Hi Dan:
Yes, the 1200 is definitely overkill for the 130 EDF. I got the big mount
because I will be getting a 12.5 inch RC soon. (I may try the RC + 130 EDF +
guidescope all together on the 1200!) For your 155 + traveler, the 900
should be plenty. And you're right: the 1200 is not very portable!
Bert

Bert Katzung
katzung1@...
www.astronomy-images.com

--- In ap-gto@y..., "Larry Denmark" <kldenmark@w...> wrote:

Hi Dan,

See: http://www.kldenmark/towardsinfinity/equipment/equip.html

Sorry group... ATT is having server problems AGAIN and the above link
is currently out of service - although, based upon past ATT glitches,
it should be up sometime today.

(Those of you thinking about using ATT for you web host TAKE NOTE
<g>).

Larry

Hi All,

Well My AP1200 out of the box experience is not quite as I would have hoped.
In about ten days of use I have had a DEC drive failure. I don't know if It
can be fixed in the field or not. I have gone to sunny CA on a trip to get
some viewing done but last night my DEC drive stopped driving. I can hear
the DEC worm motor turning and the DEC position moves on the computer as if
it was slewing but no actual movement of the mount takes place.
Can this be fixed without a return to the factory?

The DEC started to act very sloppy taking about 5 sec before it would move.
A press of North would take 5 sec befor moving then would move right away if
pressed a second time. Same with South. It was only on the second press
that it would move right away. I did not notice this at first since I was
imaging on a CCD and thought that I was just having problems centering the
object. When I would look visually I noticed the big delay.

Can the worm gear be adjusted in the field correctly with proper engagement
and tightness? I hope this is just a matter of reengaging the worm to the
DEC gear properly.

Anyone have any comments or experience with making this adjustment.

Thanks for your help

Andy

After getting a pointer from Mike Cook to a double star list (Thanks Mike):
http://www.cyburban.com/~mrf/a.htm
I threw together a short list for anybody who might be interested. I
certainly
haven't checked most of these, and some may be too close or dim to use
very well for focusing; especially for widefield work. But hopefully there
will be enough to have a suitable "spread" for any time of the year:


Mizar
Regulus
Enif
Albireo
Polaris
Rigel
Castor
Alcor (close to Mizar)

Digging through the manual, I also see a list of ADS (Aitkin double star
catalog) availiable from the keypad menu of gto mounts. Go to object menu;
select "more" and choose "ADS catalog". The keypad gives the name of the
constellation to which the scope is now pointing, and a list of ADS objects
within the constellation is shown. "Previous" and "Next" buttons scroll you
through the list.
Bobby Middleton

I just wanted to tap into the knowledge of the double-star gurus on the
list. I focus (for film) using direct magnification upon the camera's
focusing screen. The ideal star for focusing is a tight double star where
each isn't too bright; or a close cluster like the trapizeum. For the sake
of speed and ease, it would be nice to know what stars on the keypad's

star

menu are double stars. Mizar is one that I know of, but I am not a
double-star expert. Are there other double stars on the keypad list that
would work well?
Thanks,
Bobby Middleton

HI Daniel,

Compared to the 1200 AP mount, the 900 is a much lighter load to carry and
to heft atop a portable pier. Unless you need the extra weight and torque
capacity (consider any larger scopes you might purchase in the future), the
900 may make more sense for your application.


Best,
John


daniel@... wrote:
[snip]

Hi Bert,
Thanks for the valuable input. One question re. the loading: with the
130EDF plus the 80mm f11 guidescope your 1200GTO must have lots
of "reserve" left. Are you using another (bigger)telescope on the
1200GTO?
My 155EDF plus Traveler OTA's together weigh in at about 15kg, which
with 5kg of visual/imaging accessories still is way below the load
handling capacity of the 900GTO. Or do you think 1200GTO is the
better way to go? Like for most of us, portability is important to
get to my dark site (about 2 hours from Santiago/Chile) - at least
until I retire and can live at a dark site up north ;-)
Daniel

--- In ap-gto@y..., "bert katzung" <katzung1@h...> wrote:

Hi Dan:
I use the Losmandy side-by-side plate on my 1200GTO. Expensive but

works

very nicely for a 130 EDF plus the 80 mm f11 guidescope. There is

enough

room for larger scopes on both sides. I had the GTO equipped by A-P

with a

Losmandy saddle so that it would accept the side-by-side directly.
Bert

Bert Katzung
katzung1@h...
www.astronomy-images.com
----- Original Message -----
From: <daniel@r...>
To: <ap-gto@y...>
Sent: Monday, 19 March, 2001 2:53 PM
Subject: [ap-gto] 155EDF and Traveler on the 900GTO

While waiting for notification on the 900GTO mount, I am pondering
what will be the best way to attach both my 155EDF AND Traveler to
the mount.
Experience tells me to keep both instruments as close to the

mount's

center of gravity as possible in order to reduce wind load and
counterweight. This means putting the telescopes closely side by

side

on the same mounting plate. However, I did not find any accessory
plate that will allow for this "double barrel" configuration

(maybe

because the width of the combination will interfere with the

mount or

pier in some situations?)
On the other hand, with the Traveler riding "piggy-back" on the

155,

the distance between the 155EDF rings (65RING) on the 900RP ribbed
plate as seen in pictures, seems excessive for any existing

accessory

plate/sliding bar configuration. And: will the Traveler's weight

so

far out require counterweights that will push the set-up beyond

the

900GTO's handling capabilities for imaging?
Anybody with experience - thoughts - solutions re. this subject?

Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 22:53:59 -0000
From: daniel@...

While waiting for notification on the 900GTO mount, I am pondering

what will be the best way to attach both my 155EDF AND Traveler to
the mount.
Experience tells me to keep both instruments as close to the mount's
center of gravity as possible in order to reduce wind load and
counterweight. This means putting the telescopes closely side by side
on the same mounting plate. However, I did not find any accessory
plate that will allow for this "double barrel" configuration (maybe
because the width of the combination will interfere with the mount or
pier in some situations?) <<

Hi Dan,

See: http://www.kldenmark/towardsinfinity/equipment/equip.html

I have an AP 1200 GTO, not a 900, but I use the Losmandy side-by-side with a
12.5" RC and a Starfire 130 mm EDF, plus a TAK FS-60C (not shown in the
pictures), plus ten pounds of cameras and 5 pounds of declination axis balancing
weight. The RC weighs 50 lbs. and the 130 mm Starfire weighs 15 lbs. The Tak
weights only a pound or two. Hopes this gives you some idea.

Larry
--

In a message dated 3/20/2001 7:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,
CS-Imaging@... writes:

I can hear
the DEC worm motor turning and the DEC position moves on the computer as if
it was slewing but no actual movement of the mount takes place.
Can this be fixed without a return to the factory?

If you can hear the motor turning, you have a good drive system. Now all you
have to do is make sure you have the gears engaged so that the motor is
actually driving the mount.

The DEC started to act very sloppy taking about 5 sec before it would move.
A press of North would take 5 sec befor moving then would move right away if
pressed a second time. Same with South. It was only on the second press
that it would move right away. I did not notice this at first since I was
imaging on a CCD and thought that I was just having problems centering the
object. When I would look visually I noticed the big delay.

Something has gotten loose in the gear train. The first thing I would do is
to remove the motor gearbox cover, turn on the power, and watch the motion of
the gears as you press the N - S buttons at 64x. You can see right away if
the gearbox is working correctly because all the little gears will be moving
in response to the buttons. If this works, then you call Wally or me at
815-282-1513, and have the mount sitting in front of you. We will then go
thru some quick checkouts with you to determine what the problem could be.

Roland Christen

In a message dated 3/19/2001 2:54:52 PM Pacific Standard Time,
daniel@... writes:

And: will the Traveler's weight so
far out require counterweights that will push the set-up beyond the
900GTO's handling capabilities for imaging?

No problem for that mount. Load it down, it gets more stable.

