1. main@ap-gto.groups.io
  2. Messages
   Date   
PEMPro with SBIG STV

Dick Locke
 

Hello all,

I'm testing my 900GTO mount out (pier arriving soon!) and started
looking at PEMPro. I have several questions, but the most important is:
Will PEMPro work with my SBIG STV autoguider/camera?

According the the AP website, PEMPro 1.7 requires CCDSoft V5, Maxim DL
V4, or AstroArt V3. Which of these is known to work with the STV and
PEMPro 1.7? I'd also be interested in recommendations as I have "none
of the above."

The main thing I want to accomplish would be to use PEMPro to record
and average corrections across many worm cycles, and then program the
mount to compensate for the average PE error.

I realize I can use the STV to feed corrections to the mount, but
without the averaging capabilities. (How much difference does that make?)


Thanks!

-Dick Locke
Re: What hemisphere am I in again?

Howard Hedlund
 

Hi Mike,



1. Your database has probably corrupted. That is why M51 was
reported as being below the horizon. The database corrupts when the
volatile memory loses power. This can happen when the keypad is bumped
too hard or more commonly, when the battery dies. Details are in the
tech support section of our website:
http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/keypad/keypadbat.htm
http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/keypad_update/dataload2
01/dataload201.htm



2. LOC:E means that your keypad is set to "external" meaning that
the system thinks it is being operated by an outside computer. There
are three ways this can occur. First is a bug in v. 4.07. See the
following link:
http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/keypad_update/bugs407on
.pdf Scroll down to the 4.07 bugs and read through it for
instructions.
Second, you may have the keypad set incorrectly. From the main menu, go
to 2=Setup, then 3=Keypad Options. In keypad options, the "1" key
will toggle you through the three auto-connect settings: NO, YES and
EXT. If you are permanently set up, it should be on YES. If you set
up anew for each observing session, it should be on NO. It should only
be on EXT if you are controlling the mount from an external computer
using a program like PulseGuide, The Sky, or Starry Night.
The third way that your keypad can be set to EXT is if you use the "Get
Time/Loc FrMnt" command: 2=setup; 1=Site Location Data; 3=Get Time/Loc
FrMnt. DO NOT use this command unless you are externally connected to
a computer and wish to synchronize the time and location data between
the computer and keypad. It will automatically change the keypad to
EXT mode since it assumes that a computer is operating the mount. To
check the mount's time, always use the 4=Time/LST command from the main
menu. This will also tell you your location setting. To check your
location parameters, go through setup as if you were adding or changing
location data. Exit by pressing menu if you are making no changes.
Exit by pressing GOTO if you make any changes.



Finally, consider upgrading from 4.07 to 4.12. Jot down your keypad
and/or mount serial number(s) and contact Astro-Physics if you don't
have the password.

http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/keypad_update/keypadver
sions.htm



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of Mike Chapa
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 12:37 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] What hemisphere am I in again?



Howdy,

I haven't been doing much in the hobby the last year, but tried to
enjoy some views of the moon through my TEC160FL tonight. After
polar aligning, I looked at the moon for a while and then wondered
what some objects in Ursa Major might look like with a bright moon.
However, when I asked it to go to M51, etc., it said they were below
the horizon. I checked the date and time and location and they all
seemed fine. One of the pages said I couldn't change anything there
because I was in LOC:E--what does that mean?

I confess not to being an expert on the AP900GTO--I've always found
the handpaddle a bit non-intuitive and I'm often too lazy to read the
manual. But, I don't think it has ever done this before and it
always tracks like a dream. I'm running 4.07 I think. Can anyone
offer some advice how to fix this problem? I realigned 3 times and
turned the power off/on several times with realigning and nothing
changed. I tried polar align feature and 2 star align--same result.
Of note, the mount always returned spot-on to the alignment stars, it
just wouldn't slew to M# objects, etc. Thank you.

