492 system I suggest that you contact Losmandy directly. The still offer the DSC hand controller and drive boards in their Replacement Parts section. And they probably still have complete units laying around somewhere. BTW, I personally have the DSC system on two of my mounts (G11 and Starlapse) and like them very much.?
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I am 74 years old and still enjoy star hopping to my sky targets like I did when I started imaging in 1975. It gives me a more intimate feeling and relationship with the sky vs GOTO. Furthermore, the DSC yields excellent long exposure autoguiding results if everything is set up and aligned correctly. And it is cheap.
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I hope that you find your DSC. Best wishes.
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John
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I think you are mixing up the #492 Digital Drive - "DD"? with the original low resolution encoder Losmandy Digital Setting Circle - "DSC" systems.? The #492 DD is the original tracking but non-GOTO geared stepper motor powered RA and DEC drive system intended for visual and imaging use with a "dumb" hand controller or an autoguiding camera.? The Losmandy DSC AFAIK ad 4096 tic encoders and it was okay.? That said the low resolution encoders are no match for the modern high resolution 311,000 tic encoders and Wi-Fi equipped Nexus DSC from Astro Devices.??
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I have a very early 1992? Losmandy GM8s #492 Digital Drive mount with Astro Devices 311,000 tic encoders and Nexus DSC Pro.? Together they make what has to be the finest lightweight moderate payload PUSH-TO mount available.? The GM8s with Nexus DSC is my favorite visual mount even though I also have a new GM8G2 and 20 year old but current spec G11G2.? ? ? ? ? ?
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Chip,
Really very interesting. I just learned something new from you. Thank you.
John
On Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 05:19:40 AM GMT+8, Chip Louie <chiplouie@...> wrote:
On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 05:08 PM, John Nassr wrote:
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If you want a whole or parts of the DSC 492 system I suggest that you contact Losmandy directly. The still offer the DSC hand controller and drive boards in their Replacement Parts section. And they probably still have complete units laying around somewhere. BTW, I personally have the DSC system on two of my mounts (G11 and Starlapse) and like them very much.?
?
I am 74 years old and still enjoy star hopping to my sky targets like I did when I started imaging in 1975. It gives me a more intimate feeling and relationship with the sky vs GOTO. Furthermore, the DSC yields excellent long exposure autoguiding results if everything is set up and aligned correctly. And it is cheap.
?
I hope that you find your DSC. Best wishes.
?
John
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I think you are mixing up the #492 Digital Drive - "DD"? with the original low resolution encoder Losmandy Digital Setting Circle - "DSC" systems.? The #492 DD is the original tracking but non-GOTO geared stepper motor powered RA and DEC drive system intended for visual and imaging use with a "dumb" hand controller or an autoguiding camera.? The Losmandy DSC AFAIK ad 4096 tic encoders and it was okay.? That said the low resolution encoders are no match for the modern high resolution 311,000 tic encoders and Wi-Fi equipped Nexus DSC from Astro Devices.??
?
I have a very early 1992? Losmandy GM8s #492 Digital Drive mount with Astro Devices 311,000 tic encoders and Nexus DSC Pro.? Together they make what has to be the finest lightweight moderate payload PUSH-TO mount available.? The GM8s with Nexus DSC is my favorite visual mount even though I also have a new GM8G2 and 20 year old but current spec G11G2.? ? ? ? ? ?
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Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Chip Louie