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Re: AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

Worsel
 
Edited

Shailesh

as long as the clamps are on the underside of the OTA, as shown in the Park 2 position at https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/park-positions-defined.pdf there should be enough 'cradle' to prevent the OTA rolling out of the rings.  I confirmed this with my 130 mm.

Bryan
Re: AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

Shailesh Trivedi
 

George,

You are on to an idea, I had not thought about removing the scope from the rings before attaching it to the mount. Park2 will now enable me to remove and place the scope on the open rings as you mentioned. That should work provided it does not roll out while I close the ring clasp; though the rings and handle are attached so if I remove the rings it may be a bit hard to hold without a handle since it is front cell heavy, most of the 40lbs are in the objective cell.


Shailesh
Re: AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

George
 

Shailesh,

 

The advantage of Park 2 is that all you have to do is to set the scope into the rings and then you can let go…the scope will not fall out.

 

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 Shailesh Trivedi
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 1:44 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

 

George,

Thanks for your reply. Park2 and Park3 have similar height challenges for me (CWs down, RA vertical, only DEC changes), is there anyway to load the CWs later and have someone hold the CW shaft while I load it in Park 4 or 5 ? Or even without CWs, if the scope is close to the pier while I load it, that may be ok, just not a wild swing. Thoughts?

Re: AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

Shailesh Trivedi
 

George,

Thanks for your reply. Park2 and Park3 have similar height challenges for me (CWs down, RA vertical, only DEC changes), is there anyway to load the CWs later and have someone hold the CW shaft while I load it in Park 4 or 5 ? Or even without CWs, if the scope is close to the pier while I load it, that may be ok, just not a wild swing. Thoughts?
Re: AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

George
 

Shaillesh,

 

It is safest and easiest to load a scope by yourself in the Park 2 position.

 

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 Shailesh Trivedi
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 1:32 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

 

I have an AP1100 on a pier sitting about 59 inches above ground/concrete floor. To load a TEC 180FL at that height in the recommended Park 3 position (CWs down) is a stretch. Is it possible to load such a scope in Park 4 or 5 ? If not then any tips will help.

Shailesh

AP1100 loading heavy scope at 60 inch pier height

Shailesh Trivedi
 

I have an AP1100 on a pier sitting about 59 inches above ground/concrete floor. To load a TEC 180FL at that height in the recommended Park 3 position (CWs down) is a stretch. Is it possible to load such a scope in Park 4 or 5 ? If not then any tips will help.

Shailesh
Re: AP1200 regrease and maintenance

CaptMax
 

I just re-greased my 1200GTO Mount following the instructions and it was a piece of cake. I highly recommend using the greases that AP sells as it comes with great instructions and some extras.
CaptMax
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Eric Weiner
 

Ray,

Two thumbs up.  But it still begs the question what the right SGP meridian settings are.  It gives me pause to blindly trust how wells APCC "CW up in the East Limits" plays with SGP when nobody, including SGPs developers, are comfortable enough to provide clear instruction.

Regards,
Eric
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Emilio J. Robau, P.E.
 

Thank you for the clarification Ray. Any idea if you are going to work to better integrate the functionality with NINA? At this time counterweight slews up are no issue for sure. However, I am manually setting the delay in meridian flip to match the limits manually.
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Ray Gralak
 

The popup message is old and should not include SGPro. I will remove that in the next build.

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Eric Weiner
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 10:39 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Newbie question re: APPM

On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 11:08 AM, Ray Gralak wrote:


If you follow the way I said to define the an East limit for both pier sides, APCC will work as expected
with SGPro.

Ray,

Here is a screenshot of the warning from APCC version 1.8.8.17. It includes SGPro. I plan on doing some
supervised testing as time allows. I have definitely defined the limits precisely as you have stated verbally and
in writing. It works flawlessly in standalone. I haven't had time to test it yet with SGPro (I'm OCONUS a
business for a bit). But, the question you were not able to provide (not your software), and that Jared (SGP)
wouldn't provide is what are right meridian settings to use with SGPro?

To recall a different thread in which you and I had a short back and forth, when using APCC-PRO with SGPro,
what are the correct meridian settings in SGP? It seems to me that all meridian settings should be turned off in
SGPro, and that one should just let APCC handle it, but neither you nor Jared confirmed that. Again, not a
failing on your part. SGPro isn't your software. But, the warning clearly includes SGPro.

