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Re: Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

Ray Gralak
 

On the subject of automation, does APPM have any kind of an API that would make it possible to invoke it from
a script with the sample points for the target? Alternately, is the definition of the PNT file format defined so that
I could write my own routine to solve a bunch of points on the declination arc?
If you have a permanent setup you would just model the entire sky as you always have. The only change would be that you might want to increase the slider in APPM that controls the number of points in RA so that each arc has more points. APCC will interpolate between declination arcs.

Or, if you are in a mobile setup, just model a few declination arcs around the target that you are imaging. It won't take very long to create the arcs.

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of W Hilmo
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2021 12:37 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

Great. I'm looking forward to it.

On the subject of automation, does APPM have any kind of an API that would make it possible to invoke it from
a script with the sample points for the target? Alternately, is the definition of the PNT file format defined so that
I could write my own routine to solve a bunch of points on the declination arc?

Thanks,
-Wade

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ray Gralak
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:02 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

Hi Wade,

Can I do dec-arc modeling with the current APPM version? Is it as
simple as making a model with just a bunch of points on my target's
declination? Or do I need to wait for the next CP4 firmware and accompanying APCC release to use it?
The Dec-Arc modeling feature has been well tested for over a year and a half. As mentioned previously, it will
be in APCC Pro version 1.9, which will be available soon.

The Dec-Arc modeling does not require a change to the way APPM operates. By default APPM can collect data
points along declination arc paths. It is APCC Pro that implements the Dec-Arc tracking feature, which can be
turned on and off at run-time with a single checkbox.

-Ray
Re: Mach2 failed to meridian flip

Marcelo Figueroa
 

The only time I have had a failed meridian flip with my Mach2 and SGP was because the plate solve that SGP requires failed due to clouds.
 
That said, the sequence was aborted at the time (I'm using the latest 3.1 version of SGP).
Re: Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

W Hilmo
 

Great. I'm looking forward to it.

On the subject of automation, does APPM have any kind of an API that would make it possible to invoke it from a script with the sample points for the target? Alternately, is the definition of the PNT file format defined so that I could write my own routine to solve a bunch of points on the declination arc?

Thanks,
-Wade

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ray Gralak
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:02 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

Hi Wade,

Can I do dec-arc modeling with the current APPM version? Is it as
simple as making a model with just a bunch of points on my target's
declination? Or do I need to wait for the next CP4 firmware and accompanying APCC release to use it?
The Dec-Arc modeling feature has been well tested for over a year and a half. As mentioned previously, it will be in APCC Pro version 1.9, which will be available soon.

The Dec-Arc modeling does not require a change to the way APPM operates. By default APPM can collect data points along declination arc paths. It is APCC Pro that implements the Dec-Arc tracking feature, which can be turned on and off at run-time with a single checkbox.

-Ray
Re: Mach2 failed to meridian flip

Terri Zittritsch
 

Thank you Ray, I will contact SGPro folks to see what they have to say.     That software gets updated frequently and I'm on their beta 4.0 64bit version so maybe this is a new issue.

Terri
Re: Interesting Behavior with APCC Pro and Pegasus Astro UPBv2

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Wade,

Can I do dec-arc modeling with the current APPM version? Is it as simple as making a model with just a bunch
of points on my target's declination? Or do I need to wait for the next CP4 firmware and accompanying APCC
release to use it?
The Dec-Arc modeling feature has been well tested for over a year and a half. As mentioned previously, it will be in APCC Pro version 1.9, which will be available soon.

The Dec-Arc modeling does not require a change to the way APPM operates. By default APPM can collect data points along declination arc paths. It is APCC Pro that implements the Dec-Arc tracking feature, which can be turned on and off at run-time with a single checkbox.

-Ray
Re: Mach2 failed to meridian flip

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Terri,

Thanks for any clue as to what I might have done wrong in setup or control. I used the same sequence as
used on a prior nights successfully.
The ASCOM log file does not show any attempt by SGPro to issue a slew command to do the pier flip.

