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Re: clutch tightening

Steven
 

Thanks Rolando, appreciated. No tech access at the moment. A friend has broken the black knob by over-tightening on his 1200 - it seemed urgent to check before locking it all up on my 1100. Thank You.


Steve




From: ap-gto@... on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto]
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 6:22 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 
 

Finger tight will be enough for most setups. If you have a permanent setup or a very heavy scope, you can always lock the clutch knobs fully by using an Allan key.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Elliott steven447@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 4:43 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening



I'm not in a position to check either copy at the moment, that's why I asked.
"Yes" or "No" ought to suffice.
Steve


From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of JunkMailGoesHere@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 5:40 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 
 
Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.


---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.

Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).

Steve


 From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review
 
 
If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.
 
For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

Hi Greg,
 
Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.
 
Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.
 
One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] < ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug < ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.



Greg.










Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

topboxman
 

That cable router insert is only available for A-P1100 or A-P1600 mounts, not in Mach1.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., <woody@...> wrote :

Rolando,
 
Oh yeah?  I didn't get one with my Mach1 two years ago.  Is this something I can order?  If so, what's the part number?  My manual described the rolled sheet of plastic routine and didn't mention any specific part.
 
Woody
 

There is a black plastic machined tube that is included with every mount we ship. That machined tube fits exactly into the RA axis and is designed specifically to keep the wires out of the polar scope optical path.
 
Rolando.
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:32 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] cables getting in way of RAPAS



I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.
When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.
What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

Woody Schlom <woody@...>
 

Rolando,
 
Oh yeah?  I didn't get one with my Mach1 two years ago.  Is this something I can order?  If so, what's the part number?  My manual described the rolled sheet of plastic routine and didn't mention any specific part.
 
Woody
 

There is a black plastic machined tube that is included with every mount we ship. That machined tube fits exactly into the RA axis and is designed specifically to keep the wires out of the polar scope optical path.
 
Rolando.
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:32 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] cables getting in way of RAPAS



I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.
When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.
What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.

Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

Howard Hedlund
 

Look in the current 1100GTO manual on page 12 and then pages 14-16.

http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/1100GTO%20Web_2014-11-06.pdf

 

Mag. 7 Skies!

 

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

Phone: 815-282-1513

www.astro-physics.com

Please include this e-mail with your response.

 

P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

 

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2015 12:13 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] cables getting in way of RAPAS

 

 

There is a black plastic machined tube that is included with every mount we ship. That machined tube fits exactly into the RA axis and is designed specifically to keep the wires out of the polar scope optical path.

 

Rolando.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:32 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] cables getting in way of RAPAS

 

I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.

When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.

What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.

 
Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

Roland Christen
 

There is a black plastic machined tube that is included with every mount we ship. That machined tube fits exactly into the RA axis and is designed specifically to keep the wires out of the polar scope optical path.
 
Rolando.
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:32 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] cables getting in way of RAPAS



I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.
When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.
What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

topboxman
 

I have A-P1100GTO mount without absolute encoders and RAPAS but the mount also came with a neat plastic cable router to allow you to use through-the-mount cabling AND not block the view for RAPAS and works very well.

See page 14 of A-P1100 operating manual:

http://www.astro-physics.com/tech_support/mounts/1100GTO%20Web_2014-11-06.pdf

Look closely at page 15 for photos of cable routers.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., <naperastro@...> wrote :

I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.

When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.

What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
Re: how to balance mount

Woody Schlom <woody@...>
 

I like the fish scale technique suggestion.  Gotta try that.
 
Woody
 

Maybe I misunderstand your question, however it works best if you grab the farthest end of the counterweight shaft when balancing the RA axis. You can achieve good balance with a simple spring balance, the kind people use to weigh fish. Just pull the counterweight shaft in one direction, then the other. Move the counterweights until the scale reads the same.
 
If that is not fine enough for you, here is what I do to get super fine balance on the 1100 mount: I first loosen the two screws that lock down the motor box. I then pull the box partially out of mesh and tighten one of the screws. Now I can feel the balance by noting which way the axis wants to rock with the axis somewhat out of mesh, but not fully out. Once balanced, loosen the screw, let the spring pressure move the motorbox back into mesh and tighten both screws. Presto! You have accomplished two things - fine balance AND re-mesh of the gears.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:26 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] how to balance mount



On my 1100 mount when the clutches are fully loose I still have to apply some pressure to move the mount, as if the clutches are still slightly engaged.  This in itself isn't an issue but it means that when I go to balance the mount, it has to be quite a bit off balance before it will move by itself.  This makes it hard to determine when the mount is balanced.
Questions:
* How balanced does the mount need to be?  If it doesn't move on its own is it close enough?  If not, what's the best way to balance it?
* Should the mount be "east heavy" when imaging like many other mounts?

