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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Cheng-Yang Tan
Will use Loctite if it comes off again. I tightened it up like what had posted earlier and by only tightening by 1/8 turn, the knobs haven’t come off ... yet.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 4:19 PM, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
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Re: Dolphin Head Nebula (SH2-308) - 15 degrees above the horizon
Wow, that’s a beauty! Thanks for sharing it with us! Karen AP
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of jypeng@...
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 5:08 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Dolphin Head Nebula (SH2-308) - 15 degrees above the horizon
Hello Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/7cldi1/
Technical details: Telescope: TEC 160FL + TEC FRC 0.9x Mount: Astro-Physics Mach 2 GTO Imaging cameras:ZWO ASI6200MM Software: PHD2, PixInsight, Lightroom 6.4, Sequence Generator Pro, Photoshop CS6 Location: Palo Alto, California, USA Total Integration: 26.8 Hours PhotometricColorCalibration data(before crop): Resolution ............... 0.392 arcsec/px Rotation ................. -113.083 deg Observation start time ... 2021-02-22 07:02:07 UTC Observation end time ..... 2021-03-13 05:14:25 UTC Focal distance ........... 989.28 mm Pixel size ............... 1.88 um Field of view ............ 1d 11' 25.1" x 1d 8' 12.7" Image center ............. RA: 6 54 15.613 Dec: -23 55 29.32
Filters: Astrodon 50mm Unmounted LRGB Gen2 E-Series Filter Sets Astrodon 50mm Unmounted 3nm Narrowband Ha, SII, OIII filters Blue 35x60" 35 Minutes Bin1x1 Green 43x60" 43 Minutes Bin1x1 Red 36x60" 36 Minutes Bin1x1 Ha 12x900" 22x1200" 10.3 Hours Bin1x1 OIII 9x900" 37*1200" 14.5 Hours Bin1x1
-- Karen Christen Astro-Physics
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Dolphin Head Nebula (SH2-308) - 15 degrees above the horizon
jypeng@...
Hello
I like to share one of the difficult targets I acquired recently. This Mach2GTO was tracking (20 minutes guiding) my target very well just 15 degrees above the horizon. No modeling this time due to my model is all above 25 degrees above. Excellent mount, Great job, AP! Thanks, Jian Yuan Peng Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/7cldi1/
Technical details:
Telescope: TEC 160FL + TEC FRC 0.9x
Mount: Astro-Physics Mach 2 GTO
Imaging cameras:ZWO ASI6200MM
Software: PHD2, PixInsight, Lightroom 6.4, Sequence Generator Pro, Photoshop CS6
Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
Total Integration: 26.8 Hours
PhotometricColorCalibration data(before crop):
Resolution ............... 0.392 arcsec/px
Rotation ................. -113.083 deg
Observation start time ... 2021-02-22 07:02:07 UTC
Observation end time ..... 2021-03-13 05:14:25 UTC
Focal distance ........... 989.28 mm
Pixel size ............... 1.88 um
Field of view ............ 1d 11' 25.1" x 1d 8' 12.7"
Image center ............. RA: 6 54 15.613 Dec: -23 55 29.32
Filters: Astrodon 50mm Unmounted LRGB Gen2 E-Series Filter Sets
Astrodon 50mm Unmounted 3nm Narrowband Ha, SII, OIII filters
Blue 35x60" 35 Minutes Bin1x1
Green 43x60" 43 Minutes Bin1x1
Red 36x60" 36 Minutes Bin1x1
Ha 12x900" 22x1200" 10.3 Hours Bin1x1
OIII 9x900" 37*1200" 14.5 Hours Bin1x1
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Woody Schlom
Cytan,
Nothing against your super-human strength claim, but I’d say your knobs weren’t properly done. I just looked up red thread lock specs on both LocTite’s website and Permatex’s website. LocTite says you need heat in excess of 550° F to loosen their red stuff enough to unscrew. And they claim that without the heat, the bolt will usually fail and snap before the red LocTite lets go. And I can attest to snapped bolts when I hadn’t properly heated it enough to fully loosen the red thread lock.
Permatex says their red thread lock needs to be heated above 500° F before it loosens up.
Both manufacturers consider their red thread lock products as “permanent” but that they can be loosened with enough heat.