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Terri Zittritsch
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2021 7:06 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach2 failed to meridian flip

Hi, My Mach2 failed to meridian flip last night.. I've looked at the logs and nothing jumps out at me. I was
using SGP as well, and normally meridian flips are done with little drama but best I can tell last night, based on
the SGP log which I can reference as well, a command was sent to the telescope to flip but a flip never
occurred and the mount just kept on tracking without flipping all night (not imaging either) until it hit the mount
stop point and stalled. The flip command was sent by SGP at 2:03am on the 24th. I will also contact SGP
and provide the log(s) to them. Here is a link to my log zipper file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17K8wPRRtqGAmJEm3whwREKJnpwXpTu0S/view?usp=sharing

The SGP log file (if it helps at all) is here and will be sharing with the SGP team:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GksN9S9Q9Sb6VqtLTz4RpgtJaWLUE6vW/view?usp=sharing

Thanks for any clue as to what I might have done wrong in setup or control. I used the same sequence as
used on a prior nights successfully.

Terri
Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Roland Christen
 

We made two of them. One is in Chile at our remote observatory. The other is here in our AP observatory.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: michael mccann via groups.io <mmccawsprojects@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 10:18 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Hi Rolando

Who makes a 12” fiber Maksutov.  I don’t see many over 8” listed. 

Cheers 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 6:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Mach2 failed to meridian flip

Terri Zittritsch
 

Hi,  My Mach2 failed to meridian flip last night.. I've looked at the logs and nothing jumps out at me.   I was using SGP as well, and normally meridian flips are done with little drama but best I can tell last night, based on the SGP log which I can reference as well, a command was sent to the telescope to flip but a flip never occurred and the mount just kept on tracking without flipping all night (not imaging either) until it hit the mount stop point and stalled.  The flip command was sent by SGP at 2:03am on the 24th.    I will also contact SGP and provide the log(s) to them.    Here is a link to my log zipper file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17K8wPRRtqGAmJEm3whwREKJnpwXpTu0S/view?usp=sharing

The SGP log file (if it helps at all) is here and will be sharing with the SGP team:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GksN9S9Q9Sb6VqtLTz4RpgtJaWLUE6vW/view?usp=sharing

Thanks for any clue as to what I might have done wrong in setup or control.    I used the same sequence as used on a prior nights successfully.

Terri
Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

michael mccann
 

👍


On Apr 23, 2021, at 9:31 PM, Bill Long <bill@...> wrote:


He made it I would imagine... :) 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of michael mccann via groups.io <mmccawsprojects@...>
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 8:18 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?
 
Hi Rolando

Who makes a 12” fiber Maksutov.  I don’t see many over 8” listed. 

Cheers 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 6:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Bill Long
 

He made it I would imagine... :) 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of michael mccann via groups.io <mmccawsprojects@...>
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 8:18 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?
 
Hi Rolando

Who makes a 12” fiber Maksutov.  I don’t see many over 8” listed. 

Cheers 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 6:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

michael mccann
 

Hi Rolando

Who makes a 12” fiber Maksutov.  I don’t see many over 8” listed. 

Cheers 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 6:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: 119FSA attachment

Pete Mumbower
 

Thanks George, that worked out well.

Pete
Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Bill Long
 

Good to know! 🙂 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Wayne Hixson via groups.io <wayneh9026@...>
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 5:48 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?
 
Bill,

I had that combo along with a FLI4040 and big FLI filter wheel with MMOAG and it was fine. 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 5:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: AP1100 park position question

Don Anderson
 

If the price difference is not large, one may as well go for the 1500# column. As they say, how big is big enough!