Mike Chapa
www.chapaccd.com
Re: New Mach1GTO question

observe_m13
 

Hi Howard,

How far away is the horizon? Just an approximation. Marj mentioned
that it was "real soon now" in mid January. I loaded up the Beta at
that point and have had no problems. I know that there are supposed to
be a new routine or two added but when will it Beta stage again?

Rick.

--- In ap-gto@..., "Howard" <howard@...> wrote:

Hi Robert,



Set your keypad to either 900 or 1200. The servo system is the same for
all three mounts, the 900GTO, 1200GTO and Mach1GTO. The next firmware
version will include a setting for the Mach1GTO to keep people from
worrying, but its parameters will be the same as those of the bigger
mounts. Since a new firmware version is on the horizon, we didn't want
to create a new iteration of 4.12 just to add the Mach1 to the choice
list.



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of dogonenuts1
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2007 1:15 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] New Mach1GTO question



I just received my new Mach1GTO(after a 6 year wait) three days ago and
because of work,
soccer and Little League games am just now starting to get it set up.
I'll first have to say that
the workmanship is really incredible. It is truely like a cross between
a handcrafted Swiss
watch and an Abrams M1 tank. It is solid yet exquisite. Cudos to you
Roland.

Anyway, my first question is: under the setup menu, then the park/mount
opiton submenu,
should there be an option for the Mach1 mount? I only see the old
400,600,900,1200
options. What should I key in? Does it even matter?

Thanks,

Robert Ham





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: New Mach1GTO question

Howard Hedlund
 

Hi Robert,



Set your keypad to either 900 or 1200. The servo system is the same for
all three mounts, the 900GTO, 1200GTO and Mach1GTO. The next firmware
version will include a setting for the Mach1GTO to keep people from
worrying, but its parameters will be the same as those of the bigger
mounts. Since a new firmware version is on the horizon, we didn't want
to create a new iteration of 4.12 just to add the Mach1 to the choice
list.



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of dogonenuts1
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2007 1:15 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] New Mach1GTO question



I just received my new Mach1GTO(after a 6 year wait) three days ago and
because of work,
soccer and Little League games am just now starting to get it set up.
I'll first have to say that
the workmanship is really incredible. It is truely like a cross between
a handcrafted Swiss
watch and an Abrams M1 tank. It is solid yet exquisite. Cudos to you
Roland.

Anyway, my first question is: under the setup menu, then the park/mount
opiton submenu,
should there be an option for the Mach1 mount? I only see the old
400,600,900,1200
options. What should I key in? Does it even matter?

Thanks,

Robert Ham
Re: AP900 difficulties

Bob Holzer <b.holzer@...>
 

Hi Rick:

I have everything moved forward as much as possible. I have my Casady saddle offset mounted to the front. The FSQ is all the way forward in the rings and the dovetail is all the way forward, probably sitting in less than half of the rear clamp. Also, my guide scope is as forward as can be. I have my dew controller mounted on the front of the scope too, but it's very light. I'm still a couple pounds tail heavy, but within ok limits I think.

Bob


.

----- Original Message -----
From: Rick K
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 2:06 AM
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: AP900 difficulties


Hi Bob,

Just wondering how you manage to balance the FSQ with that massive
Proline hanging off the back of it? Are you running counterweights on
your mounting plates on the objective side? I am still waiting on
adapters but I am having some good head scratching sessions with my
155EDF and additional weight to simulate the Proline plus filter
wheel. I cannot slide the OTA forward anywhere close to a balance
point due to the additional weight of the field flattener plus the
camera and filter wheel. I am going to have to add weight to the
objective end. I hope to be able to use it with my Traveler as well
but that could be really interesting. Anyway, how are you managing
this with the FSQ?

Rick.

