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Re: Data base corruption
Jack,
The individual optical fibers are not mission critical, and breaking one or ten of them will not disable any important aspect of the keypad. While it is good to be careful, you would not notice if a few strands snapped when using the illuminated buttons. In addition, you can simply pop the little rubber caps off of the LED lights and move the fiber bundles freely. They have a full 180 degree range of motion. If you don’t pop the rubber caps off of the LEDs, you would end up having to weave the battery wires through two bundles of optical fibers; a task I wouldn’t wish on anybody.
As the technician that works on keypad repairs every week, I used to be very very careful. Eventually I learned that they are less delicate than I thought. These days I can fly through the repairs much faster, and still have yet to break a fiber optic by accident. The most important part is to make sure that the rubber caps get back onto the LED bulbs securely.
I hope this helps with the next time. Liam Plybon
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 1:08 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
I just wish a little more thought had gone into the design and engineering of the keypad. Placing the battery and its connection to the PCB below all those optical fibers should have been avoided. As a 40+ year mechanical engineer, I have seen many situations where I wish the engineer who designed systems was forced to work on them afterwards. Like having to remove valve covers to replace spark plugs on a motor. Or having to remove the transmission to get at the starter mounted next to the torque converter.
I was worried the whole time I was working on the simple battery replacement that I would damage one of those fine optical fibers. And then when I went to close up the keypad, the optical fibers would not lay flat and kept trying to get between the case and one of the red plastic standoffs. I ended up getting a piece of cardboard about the size of an emery board, laying it over the optical fibers to hold them down, placing the cover over the 6 screws, starting to tighten them and then slowly sliding the cardboard out from the case.
At least next time, I will know what to expect.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
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 Jack Huerkamp
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
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 Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Re: Data base corruption
George,
I just wish a little more thought had gone into the design and engineering of the keypad. Placing the battery and its connection to the PCB below all those optical fibers should have been avoided. As a 40+ year mechanical engineer, I have seen many situations where I wish the engineer who designed systems was forced to work on them afterwards. Like having to remove valve covers to replace spark plugs on a motor. Or having to remove the transmission to get at the starter mounted next to the torque converter.
I was worried the whole time I was working on the simple battery replacement that I would damage one of those fine optical fibers. And then when I went to close up the keypad, the optical fibers would not lay flat and kept trying to get between the case and one of the red plastic standoffs. I ended up getting a piece of cardboard about the size of an emery board, laying it over the optical fibers to hold them down, placing the cover over the 6 screws, starting to tighten them and then slowly sliding the cardboard out from the case.
At least next time, I will know what to expect.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:51 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
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 Jack Huerkamp
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
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 Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Re: Data base corruption
George
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
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 Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:47 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
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 Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Re: Data base corruption
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 9:25 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
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 Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Good to hear. Don Anderson
On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 12:33:52 a.m. MDT, Jeffc <jeffcrilly@...> wrote:
> Is the bug in the 4.19 version as well? Fwiw... I looked in my other keypad which I just re-loaded the DB (after a battery change) about a week back with (iirc) 4.19.3. (this is a keypad for a CP3/CP4). Pollux looked correct. So I think it might be a bug only in the new keypad.
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Re: 2021 production plans for the 1600GTO?
Luke Leege
"Always suggest direct orders with A-P. I would much rather get smiley face emails from Daleen than to get charged improperly by OPT. " ATWB and C7 are reputable dealers I would not hesitate to order from.
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Re: 2021 production plans for the 1600GTO?
Brian McFarland
2021 according to earlier posts in this thread. On 11/24/2020 Roland wrote: “Yes, we plan to make a new run of 1600 mounts next year.” On 03/27/2021 Karen wrote: “Our current 1600 mount run is in production now with the first mounts anticipated to ship near the end of this year.”
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Re: 2021 production plans for the 1600GTO?
Does "next year" mean 2021 or 2022?
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Correct, this is only an issue on V5.001. All other keypads should be fine.
Liam
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 1:34 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
> Is the bug in the 4.19 version as well?
Fwiw... I looked in my other keypad which I just re-loaded the DB (after a battery change) about a week back with (iirc) 4.19.3. (this is a keypad for a CP3/CP4). Pollux looked correct. So I think it might be a bug only in the new keypad.
On Tue, Mar 30, 2021 at 8:32 PM Don Anderson via groups.io <jockey_ca=yahoo.ca@groups.io> wrote:
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Re: Mach2 Slew Speed, Power, and Voltage Question
#Mach2GTO
michaeljhanson@...
