|
Re: Flexure or tracking? (Another "cold night" from northern Indiana)
Following up with this, I decided to go ahead and replace my cameraI have used Sunon Maglev fans for many years with good results: <https://www.mouser.com/Sunon/Thermal-Management/Fans-Blowers/Fans/DC-Fans/MagLev/_/N-dwatb?P=1y9c0j0Z1y97tnr> --- Mike
|
|
|
|
Re: Flexure or tracking? (Another "cold night" from northern Indiana)
Roland Christen
I don't remember what was picked for our camera down there. Dave Jurasevich picked the fans.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: Joel Short <buckeyestargazer@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Jan 27, 2021 3:26 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Flexure or tracking? (Another "cold night" from northern Indiana) "At our Chile observatory we had to remove the fans from the FLI camera and replace them with low vibration fans. The original fans caused 2:1 oblong stars, which totally freaked me out at first until I realized the cause. The scope itself is very robust, but that's not what was moving around. The imaging train after the focuser included a large and heavy 10 position filter wheel, an off-axis guider and the camera itself. All of that equipment was vibrating, the scope itself was not.
Rolando"
Following up with this, I decided to go ahead and replace my camera fans, but I'm having trouble finding a good low vibration fan. Noctua is regarded as the best but they don't make the size I need (50mmx50mm). Any other small case fan brand recommendations? joel -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
|
|
|
|
Re: Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
Woody Schlom
SkySafari Plus or SkySafari Pro works great via WiFi on either iOS or Android devices with the proper serial to WiFi device at the mount (such as SkyFi-III). Android devices can also use Bluetooth serial to Bluetooth devices (such as the RN-270 serial to Bluetooth device).
But neither version of SkySafari supports guiding if you need guiding.
If you get a new AP-1100 with the CP4 controller that has built-in WiFi, then you “probably” don’t need the additional serial to WiFi device, but I’m guessing there as I don’t have a CP4 controller. I’m still using the CP3.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of astro@...
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 1:01 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
Hi all
|
|
|
|
Re: Flexure or tracking? (Another "cold night" from northern Indiana)
"At our Chile observatory we had to remove the fans from the FLI camera and replace them with low vibration fans. The original fans caused 2:1 oblong stars, which totally freaked me out at first until I realized the cause. The scope itself is very robust, but that's not what was moving around. The imaging train after the focuser included a large and heavy 10 position filter wheel, an off-axis guider and the camera itself. All of that equipment was vibrating, the scope itself was not.
Rolando" Following up with this, I decided to go ahead and replace my camera fans, but I'm having trouble finding a good low vibration fan. Noctua is regarded as the best but they don't make the size I need (50mmx50mm). Any other small case fan brand recommendations? joel
|
|
|
|
Re: Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
Hello Bob,
The webpage that has the control Options diagram also has a link to more detailed information including a link to Sky Safari https://www.astro-physics.info/index.htm?tech_support/mounts/control/control
There is also a program called Luminos by Wobbleworks for iOS. We need to update the website to show this link, as well. https://wobbleworks.com/luminos/
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of astro@...
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 3:01 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
Hi all
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 - Imaging in frigid night
Terry Martin
Hi Steve,
Pete was talking about Safari (Apple web browser), not SkySafari. There is a app on the apple App Store, iCSC that works great; I don't know if there is an Android equivalent. Terry
|
|
|
|
Re: Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
I don't believe ACP is what you are after in terms of a simple mobile app. It is part of an observatory control package: https://acpx.dc3.com. Also note that use of the ASCOM driver implies a PC is connected to the mount. For iPad only control I would think SkySafari is your best bet.
|
|
|
|
Simple Mobile APP for control of mount
Bob
Hi all
Looking forward to being a proud new owner (fingers crossed) of an 1100, and so will have a few queries between now and the impending birth. First off, I have been looking over the Control Options diagram on the website. I am hoping there is a simple mobile app (not star chart or planetarium) that can be used to control the mount via wifi. In the diagram I see something that says ACP on iPad in the Ascom section. I am assuming that is what I am after, but for the life of me cannot find it in the Apple Store. Any ideas? Thanks Bob 115E 32S
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 - Imaging in frigid night
Steve C. Mitchell, Sr., O.D.
