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Re: Mach2 in a Pelican Case

Shane Ramotowski
 

Yeah, but only if they are really light weight--I won't be putting the counterweight bar in there!  It's already pushing 60 lbs with the Mach2, case, and wood frame...

- Shane

On 6/14/2021 7:22 AM, M Hambrick wrote:
Very nice Shane

There is even room in there for a few other accessories.

Mike
--
Shane Ramotowski
kor@...
https://www.kor-astro.net
Re: Mach2 in a Pelican Case

Roland Christen
 

Very clever.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Shane Ramotowski <kor@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Sun, Jun 13, 2021 11:08 am
Subject: [ap-gto] Mach2 in a Pelican Case

Hi all!

My Mach2 is finally portable!  I bought a Pelican 1560 case and adapted
it to securely hold the Mach2 during transport.

See:

The frame is 3/4 inch plywood lined with 5mm neoprene wherever it is in
contact with the mount.  The Mach2 fits (almost too) snugly and does not
move at all when in the case.  The black area on the lid contacts the
mount on the RA axis to keep it from moving in the out-of-the-case
direction when the lid is closed.  The frame is attached to the bottom
of the case by 4 L brackets and to the front and back with 4 bolts each
through the side of the case, a plastic wedge and the frame itself.  The
frame does not move in the case and the Mach2 does not move in the frame.

You can see the white plastic wedge and bolts here:

I have to take the saddle off and drop the altitude all the way to fit
it in, but it's OK as the mount it only takes a minute to put the saddle
back on and only about 3 minutes to polar align, which I would have to
do anyway, since I just moved the mount.  I'm going to store the saddle
in the area to the right of the mount in a pouch.

Ready for a Star Party!

- Shane

--
Shane Ramotowski







--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Re: Mach2 in a Pelican Case

M Hambrick
 

Very nice Shane

There is even room in there for a few other accessories.

Mike
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

alan137
 

Hi Anthony, 
I don't know how this groups.io thing works.  I only access it thru the web interface, so not email, and therefore I don't have your address.  But maybe you can see mine?
Mach2 in a Pelican Case

Shane Ramotowski
 

Hi all!

My Mach2 is finally portable!  I bought a Pelican 1560 case and adapted it to securely hold the Mach2 during transport.

See:
<http://www.kor-astro.net/misc/mach2_pelican.jpg>
<http://www.kor-astro.net/misc/mach2_pelican_empty.jpg>

The frame is 3/4 inch plywood lined with 5mm neoprene wherever it is in contact with the mount.  The Mach2 fits (almost too) snugly and does not move at all when in the case.  The black area on the lid contacts the mount on the RA axis to keep it from moving in the out-of-the-case direction when the lid is closed.  The frame is attached to the bottom of the case by 4 L brackets and to the front and back with 4 bolts each through the side of the case, a plastic wedge and the frame itself.  The frame does not move in the case and the Mach2 does not move in the frame.

You can see the white plastic wedge and bolts here:
<http://www.kor-astro.net/misc/pelican_bolts.jpg>

I have to take the saddle off and drop the altitude all the way to fit it in, but it's OK as the mount it only takes a minute to put the saddle back on and only about 3 minutes to polar align, which I would have to do anyway, since I just moved the mount.  I'm going to store the saddle in the area to the right of the mount in a pouch.

Ready for a Star Party!

- Shane

--
Shane Ramotowski
kor@...
https://www.kor-astro.net
Re: Back Focus Troubles #Absolute_Encoders

M Hambrick
 

Hi David

In my sketch, item C is a custom adapter that I purchased from Precise Parts. On the Precise Parts web site I specified the A-P 92 Stowaway flattener (92FF) on the scope side, and on the camera side I specified the SBIG FW8S-STXL Filter Wheel with Dovetail noseplate. The dimension "C" on the sketch is the effective length of the adapter. The determination of this dimension is discussed below. 

If you look on the sketch you will see dimension "X". This distance (64.1 mm or 2.254") is the specified backfocus distance from the rear face of the 92FF to the CCD sensor surface. This dimension comes from the specifications for the 92FF from Astro-Physics.

This nominal backfocus distance is the sum of dimensions A + B + C + D where:
  • A = The OPTICAL backfocus distance from the face of the camera/filter wheel to the CCD surface. This dimension is fixed and comes from the specifications for the camera and filter wheel. Make sure to use the optical backfocus distance and not the mechanical backfocus. I made that mistake once and had to get the adapter modified.
  • B = The thickness of the dovetail nose piece on the filter wheel. This dimension also comes from the specifications for the camera.
  • D = The thickness of a 1 mm spacer ring (0.040"). It is recommended that the custom adapters should be designed so as to allow the actual backfocus distance to be tweaked to optimize the flatness of the images in the corners. The adapter length is therefore specified assuming that there will be one spacer ring to get the nominal backfocus. You can remove the spacer ring to get the nominal backfocus - 1 mm, and you can add an additional spacer ring to get the nominal backfocus + 1 mm.
  • C = This is the effective length of your adapter and is equal to X - (A + B + D)

I ordered the spacer rings from Precise Parts because Astro-Physics does not offer them - Yet. I believe I saw a post where they plan to do so soon. These spacer rings have to fit inside the custom adapter and rest against the shoulder. They were not cheap, and I would suggest asking Astro-Physics when they will be available before you go to Precise Parts. If you go the Precise Parts route, you will specify a washer/shim on the scope side, and on the camera side you must specify the A-P 92FF/92TCC Canon EF camera adapter. The effective length is 1.0 mm.