If I were you, I’d just completely remove the knobs and studs, take the knobs off the studs, clean the threads (both internal and external) with alcohol or better yet, thread lock “primer” and an old toothbrush and Q-tip, let dry, and then apply some red thread lock to the knob end, thread the knob back onto the end of the stud, wipe off any excess while it’s still wet, and let it sit for 24 hours before threading them back into the dovetail saddle.
You absolutely do NOT want any thread lock in the threads of the dovetail saddle.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Cheng-Yang Tan via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 1:39 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Issue with DOVELM162
Then I'm really stronger than I look :) I had two bolts that that came off the knobs.
cytan
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 03:33:58 PM CDT, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
And red thread-lock needs temperatures above 600° F to start loosening up. And my experience with the stuff is that it lasts for decades. I have a trailer hitch that’s been outside for 20 years and the red thread-lock is still holding quite firmly. I’m sure it’ll take a blow torch and impact wrench to loosen up.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Bryan,
Red Loctite is used. One in a thousand will break loose when overtightened.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Worsel via groups.io
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
George
Cytan,
We won’t pick a fight with you! <G> Seriously, it is an easy fix…add a drop of red Loctite and wait at least 24 hours and they will be fixed.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Cheng-Yang Tan via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:39 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Issue with DOVELM162
Then I'm really stronger than I look :) I had two bolts that that came off the knobs.
cytan
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 03:33:58 PM CDT, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
And red thread-lock needs temperatures above 600° F to start loosening up. And my experience with the stuff is that it lasts for decades. I have a trailer hitch that’s been outside for 20 years and the red thread-lock is still holding quite firmly. I’m sure it’ll take a blow torch and impact wrench to loosen up.
Woody
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Bryan,
Red Loctite is used. One in a thousand will break loose when overtightened.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Worsel via groups.io
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt
could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
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Re: APPM requirements
Jeffc
Speaking of “requirements”… What’s the thought on using APPM with a non-permanent setup? Fwiw, I’m using the mach2 now with an st8300m + fs128 at about 1040mm focal length and am “visually” seeing decent round stars with 5 minute unguided exposures. I’ve only had the mount for a couple weeks, but I also used the 130GT at 614mm with (iirc) 20 minute exposures unguided. Yes, objects do not land in the center of the chip on a goto , but it is usually close enough such that I can plate solve , sync , then goto again (for proper framing). I’m guessing APPM might help with longer exposures , and also with objects low on horizon affected by atmospheric distortion… the latter would be nice to correct for. At this point I image objects when they are fairly high on the sky. What would be the guidelines for a “portable” setup ? Eg a) create model at the site but it could be reused for the same location? b) or.. it is necessary to re-create model if the mount is moved.. ie polar alignment is re-done? I’ve just wondered about the practicality for a non-permanent setup, and the conditions where APPM is needed for unguided imaging… eg the focal length where APPM becomes effective over just the encoders on a polar aligned mount.. Or is the benefit simply repeatable pointing accuracy? Thx
On Mar 23, 2021, at 12:39 PM, Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...> wrote:
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Cheng-Yang Tan
Then I'm really stronger than I look :) I had two bolts that that came off the knobs. cytan
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 03:33:58 PM CDT, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
And red thread-lock needs temperatures above 600° F to start loosening up. And my experience with the stuff is that it lasts for decades. I have a trailer hitch that’s been outside for 20 years and the red thread-lock is still holding quite firmly. I’m sure it’ll take a blow torch and impact wrench to loosen up.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Bryan,
Red Loctite is used. One in a thousand will break loose when overtightened.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Worsel via groups.io
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Woody Schlom
And red thread-lock needs temperatures above 600° F to start loosening up. And my experience with the stuff is that it lasts for decades. I have a trailer hitch that’s been outside for 20 years and the red thread-lock is still holding quite firmly. I’m sure it’ll take a blow torch and impact wrench to loosen up.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 1:31 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Issue with DOVELM162
Bryan,
Red Loctite is used. One in a thousand will break loose when overtightened.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Worsel via groups.io
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
George
Bryan,
Red Loctite is used. One in a thousand will break loose when overtightened.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Worsel via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:25 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Issue with DOVELM162
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Worsel
I wonder if A-P did use Loctite, then they consciously used blue Loctite, rather than red to ensure that, if needed, the Allen bolt could be removed. Red takes very high temps to release.