Thanks for the suggestion Pete. Just checked my SkySafari 2.6.8.02 I think, not icon with an arrow coming out of a box on mine, looked thru everything Evidently my version doesn’t have this feature
Steve
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Pete Mumbower
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2021 10:43 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 - Imaging in frigid night
On an iPhone, you can access the Clear Sky Clock via the Safari browser, then hit the icon at the bottom with the arrow coming out of the box, then pick "Add to Home Screen". Then you have a icon on the phone screen that launches the browser based CSC. Works great.
|
|
|
|
Re: Mach2 - Imaging in frigid night
Steve C. Mitchell, Sr., O.D.
Thanks Roland,
Was able to relocate mine online, that works, but the Android phone app sure was nice.
Steve
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Roland Christen via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2021 10:34 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 - Imaging in frigid night
I access Clear Sky Clock on my desktop computer at work: https://www.cleardarksky.com/c/AstrPhyILkey.html I think there is a way you can set it up, but you would probably have to contact the author, Attilla Danko. I don't remember how we did it so many years ago. danko@...
Roland
-----Original Message----- Hey Rolando,
I know this is a bit off topic for AP stuff and this thread, but since it’s part of your original post and you brought it up! 8>)
I used Clear Sky Clock for several years, until it failed to work for me as I worked up higher in the Samsung Galaxy phone line. I believe when I hit the S10 model is when it quit working for me and I was forced to try other apps, but have always liked it the best. As I go back to the Google Play store now to see if they’ve done an upgrade, it’s not even an option any more. I know it’s a Canadian weatherman that wrote the app and supported it and perhaps you know him so…. Sometimes it’s not what you know, but WHO you know. 8>) And since I see you are still using it, I have a few simple questions.
Do you know Allen, the author, and he’s supplying you with a special AP option? (Sweet) 8>) Have you simply had it a long time and still using an older Android phone and he still supports it? Or are you using an Apple device and that’s where it’s at now and no longer available for Android us users? (My luck)
Inquiring minds want to know.
Steve Proud owner of an 1100 mount for almost a year now. I love to just see and hear it operate in the observatory; in my opinion it is of upmost quality of craftsmanship and approaches a work of art. Best mount I’ve ever had!
On Friday, January 22, 2021, 07:42:18 PM CST, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:
Hi Astronuts,
First clear night in a month, fired up the 160 EDF on the Mach2 mount at the AP observatory. There's also a 155 EDF riding piggyback, but not being used tonight. It's 5 deg F (-15C) right now with very clear air. The temperature is dropping like an anvil off a cliff. Seeing is, well see below (poor - 2 out of 5). The mount is tracking with MaximDL, multi-star tracking mode and averaging 0.15 rms arc sec. This is the first time in a year that I've operated this mount in such cold conditions. My fingers are freezing after only 5 minutes of operating out there. But for clear skies, it's worth it.
Shooting the Rosette in Ha with the Moon straight up.