--- In ap-gto@..., "Bob Holzer" <b.holzer@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Joe:
>
> I have exactly the same problem on my AP900, same vintage, same
light well balanced load of FSQ/miniborg/FLI Proline. I diagnosed it
over the phone with AP, by swapping cables etc, to be a bad motor and
sent it back for repair. They looked at it, found nothing wrong except
a slight burnt electrical smell from the motor, didn't replace the
motor because they are "expensive", charged me a bunch a money and
returned it to me. I still have the same problem and haven't heard
from them in a week. Please let me know if you hear from them with a
solution.
>
> Bob
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: jjbadal2003
> To: ap-gto@...
> Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 10:57 PM
> Subject: [ap-gto] AP900 difficulties
>
>
> Haven't used the AP900 in a while. In spite of moon, (naturally) very
> clear night. Traveler with STV/miniborg/STL11000. AP900 most recent
> vintage. I believe very well balanced. Since I have an AP1200 also, I
> traded out most of the cables, in attempt to isolate problem. AP900
> Works fine for first 2-3 minutes, then red light on mount turns
yellow
> and stops. Also slews in DEC just fine,also in RA W-E OK, but E-W
> makes a straining noise. Any thoughts appreciated. Joe
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Re: AP900 difficulties

jjbadal2003
 

To Joe Z.- I used 2 differant power supplies, including the
new 'large'AP supply. Total weight of Traveler/ camera/stuff- about 35
lbs.- so not past mount capacity.Balance is accomplished by having
scope far forward by bolting a 7 inch AP bar to the front end of a
Losmandy DUP, then rings attach to the 7 inch bar. I will switch out
to the AP1200 for tonight. Will try and further investigate over next
few days as time allows. Greetings Bob H.. Sorry about your mount
troubles. Joe B.
Re: AP900 difficulties

observe_m13
 

Hi Bob,

Just wondering how you manage to balance the FSQ with that massive
Proline hanging off the back of it? Are you running counterweights on
your mounting plates on the objective side? I am still waiting on
adapters but I am having some good head scratching sessions with my
155EDF and additional weight to simulate the Proline plus filter
wheel. I cannot slide the OTA forward anywhere close to a balance
point due to the additional weight of the field flattener plus the
camera and filter wheel. I am going to have to add weight to the
objective end. I hope to be able to use it with my Traveler as well
but that could be really interesting. Anyway, how are you managing
this with the FSQ?

Rick.


--- In ap-gto@..., "Bob Holzer" <b.holzer@...> wrote:

Hi Joe:

I have exactly the same problem on my AP900, same vintage, same
light well balanced load of FSQ/miniborg/FLI Proline. I diagnosed it
over the phone with AP, by swapping cables etc, to be a bad motor and
sent it back for repair. They looked at it, found nothing wrong except
a slight burnt electrical smell from the motor, didn't replace the
motor because they are "expensive", charged me a bunch a money and
returned it to me. I still have the same problem and haven't heard
from them in a week. Please let me know if you hear from them with a
solution.

Bob


----- Original Message -----
From: jjbadal2003
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 10:57 PM
Subject: [ap-gto] AP900 difficulties


Haven't used the AP900 in a while. In spite of moon, (naturally) very
clear night. Traveler with STV/miniborg/STL11000. AP900 most recent
vintage. I believe very well balanced. Since I have an AP1200 also, I
traded out most of the cables, in attempt to isolate problem. AP900
Works fine for first 2-3 minutes, then red light on mount turns
yellow
and stops. Also slews in DEC just fine,also in RA W-E OK, but E-W
makes a straining noise. Any thoughts appreciated. Joe





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Need bolts from US

N. Foldager
 

Thank you so much to Eric, Konstantin, and Stuart!

Best regards,

Niels

If you can't find these screws from a local or EU supplier, you can order
them through McMaster-Carr at <http://www.mcmaster.com>. Their part number
is 92185A544 for a socket head cap screw, 1/4"-20, 1.25" long in Type 316
stainless steel. The hex key size for the screw is 3/16". When you navigate
to their site, type in the part number in the "Find Products" box on the
left side.

A package of 10 cap screws is priced at US$5.98.