Roland Christen

Hi Dan:
I use the Losmandy side-by-side plate on my 1200GTO. Expensive but works
very nicely for a 130 EDF plus the 80 mm f11 guidescope. There is enough
room for larger scopes on both sides. I had the GTO equipped by A-P with a
Losmandy saddle so that it would accept the side-by-side directly.
Bert

Bert Katzung
katzung1@...
www.astronomy-images.com

While waiting for notification on the 900GTO mount, I am pondering
what will be the best way to attach both my 155EDF AND Traveler to
the mount.
Experience tells me to keep both instruments as close to the mount's
center of gravity as possible in order to reduce wind load and
counterweight. This means putting the telescopes closely side by side
on the same mounting plate. However, I did not find any accessory
plate that will allow for this "double barrel" configuration (maybe
because the width of the combination will interfere with the mount or
pier in some situations?)
On the other hand, with the Traveler riding "piggy-back" on the 155,
the distance between the 155EDF rings (65RING) on the 900RP ribbed
plate as seen in pictures, seems excessive for any existing accessory
plate/sliding bar configuration. And: will the Traveler's weight so
far out require counterweights that will push the set-up beyond the
900GTO's handling capabilities for imaging?
Anybody with experience - thoughts - solutions re. this subject?

Oops, I got the lists confused in a flurry of personal responses. That was
supposed be a rely to:

[ap-ug] Newer Binoviewer Eyepieces

Robin Casady
http://www.CarmelCoast.com

Casady & Greene, Inc.
http://www.casadyg.com

I use a pair of 8mm Radians with the binoviewer. I have no trouble with them
when producing around 420x in a Tak TSC 225. Nor is there any problem when
used with an AP 130 f/8 with a BARCON lens to produce about 325x (if my
calculations are correct).

The Radians are not as clear as the Zeiss Abbe Orthos; the 10mm is my
favorite. However, they are, IMO, better than a Takahashi LE 7.5mm that I
used to own.

Robin Casady
http://www.CarmelCoast.com

Casady & Greene, Inc.
http://www.casadyg.com

I just wanted to tap into the knowledge of the double-star gurus on the
ap-gto list. I focus (for film) using direct magnification upon the camera's
focusing screen. The ideal star for focusing is a tight double star where
each isn't too bright; or a close cluster like the trapizeum. For the sake
of speed and ease, it would be nice to know what stars on the gto keypad
star menu are double stars. Mizar is one that I know of, but I am no
double-star expert. Are there other double stars on the keypad's list that
would work well?
Thanks,
Bobby Middleton

--- In ap-gto@y..., chris1011@a... wrote:

In a message dated 3/18/2001 6:58:59 PM Pacific Standard Time,
eroelmx@y... writes:

1.-When you just press quickly the #9 button (RECALIBRATE), the
object starts moving slowly out of the field, it does not matter

if

you press it just once quickly or keep it pressed, the object

keeps

moving out of the field.

I have asked Marj to send you a new chip to be installed in your

servo box.

It sounds like there is a software problem in your chip.

2.-The PEC does not correct the periodic error, I trained it

several

times (Trained and checked, then train again and rechecked), it

has

less periodic error with the PEC OFF than with the PEC-PLAY.
I also rebalanced the OTA, it was ok, so that was not the problem
either, the GoTo function worked well, Venus was on the finder

almost

at the center but not in the field of a 26mm Plossl that gives

192X

with the 5 meter 10" Maksutov, probably the "recalibrate key"

moved

the last object I viewed before parking the mount.I found Venus

at

around 12 O´Clock saturday and sunday too.
My handpad shows "VERSION-2.4", I do not know if I need some

upgrades

or the new chip.
I would like your comments concerning issues #1 and #2.

Your keypad version is not at fault. Soon you will be able to

upload version

3 with some advanced features.

Roland Christen

Roland:
I want to thank you for your prompt answer and your support, I feel
relieved with your comments because I thought I was doing something
wrong, or that my alignment was off, even after 20 or more years
doing drift alignments, homemade mounts etc..., Roland you made me
doubt.
I hope that Marjorie could send a new chip with instructions on how
to install it, via Federal Express or UPS, just tell me how much will
it be, so to send a check or a credit card number.
My name: Eric Roel
My address: Paseo del Pedregal 817, Col. Jardines del Pedregal,
México D.F. C.P 01900. MEXICO.
My phone: as dialed from the U.S.A. 011-52-55687399
My e-mail: eroel@...
Regards, Eric.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Gilles,
We tested the first version, requested some changes which were completed
last week and are now testing that version. Shouldn't be much longer.
Marjorie Christen
Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road
Rockford, IL 61115
Phone: 815-282-1513
Fax: 815-282-9847
www.astro-physics.com
Please include this e-mail with your response.