I hope this helps

Mike  
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

Tom Blahovici
 

On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 02:33 PM, alan137 wrote:
As long as the hand controller is missing anyway, can it be converted over to a GTO version?
Or how about adding DSC and turn it into push-TO, and then use the ST4 port for 16x crawl-TO?
If you have a 3d printer (all ATMs should have one..) it would be easy to build a push to using a Nexus II and a couple of encoders. It has WiFi, is inexpensive and will connect to Sky Safari on an Android or iOS phone..
All you need to do is build a pulley, and then a holding mechanism for the encoder. Get CUI encoders. 8092 ticks and about $20 each.
I built such a device for a home made binocular mount. 
Tom
Re: Enter time into AP polar scope software

Dale Ghent
 

What would they need signal for? Phone GPS for location and its own internal clock are all that are required.

On Jun 12, 2021, at 17:28, drgert1 via groups.io <drgert1@...> wrote:

But do all these phone apps work when there is no signal connection at the observing location?
Cheers,
Gert
Re: Date-time format / APCC issues #APCC

Rodolphe
 

Thanks Ray, good to know.
Rodolphe
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

alan137
 

As long as the hand controller is missing anyway, can it be converted over to a GTO version?
Or how about adding DSC and turn it into push-TO, and then use the ST4 port for 16x crawl-TO?
Re: Enter time into AP polar scope software

drgert1
 

But do all these phone apps work when there is no signal connection at the observing location?
Cheers,
Gert
Re: Enter time into AP polar scope software

Christopher Erickson
 

I think this Android polar alignment app is MUCH better.


And it supports both AP polar alignment scope models.

"My advice is always free and worth every penny!"

-Christopher Erickson
Observatory Engineer
Summit Kinetics
Waikoloa, Hawaii


On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 9:47 AM Dale Ghent <daleg@...> wrote:

I think most people just use a polar align app on their phone to get a matching image when out in the field. It's what I did when I used the RAPAS.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=appinventor.ai_kechko.Polaralignment


> On Jun 12, 2021, at 15:38, drgert1 via groups.io <drgert1=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> How to enter the time in the "Astro-Physics Right Angle Polar Alignment Scope (RAPAS) - v1.0.0.6) software?
> (Refer to windows 10 version on PC)
>
> I want to get the visual appearance of the crosshair / Polaris during the day before I get to the observing location.
> Maybe just print out a screen copy?
>
> The software allows entering the longitude but there is no way to enter the time in advance.
>
> Is there a fixed version of the software to accomplish this task?
>
> Thanks,
> Gert
>






Re: Enter time into AP polar scope software

Dale Ghent
 

I think most people just use a polar align app on their phone to get a matching image when out in the field. It's what I did when I used the RAPAS.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=appinventor.ai_kechko.Polaralignment

On Jun 12, 2021, at 15:38, drgert1 via groups.io <drgert1@...> wrote:

Hi,

How to enter the time in the "Astro-Physics Right Angle Polar Alignment Scope (RAPAS) - v1.0.0.6) software?
(Refer to windows 10 version on PC)

I want to get the visual appearance of the crosshair / Polaris during the day before I get to the observing location.
Maybe just print out a screen copy?

The software allows entering the longitude but there is no way to enter the time in advance.

Is there a fixed version of the software to accomplish this task?

Thanks,
Gert
Enter time into AP polar scope software

drgert1
 

Hi,

How to enter the time in the "Astro-Physics Right Angle Polar Alignment Scope (RAPAS) - v1.0.0.6) software?
(Refer to windows 10 version on PC)

I want to get the visual appearance of the crosshair / Polaris during the day before I get to the observing location.
Maybe just print out a screen copy?

The software allows entering the longitude but there is no way to enter the time in advance.

Is there a fixed version of the software to accomplish this task?

Thanks,
Gert
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

Jeff B
 

So, my AP 400 has no lettering on the side of its RA housing but otherwise is identical to a "QMD" labeled mount.  Or is it?  It does work well with the older "HDA" controller, but specifically, can I use a "QMD" controller with it too?

Jeff

On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 2:24 PM Anthony DAngelo <dangelo.anthony@...> wrote:
I was hoping to get a ap 400 but to no avail.make offer on controller i will give pic.of the one i have in private e-mail ,reasonable offer will consider.Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 1:04 PM, Jeff B <mnebula946@...> wrote:


Anthony, really a spare controller?  Alan, if you do not opt for the mount, Anthony, I'd like to get your spare controller.