Hope this helps,

Eric Baumgartner
Redding, CT USA


On 04/29/07 10:27 AM, "N. Foldager" <nf@...> wrote:


Hi,

I am preparing a special adapter plate to go on the declination head
of my 900GTO (on the surface where you use to place a saddle plate.)

We use the metric system in Denmark and I have not been able to find
the bolts in the US system needed to fasten this adapter.

Would someone in US be so kind as to help me purchase some? I will
of course pay all costs involved. Or maybe you know where I can
order them online for international delivery?
(How about Astro-Physics? :-)

I'm talking about this type of bolts:

http://www.nf.suite.dk/bolt.jpg

In Denmark, we call them "Unbrako bolts". Are they "called socket
head bolts" in US?

The diameter of the thread should be 6.2 mm = 1/4"
and it should go in here (read arrow):

http://www.nf.suite.dk/declination_head.jpg

The length of the thread should be between 1.25" and 1.5"

Right now, I need 6 bolts, however, I gladly receive, say, 20 or
more.

The quality should be the highest of stainless steel (in Danish
terms "quality 12.9")


I very much appreciate it if someone can help.


Best regards,

Niels Foldager



To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links





To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: AP900 difficulties

Bob Holzer <b.holzer@...>
 

Hi Joe:

I have exactly the same problem on my AP900, same vintage, same light well balanced load of FSQ/miniborg/FLI Proline. I diagnosed it over the phone with AP, by swapping cables etc, to be a bad motor and sent it back for repair. They looked at it, found nothing wrong except a slight burnt electrical smell from the motor, didn't replace the motor because they are "expensive", charged me a bunch a money and returned it to me. I still have the same problem and haven't heard from them in a week. Please let me know if you hear from them with a solution.

Bob

----- Original Message -----
From: jjbadal2003
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 10:57 PM
Subject: [ap-gto] AP900 difficulties


Haven't used the AP900 in a while. In spite of moon, (naturally) very
clear night. Traveler with STV/miniborg/STL11000. AP900 most recent
vintage. I believe very well balanced. Since I have an AP1200 also, I
traded out most of the cables, in attempt to isolate problem. AP900
Works fine for first 2-3 minutes, then red light on mount turns yellow
and stops. Also slews in DEC just fine,also in RA W-E OK, but E-W
makes a straining noise. Any thoughts appreciated. Joe
Re: AP900 difficulties

Joe Zeglinski
 

I think there was a note in the AP900 manual about the LED colour changing
to indicate a power stall.
What load is the mount carrying - maybe you are over it's capacity?

Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: "jjbadal2003" <jbadal21169@...>
To: <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 10:57 PM
Subject: [ap-gto] AP900 difficulties


Haven't used the AP900 in a while. In spite of moon, (naturally) very
clear night. Traveler with STV/miniborg/STL11000. AP900 most recent
vintage. I believe very well balanced. Since I have an AP1200 also, I
traded out most of the cables, in attempt to isolate problem. AP900
Works fine for first 2-3 minutes, then red light on mount turns yellow
and stops. Also slews in DEC just fine,also in RA W-E OK, but E-W
makes a straining noise. Any thoughts appreciated. Joe



To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links
AP900 difficulties

jjbadal2003
 

Haven't used the AP900 in a while. In spite of moon, (naturally) very
clear night. Traveler with STV/miniborg/STL11000. AP900 most recent
vintage. I believe very well balanced. Since I have an AP1200 also, I
traded out most of the cables, in attempt to isolate problem. AP900
Works fine for first 2-3 minutes, then red light on mount turns yellow
and stops. Also slews in DEC just fine,also in RA W-E OK, but E-W
makes a straining noise. Any thoughts appreciated. Joe
Re: Need bolts from US

Eric Baumgartner
 

Niels:

If you can't find these screws from a local or EU supplier, you can order
them through McMaster-Carr at <http://www.mcmaster.com>. Their part number
is 92185A544 for a socket head cap screw, 1/4"-20, 1.25" long in Type 316
stainless steel. The hex key size for the screw is 3/16". When you navigate
to their site, type in the part number in the "Find Products" box on the
left side.