How about another update on when the new chip will be ready for
us "old chip" users of GTO mounts. As I recall, the hold up was a
revision of the operating manual. Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Dave Jurasevich

In a message dated 3/18/2001 6:58:59 PM Pacific Standard Time,
eroelmx@... writes:

1.-When you just press quickly the #9 button (RECALIBRATE), the
object starts moving slowly out of the field, it does not matter if
you press it just once quickly or keep it pressed, the object keeps
moving out of the field.

I have asked Marj to send you a new chip to be installed in your servo box.
It sounds like there is a software problem in your chip.

2.-The PEC does not correct the periodic error, I trained it several
times (Trained and checked, then train again and rechecked), it has
less periodic error with the PEC OFF than with the PEC-PLAY.
I also rebalanced the OTA, it was ok, so that was not the problem
either, the GoTo function worked well, Venus was on the finder almost
at the center but not in the field of a 26mm Plossl that gives 192X
with the 5 meter 10" Maksutov, probably the "recalibrate key" moved
the last object I viewed before parking the mount.I found Venus at
around 12 O´Clock saturday and sunday too.
My handpad shows "VERSION-2.4", I do not know if I need some upgrades
or the new chip.
I would like your comments concerning issues #1 and #2.

Your keypad version is not at fault. Soon you will be able to upload version
3 with some advanced features.

Roland Christen

--- In ap-gto@y..., chris1011@a... wrote:

In a message dated 3/12/2001 6:32:15 PM Pacific Standard Time,
eroelmx@y... writes:

you press #9 key in the Menu or
the menu key to recalibrate to the new position due to the

centering

of the object, but if you keep the #9 key pressed, then the

object

starts moving in a jerky motion as you say, getting out of the

center

position. My question was if that is normal and if I just have to

hit

#9 key once, or there is something wrong in my procedure

You only press the #9 key once, quickly. This sends a message to

the servo to

update the position of the object. Keeping the button depressed

will continue

to send updates at a rate of 3 or 4 per second. Each time you send

an

update, the servo microprocessor has to interrupt the normal

driving routines

and do an extensive calculation for the update co-ordinates. It is

no wonder

then that the drive will look somewhat jerky. Please push the

button once,

quickly and be done with it. This Recal really does not need to be

done all

the time anyway.

Roland Christen

Roland:
Went to the observatory, took the cover of the gear train and moved
the worm gear, it is fairly loose, but the gears held with the screw
looked a little tight, so I did put some Lithium grease on the small
gears mounted on the lower part of the big gear (they were dry), put
everything back together and incredibly, the mount started tracking
very very well, I kept the Venus crescent with 416X for a long time,
just the periodic error showed, looks like probably the gear train
was tight or crooked.
The alignment is as good as I can get it, I rechecked it with drift
align.
Looks like I just have 2 problems left:
1.-When you just press quickly the #9 button (RECALIBRATE), the
object starts moving slowly out of the field, it does not matter if
you press it just once quickly or keep it pressed, the object keeps
moving out of the field.
2.-The PEC does not correct the periodic error, I trained it several
times (Trained and checked, then train again and rechecked), it has
less periodic error with the PEC OFF than with the PEC-PLAY.
I also rebalanced the OTA, it was ok, so that was not the problem
either, the GoTo function worked well, Venus was on the finder almost
at the center but not in the field of a 26mm Plossl that gives 192X
with the 5 meter 10" Maksutov, probably the "recalibrate key" moved
the last object I viewed before parking the mount.I found Venus at
around 12 O´Clock saturday and sunday too.
My handpad shows "VERSION-2.4", I do not know if I need some upgrades
or the new chip.
I would like your comments concerning issues #1 and #2.
I send Regards to you and Marjorie.
Eric.

Any idea how much longer it will be before Software Bisque makes available
to the public the long awaited AP drivers interface update?

Gilles