I wish I could guess.

As for me, accuracy finding objects to view, not requiring constant recal to go after doubles, carbon stars, planetary nebulae etc, would be best for me. All visual observing... for now. Lol.

Nothing remote

Jim

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From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2019 7:02:29 PM
To: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...>; ap-ug@... <ap-ug@...>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 update and discussion of features

 

 

Hi Jim,

What do you think it should cost, and do you need all the features?

Rolando

-----Original Message-----
From: jim phillips thefamily90@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...>; ap-ug@... <ap-ug@...>
Sent: Sat, Aug 17, 2019 5:54 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 update and discussion of features

Cost?

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From: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...> on behalf of chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...>
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2019 6:37:55 PM
To: ap-gto@... <ap-gto@...>; ap-ug@... <ap-ug@...>
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach2 update and discussion of features

 

 

Hi Astronuts,

 

We are getting very close to finishing our first production of the new Mach2 Encoder mounts. I have been testing several of the prototype mounts in the lab and under the sky in our Astro-Physics Observatory for the last year. They have gone thru extensive testing of both the hardware and software using scopes of various sizes up to and exceeding the limits so that what we ultimately deliver will meet and exceed your expectations. Personally, I have been very pleased with the performance, both as a visual and an astro-imaging mount.

 

The idea was to design a mount that could mirror the tracking/guiding performance of our much bigger 1100 - 1600 mounts while retaining the portability of our previous smaller mounts. At the same time, we are incorporating the latest technology in software and servo control to make this a true robotic mount with unparalleled tracking precision for its size..

 

The Mach2 is a dedicated encoder mount, not a normal mount with encoders slapped on "hope-it-works-for-you" kind of thing where you become the QA beta tester. We have many years of experience with high quality Renishaw encoders that are used in our 1100, 1600 and 3600 mounts all over the world, many in remote operations where the reliability of the encoders is very important. In the Mach2, the Renishaw produces extremely smooth tracking with none of the SDE errors that you will find in cheaper encoders. With a good solid setup in excellent seeing you will most likely experience guiding well below 0.2 arc seconds rms and sometimes below 0.1 arc sec rms hour after hour.

 

Being Absolute, there is no need for homing sensors or switches that can fail and are nowhere near as accurate. Not only are they built-in but also sealed from dust, dirt and other contaminants. They are attached to the end of the shaft down below, rather than to the worm wheel, so they will read actual telescope position, even with clutches loose. The readheads and encoder ring cannot be contaminated with grease or oil that can leak in hot weather from the worm wheel teeth and run down into an encoder disc that is attached to the worm wheel.

 

Here are a list of features that this mount has that I believe make it unique:

 

1) Dual high-resolution Absolute Encoders means that the mount always knows where it is pointed.

2) Proper traditional clutch allows manual sweeping as well as closed-loop servo GoTos.

3) Encoders are always active, whether the mount is used manually or electronically.

4) Internal cabling includes DC power and USB3 for customer imaging use. All motor and encoder wires are internal.

5) Worm and worm wheel are spring-loaded and always engaged. Smooth clutch does not disengage the worms yet allows fine balance to be achieved.

6) Beefed up bearings, worm wheel and bottom-end mechanics makes for a very stable platform for its size

7) New GTOCP5 servo drive and brushless micro-stepper servo motors makes for very quiet operation at all slew speeds.

8) Mount has higher slew speeds than our previous DC servo mounts.

 

9) Operation at 12 volts to 24 volts for portable and permanent setups.

10) Really precise tracking and guiding with instant response in both axes, no mechanical backlash adjustments needed.

11) Operation of scope past the meridian possible for all-night imaging without needing to flip sides if clearance permits.

12) All mechanical parts are stainless steel, aluminum or brass/bronze.

13) Full function keypad available for those who don't always have a computer available.

14) Lots of other options such as our popular Right-Angle Polar scope, larger counterweights, mounting hardware as needed.

15) A full-feature software control program - APCC and APCC Pro - is available that is very powerful and easy to use.

16) Lots of 3rd party planetarium and control software programs plug right into our mount.

 

What will the Absolute Encoders do for you?

To expand a bit on some of the above features, the absolute encoders do more than just provide information as to where the mount is pointing. In RA, the periodic error disappears and long-term tracking is sub-arc second level. In Dec, the response to sub-arc second move commands is extremely accurate with no backlash during axis reversals. During imaging you will experience fast recovery from a dither command so imaging time is not compromised while waiting for the mount to settle down.

 

Both encoders respond to external disturbances by keeping the axes pointed precisely where commanded and countering the disturbance in real time. The beefed up internals make this mount very solid with damping times under 1 second even with heavy, long telescopes attached. You can rap on the telescope tube of a 6" F9 refractor and watch the image damp out in 1 oscillation. You can grab the focuser and turn it back and forth without having the image dance about for several seconds.

 

So easy to set up.

The mount is extremely easy to set up and operate. Gone is the requirement at startup to define what starting position the mount is in - no more need to Resume from Park1, 2 etc. since the encoders always know where the axes are, even if they are moved between sessions. You set the mount up, place your scope and equipment into the saddle in any convenient orientation on any side of the mount you wish, and turn power on. That's it, you are done. Attach your favorite programs (keypad, planetarium or other apps), let them initialize and you are good to go. No homing needed since the mount is always home.

 

In my setup I am literally ready to image in just a few minutes after I open the observatory roof and turn power on to the mount.

 

Here is my workflow:

 

·         I bring up my planetarium program and connect to the mount. The ASCOM driver comes up and automatically initializes the mount. I pick an object on the screen and press GoTo. The mount slews to the proper side of the mount and begins tracking.

·         I bring up my Imaging and tracking programs (MaximDL, PHD2) and connect them to the mount. I take my first image and the object will be in the field. I could use plate solve to center it, but most times I want to place the object somewhere else in the field so as to include other nearby object also.

·         In MaximDL, I simply place the cursor where I want the image to be centered and press "Center Here". My next exposure will have the object field at the right orientation so I can begin imaging the same object field from a previous session.

·         In PHD2, I bring up a guider image, choose a suitable guide star and begin guiding.

·         All of this can be automated, of course, but even in a manual setup there really isn't anything you have to monkey with. The encoders take over and the mount happily does what it's supposed to do.

 

Additional ways this mount makes your life easier.

The microstepper servos are strong enough to drive the mount with a fair amount of imbalance, but not strong enough to cause damage to equipment if the mount is allowed to slew the scope into the pier. If the scope touches the pier or tripod legs during a high speed slew the motors will stop instantly because the encoders sense the disconnect between commanded and actual shaft position.

 

During tracking, you can loosen the clutches to allow manual sweeping of the sky with your scope. The encoders will sense that you want to go manual and will hand the scope over to you and will keep track of the axis positions at all times. Clutches can be fully loose or partially engaged as needed for manual operation. If you have a planetarium program you can see the cursor move on your screen as you push the scope to different parts of the sky.

 

The mount can be a Push-to, GoTo or complete remote automated observatory mount as you need. The Mach2 is about the most versatile mount you will ever need for your medium-size scope or imaging setups.

 

We hope to have one of the first production mounts at the Okie-Tex Star Party September 21-28. Stop by to check it out.

 

Roland Christen

Astro-Physics Inc.