A package of 10 cap screws is priced at US$5.98.

Hope this helps,

Eric Baumgartner
Redding, CT USA

On 04/29/07 10:27 AM, "N. Foldager" <nf@...> wrote:


Hi,

I am preparing a special adapter plate to go on the declination head
of my 900GTO (on the surface where you use to place a saddle plate.)

We use the metric system in Denmark and I have not been able to find
the bolts in the US system needed to fasten this adapter.

Would someone in US be so kind as to help me purchase some? I will
of course pay all costs involved. Or maybe you know where I can
order them online for international delivery?
(How about Astro-Physics? :-)

I'm talking about this type of bolts:

http://www.nf.suite.dk/bolt.jpg

In Denmark, we call them "Unbrako bolts". Are they "called socket
head bolts" in US?

The diameter of the thread should be 6.2 mm = 1/4"
and it should go in here (read arrow):

http://www.nf.suite.dk/declination_head.jpg

The length of the thread should be between 1.25" and 1.5"

Right now, I need 6 bolts, however, I gladly receive, say, 20 or
more.

The quality should be the highest of stainless steel (in Danish
terms "quality 12.9")


I very much appreciate it if someone can help.


Best regards,

Niels Foldager



To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: What hemisphere am I in again?

dan kowall
 

It's in the manual, Mike.
LOC:E means you are using external information in the mount to
establish location and time rather than the presets in the keypads.
Read the section "First Time with a Keypad" to get you going.

dan kowall
photonhunter.com

________

--- In ap-gto@..., "Mike Chapa" <mjchapa@...> wrote:

Howdy,

I haven't been doing much in the hobby the last year, but tried to
enjoy some views of the moon through my TEC160FL tonight. After
polar aligning, I looked at the moon for a while and then wondered
what some objects in Ursa Major might look like with a bright moon.
However, when I asked it to go to M51, etc., it said they were below
the horizon. I checked the date and time and location and they all
seemed fine. One of the pages said I couldn't change anything there
because I was in LOC:E--what does that mean?

I confess not to being an expert on the AP900GTO--I've always found
the handpaddle a bit non-intuitive and I'm often too lazy to read the
manual. But, I don't think it has ever done this before and it
always tracks like a dream. I'm running 4.07 I think. Can anyone
offer some advice how to fix this problem? I realigned 3 times and
turned the power off/on several times with realigning and nothing
changed. I tried polar align feature and 2 star align--same result.
Of note, the mount always returned spot-on to the alignment stars, it
just wouldn't slew to M# objects, etc. Thank you.

Mike Chapa
www.chapaccd.com
Re: Need bolts from US

Poschinger Konstantin v. <KPoschinger@...>
 

Hello,

<ou can find these screws by Mr. Neumann Jr.: http://
www.gerd.neumann.net/

Konstantin


Konstantin v. Poschinger
Hammerichstr. 5
22605 Hamburg
040/8805747
http://www.astro22605.de

Am 29.04.2007 um 16:27 schrieb N. Foldager:


Hi,

I am preparing a special adapter plate to go on the declination head
of my 900GTO (on the surface where you use to place a saddle plate.)

We use the metric system in Denmark and I have not been able to find
the bolts in the US system needed to fasten this adapter.

Would someone in US be so kind as to help me purchase some? I will
of course pay all costs involved. Or maybe you know where I can
order them online for international delivery?
(How about Astro-Physics? :-)

I'm talking about this type of bolts:

http://www.nf.suite.dk/bolt.jpg

In Denmark, we call them "Unbrako bolts". Are they "called socket
head bolts" in US?

The diameter of the thread should be 6.2 mm = 1/4"
and it should go in here (read arrow):

http://www.nf.suite.dk/declination_head.jpg

The length of the thread should be between 1.25" and 1.5"

Right now, I need 6 bolts, however, I gladly receive, say, 20 or
more.

