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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Ray Gralak
Hi Dr. Suresh,
My connection to lodestar disconnects in Phd 2 , I had it 10 times now , changedThat's not very surprising. I think MaximDL, despite its issues, probably has the most extensive and robust camera control in the industry for Windows PCs. -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma -----Original Message-----
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Suresh Mohan
Ray , My connection to lodestar disconnects in Phd 2 , I had it 10 times now , changed port , re started pc , nothing worked . Connected pempro via maxim dl - worked. Connected via Phd 1 - worked . Shut down pc for 5 minutes and now phd2 works with lodestar Suresh
On 18-Feb-2017, at 7:18 PM, 'Ray Gralak (Groups)' groups3@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Ray Gralak
Hi Gary,
that I had with my Atlas mount. I have seen some unusual behavior a few times but,OK, let me know if you see anything as I think I have discovered a few bugs in the PHD2 code. Unfortunately the PHD2 developers have been difficult to work with so I have corrected the bugs in a private version. I think my version should improve autoguiding performance but I need to test under clear skies (which have been hard to come by this year in Silicon Valley!). Thanks for all of your work to support your products. In particular, I have been veryThanks for the feedback! -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma -----Original Message-----
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Re: Need conterweight shaft advice
Woody Schlom <woody@...>
Donghun,
I have
the larger diameter CW shaft on my Mach1 and like it very much. It's
shorter in length but much thicker in diameter -- and it takes the "standard" AP
counter-weights instead of the smaller Mach1 weights.
The
standard AP weights come in many more weights and versions. I have two 10
lb. weights, one 18 lb. weight, and one 5 lb. weight. I prefer using the
single 18 lb. weight except that it's so much heavier and harder to lug around
and store. So when I setup at home in my back yard, I usually use the 18
lb. plus one 10 lb. plus one 5 lb. But when I'm in the field, I leave the
18 lb. at home and use two 10 lb. plus the 5 lb. Because my field
configuration is lighter, I have to slide the CWs further down the shaft to
balance everything.
Note
-- the standard short and thick CW shaft does NOT fit inside the Mach1 for
transport. However that's fine with me as the stripped down Mach1 is near
my carrying weight limit anyway. Add a heavy CW shaft and I might have
trouble lifting it.
Woody
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Re: EXT startup only works via Serial Port?
Rick Thurmond
Thanks Roland,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I like the solution of setting Autoconnect=YES. The mount is now in a real observatory on a pier, so there is no need to leave it at NO like I used to. Then I can transparently run it with the keypad or TheSky. Rick
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Need conterweight shaft advice
Donghun
Hi guys I'm currently using three 9lb counterweights and they are currently haning closes to the end of the 1.125" shaft on my Mach1GTO. To reduce moemtum arm, I'm thinkg of adding another counterweight. I'm wondering if I should switch to M1053-A 1.875" shaft instead or just add another counterweight to the default 1.125" shaft. Thank you very much. Donghun
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Re: EXT startup only works via Serial Port?
Hi Rick,
I will bring my MacBook Pro from home in to work tomorrow (I’ll try to remember!) and see what I can figure out. There are no such restrictions on the GTOCP4 side, but TSX may be treating things differently. I am assuming that you have installed the FTDI Mac drivers from their website?? With that accomplished, the USB connection is really just a serial port. It should be no different from using a Keyspan USB to serial adapter.
Can you open the GTOCP4’s internal web page from your Mac?
I have verified that TSX’s Ethernet connection works on my Win7 – 64 system here at work. It initialized the mount properly. The initial connection and startup took a little while, so be patient.
Be sure you have the correct IP address for the GTOCP4, and be sure you are set to use Port 23 in TSX.
Our servo engineer is also a Mac user at home. He most assuredly designed the GTOCP4 to work on a Mac!!
Mag. 7 Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-282-1513 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2017 3:59 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] EXT startup only works via Serial Port?
I am able to control my Mach1GTO with CP4 by serial port, USB, or Ethernet if it has been started up/initialized by the keypad (Autoconnect=NO). I use TheSkyX on a Mac
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Re: EXT startup only works via Serial Port?
Roland Christen
Howard will answer in more detail about your particular setup, which I am assuming is a Mac computer. As such you are not using the ASCOM driver, so you are limited by what the SkyX can do via the Ethernet connection (note, there is no limitation on the AP equipment).