Regards,
Eric
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Eric Weiner
 

On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 11:08 AM, Ray Gralak wrote:
If you follow the way I said to define the an East limit for both pier sides, APCC will work as expected with SGPro.
Ray, 

Here is a screenshot of the warning from APCC version 1.8.8.17.  It includes SGPro.  I plan on doing some supervised testing as time allows.  I have definitely defined the limits precisely as you have stated verbally and in writing.  It works flawlessly in standalone.  I haven't had time to test it yet with SGPro (I'm OCONUS a business for a bit).  But, the question you were not able to provide (not your software), and that Jared (SGP) wouldn't provide is what are right meridian settings to use with SGPro? 

To recall a different thread in which you and I had a short back and forth, when using APCC-PRO with SGPro, what are the correct meridian settings in SGP?  It seems to me that all meridian settings should be turned off in SGPro, and that one should just let APCC handle it, but neither you nor Jared confirmed that.  Again, not a failing on your part.  SGPro isn't your software.  But, the warning clearly includes SGPro.

Regards,
Eric
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Eric,

As a matter of fact, APCC gives a very stern warning to
NOT have CW up in East Limits option checked if using automation software.
That warning is for most applications *except* SGPro.

If you follow the way I said to define the an East limit for both pier sides, APCC will work as expected with SGPro.

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Eric Weiner
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 8:51 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Newbie question re: APPM

On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 09:36 AM, Roland Christen wrote:


Best practices would be to start your scope pointing east with counterweight up and let your scope track
all night thru the meridian.

Unless you're using automation software like SGP. I just had a back and forth with Ray and Jared (SGP), Ray
here in the ap-gto forum, and Jared on the SGP forum. Neither would commit to saying APCC and SGP would
play nice together with the CW up East option enabled. As a matter of fact, APCC gives a very stern warning to
NOT have CW up in East Limits option checked if using automation software. Ray says he would need to
discuss it with the SGP developers, but Jared simply stopped replying to my thread on the SGP boards after a
short back and forth with him to explain what I meant. Very much a shame since it doesn't allow folks to use a
very powerful aspect of A-P mount design.

Regards,
Eric
Re: AP1200 regrease and maintenance

George
 

It is not there yet. 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 468MP

 

 

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 sroberts84
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 11:52 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance

 

Would this PDF also be located somewhere on the AP website so its accessible to the rest of us? 

 

S Roberts 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of George <george@...>
Sent: 30 April 2021 09:35
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance

 

Linton,

 

Shoot me an email and I can send you a PDF.

 

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 Linton Guise
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 11:26 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance

 

Hi,
My AP1200 is a few years old now but still functions perfectly. I’m sure it’s overdue for a regrease etc. Could someone direct me to any help files on how to go about this. Had a quick search but came up blank. I’m sure there must be a good guide out there.

Many thanks,

Linton Guise (Bedford U.K.)

Re: AP1200 regrease and maintenance

sroberts84
 

Would this PDF also be located somewhere on the AP website so its accessible to the rest of us? 

S Roberts 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of George <george@...>
Sent: 30 April 2021 09:35
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance
 

Linton,

 

Shoot me an email and I can send you a PDF.

 

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 Linton Guise
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 11:26 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance

 

Hi,
My AP1200 is a few years old now but still functions perfectly. I’m sure it’s overdue for a regrease etc. Could someone direct me to any help files on how to go about this. Had a quick search but came up blank. I’m sure there must be a good guide out there.

Many thanks,

Linton Guise (Bedford U.K.)

Re: AP1200 regrease and maintenance

George
 

Linton,

 

Shoot me an email and I can send you a PDF.

 

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 Linton Guise
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 11:26 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] AP1200 regrease and maintenance

 

Hi,
My AP1200 is a few years old now but still functions perfectly. I’m sure it’s overdue for a regrease etc. Could someone direct me to any help files on how to go about this. Had a quick search but came up blank. I’m sure there must be a good guide out there.

Many thanks,

Linton Guise (Bedford U.K.)

AP1200 regrease and maintenance

Linton Guise
 

Hi,
My AP1200 is a few years old now but still functions perfectly. I’m sure it’s overdue for a regrease etc. Could someone direct me to any help files on how to go about this. Had a quick search but came up blank. I’m sure there must be a good guide out there.

Many thanks,

Linton Guise (Bedford U.K.)
Re: Small AP Mount Ideas

Kenneth Tan
 

Thanks! Will be trying it out when i get clear skies.

On Sat, 1 May 2021 at 00:11, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Certainly.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Kenneth Tan <ktanhs@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 10:59 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas

Will the mach 2 work with a celestron RASA 11”

On Fri, 30 Apr 2021 at 23:19, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
The Mach2 major parts have the following weights:

Base  -  12 lb
RA axis  -  13.2 lb
Dec axis  -  17.2 lb

The mount can be separated from the base by removing 6 screws. Actually only 4 are really needed for securing the mount to the base. That leaves just over 30lb to lift. There is an advantage in that you can leave the base on a pier or tripod outside and cover it. Next session you put the mount back on the base and the polar alignment will be there for free.