The quality should be the highest of stainless steel (in Danish
terms "quality 12.9")

I very much appreciate it if someone can help.

Best regards,

Niels Foldager
Need bolts from US

N. Foldager
 

Hi,

I am preparing a special adapter plate to go on the declination head
of my 900GTO (on the surface where you use to place a saddle plate.)

We use the metric system in Denmark and I have not been able to find
the bolts in the US system needed to fasten this adapter.

Would someone in US be so kind as to help me purchase some? I will
of course pay all costs involved. Or maybe you know where I can
order them online for international delivery?
(How about Astro-Physics? :-)

I'm talking about this type of bolts:

http://www.nf.suite.dk/bolt.jpg

In Denmark, we call them "Unbrako bolts". Are they "called socket
head bolts" in US?

The diameter of the thread should be 6.2 mm = 1/4"
and it should go in here (read arrow):

http://www.nf.suite.dk/declination_head.jpg

The length of the thread should be between 1.25" and 1.5"

Right now, I need 6 bolts, however, I gladly receive, say, 20 or
more.

The quality should be the highest of stainless steel (in Danish
terms "quality 12.9")


I very much appreciate it if someone can help.


Best regards,

Niels Foldager
Re: What hemisphere am I in again?

Edd Weninger
 

I recently had the same problem. The battery in the hand control
needed to be replaced. I sent it back to A-P and also had the
firmware updated at the same time.

Clear skies,

Edd Weninger
Overgaard AZ


--- In ap-gto@..., "Joseph Zeglinski" <J.Zeglinski@...>
wrote:

Hi Mike,

There is a Horizon setting feature, which you can change. It's
for
defining the level of the "tree line" in your area, so you don't
waste time
chasing objects below that local horizon. Any chance the target is
below that
setting? Perhaps it is set for a non-zero default.

Joe


----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Chapa" <mjchapa@...>
To: <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 1:37 AM
Subject: [ap-gto] What hemisphere am I in again?


Howdy,

I haven't been doing much in the hobby the last year, but tried to
enjoy some views of the moon through my TEC160FL tonight. After
polar aligning, I looked at the moon for a while and then wondered
what some objects in Ursa Major might look like with a bright
moon.
However, when I asked it to go to M51, etc., it said they were
below
the horizon. I checked the date and time and location and they
all
seemed fine. One of the pages said I couldn't change anything
there
because I was in LOC:E--what does that mean?

I confess not to being an expert on the AP900GTO--I've always
found
the handpaddle a bit non-intuitive and I'm often too lazy to read
the
manual. But, I don't think it has ever done this before and it
always tracks like a dream. I'm running 4.07 I think. Can anyone
offer some advice how to fix this problem? I realigned 3 times
and
turned the power off/on several times with realigning and nothing
changed. I tried polar align feature and 2 star align--same
result.
Of note, the mount always returned spot-on to the alignment
stars, it
just wouldn't slew to M# objects, etc. Thank you.

Mike Chapa
www.chapaccd.com



To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: What hemisphere am I in again?

Joe Zeglinski
 

Hi Mike,

There is a Horizon setting feature, which you can change. It's for
defining the level of the "tree line" in your area, so you don't waste time
chasing objects below that local horizon. Any chance the target is below that
setting? Perhaps it is set for a non-zero default.

Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Chapa" <mjchapa@...>
To: <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 1:37 AM
Subject: [ap-gto] What hemisphere am I in again?


Howdy,

I haven't been doing much in the hobby the last year, but tried to
enjoy some views of the moon through my TEC160FL tonight. After
polar aligning, I looked at the moon for a while and then wondered
what some objects in Ursa Major might look like with a bright moon.
However, when I asked it to go to M51, etc., it said they were below
the horizon. I checked the date and time and location and they all
seemed fine. One of the pages said I couldn't change anything there
because I was in LOC:E--what does that mean?