Rolando
|
|
|
|
Re: Ap1200 / TheSkyX jog runaway
Roland Christen
Yes we have an ASCOM driver for the 1200. Make sure that you configure SkyX to work thru ASCOM. Once you set up the driver it will come up automatically when you open SkyX and connect.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: Allen Gilchrist via groups.io <gilchrist.allen@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Tue, Jan 26, 2021 5:24 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Ap1200 / TheSkyX jog runaway Rolando,
I received confirmation from Software Bisque that there is indeed a problem with TSX causing the JOG button runaway. They will fix it in an upcoming interim release. In the mean time, they told me to avoid the JOG buttons or perhaps try the ASCOM driver. I don't know much about ASCOM except that I've not had good luck with it in the past. Does AstroPhysics provide an ASCOM driver for the AP 1200 GTO? If so, where can I find it, and where can I get information on installing and using it? Thanks for your help. -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
|
|
|
|
Re: Ap1200 / TheSkyX jog runaway
Worsel
Allen
I agree with Mike Dodd's insight on ASCOM...it's a great piece of kit for unifying diverse hardware and software. Mike gave you the link for A-P ASCOM driver. The ASCOM Platform, which is required, is at https://ascom-standards.org/ Download 6.5 SP1. You may see notes posted around to avoid 6.5. SP1 fixed that issue. Bryan
|
|
|
|
Re: Ap1200 / TheSkyX jog runaway
On 1/26/2021 6:24 PM, Allen Gilchrist via groups.io wrote:
...perhaps try the ASCOM driver. I don't know much aboutI use the A-P ASCOM driver <https://www.astro-physics.com/ascom> on my 1200, and it works fine. Ray Gralak, the developer, is a regular on this list. The driver GUI has NSEW buttons, and you can set the slew rate right there on the same screen. I use the buttons often to center a planet or the Moon when I want to make a "movie" for later processing. Normally I use ACP automation software, which connects to the mount via ASCOM. I can connect SkyX to the mount via ASCOM even if ACP is already connected. This means I can monitor in SkyX where ACP is pointing the mount, or I can slew the mount in SkyX if ACP is not actively imaging. In my experience, ASCOM is a wonderful interface, and the A-P driver is great. -- Mike Mike Dodd Louisa County, Virginia USA http://astronomy.mdodd.com
|
|
|
|
Re: Ap1200 / TheSkyX jog runaway
Rolando,
I received confirmation from Software Bisque that there is indeed a problem with TSX causing the JOG button runaway. They will fix it in an upcoming interim release. In the mean time, they told me to avoid the JOG buttons or perhaps try the ASCOM driver. I don't know much about ASCOM except that I've not had good luck with it in the past. Does AstroPhysics provide an ASCOM driver for the AP 1200 GTO? If so, where can I find it, and where can I get information on installing and using it? Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
|
Re: Continued: (Field curvature with Flatteners and compressors)
Excellent info. I have a TEC140FL on order and have been planing on using the QTCC and either an APS-C or a 4/3' sized CMOS chip with it.
-- Dean Jacobsen http://astrophoto.net/wp/ Image Gallery - http://astrophoto.net/wp/image-gallery/ Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ Amateur Radio Call Sign - W6DBJ
|
|
|
|
Re: Continued: (Field curvature with Flatteners and compressors)
Max Mirot
Roland,
Have you ever done a ray trace of the QuadTCC for the older AP 130 EDF F6 ( oil spaced) ? Some of us would like to know if it is likely to give acceptable results at full frame. Thanks Max
|
|
|
|
moderated
Re: Setting up at Fremont Peak, California
thefamily90 Phillips
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Harley Davidson <astrocnc@...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 7:29:53 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Setting up at Fremont Peak, California This is a better picture :)
tony On 1/25/2021 7:30 PM, dvjbaja wrote:
|
|
|
|
moderated
Re: Setting up at Fremont Peak, California
Harley Davidson
This is a better picture :)
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
tony
On 1/25/2021 7:30 PM, dvjbaja wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: Daylight saving time/Inaccurate GOTO's
Ray Gralak
Hi Eduardo,
position). I am running APCC Standard version 1.8.8.14. When I look atAPCC reads the Time Zone entries from Windows, so you may need to check for and apply any available Windows updates. -Ray Gralak Author of PEMPro Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): https://www.astro-physics.com/apcc-pro Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: https://www.siriusimaging.com/apdriver -----Original Message-----
|
|
|
|
moderated
Re: Setting up at Fremont Peak, California
Roland Christen
That is pretty funny!
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: dvjbaja <jpgleasonid@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Mon, Jan 25, 2021 6:30 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Setting up at Fremont Peak, California On Mon, Jan 25, 2021 at 9:51 AM Stone, Jack G <jack.g.stone@...> wrote:
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
|
|
|