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
If the SkyX cannot properly initialize the mount via the Ethernet connection due to some limitation of that program, then I would recommend that you simply leave the keypad connected and set it to Autoconnect = YES. This way the keypad sends startup info to the mount and allows your external planetarium program to control the operation of the mount. You can then go anywhere with the SkyX and park it with that program at the end of the night. Next time you power up, the keypad will automatically resume the mount from that last parked position and you are good to go again with your Ethernet connection. Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Thurmond - yahoo yahoogroups@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Fri, Feb 17, 2017 10:00 am Subject: [ap-gto] EXT startup only works via Serial Port? I am able to control my Mach1GTO with CP4 by serial port, USB, or Ethernet if it has been started up/initialized by the keypad (Autoconnect=NO). I use TheSkyX on a Mac But if I try to do the startup by USB or Ethernet it doesn’t work. It will not connect unless I override the EXT and startup with the keypad. TheSkyX can start up the mount via serial port. Is that the way it is supposed to behave? I’d really rather run the mount entirely through Ethernet. Rick ------------------------------------ Posted by: Rick Thurmond - yahoo <yahoogroups@...> ------------------------------------ To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto ------------------------------------ Yahoo Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gto/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: ap-gto-digest@... ap-gto-fullfeatured@... <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: ap-gto-unsubscribe@... <*> Your use of Yahoo Groups is subject to: https://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/
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EXT startup only works via Serial Port?
Rick Thurmond
I am able to control my Mach1GTO with CP4 by serial port, USB, or Ethernet if it has been started up/initialized by the keypad (Autoconnect=NO). I use TheSkyX on a Mac
But if I try to do the startup by USB or Ethernet it doesn’t work. It will not connect unless I override the EXT and startup with the keypad. TheSkyX can start up the mount via serial port. Is that the way it is supposed to behave? I’d really rather run the mount entirely through Ethernet. Rick
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
gary imm
Ray,
I appreciate your inquiry into my experience using MACH1GTO with PHD2. I have only had the mount for 2 months so I only have about 30 hours of experience with that combination. Generally I have seen good, consistent performance. I usually am able to achieve anywhere from 0.5 to 0.7 RMS arc-secs, which is better than the 0.7-1.0 that I had with my Atlas mount. I have seen some unusual behavior a few times but, like I said further up this chain, I can't rule out that I might have had a bad calibration. I am a bit of a stickler on trying to fully understand unusual behavior before waving a red flag, and in fairness I cannot say that I have confirmed any unusual behavior with PHD2 to date. Thanks for all of your work to support your products. In particular, I have been very impressed with APCC's Meridian Tracking Limits ability. I very rarely have to do a meridian flip in the middle of my imaging sessions any more, which has saved me a lot of time. Clear skies, Gary
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Suresh Mohan
Hi Ray , Initially I had problems with PHD , it used to be erratic . The problem which I think have discovered is my dependence on RAPAS and my living close to the equator . When seeing is bad I'm off by more than 5 arc minutes; secondly there is an option called guiding assistant which one must run for 10 minutes and it will tell you the settings . If I did all this I have no issues Suresh
On 17-Feb-2017, at 11:05 AM, Suresh Mohan Neelmegh <drsureshmohan@...> wrote:
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Suresh Mohan
Gary, No owner ever period of any company I know including those who produce ultrasound , MRI or PET machines can be compared to Rolando ! First for his knowledge and understanding of the subject nor his ability to explain the problem solving methods . Suresh ps : the group itself is an amazing place to learn
On 17-Feb-2017, at 9:30 AM, immgr@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Worsel
FYI
Just one person's experience. I have used PHD2 with an A-P 1100 mount without issue for over a year now. Bryan
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Ray Gralak
Hi Gary,
Every time I make an adjustment to anything in my optical train, I recalibrate in PHD2Do you often have problems when using PHD2, or is this a one-time issue? I've seen some very weird behavior posted by some users auto-guiding with PHD2 using an A-P mount. -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma -----Original Message-----
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
gary imm
Rolando,
You have been very helpful to me today. The mount is tracking great tonight after I redid the lever tightness per your instructions and I performed a PHD2 calibration. So thanks again. Gary
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Roland Christen
Yes, we goofed, and heads will roll ;^))
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Unfortunately the person in charge of this instruction copied a lot of the words directly from our older mount which did not have the new spring gearbox. Howard has re-written the instructions, we will post them on our website and will add an addendum into our manual. Rolando with egg on face :^((
-----Original Message-----
From: immgr@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Thu, Feb 16, 2017 8:26 pm Subject: [ap-gto] Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question Rolando, I have been an engineer for 30+ years and I try to read the instructions carefully. Above, you say,
"I hope the instructions don't say that you are setting the mesh when you are adjusting that lever. If so, then somebody made a mistook and we will fix that pronto ;^) " Well, they don't say that. But, in bold, the whole section is prefaced with the phrase -
"To check for a loose gear mesh:"
Then it is followed by instructions on how to adjust the lever assembly. So I just assumed the two w
ere related. But now you have set me straight.
