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On Sun, Sep 20, 2020 at 04:58 PM, Tom Storer wrote:
??? 3.They are tightened barely snug, I also smeared a small amount of
Superlube under the worm blocks and used some purple 222 Loctite on? the
screws to stop them working loose but still allow adjustment.
Makes sense. I was thinking if you use slightly longer screws and cut them precisely or put a very small washer in the hole you can tighten then while still giving play to the OPW. I haven't done that to mine yet. Like you I just lubed under the block for now.
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Keith
??? 1. I made the washers similar to the Losmandy? washers so that the screw would sit in the recess and? the ??? spring would be stable sitting over the small lip. Also Losmandy probably designed them this way for a ??? ??? ??? reason.
??? 2. My son was in LA a couple of years ago, so I got him to purchase some small spares including the springs for the saddle plate. These are probably the springs that Losmandy use for the SLW.
??? 3.They are tightened barely snug, I also smeared a small amount of Superlube under the worm blocks and used some purple 222 Loctite on? the screws to stop them working loose but still allow adjustment.
I hope this answers your questions, if you have any more dont hesitate to ask.
Clear skies
Tom
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Tom - thanks a lot for the detail, just a couple questions:
- Did you make the washers just so it looks "Losmandy-ish", or is there some other functional reason over standard flat washers?
- Were the springs from Losmandy, or did you purchase elsewhere?
- I think you answered this, but are the screws holding the bearing blocks from underneath just tightened barely snug (as opposed to springs there as well)?
Keith
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Hi David,
Nope. But with the 2-piece worms you can make your life a lot easier by drilling and tapping the worm blocks to hold them in the dust cover so they remain square to one another which makes setting worm backlash easier to deal with and allows the Bellevue springs to work correctly in the outer block if you did the spring disc mod.? ?
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Aha ¨C not a mod for those of us with the original two piece worm blocks then ¡ ? D. ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tom Storer
Sent: 19 September 2020 10:41
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Spring loaded worm modification G11 ? I have included some pics with details. Before drilling out existing threaded hole in worm cover, remove motor and gear box assembly to prevent contamination. Drill out with 5.5 mm drill. Make sure to drill a small indent in worm support plate for centering its 4.2 mm hole then complete disassembly of DEC worm plate. Before drilling threaded hole (4.2 mm drill for 5 mm tap) in worm plate check and recheck the worm plate is exactly square in drill press vice (use some form firm padding in machine vice to avoid damage to worm plate). Use lots of WD40 for drilling and tapping. I have included drawings of aluminum washers for manufacture. If possible purchase washers & springs from Losmandy ( saddle plate springs). Again shipping is very expensive out of the US. You do this mod at your own risk, if you stuff it up you can always use the new threaded hole in worm cover to go back to default. After finishing the mod, set up as per Scott's video. Remember, if it is possible get it done by Losmandy. It would have cost more in shipping for me than a new DEC axis. Oh, almost forgot, use some superlube under the worm blocks so that they move smoothly. Do not however loosen the screws holding the blocks too much. I also used purple 222 loctite so that the adjustment screws do loosen over time.
Good luck
Tom
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I have included some pics with details. Before drilling out existing threaded hole in worm cover, remove motor and gear box assembly to prevent contamination. Drill out with 5.5 mm drill. Make sure to drill a small indent in worm support plate for centering its 4.2 mm hole then complete disassembly of DEC worm plate. Before drilling threaded hole (4.2 mm drill for 5 mm tap) in worm plate check and recheck the worm plate is exactly square in drill press vice (use some form firm padding in machine vice to avoid damage to worm plate). Use lots of WD40 for drilling and tapping. I have included drawings of aluminum washers for manufacture. If possible purchase washers & springs from Losmandy ( saddle plate springs). Again shipping is very expensive out of the US. You do this mod at your own risk, if you stuff it up you can always use the new threaded hole in worm cover to go back to default. After finishing the mod, set up as per Scott's video. Remember, if it is possible get it done by Losmandy. It would have cost more in shipping for me than a new DEC axis. Oh, almost forgot, use some superlube under the worm blocks so that they move smoothly. Do not however loosen the screws holding the blocks too much. I also used purple 222 loctite so that the adjustment screws do loosen over time.
Good luck
Tom
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Looks really good Tom. I'm in western Sydney and I did something similar. How did you deal with the two Hex holding the worm block from under the plate. Do you leave them lose enough so the block can rotate or did you use slightly longer ones?
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Do you have drawings to allow others to reproduce? ? David ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tom Storer
Sent: 18 September 2020 03:00
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Spring loaded worm modification G11 ? Hi everyone, this is my first post. I received my G811G a few months prior to SLW being fitted. Due to high shipping costs to and from Australia it was not possible to send it back to Scott for upgrade, so I DIYed it.
