|
Re: Mach2 update?
Still hoping to see a full set of detail photos of the final configuration of the production model of the Mach2. 🙂
Dean J.
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 update?
Dale Ghent
At the bottom of the mount, the USB and 12V terminate as their respective USB3 Type-A and PowerPole ports on the rear plate of the RA axis, just above the motor and encoder cable connections. /dale
On Nov 15, 2019, at 9:01 PM, Jerome Allison <jallison@...> wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: Pier turnbuckles out for delivery today
I forwarded my groups.io notice to her email here at work. Thanks for being thoughtful!
|
|
|
|
Pier turnbuckles out for delivery today
Joseph Gillman
Please tell Daleen not to stress the rest of the weekend, it's supposed to arrive today now. It hadn't been scanned since pickup and we assumed USPS lost it.
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 update?
Thanks for the new AIC pictures on FaceBook - the Mach2 looks great!
I was most interested in the USB3 and power through-wiring. Studying the pictures, it really looks like the wiring is just as Roland said - literally "The cabling is USB3 and DC power which you can use for your imaging needs. It is built-in. You will have connections at the bottom of the mount and at the top of the Dec axis." Is this actually how it is? The Dec axis wiring is clear (by the way, what is that controller unit on top?). But does the wiring then somehow go directly through the base of the mount, and in this case, also down through the hollow Eagle pier a) to the power wiring taped to the floor and b) looped back up around to the GTOCP5 USB connector? More pictures would be good! :) Jerome
|
|
|
|
Re: Encoder Documentation and user manual
Frost David
As long as they’re turned on, you’re using them to their maximum extent. Nothing to really do beyond that. Once turned on, they’re always working, that’s it. You’re receiving the full benefit from them going forward....all the accuracy enhancement, constant correction, precisely known pointing position, etc.
On Nov 15, 2019, at 8:07 PM, John Thompson via Groups.Io <jbtgolfer@...> wrote:
|
|
|
|
Encoder Documentation and user manual
John Thompson <jbtgolfer@...>
I recently installed encoders on my AP 1100 mount. I am searching for some documentation or manuals so I can use the encoders to the maximum extent possible in APCC. My copy of the APCC manual dated 2016 does not discuss them. Can anyone point me in the right direction or provide a link to some documentation? The encoders and APCC are inconveniently at my observatory 2.5 hours away so I am looking for something I can absorb at home, like a PDF file.
|
|
|
|
Re: 92mm Stowaway Imaging Train Weight Capacity
I have a Tele-Vue NP101is with a Focuser Boss II with the Posi-drive motor. It can handle my SBIG STXL16200 camera with FW8G-STXL filter wheel with no problems. This imaging train weighs right at 7 pounds.
|
|
|
|
Re: 92mm Stowaway Imaging Train Weight Capacity
Bill Long
Ive run a FLI ML16200 and CFW2-7 and CFW5-7 on it with zero issues.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Tony Benjamin <tonybenjamin@...>
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 10:16 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: [ap-gto] 92mm Stowaway Imaging Train Weight Capacity If I'n using the Focus Boss II with the PSM drive, for electronic focusing - how much weight can the stock 2.5" Starlight Instruments Focuser manage comfortably without sag in one way or another?
|
|
|
|
92mm Stowaway Imaging Train Weight Capacity
Tony Benjamin <tonybenjamin@...>
If I'n using the Focus Boss II with the PSM drive, for electronic focusing - how much weight can the stock 2.5" Starlight Instruments Focuser manage comfortably without sag in one way or another?
|
|
|
|
Re: WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
Mike Miller
I had never considered a WiFi signal being too strong, but this makes sense.
I have not had any issues with my laptop of phone connecting to my CP4; but I have constant issues with my phone connecting to my Nexus DSC that I use on another mount. I discovered that if I turn off the Wireless data and have only WiFi on it works without fail. I had assumed this was just a problem with my phone, but I wonder if this problem is related. This has the added benefit of making sure I don't get any calls or text message popups on the screen while using SkySafari. :) -Mike
|
|
|
|
Re: WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
I do have a CP4.
Peter
|
|
|
|
Re: APCC for ISS Tracking
drgert1
Thank you, Ray. As always, good information.