Re: how to balance mount

Roland Christen
 

Maybe I misunderstand your question, however it works best if you grab the farthest end of the counterweight shaft when balancing the RA axis. You can achieve good balance with a simple spring balance, the kind people use to weigh fish. Just pull the counterweight shaft in one direction, then the other. Move the counterweights until the scale reads the same.
 
If that is not fine enough for you, here is what I do to get super fine balance on the 1100 mount: I first loosen the two screws that lock down the motor box. I then pull the box partially out of mesh and tighten one of the screws. Now I can feel the balance by noting which way the axis wants to rock with the axis somewhat out of mesh, but not fully out. Once balanced, loosen the screw, let the spring pressure move the motorbox back into mesh and tighten both screws. Presto! You have accomplished two things - fine balance AND re-mesh of the gears.
 
Rolando
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: naperastro@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:26 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] how to balance mount



On my 1100 mount when the clutches are fully loose I still have to apply some pressure to move the mount, as if the clutches are still slightly engaged.  This in itself isn't an issue but it means that when I go to balance the mount, it has to be quite a bit off balance before it will move by itself.  This makes it hard to determine when the mount is balanced.
Questions:
* How balanced does the mount need to be?  If it doesn't move on its own is it close enough?  If not, what's the best way to balance it?
* Should the mount be "east heavy" when imaging like many other mounts?
Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

Woody Schlom <woody@...>
 

Take a look in your mount manual -- or download a new one if yours is old.  At least for the Mach1, the manual describes how to cut a piece of semi-flexible sheet plastic (the manual suggests a plastic report cover), roll it up, and then stuff it into the hole.  The plastic sheet unrolls inside the mount and holds cables firmly up against the walls of the mount -- leaving the center clear for the PA scope.
 
When I did it I figured stiffer was better -- so I went with a really thick and stiff high-end report cover.  I think it's too stiff -- and was difficult to stuff into the hole.  If I do it again, I'll use a thinner less stiff sheet of plastic -- as in cheaper report cover.
 
Woody

I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.

When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.

What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
Re: clutch tightening

Roland Christen
 

Yes, thank you.
 
Rolando
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: 'Joseph Zeglinski' J.Zeglinski@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:26 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening



Rolando,
 
    When talking about the “allowable” safe force  to lock clutch knobs , you should always STRESS the fact that you are talking about the NEW mounts AP-(1100, 1600, 32000) , and definitely not the old model AP-(900 & 1200).
 
    Tightening the latter’s clutches with an Allen Key will definitely squish – you often say “mushroom” - the Delrin plugs into the clutch knob threaded hole wall, and make it impossible to ever extract them for replacement – even using the special AP extraction screwdriver, which just chips them like sugar cubes.
 
    I speak from very bitter experience. Took an enormous  effort,  special tools, unique procedures, and lots of AP tech advice tips,  to finally get them out and replaced. Now I tighten “pinky-finger tight”, and leave solving other problems to perfect counterweighting.
 
Joe
 
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 


Finger tight will be enough for most setups. If you have a permanent setup or a very heavy scope, you can always lock the clutch knobs fully by using an Allan key.
 
Rolando
 


Re: cables getting in way of RAPAS

Mark Striebeck
 

I used a simple plastic sheet, rolled it up and used it to push the cables to the outside. Now, I can easily insert RAPAS and have an unobstructed view. You can see some photos here: http://mstriebeck-astrophotography.blogspot.com/2013/07/mach1-gto-from-astro-physics-cabling.html

    Mark

On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 4:32 PM, naperastro@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
 

I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.

When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.

What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
cables getting in way of RAPAS

naperastro@...
 

I have the RAPAS on my 1100GTO-AEL, and have several cables through the mount.

When I unscrew the cap and look through the hole in the mount at the RAPAS, I see some of the cables blocking the view.