HI Greg,
The limiting factor the the upper end of the voltage range is the threshold at which the transient suppression begins to conduct, which will have a very wide tolerance. This topic was discussed in the other forum a while back, here: main@ap-ug.groups.io | Max Voltage Question got Mach2GTO/GTOCP5 The general consensus on that thread seemed to be that having a CP5 powered directly by a battery that is also being charged was discouraged. Cheers, Mike Hanson
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Re: Mach2 Slew Speed, Power, and Voltage Question
#Mach2GTO
Greg McCall
Mike, (context: max charging voltage for a 24v battery)
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Jeffc
> Is the bug in the 4.19 version as well? Fwiw... I looked in my other keypad which I just re-loaded the DB (after a battery change) about a week back with (iirc) 4.19.3. (this is a keypad for a CP3/CP4). Pollux looked correct. So I think it might be a bug only in the new keypad.
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Scavenger Hunt - 4" Flattener and TCC (S155EDFFF and 155TCC)
Tyrel Smith
Have this on the AP-UG as well. Trying to track down these two items. If anyone knows where I might find one that can be coaxed from the grips of its owner, please message me off-list. I have a 140 begging to be used for imaging.
4" Prime Focus Field Flattener (S155EDFFF) 0.76x CCD Telecompressor Corrector (155TCC)
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Liam Is the bug in the 4.19 version as well? Don Anderson
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 02:42:53 p.m. MDT, Liam Plybon <liam@...> wrote:
Howdy,
I took a closer look at the database around Pollux. 5 stars are affected. Here is a table of the affected stars in the database, and the coordinates that they currently have. As a workaround for now, you can use the star on the left to slew to the star on the right. Note that Algiedi is correct in the database.
Thanks for helping us find and confirm this bug, everyone! We will work on a fix for this and it will be in the next release of the V5 keypad firmware.
Liam Plybon Astro-Physics
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Eric Weiner
It’s not just Pollux
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Thanks Liam
As for the keypad software, is there any timing on when the latest version will be available to the CP4 users ? There were several forum members (myself included) who were interested in sending their keypads in to have the RA / DEC / REV button replaced to match the function with the new software. Mike
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Re: Mach2 transport case?
ernie.mastroianni@...
My apologies Jeff and the A-P group, and glad you looked closely. I was mistaken, I have the Seahorse 920, and NOT the 830. It has a width of 13.88 inches, which is critical to get the width of the mount to fit snugly. The Mach 2 would never fit into the 830.
To be clear, pictured here is the Seahorse 920 Ernie
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Mike Pigney
Thanks for finding the source of the problem Liam.
Mike
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Re: Mach2 transport case?
Jeffc
Thx for the pointer! I was also looking ay Seahorse as a less expensive alternative .. I will be transporting the mount myself and don't need an airline safe case. It is a tad tight for me... I have the saddle up on the rear set of holes... and then the other day I switched to the 16" saddle for the 12" SCT. I'm also looking for a case that doesn't have alot of volume in the vertical -- I'm challenged for vertical space in the car. And... I believe these are HALF the weight of an empty pelican if the specs on amazon are correct. According to amazon, the 830 has a "width" of 11 inches inside. I could probably go up a size and it still wont break the bank. E.g. the 920 is "interior Dimensions: 22.12 x 13.54 x 8.50 . Case weight: 14.23 lbs" I think something like this will be better than the Lowe's "Commander" storage tote bin (which i have been using for the 1100). thx -jeff
On Tue, Mar 30, 2021 at 1:46 PM <ernie.mastroianni@...> wrote: Hi Jeff C.
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Re: Mach2 transport case?
ernie.mastroianni@...
Hi Jeff C.
Thanks for this post, you inspired me to look for a travel case. I found this: A Seahorse 830 equipment case. Arrived today. It fits my Mach2 precisely, without removing the dovetail clamp or adjusting my latitude of 43 degrees north. When I close the case, it does not even move around inside, despite the complete lack of padding. I'll probably add a bottom layer anyway. Ordered from Specialtycases.com. Ernie
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Re: Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
Howdy,
I took a closer look at the database around Pollux. 5 stars are affected. Here is a table of the affected stars in the database, and the coordinates that they currently have. As a workaround for now, you can use the star on the left to slew to the star on the right. Note that Algiedi is correct in the database.
Thanks for helping us find and confirm this bug, everyone! We will work on a fix for this and it will be in the next release of the V5 keypad firmware.
Liam Plybon Astro-Physics
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Eric Weiner
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 11:35 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 - Pollux not in correct position
It’s not just Pollux
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