Don Anderson


On Friday, April 23, 2021, 07:55:51 a.m. MDT, Jack Huerkamp <mallincamusa@...> wrote:


Don,

 

It should be adequate.  A friend of mine used a single 1000 Newton DL2 for his observatory and he had a Meade 14 on a Celestron CGX mount.  It worked well.  I opted for a dual column and I placed the colums with their long dimensions in the East-West position for additional lateral stability.  That worked well when I had a CGX mount and a 10” RC on top.  When I switched to the AP1600 with Lunt 152 and VRC-16, and all the needed 180# of counterweights, I exceeded the lifting capacity of the dual 1000 Newton system.  It still worked but I wanted it to have a positive factor of safety as well as longevity.  So I went with the 2500 Newton columns.  There was not a substantial price difference in the columns.  What does change is the speed of lift.  It use to take about 20 seconds to fully elevate the 1000 Newton columns.  The 2500 Newton columns take over 40 seconds.  Not a big difference, especially once the columns are elevated, they are generally left elevated until I close up for the night.

 

Also, you can make sure the columns are synchronized.  You lower them fully and they stop moving.  You then depress the down button again and you will see a slight dip and rebound in the columns.  That is them resetting.  This keeps them in sync.

 

Yours truly,

 

Jack

 

Jack Huerkamp

Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC

38388 Pine Street

Pearl River, LA 70452-5192

985-445-5063

mallincamusa@...

www.mallincamusa.com

30.37N  89.76W

 

All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.

………………………………….Neil Peart

 

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Don Anderson via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:44 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100 park position question

 

Thanks for the info Jack. I would be lifting an AP900 with a 5" refractor and associated guide and finder scopes, cameras and controllers. All told about 90 lb. I may at some point get a 10" or 12" CDK or a larger 160 -175mm refractor. This may push the total weight to maybe 120lb or so. Would a 1000 be good enough? Is there much of a price difference between them?

Don

 

Don Anderson

 

 

On Thursday, April 22, 2021, 12:39:42 p.m. MDT, Jack Huerkamp <mallincamusa@...> wrote:

 

 

Don,

 

Note that the DL2 is available in three thrust capacities – 1000 Newton, 1500 Newton and 2500 Newton (220#, 333# and 555#).  I am using a dual column system so I went from a 440# lifting capacity to a 1111# lifting capacity.

 

Yours truly,

 

Jack

 

Jack Huerkamp

Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC

38388 Pine Street

Pearl River, LA 70452-5192

985-445-5063

mallincamusa@...

www.mallincamusa.com

30.37N  89.76W

 

All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.

………………………………….Neil Peart

 

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Don Anderson via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 7:34 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100 park position question

 

Thanks for the info Jack. I suspected as much. I checked ebay and they don't show and DL2s right now. I will have to keep my eyes open for one.

 

Don Anderson

 

 

On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 07:51:02 a.m. MDT, Jack Huerkamp <mallincamusa@...> wrote:

 

 

Don,

 

When I purchased the original pair of lifting columns from Linak, I was over the engineering department of the local public works department in New Orleans and we did a lot of custom fabrications for all of our facilities.  As such, I was able to have them sell me two 1000 Newton columns and the associated controls.   Since I was already an established customer, I was able to get an upgraded set of 2500 Newton columns and associated controls last year.

 

I do not think Linak sells to the general public.

 

Yours truly,

 

Jack

 

Jack Huerkamp

Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC

38388 Pine Street

Pearl River, LA 70452-5192

985-445-5063

mallincamusa@...

www.mallincamusa.com

30.37N  89.76W

 

All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.

………………………………….Neil Peart

 

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Don Anderson via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 11:47 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100 park position question

 

Jack

Did Linak sell direct to you?

 

Don Anderson

 

 

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 09:36:40 p.m. MDT, Jack Huerkamp <mallincamusa@...> wrote:

 

 

Christopher,

 

The company is Linak out of Kentucky and the columns I used were the DL2 2500 Newton rated.  My original ones were rated at 1000 Newtons each when used with a non AP mount.  With the AP1600 and 150# of equipment on the dual column setup, I changed to the 2500 Newton thrust each – 5000 Newton total thrust.

 

DL2: Robust lifting column for desks, workstations and kitchens (linak-us.com)

 

Yours truly,

 

Jack

 

Jack Huerkamp

Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC

38388 Pine Street

Pearl River, LA 70452-5192

985-445-5063

mallincamusa@...

www.mallincamusa.com

30.37N  89.76W

 

All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.