Bryan
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
DiscoDuck
Thanks Robert. So Loctite would've been used originally by AP in manufacturing? I guess it degrades over time. The mount had been outside too for a few days (under a Telegizmos 365 cover) in some heat (not too bad ... we're into early autumn hear so the peak summer heat is gone).
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Re: APPM requirements
Ray's APCC/APPM on-line manual is a great place to start.
https://www.siriusimaging.com/Help/APCC/index.html There is a specific section for APPM that I used to get everything set up. -- 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
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Re: APPM requirements
Joseph Beyer
Ray has also created a YouTube video for APPM. It’s intended for use with Sequence Generator Pro for camera control but essentially highlights the setup. Following the steps makes it quite simple.
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Re: APPM requirements
Worsel
Ted
There have been a couple recent threads on building APPM models during bright moon times. Here is one. https://ap-gto.groups.io/g/main/topic/81388396 I do not think there is a max limit on focal length, as long as plate solving still functions. I build models on a 2500 mm OTA with a full frame sensor / OAG and plate-solving is not a problem. Image scale may be more important. The APPM section states "If your image scale when binned in less than 3 arc-seconds/binned pixel then plate solve accuracy will not be affected." Bryan
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APPM requirements
Ted Mickle
I would appreciate some guidance on how to set up APPM. I have an AP 1100GTO on an ATS pier that has been stabilized with three ratchet ropes attached to steel anchors imbedded 4 inches into a concrete slab.
I keep the mount and TAK f/7.7 TOA 130 covered with Telegizmos 365 covers when not in use. Is this a stable enough platform to build reliable pointing models? If so, can a reliable pointing model be obtained with illumination from the moon? What is the maximum focal length recommended for use with APPM? Thanks for your assistance and guidance. Ted
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Re: AP1600 - Intermittent Loss of Connection
Jack,
Reliability is more a function of how you set a system up, than of the connection method itself. In your observatory, you probably have an issue with something like a driver, faulty cable, or faulty adapter. In my opinion (and therefore completely open to disagreement!), there is no difference in reliability between USB, Serial and Ethernet, so long as you perform regular maintenance to your system and keep cables, adapters and drivers current. That said, there is no need to limit yourself with connecting a CP4; you can run commands through every port at the same time and the mount will be fine. APCC has a way to run a backup COM port, so you can do something like Ethernet + Serial in your observatory.
Liam
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 11:20 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] AP1600 - Intermittent Loss of Connection
I have my AP1600 with CP4 connected to the observatory computer using a Serial cable and USB to Serial adapter. I use SkyTools to connect to and control the mount. Occasionally I get an error indicating that connection to the mount has
been lost. I re-establish the connection and all is fine.
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AP1600 - Intermittent Loss of Connection
I have my AP1600 with CP4 connected to the observatory computer using a Serial cable and USB to Serial adapter. I use SkyTools to connect to and control the mount. Occasionally I get an error indicating that connection to the mount has been lost. I re-establish the connection and all is fine.
Would using a CAT5 or CAT6 connection from the CP4 to the computer provide a more reliable connection to the mount? Can I have the mount connected to the computer using both a CAT cable and a serial cable? If so, which connection takes precedence? Yours truly, Jack Huerkamp
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Re: Mach2 intermittent loss of connection
mjb87@...
Same problem happened last night.
Thanks to all for the help. Yes, I'm using TCP. Ray has looked at my logs and thinks it is a timing issue. My data goes from mount via Cat6 to LAN switch via fiber to another LAN switch and then via Cat6 to the computer. I will advance the timeout setting from 100ms to as much as 500ms, a bit over time to fine the sweet spot. I'll also set up the backup COM port using a USB connection. I can also take the second switch out of the loop if needed. I'm using the brick power supply that came with the mount. I also have the Powerwerx power supply, for now attached to my 1100. If the problem persists I'll use that power supply on the Mach2 and see if that solves it. Once again, my thanks to this great community for their support and good counsel. Marty
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Re: Issue with DOVELM162
Robert
I'm not sure I understand your question. The clamp isn't threaded so I'm going to assume you're talking about the knob, in which case, it is one piece.
Robert
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Re: Help Parking AP 900 in TheSky
#ASCOM_V2_Driver
Ray Gralak
Hi Bob,
Thank you, Ray. What ASCOM client application would work?Any ASCOM client would work, but the AP V2 driver comes with the AP Jog utility, which would be a good choice. -Ray -----Original Message-----
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