Just a reminder, the Mach2 will handle a 180mm size refractor for imaging on a weekend outing to your favorite dark sky site. I have done it with mine, but it takes an Eagle pier to hold that. I would not do it for a permanent setup, but for a weekend getaway in your Rivian it would be just fine. You will get perfect tracking (thanks to the Renishaw encoders) as long as you are reasonably well balanced - something that is easy to do with this mount. Can the Mach1 do this? Um, probably not.

Rolando





-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Schlom <woody_is@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 2:14 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas

Mojo,
 
You do realize that the Mach1 can also be divided into two pieces.  As I recall you just remove 6 bolts.  It only takes a minute.
 
Woody
 
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Mojo Jones
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 1:05 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas
 
Yeah, I'll second that. I love my Mach 1 (original issue with updates, many years old). The 1100 is actually easier to schlep because it divides into smaller pieces.

I can still lift the Mach 1 in it's Scopeguard case, but it's not getting any easier. :)

Mojo
On 4/29/21 11:26 AM, Woody Schlom wrote:
NO on the Mach1 being little and light-weight.  Got one – and as the years go on, it keeps putting on weight.  It’s already at my limit to schlepp around just the mount in a rolling case.  And lifting that monster up into a vehicle is a real back-killer.
 
Sorry, but you young strong whipper-snappers don’t understand yet that a Mach1 isn’t a light-weight travel mount.  Not even close.
 
Woody
 
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Kenneth Tan
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:51 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas
 
No I mean Mach1. The Mach2 is a great mount but on the heavy side. 
 
On Fri, 30 Apr 2021 at 01:48, John Chakel <jachakel@...> wrote:
You mean a Mach 2?
 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: Small AP Mount Ideas

Roland Christen
 

Certainly.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Kenneth Tan <ktanhs@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 10:59 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas

Will the mach 2 work with a celestron RASA 11”

On Fri, 30 Apr 2021 at 23:19, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
The Mach2 major parts have the following weights:

Base  -  12 lb
RA axis  -  13.2 lb
Dec axis  -  17.2 lb

The mount can be separated from the base by removing 6 screws. Actually only 4 are really needed for securing the mount to the base. That leaves just over 30lb to lift. There is an advantage in that you can leave the base on a pier or tripod outside and cover it. Next session you put the mount back on the base and the polar alignment will be there for free.

Just a reminder, the Mach2 will handle a 180mm size refractor for imaging on a weekend outing to your favorite dark sky site. I have done it with mine, but it takes an Eagle pier to hold that. I would not do it for a permanent setup, but for a weekend getaway in your Rivian it would be just fine. You will get perfect tracking (thanks to the Renishaw encoders) as long as you are reasonably well balanced - something that is easy to do with this mount. Can the Mach1 do this? Um, probably not.

Rolando





-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Schlom <woody_is@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 2:14 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas

Mojo,
 
You do realize that the Mach1 can also be divided into two pieces.  As I recall you just remove 6 bolts.  It only takes a minute.
 
Woody
 
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Mojo Jones
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 1:05 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas
 
Yeah, I'll second that. I love my Mach 1 (original issue with updates, many years old). The 1100 is actually easier to schlep because it divides into smaller pieces.

I can still lift the Mach 1 in it's Scopeguard case, but it's not getting any easier. :)

Mojo
On 4/29/21 11:26 AM, Woody Schlom wrote:
NO on the Mach1 being little and light-weight.  Got one – and as the years go on, it keeps putting on weight.  It’s already at my limit to schlepp around just the mount in a rolling case.  And lifting that monster up into a vehicle is a real back-killer.
 
Sorry, but you young strong whipper-snappers don’t understand yet that a Mach1 isn’t a light-weight travel mount.  Not even close.
 
Woody
 
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Kenneth Tan
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:51 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Small AP Mount Ideas
 
No I mean Mach1. The Mach2 is a great mount but on the heavy side. 
 
On Fri, 30 Apr 2021 at 01:48, John Chakel <jachakel@...> wrote:
You mean a Mach 2?
 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
moderated Re: Newbie question re: APPM

Roland Christen
 

My comment about best practices are aimed at using the mount with the operator there at the mount. I would never recommend setting up an automatic remote system with scope starting or ending up in the counterweight up position. Unattended remote operation should always be done with cwt up and flipping sides at the meridian.