What's an easy way to avoid this?  I've tried moving them with my fingers but they rarely stay.  Would putting a tube in the hole work?  I don't see any easy way to fasten the cables to the inside of the mount.
how to balance mount

naperastro@...
 

On my 1100 mount when the clutches are fully loose I still have to apply some pressure to move the mount, as if the clutches are still slightly engaged.  This in itself isn't an issue but it means that when I go to balance the mount, it has to be quite a bit off balance before it will move by itself.  This makes it hard to determine when the mount is balanced.

Questions:

* How balanced does the mount need to be?  If it doesn't move on its own is it close enough?  If not, what's the best way to balance it?

* Should the mount be "east heavy" when imaging like many other mounts?
Re: clutch tightening

Joe Zeglinski
 

Rolando,
 
    When talking about the “allowable” safe force  to lock clutch knobs , you should always STRESS the fact that you are talking about the NEW mounts AP-(1100, 1600, 32000) , and definitely not the old model AP-(900 & 1200).
 
    Tightening the latter’s clutches with an Allen Key will definitely squish – you often say “mushroom” - the Delrin plugs into the clutch knob threaded hole wall, and make it impossible to ever extract them for replacement – even using the special AP extraction screwdriver, which just chips them like sugar cubes.
 
    I speak from very bitter experience. Took an enormous  effort,  special tools, unique procedures, and lots of AP tech advice tips,  to finally get them out and replaced. Now I tighten “pinky-finger tight”, and leave solving other problems to perfect counterweighting.
 
Joe
 

Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 


Finger tight will be enough for most setups. If you have a permanent setup or a very heavy scope, you can always lock the clutch knobs fully by using an Allan key.
 
Rolando
 
Re: APPC crashing

naperastro@...
 

It's been going for 20 hours with PemPro sending pulses and I suspect it will go forever so I changed the guider camera to "simulator" and added guider error, and am "guiding" with that.  It's sending anywhere from 10 - 190 ms pulses.
Re: clutch tightening

George
 

Steve,

 

There is not a right or wrong answer to your question.   Here is the wording from the manual:

 

“How tight can the clutch be and can you do any damage by pushing against them?
The clutches cannot be damaged by tightening; however, it is not necessary to tighten them as you would tighten the lug nuts of your car’s wheel.  You will see that each clutch knob has a 5/32 hex socket for tightening with a hex key. With an extra 1/3 turn beyond hand tightening on each clutch knob, the axis (axes) will be considered completely “locked up” and you should not attempt to push your scope by hand against this “locked up” resistance, or undue stress will be placed on the worm wheel / worm and bearings. 

Naturally, if you have a very heavy load, it is advisable to tighten the clutch knobs more than is necessary when a lighter payload is mounted.  When imaging you’ll want to ensure that the clutches are tighter so that there is no slippage.  Some recommendations follow. 

As a final note, There is not a single “right way” to use the clutches, just as there is no perfect all-purpose telescope.  Here are some hints and guidelines:

The longer and / or heavier the scope, the tighter you will want the clutches

The more accurate the balancing, the less clutch tension that will be required

Permanent setups will generally have tighter clutches than portable setups.

Imaging setups will generally have tighter clutches than visual setups.

Loosen clutches for transport to avoid putting any undue stress on the worm gear.”

 

 

Regards,

 

George

 

George Whitney

Astro-Physics, Inc.

Phone:  815-282-1513

Email:  george@...

 

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 4:43 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening

 

 

I'm not in a position to check either copy at the moment, that's why I asked.

"Yes" or "No" ought to suffice.

Steve

 

From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of JunkMailGoesHere@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 5:40 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening

 

 

Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.



---In ap-gto@..., <steven447@...> wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.

 

Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).

 

Steve

 

 From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review

 

 

If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.

 

For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 

 

Rolando

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter



---In ap-gto@..., <chris1011@...> wrote :

Hi Greg,

 

Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.

 

Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.

 

One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.

 

Rolando

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] <ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug <ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review

 

I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.

 

 

 

Greg.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Re: clutch tightening

observe_m13
 

Yes, there are also online copies available on AP's website in the tech ref section! If you have internet access . . .


---In ap-gto@..., <steven447@...> wrote :

I'm not in a position to check either copy at the moment, that's why I asked.

"Yes" or "No" ought to suffice.