………………………………….Neil Peart

 

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Christopher Erickson
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 10:09 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100 park position question

 

Lymax columns. A lot cheaper to buy Lymax off of Ebay or wherever and make your own telescoping pier.


-Christopher Erickson
Observatory engineer
Waikoloa, HI 96738
www.summitkinetics.com
   

 

On Tue, Apr 20, 2021, 9:27 AM Worsel via groups.io <bryancashion=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

Shailesh

I have used Park 4 for several years for exactly the roof height issues that you are evaluating.  This is for a 1100 mount with a 14 CDK scope.  There have been no problems.

I have a PierTech height adjustable pier (http://piertechinc.com/telescope-piers/).  When I need to tinker with equipment, I lower the mount and move it to P3, where it clears the roof. To remove equipment, I loosen the clutches (older style 1100) and rotate/lower the OTA to a separate support table before loosening the dovetail.  I normally leave the pier at almost max height, in order for the roof to clear on opening.

The adjustable piers are actually from another company, but I have forgotten the name.  I think Chris Erickson has these.

Bryan

 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Bill Long
 

Yeah balancing the Mach 2 has been a breeze. I will get the 12.5 ready and test it out and see how it does. It is a truss design, I can leave the shroud off if you think that will help out. 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 5:44 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?
 
Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: More APPM Results -- Can Someone Help Me Understand This?

Don Anderson
 

I don't believe USNO B1.0 is even available for download from USNO anymore. One may be able to get it somewhere else.
In any case, if one is looking for super accurate plate solves, the latest and greatest database is the Atlas-REFCAT2 which uses data from the ATLAS Pathfinder and PanSTARS and GAIA surveys.

Don Anderson


On Friday, April 23, 2021, 07:14:05 a.m. MDT, Ray Gralak <iogroups@...> wrote:


Hi Don,

> USNO-B1.0 has been taken off line by USNO. The only way to use B 1.0 is if you have a local version on you
> computer.

USNO B1.0 is over 80 GBytes, consuming too much bandwidth to download from the USNO website.

Unfortunately, that leaves A2.0 as the outdated alternative, so UCAC4 is the better choice now.

-Ray

> -----Original Message-----
> From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Don Anderson via groups.io
> Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 2:08 PM
> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] More APPM Results -- Can Someone Help Me Understand This?
>
> USNO-B1.0 has been taken off line by USNO. The only way to use B 1.0 is if you have a local version on you
> computer.
>
> Don Anderson
>
>
> On Thursday, April 22, 2021, 01:32:49 p.m. MDT, Ray Gralak <iogroups@...> wrote:
>
>
> > Ray i think that comment refers to  USNO-SA2.0
> >
> > USNO-SA2.0 is a subset of USNO-A2.0
>
> Yes, that is true about SA2.0, but A2.0 has been superseded by USNO-B1.0.
>
> -Ray
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Brian Valente
> > Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:17 PM
> > To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
> > Subject: Re: [ap-gto] More APPM Results -- Can Someone Help Me Understand This?
> >
> > Ray i think that comment refers to  USNO-SA2.0
> >
> > USNO-SA2.0 is a subset of USNO-A2.0
> >
> >
> > On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:13 PM Ray Gralak <iogroups@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >    > For small fields of view with Pin Point, the USNO-A2.0 catalog is recommended by DC3 Dreams.
> >
> >    Bad information maybe?
> >
> >    According to the navy.mil website, USNO A2.0 is outdated:
> >
> >    https://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astrometry/information/catalog-info#usnoa2
> >
> >    -Ray
> >
> >
> >
> >    > -----Original Message-----
> >    > From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of George
> >    > Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:05 PM
> >    > To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
> >    > Subject: Re: [ap-gto] More APPM Results -- Can Someone Help Me Understand This?
> >    >
> >    > For small fields of view with Pin Point, the USNO-A2.0 catalog is recommended by DC3 Dreams.
> >    >
> >    >
> >    >
> >    > Regards,
> >    >
> >    >
> >    >
> >    > George
> >    >
> >    >
> >    >
> >    > George Whitney
> >    >
> >    > Astro-Physics, Inc.
> >    >
> >    > Phone:  815-222-6538 (direct line)
> >    >
> >    > Phone:  815-282-1513 (office)
> >    >
> >    > Email:  george@... <mailto:george@...>
> >    >
> >    >
> >    >
> >    > From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of mjb87 via groups.io
> >    > Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 1:49 PM
> >    > To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
> >    > Subject: Re: [ap-gto] More APPM Results -- Can Someone Help Me Understand This?
> >    >
> >    >
> >    >
> >    > BTW, I am using PinPoint and they do NOT recommend UCAV4.
> >    >
> >    >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
> >
> > Brian Valente
> > portfolio brianvalentephotography.com  <http://brianvalentephotography.com>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>






Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Wayne Hixson
 

Bill,

I had that combo along with a FLI4040 and big FLI filter wheel with MMOAG and it was fine. 


On Apr 23, 2021, at 5:44 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Roland Christen
 

Well, I've never tried that scope, but I have loaded my Mach2 to the limit and imaged/guided just fine. Balance is critical and is easy to do.

Weight makes for larger moment, which makes the mount slower to respond to external disturbance, like wind. If your scope is open tube with no shroud, wind will not be a problem.

I will be loading my Mach2 with a 12" F8 carbon fiber Maksutov astrograph in the next couple days. Weight is about the same as your system. I expect that it will handle it fine and will post some guiding results. Will be getting ready for galaxy season.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Long <bill@...>
To: AP-GTO Groups. io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Re: GTOCP4 Caps

Joe Zeglinski
 

Hi Karen,
 
    Now I see ... in the KIT, those are actually all, in fact, desert “Dust Caps”, but I like to use them to keep any contaminants, wet or dry, off the pins.
Makes sense now. I mistook the rubber cones as leak-plugs, so NOT everyone should be using those, except out west.
Good idea.   :-)
 
    But, maybe add a warning on the instruction sheet, just in case there is a misunderstanding on their application.
My original CP4, and later Mach-2 ones as well,  came with the cone plugs already  installed, so folks east of the great divide, areas  of greater humidity, should be advised to remove them, if installed by a former owner, from out west.
At first, Tony and I thought they were AP pre-installed, for some reason,  as “Case rubber bumpers”.
 
    Glad that is now settled.
 
Joe
 

From: Karen Christen
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 10:33 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 Caps
 

Hi Joe,

 

In addition to Mike’s comments regarding bugs, I would add that some folks use their astro equipment in desert-like settings where dew is not a significant problem, but dust is.  Hence the cone-shaped plugs.  We try to think of everyone in our designs.

 

Karen

AP

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Joe Zeglinski
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:09 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 Caps

 

Question to the group.

 

    Can anyone think of a logical  reason to plug “drainage holes”  with those rubber cones?

Do we really want to make sure that any dew or other source of moisture  leaking into the controller, should be kept inside? 

The only thing I can think of is to keep any itsy-bitsy bugs out – but then why drill the two holes into the case, in the first place?

Perhaps that is covered somewhere in the user guide :-)

 

Joe

 

From: M Hambrick

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 8:50 PM

To: main@ap-gto.groups.io

Subject: Re: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 Caps

 

Hi Pete

Those cone shaped plugs are used to plug the drain / vent holes in the bottom of the GTOCP4 housing. Tony (a.k.a. Harley Davidson) made an excellent video a couple years ago about the need to have drain holes in the housing to allow condensate to drain out.

Mike


--
Karen Christen
Astro-Physics

Mach 2 + 12.5" AGO iDK?

Bill Long
 

What say ye?


46lbs, but would need to add focuser (8lbs), TCS System (1lb), and camera/accessories (call these 5 lbs). The OTA is about 18" tall (maybe 17.5" but lets call it 18") so this puts me at 18" and 60 lbs.  This puts me right on the yellow on the Mach 2 graph AP has. Length of everything, in focus with camera gear on would be about 45". 

Seems right at the limits, but likely safe. Any ideas on this from AP or others?

-Bill 
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