Rolando

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Weiner <weinere@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 10:50 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Newbie question re: APPM

On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 09:36 AM, Roland Christen wrote:
Best practices would be to start your scope pointing east with counterweight up and let your scope track all night thru the meridian.
Unless you're using automation software like SGP.  I just had a back and forth with Ray and Jared (SGP), Ray here in the ap-gto forum, and Jared on the SGP forum.  Neither would commit to saying APCC and SGP would play nice together with the CW up East option enabled. As a matter of fact, APCC gives a very stern warning to NOT have CW up in East Limits option checked if using automation software.  Ray says he would need to discuss it with the SGP developers, but Jared simply stopped replying to my thread on the SGP boards after a short back and forth with him to explain what I meant.  Very much a shame since it doesn't allow folks to use a very powerful aspect of A-P mount design.

Regards,
Eric

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Re: [ap-ug] A colorful Southern Sky Beauty

Jeff B
 

Oh boy.  😱🤕

That's too bad.  I actually find myself grieving a bit like the loss of a friend.  I wonder how bad the chip is and if it could be masked.  I imagine it's languishing in some closet someplace.  Too bad.  

I don't see the pre-Travelers up for sale very often, as well as the old 5" f6.  The folks who have them now are obviously smarter than me and hanging on to them.🙄   

Jeff

On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 11:30 AM <chris1011@...> wrote:
Last I heard the person who bought that lens managed to drop it and chip the glass. I don't recall the name anymore.

Roland

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Blazey <mnebula946@...>
To: chris1011@...
Cc: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>; main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2021 8:29 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] [ap-ug] A colorful Southern Sky Beauty

Hey Roland.

Yes, you called it your "Mars Lens".  I made a straight through bino-friendly (the old Celestron viewer) OTA around it with a Parks fiberglass tube (in retrospect, the fiberglass was not a good idea) and mounted it on a modified Cave Observatory beast inside a 14 x 14 foot observatory with a roll off roof.  It served me well and after I moved here to Ohio, a few years later I pretty much exited the hobby for ~ 10 years, selling the 7" in the process in the early 90's.  I've been trying to track it down with no success.    It was very good!  Attached is one surviving photo of Venus, single shot, K64, "hat trick".  Visually, the image was just incredible, very white with much detail in the cloud structure around the terminator.  

My other big regret was selling off my pre-traveler 4" F6 triplets (I had two).  It was an astonishing telephoto lens, especially with the reducer flattener (which BTW, I still have) at F4.  Super bright, with exceptional contrast and very manageable.  My Olympus's light meter would read it as an F2.8 lens.

Jeff

On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 9:21 PM <chris1011@...> wrote:
yep, I rem,ember doing that with my Nikon camera and Tri-X film.
Whatever happened to that 7"F15 lens? It was one of the first lenses we ever made.

Rolando


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff B <mnebula946@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Cc: main@ap-ug.groups.io
Sent: Thu, Apr 29, 2021 7:44 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] [ap-ug] A colorful Southern Sky Beauty

That's great Roland and what a wonderful story.  

Yeah, looking back, the days of film seem down right barbarous today.   For lunar/planetary shots, I did the old "hat trick".  I'd focus the old Olympus OM-1 as best I could with a magnifier, retract the mirror, climb up on the ladder and literally placed a hat over the objective (it was a 7" F15 triplet you made), climb back down, open the shutter, climbed back up, slowly pulled the hot forward so it was not touching the scope, waited a few seconds for vibration to settle, flip the hat away then back over the lens to do the exposure, climbed back down again and closed the shutter.

For the next exposure, I did it all-over-again.   

I do NOT miss those days....except that I had a 2 in front of my age.  That part I do miss.

Jeff

On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 7:47 PM Pete Lardizabal <p14@...> wrote:
Great stuff Roland! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I always marvel at the incredible works posted by this group but it is so fun to see the results of impromptu pix. That’s some kinda nice “telephoto” lens you used. 

😂😂😂

Pete



On Apr 29, 2021, at 7:16 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Astronuts,

I uploaded a second image taken at my Hawaii observatory. While cruising around the southern skies with my 175 refractor, visually, I was struck by the brightness and beauty of this famous object. Now I know that this has been imaged with much more high resolution cameras and scopes, in narrowband and RGB etc, and this image is nowhere near what can be done with even rudimentary equipment. It's just a quick snapshot of a small number of 30 second exposures with my Sony DSLR replacing my 2" eyepiece in the diagonal. No guiding, no processing, just a fun image. It actually looked similar visually in my 2" eyepiece, but without the bright colors that the camera recorded.

I would have been over the Moon if I could have done something like this back 30 years ago with color slide film. Would have taken over an hour, with me glued to a guiding reticle eyepiece, pushing buttons to and fro to keep the guide star on the crosshairs. And then have the film destroyed at the local photo developer (don't laugh, it happened to me a few times).


Rolando
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