Steve



From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of JunkMailGoesHere@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 5:40 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 
 

Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.



---In ap-gto@..., <steven447@...> wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.


Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).


Steve



 From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review
 
 

If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.
 
For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., <chris1011@...> wrote :

Hi Greg,
 
Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.
 
Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.
 
One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] <ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug <ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.



Greg.
Re: clutch tightening

Roland Christen
 

Finger tight will be enough for most setups. If you have a permanent setup or a very heavy scope, you can always lock the clutch knobs fully by using an Allan key.
 
Rolando
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Elliott steven447@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 4:43 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening



I'm not in a position to check either copy at the moment, that's why I asked.
"Yes" or "No" ought to suffice.
Steve


From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of JunkMailGoesHere@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 5:40 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 
 
Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.


---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.

Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).

Steve


 From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review
 
 
If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.
 
For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

Hi Greg,
 
Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.
 
Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.
 
One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] < ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug < ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.



Greg.










Re: clutch tightening

Steven
 

I'm not in a position to check either copy at the moment, that's why I asked.

"Yes" or "No" ought to suffice.

Steve



From: ap-gto@... on behalf of JunkMailGoesHere@... [ap-gto] Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 5:40 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: clutch tightening
 
 

Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.



---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.


Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).


Steve



 From: ap-gto@... on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto]
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review
 
 

If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.
 
For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto]
To: ap-gto
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., wrote :

Hi Greg,
 
Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.
 
Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.
 
One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] <ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug <ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.



Greg.

Re: clutch tightening

observe_m13
 

Umm, and what does the manual say? I think you got both a hardcopy and a pdf version with the mount.


---In ap-gto@..., <steven447@...> wrote :

I'm new at the AP mounts, got the 1100, and it's fantastic quality.


Question: Are we meant to tighten RA and Dec clutches using the Allen key? Or just finger tight? (due to the ball bearing in the knob, there's always friction even when loose, hence this question).


Steve



 From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September 2015 12:19 p.m.
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review
 
 

If you are always portable, you really don't need homing, there are alternate ways of recovering from a bad sync or other user error. Right now we don't have this homing feature for our keypad, but that could change when we add new keypad software in the near future. The new Homing feature is really meant for those who always control their permanently setup mount from a computer and may not always be there by the mount.
 
For those who are portable and set up fresh each night, if you have any glitch that causes the mount to point wrong and you cannot figure out what may be wrong or you cannot recover from the error, do this simple trick: 1) loosen all clutches so that the scope can swing free in both axes. 2) Hang onto the scope while you send the mount to Park3. When the mount gets to the park position (motors stop turning), place the mount physically to Park 3 position, re-tighten the clutches and you are ready to proceed with your normal mount operation. 
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2015 11:04 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



Hi Rolando,

The "new" software you are referring, is that APCC? I do not use APCC but can homing work without using APCC? My setup is always portable and I really don't need APCC and I get excellent results just using A-P V2 ASCOM driver with my awesome A-P1100GTO mount.

Peter


---In ap-gto@..., <chris1011@...> wrote :

Hi Greg,
 
Thank you for a very nice review. I am glad that you are getting great results with the mount and look forward to you more images from the southern hemisphere.
 
Meanwhile we have been working very hard all year on some important upgrades (software etc) to our mounts. We have listened to all you guys' concerns out ther e, and will present this new stuff at the upcoming AIC conference in San Jose next month. All these upgrades will be backwards compatible to our existing mounts.
 
One of the things that you mentioned, the homing feature, will be available to all our mounts without any changes to the mechanics. The basic smarts are already in every mount, it just needed a clever way to implement it via new software, and that's one of the things Ray Gralack has developed and Howard is diligently trying to break :^)) - (so far no bugs found) Therefore, if the mount ever gets lost due to incorrect sync or calibration or laptop computer hiccups, simply pressing HOME will send the mount to the home position and recalibrate it to an exact starting point with respect to the sky.
 
Rolando
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: bradgregley10@... [ap-ug] <ap-ug@...>
To: ap-ug <ap-ug@...>
Sent: Tue, Sep 22, 2015 11:38 pm
Subject: [ap-ug] AP1600GTO review



I wrote an unsolicited review on the AP1600GTO I got recently 2nd hand. Its a very positive and glowing review and I compare it to other mounts I have used including Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Takahashi NJP and others. The mount is amazing.



Greg.
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