I confess not to being an expert on the AP900GTO--I've always found
the handpaddle a bit non-intuitive and I'm often too lazy to read the
manual. But, I don't think it has ever done this before and it
always tracks like a dream. I'm running 4.07 I think. Can anyone
offer some advice how to fix this problem? I realigned 3 times and
turned the power off/on several times with realigning and nothing
changed. I tried polar align feature and 2 star align--same result.
Of note, the mount always returned spot-on to the alignment stars, it
just wouldn't slew to M# objects, etc. Thank you.

Mike Chapa
www.chapaccd.com



To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto
Yahoo! Groups Links
What hemisphere am I in again?

Mike Chapa <mjchapa@...>
 

Howdy,

I haven't been doing much in the hobby the last year, but tried to
enjoy some views of the moon through my TEC160FL tonight. After
polar aligning, I looked at the moon for a while and then wondered
what some objects in Ursa Major might look like with a bright moon.
However, when I asked it to go to M51, etc., it said they were below
the horizon. I checked the date and time and location and they all
seemed fine. One of the pages said I couldn't change anything there
because I was in LOC:E--what does that mean?

I confess not to being an expert on the AP900GTO--I've always found
the handpaddle a bit non-intuitive and I'm often too lazy to read the
manual. But, I don't think it has ever done this before and it
always tracks like a dream. I'm running 4.07 I think. Can anyone
offer some advice how to fix this problem? I realigned 3 times and
turned the power off/on several times with realigning and nothing
changed. I tried polar align feature and 2 star align--same result.
Of note, the mount always returned spot-on to the alignment stars, it
just wouldn't slew to M# objects, etc. Thank you.

Mike Chapa
www.chapaccd.com
Re: New Mach1GTO question

observe_m13
 

Yes, it does matter. Set it as an AP900 or AP1200. It is dependent on
the number of teeth on the worm gears and the Mach1 is the same as the
900/1200. The 400/600 have fewer.

Rick.

--- In ap-gto@..., "dogonenuts1" <nham@...> wrote:

I just received my new Mach1GTO(after a 6 year wait) three days ago
and because of work,
soccer and Little League games am just now starting to get it set
up. I'll first have to say that
the workmanship is really incredible. It is truely like a cross
between a handcrafted Swiss
watch and an Abrams M1 tank. It is solid yet exquisite. Cudos to
you Roland.

Anyway, my first question is: under the setup menu, then the
park/mount opiton submenu,
should there be an option for the Mach1 mount? I only see the old
400,600,900,1200
options. What should I key in? Does it even matter?

Thanks,

Robert Ham
Re: Wanted badly, 3 bolts to mount AP900 plate to Meade LX200 tripod - help ?

Dominique Dierick
 

Hi,

found the bolt type:

It is 5/16-18 with kinda coarse thread. I would need 3 of at least
60mm to fit the bill. Thanks for any help. I looked on ebay UK, but
not really a success, and from the US seems overkill by the volume -
usually packaged with hundred bolts :)

Needs to be countersunk.

Cheers

dodi

--- In ap-gto@..., "digidodi" <ddierick@...> wrote:

Hi,

to mount an AP900 base plate to a meade lx200 tripod I would need 3
bolts that fit the LX200 head threaded holes.
I have short ones, but due to the nature of the tripod I need to make
room to accomodate and clear the central shaft nut.
I have an alu ring that fits the bill to lift the AP900 mounting
plate, but I know would need 3 longer bolts (about 6cm)
with conical head.

I have looked here everywhere in Belgium, but no-find. Of course I
don't know the exact thread size of the required
bolts, but perhaps someone has an LX200 tripod and knows, or could
provide me with 3 bolts (paid of course!).

Thanks for any help - if you can help, please contact me offline (or
if you know the exact thread size of the LX200 holes, that would be
nice too)

Dodi
69161 - 69180 of 86940