I researched using photos of the SLW system. My brother is a retired aircraft maintenance engineer who made the washers for me. My son was visiting LA a couple of years ago and bought some small spares which included saddle springs, one of which I used for the SLW. I bought a small slab of 7071 aluminum which I used to rehearse drilling and tapping. As Australia uses the metric system I used M5 stainless screws. I only upgraded the DEC axis as the RA has no detectable backlash. (If it ain't broke don't fix it). The result was well worth the effort, when guiding, a change in direction is under a second whereas is was up to 13 seconds prior to the mod. These mounts are beautifully designed and made. This would not be possible with the usual mass produced mounts.
?I have attached some pics.
Clear skies,
Tom.
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Hi everyone, this is my first post. I received my G811G a few months prior to SLW being fitted. Due to high shipping costs to and from Australia it was not possible to send it back to Scott for upgrade, so I DIYed it.
I researched using photos of the SLW system. My brother is a retired aircraft maintenance engineer who made the washers for me. My son was visiting LA a couple of years ago and bought some small spares which included saddle springs, one of which I used for the SLW. I bought a small slab of 7071 aluminum which I used to rehearse drilling and tapping. As Australia uses the metric system I used M5 stainless screws. I only upgraded the DEC axis as the RA has no detectable backlash. (If it ain't broke don't fix it). The result was well worth the effort, when guiding, a change in direction is under a second whereas is was up to 13 seconds prior to the mod. These mounts are beautifully designed and made. This would not be possible with the usual mass produced mounts.
?I have attached some pics.
Clear skies,
Tom.
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Thanks Chuck. I wouldn't imagine Scott would want to take a "trade-in" on used, old-style motors, so yes, mine would be worthless, except as a used sale to recoup some of the massive cost of the upgrade. I suspect my medium-term plan will be to just stay the course, use the Gemini system as is, and if any part of it fails, I'll probably implement an OnStep system instead (I've already built a few systems on the bench for fun). Wide choice of powerful motors which can be easily "tucked-in" and at very low cost, though I'd still be missing the SLW capability. I'd love to see some hi-res photos of how it is done, to get an idea of what would be involved in DIYing it.
Jeff
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JP
If you get the new high torque motors, there's no trade in for the old motors. So they don't want to take old motors for future repairs.
Chuck
-----Original Message----- From: jp071848 <lx200gps@...> To: Losmandy_users < [email protected]> Sent: Thu, Sep 17, 2020 08:01 AM Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Spring loaded worm modification G11 Thanks for the summary Keith. I have a 2005-vintage G11, also with the new OPW on RA but not DEC, though I do have the RAEXS? extension. I'd been contemplating the upgrade, but one question remains for me. Can you shed any light on the comment on the Losmandy site that says this mod requires the hi-torque motors? My motors are the original non hi-torque, and if they have to be replaced, that would add another $US450 to the total, bringing the cost of the full upgrade to about $US1600, or about $C2100 BEFORE the inevitable import taxes into Canada. That's more than I paid for the entire mount a few years ago.? I'd have to consider selling the old mount and buying new or a recent pre-owned version, as the upgrade would make no sense for me.
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I didn't ask Losmandy as I already have the hi-torque motors, but yes according to their website they are required (at $225 per motor as you mentioned).? So yes, makes even less sense in your case to upgrade.
Keith
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Thanks for the summary Keith. I have a 2005-vintage G11, also with the new OPW on RA but not DEC, though I do have the RAEXS? extension. I'd been contemplating the upgrade, but one question remains for me. Can you shed any light on the comment on the Losmandy site that says this mod requires the hi-torque motors? My motors are the original non hi-torque, and if they have to be replaced, that would add another $US450 to the total, bringing the cost of the full upgrade to about $US1600, or about $C2100 BEFORE the inevitable import taxes into Canada. That's more than I paid for the entire mount a few years ago.? I'd have to consider selling the old mount and buying new or a recent pre-owned version, as the upgrade would make no sense for me.
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I've been inquiring with Losmandy on this upgrade to the SLW as well (don't need tucked motors), and there's a few things I hadn't appreciated that may or may not be useful to anyone:
- Tucked motor upgrade is required for the SLW upgrade
- None of the existing drive train is re-purposed and all is new (e.g. even if you have a newer OPW you have to purchase another since the SLW is different)
For my older G11, I have a newer OPW on RA, 2-block configuration on DEC, and no RA extension.? So for me a complete upgrade would be (USD): $400 - tucked motors $225 - SLW for RA (note a new OPW with worm is $275, plus gearbox is another $35) $225 - SLW for DEC $100 - RAEXS Plus for me at least $200 for shipping from Canada, so let's call it $1200.? I could probably make up a bit of that by parting out my existing drive train.? Given that a new off-the-shelf G11G (mount only) is $2900, and it sounds now like turnaround time is indeterminate, one at least has to ponder the option of selling the mount as-is and just purchasing new. Keith
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On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 9:23 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: Hi James
you would need to coordinate that with Tanya, just drop her a line.?