On another note, I never realized until now how well-designed and effective the MACH1GTO worm/spring mechanism was until now. When I was debating about whether to purchase the mount, this information would have helped me come to a conclusion to buy the scope much quicker. You have the information available on your web page, with phrases like "Automatic setting for worm mesh requires no adjustments over long time periods", but I never really understood what it meant until now. It is one of those features that you can't fully appreciate until you have worked with it. Anyway, even more reason now that I am glad that I purchased the mount!
Gary
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
gary imm
Sorry - in the note above, it should read - "buy the mount much quicker".
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
gary imm
Rolando,
I have been an engineer for 30+ years and I try to read the instructions carefully. Above, you say, "I hope the instructions don't say that you are setting the mesh when you are adjusting that lever. If so, then somebody made a mistook and we will fix that pronto ;^) " Well, they don't say that. But, in bold, the whole section is prefaced with the phrase - "To check for a loose gear mesh:" Then it is followed by instructions on how to adjust the lever assembly. So I just assumed the two were related. But now you have set me straight. On another note, I never realized until now how well-designed and effective the MACH1GTO worm/spring mechanism was until now. When I was debating about whether to purchase the mount, this information would have helped me come to a conclusion to buy the scope much quicker. You have the information available on your web page, with phrases like "Automatic setting for worm mesh requires no adjustments over long time periods", but I never really understood what it meant until now. It is one of those features that you can't fully appreciate until you have worked with it. Anyway, even more reason now that I am glad that I purchased the mount! Gary
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Re: AP going to Winter Star party
Thanks for the link. That sure is hard to find. I guess they forgot to add us. George will be on his way early tomorrow.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2017 3:47 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP going to Winter Star party
Go to their site look under ABOUT SCARS... then SITE MAP... there it lists the 2017 vendors. Kinda a hassle to find it. Thanks, Mike
On Thursday, February 16, 2017 3:37 PM, "MCDERMOTT MICHAEL wildwood7711@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...> wrote:
Kudos do you guys!- Mike
On Wednesday, February 15, 2017 3:05 PM, "Marj marj@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...> wrote:
I see. We are providing door prizes. George will bring them. I know that the raffles are always very exciting and much appreciated.
I don’t see where the door prizes are listed on their site. I must be missing something.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847
From:
ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
If you go to WSP site. They have sponsors that raffle off door prizes. Meade used to do it but drop out Explore Scientific and a few others still do. Good way to get your name out there. -Mike
On Monday, February 13, 2017 8:32 PM, "Marj marj@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...> wrote:
Sponsor who?
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847
From:
ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Why don't you sponsor them?
On Monday, February 13, 2017 4:34 PM, "Marj marj@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...> wrote:
Hi all,
George will be headed to the Winter Star Party in a few days. He is taking a 1600GTO with his 305 Honders and is hoping for some clear skies to do some imaging. It has been cloudy here for weeks.
Be sure that you stop by to say hello and ask any questions about our mount, APCC or other products. Since he’ll be using APCC, he can demonstrate various features for you.
Who else is going????
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847
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Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question
Roland Christen
Ok, well give it a try and be sure to note the parameter numbers that you get after the calibration run. And always guide at 1x.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Also please note, when you are adjusting that lever you are not setting the mesh. The worm gear is always in mesh, even if you fully loosen the lever and remove it from the gearbox. That lever simply sets the backstop. I hope the instructions don't say that you are setting the mesh when you are adjusting that lever. If so, then somebody made a mistook and we will fix that pronto ;^) That lever has two functions. 1: if you turn it fully counterclockwise to the left, the internal mechanism lifts the worm off the wormwheel so that you can critically balance your mount. 2: if you turn it clockwise to the right, the internal mechanism releases the worm so that the springs can push it into mesh with the worm wheel teeth. Turning the lever further until it stops, engages the backstop just above the worm mechanism so that the worm cannot back up by more than .001" or so. This slight clearance allows the worm to ride on the worm wheel in full contact through any low spots or high spots on the wheel. The springs always push that worm fully into mesh everywhere on that worm wheel. Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: immgr@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Thu, Feb 16, 2017 4:35 pm Subject: [ap-gto] Re: MACH1GTO Gear Mesh Question Rolando, Thanks very much for setting me straight. Your explanation makes sense. I didn't fully understand how the lever assembly interacted with the worm wheel from reading the manual.
Every time I make an adjustment to anything in my optical train, I recalibrate in PHD2 since it is easy to do and takes relatively little time. It could very well be that I just had a poor calibration for some reason, which coincided with my adjustment of the gear mesh. Again, thanks for taking the time to write a detailed response.
Gary
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