I was worried to get pulled by APCC into a level of complexity that can not be undone/bypassed when not needed. Seems OK now, though. Thanks & Clear Skies, Gert
|
|
|
|
Re: WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
Woody Schlom
Peter:
1) What is your configuration? Does your mount have the CP3 or CP4 controller? 2) I have a CP3 controller on my older Mach-1 and use either a SkyBT (Bluetooth), or SkyFi-III (WiFi) connected to the serial input to my CP3 to control with SkySfari – which does work well. I’m not familiar with the CP4 and its built-in WiFi at all, so I can’t help in that case. 3) If you’re using a CP3 and a wireless serial connection to the mount, do you have the proper A-P GTO mount setting in SkySafari? Is SkySafari set properly for the wireless connection to be Bluetooth or WiFi?
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Peter Bresler via Groups.Io
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 8:36 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.) #WiFi
Sky Safari Pro 6 says connected to my Mach 1 via wifi, but nothing happens when I try to move the mount. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Re: WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
Sky Safari Pro 6 says connected to my Mach 1 via wifi, but nothing happens when I try to move the mount. Any suggestions?
Peter
|
|
|
|
Re: WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
Howard,
Thanks for this tip. I will try it out once the weather gets more hospitable here in Michigan. I have my mount about 25' from my Samsung Android tablet and also tried with Samsung cell phone both running Sky Safari. I run it from inside my house through a glass door wall. I would think that should be enough distance but never tried with the antennae folded into its storage area. In the near term I have been using a SkyFi wireless moduie and it is very robust connection over a long distance. When I disconnect it quickly reconnects also. I remember that when the CP 4 dropped the wireless it was difficult to reconnect so that might point to some issue. COOL TIP ALERT: I found that there is a free app called XePlayer (Google to find) for Windows 10 PCs. It allows me to run any Android app flawlessly on a Win 10 PC. I use it to run Sky Safari Pro on my PC....it runs the mount via wireless with no issues other than I can't point the lap top at the sky to see what is there since the PC doesn't have a compass. The app creates a partition that is Android....just load any app from Play Store in it and runs great. All files are invisible to the PC file explorer. You need to also download a file viewer Android App from the PLAY STORE if you want to see those files. That free app was designed to run Android game apps on PCs but it works for any Android app.
|
|
|
|
Re: APCC Standard Upgrading
Ray,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I have over-written versions in the past with no issues. Maybe when the next update to APCC Standard becomes available, it will install over the existing version that I have on my computer. Yours truly, Jack Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 mallincamusa@gmail.com www.mallincamusa.com
-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ray Gralak Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2019 6:06 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APCC Standard Upgrading Hi Jack, You do not need to uninstall the old version. The installer always installs over the old version. However, v1.7.1.0 was released months ago, not within the last month. It could be something specific to your computer, like no permission to write over the old version. -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro V3: https://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: https://www.siriusimaging.com/apdriver -----Original Message-----
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach1 - Motor Stall - After prediagnostic > Remains gear box opening?
allhoest
Thank you Rolando.
I was in touch with George, who kindly had the patience to drive me. I have the motor running now. The mount is 11 years old and the geartrain is quite dry. It needs some re-greasing. CS Alex
|
|
|
|
Rockford company is making the structure for the GMT
Roland Christen
Hi Astronuts,
We have another local company here in Rockford that makes telescopes, but not for amateurs. Ingersol is an old line manufacturing company that has been part of the Rockford scene for probably 100 years, and they have built some very large telescopes in the past. No, they didn't build the 40" Yerkes (which is located about 45 minutes from here), but they have made other high tech giant scopes, one of which was recently installed on Haleakela on Maui for the Air Force. And now they are constructing the mechanical parts for the Giant Magellan Telescope, which will be installed on a mountain top at Las Campanas in Chile.
Some of you might know that there is already a twin 6 meter telescope there, which by the way is within a 5 minute walk of our very own 0.3 meter Astro-Physics remote telescope just down the ridge. Last time Marj and I were at Las Campanas we got to see the top of the mountain where the GMT was to be installed. At that time it was a very flat and large area that had been carved off the top of the adjacent ridge. It looked big enough to land an airliner on it.
Anyway, have a look:
https://www.mystateline.com/community/made-in-the-stateline/rockford-company-building-giant-telescope-as-tall-as-the-space-shuttle/
Picture below shows our 0.3 meter remote telescope, with the 6 meter Twin Magellan telescopes in the background. The GMT is located on the next mountain top beyond the Twin Magellan.
Rolando
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 update?
Dean,
The webpage has the current pic already. We posted up a couple of weeks ago. There are some other photos of the connectors that aren’t up there yet but will be soon. https://astro-physics.com/mach2gto
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: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of deanjacobsen@...
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2019 4:04 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 update?
Please take some pictures and post them so we can see what the Mach2 looks like.
|
|
|