Thanks Brian,
It is fine with me that the?mod needs to be done inhouse. However, is there a way to get in the que without shipping my mount and being without it for a significant?time period? I live fairly close by and can drop off the mount at any convenient time for you guys. I can pay upfront and as my turn comes up I can swing it by and maybe get an email or call from you when it is completed. A?two week window is good with me, and I don`t mind paying two or three months in advance of the?modification. I am easy to work with.?
Anyway, take care.
James
On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 7:09 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
Hi James
?
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
?
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
>>One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
yes you can do it on both axis. i recommend that.?
>>> if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue?
I'd have to check. I think the spring-loaded worm requires the tucked in motors (or vice versa, i'm focused on something else at the moment)?
personally i'd do them both at the same time if you could. it will save time and I also think the service to clean and relube everything is a bargain once they have it apart.?
Brian
Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
?
?
?
--
Brian?
?
?
?
Brian Valente
portfolio
--
Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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It's so long, we aren't accepting new modifications at this time. I would have to guess but i'd say at least several months
It's really just crazy how many people are either getting into it, dusting off their equipment, or want a tune up
Brian
What is the lead time now if you wanted to do the spring loaded worm, tucked motors & extension/ ra extension?
Chuck -----Original Message----- From: Brian Valente < bvalente@...> To: Losmandy_users < [email protected]> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2020 07:06 PM Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Spring loaded worm modification G11 Hi James
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
Brian Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Hi James
you would need to coordinate that with Tanya, just drop her a line.?
Thanks Brian,
It is fine with me that the?mod needs to be done inhouse. However, is there a way to get in the que without shipping my mount and being without it for a significant?time period? I live fairly close by and can drop off the mount at any convenient time for you guys. I can pay upfront and as my turn comes up I can swing it by and maybe get an email or call from you when it is completed. A?two week window is good with me, and I don`t mind paying two or three months in advance of the?modification. I am easy to work with.?
Anyway, take care.
James
On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 7:09 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
Hi James
?
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
?
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
>>One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
yes you can do it on both axis. i recommend that.?
>>> if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue?
I'd have to check. I think the spring-loaded worm requires the tucked in motors (or vice versa, i'm focused on something else at the moment)?
personally i'd do them both at the same time if you could. it will save time and I also think the service to clean and relube everything is a bargain once they have it apart.?
Brian
Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
?
?
?
--
Brian?
?
?
?
Brian Valente
portfolio
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Brian
What is the lead time now if you wanted to do the spring loaded worm, tucked motors & extension/ ra extension?
Chuck
-----Original Message----- From: Brian Valente <bvalente@...> To: Losmandy_users < [email protected]> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2020 07:06 PM Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] Spring loaded worm modification G11 Hi James
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
Brian Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
|
Thanks Brian,
It is fine with me that the?mod needs to be done inhouse. However, is there a way to get in the que without shipping my mount and being without it for a significant?time period? I live fairly close by and can drop off the mount at any convenient time for you guys. I can pay upfront and as my turn comes up I can swing it by and maybe get an email or call from you when it is completed. A?two week window is good with me, and I don`t mind paying two or three months in advance of the?modification. I am easy to work with.?
Anyway, take care.
James
On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 7:09 PM Brian Valente < bvalente@...> wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
Hi James
?
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
?
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
>>One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
yes you can do it on both axis. i recommend that.?
>>> if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue?
I'd have to check. I think the spring-loaded worm requires the tucked in motors (or vice versa, i'm focused on something else at the moment)?
personally i'd do them both at the same time if you could. it will save time and I also think the service to clean and relube everything is a bargain once they have it apart.?
Brian
Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
?
?
?
--
Brian?
?
?
?
Brian Valente
portfolio
|
Hi James
?
right now there's a significant lead time for all modifications. For better and worse, astronomy has really exploded in popularity, and the gear that goes along with it.?
?
The spring-loaded worms is a factory mod. We did try to come up with a DIY mod we could ship out, but we couldn't design one that checked all the boxes and ensured success when installing at home.
?
If you can part with your mount for an extended period of time, you can send it in an get in the queue, or you might consider holding off until the backlog is cleared out?
>>One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
yes you can do it on both axis. i recommend that.?
>>> if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue?
I'd have to check. I think the spring-loaded worm requires the tucked in motors (or vice versa, i'm focused on something else at the moment)?
personally i'd do them both at the same time if you could. it will save time and I also think the service to clean and relube everything is a bargain once they have it apart.?
Brian
Hey Brian, I am interested in the spring loaded worm mod for the G11. I called in and asked about the tucked in motor mod, as well. There is a significant lead time for the tucked in motor upgrade. I was wondering if the spring loaded worm mod needs any fabrication, or can I just bolt it on and go. Also, if I can and choose to have the have the tucked in motor modification latter, will that be an issue? Is there any particular order to these changes that are optimal?
One more thing, I can do the spring loaded worm mod to both axis?
Thanks and take care,
James
?
?
?
--
Brian?
?
?
?
Brian Valente
portfolio
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Tom Storer
Chip Louie
David C. Partridge
James B