No, the QMDs cannot be converted to goto operation, at least with the AP system.  But there are AP400 GTO's out there.

I have an old 400 QMD and it is an excellent mount but with the basic controller and the full up QMD paddle would be better really.

A great mount, sort of mid way between a Losmandy G11 and GM8 with excellent damping qualities.  It holds my AP 127 F8 Starfire and TEC 140 ED just fine.

Jeff

On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 11:55 AM Anthony DAngelo <dangelo.anthony@...> wrote:
I have a spare hand control if needed or would consider purchase of mount,thanks Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 10:22 AM, alan137 <acfang137@...> wrote:

Hello folks, 
There's an old 400 QMD near me for sale that was probably acquired at an estate sale or whatever and the seller doesn't know much about it.  It seems to include literally the mount head only and no accessories like counterweight shaft, hand controller, etc.
Are these parts still available?
Can this mount be converted / updated into a modern imaging platform with GOTO and computer control and guiding?
I think the original specs were that the motors only slew up to 16x.

<GM8 Comparison.jpg>
<5 inch F8 Pre ED Starfire 2.jpg>
<TEC 140 ED.jpg>
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

Anthony DAngelo
 

I was hoping to get a ap 400 but to no avail.make offer on controller i will give pic.of the one i have in private e-mail ,reasonable offer will consider.Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 1:04 PM, Jeff B <mnebula946@...> wrote:


Anthony, really a spare controller?  Alan, if you do not opt for the mount, Anthony, I'd like to get your spare controller.

No, the QMDs cannot be converted to goto operation, at least with the AP system.  But there are AP400 GTO's out there.

I have an old 400 QMD and it is an excellent mount but with the basic controller and the full up QMD paddle would be better really.

A great mount, sort of mid way between a Losmandy G11 and GM8 with excellent damping qualities.  It holds my AP 127 F8 Starfire and TEC 140 ED just fine.

Jeff

On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 11:55 AM Anthony DAngelo <dangelo.anthony@...> wrote:
I have a spare hand control if needed or would consider purchase of mount,thanks Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 10:22 AM, alan137 <acfang137@...> wrote:

Hello folks, 
There's an old 400 QMD near me for sale that was probably acquired at an estate sale or whatever and the seller doesn't know much about it.  It seems to include literally the mount head only and no accessories like counterweight shaft, hand controller, etc.
Are these parts still available?
Can this mount be converted / updated into a modern imaging platform with GOTO and computer control and guiding?
I think the original specs were that the motors only slew up to 16x.

<GM8 Comparison.jpg>
<5 inch F8 Pre ED Starfire 2.jpg>
<TEC 140 ED.jpg>
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

Jeff B
 

Anthony, really a spare controller?  Alan, if you do not opt for the mount, Anthony, I'd like to get your spare controller.

No, the QMDs cannot be converted to goto operation, at least with the AP system.  But there are AP400 GTO's out there.

I have an old 400 QMD and it is an excellent mount but with the basic controller and the full up QMD paddle would be better really.

A great mount, sort of mid way between a Losmandy G11 and GM8 with excellent damping qualities.  It holds my AP 127 F8 Starfire and TEC 140 ED just fine.

Jeff

On Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 11:55 AM Anthony DAngelo <dangelo.anthony@...> wrote:
I have a spare hand control if needed or would consider purchase of mount,thanks Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 10:22 AM, alan137 <acfang137@...> wrote:

Hello folks, 
There's an old 400 QMD near me for sale that was probably acquired at an estate sale or whatever and the seller doesn't know much about it.  It seems to include literally the mount head only and no accessories like counterweight shaft, hand controller, etc.
Are these parts still available?
Can this mount be converted / updated into a modern imaging platform with GOTO and computer control and guiding?
I think the original specs were that the motors only slew up to 16x.

Re: Date-time format / APCC issues #APCC

Ray Gralak
 

Rodolphe,

If you want to reset APCC's settings completely, with APCC shutdown you can delete this file :

C:\ProgramData\Astro-Physics\APCC\Settings.apcc.

To completely wipe all APCC data, rename or delete this folder:

C:\ProgramData\Astro-Physics\APCC

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Rodolphe
Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2021 8:50 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Date-time format / APCC issues #APCC

Responding myself: main@ap-gto.groups.io | How does one perform a factory reset of APCC.? <https://ap-
gto.groups.io/g/main/topic/77856539#73971>
Re: Date-time format / APCC issues #APCC

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Rodolphe,

APCC has a "Backups" folder at this location:

C:\ProgramData\Astro-Physics\APCC\Backups

Every time you start APCC it will save all settings in a new zipped file with extension ".appcz". The date and time are encoded into the filesnames.

To load a backup, in APCC's file menu, select "Load Settings..." and navigate to the backups folder and select the backup file based on the date that you would like to restore.

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Rodolphe
Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2021 1:27 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: [ap-gto] Date-time format / APCC issues #APCC

Hi
A recent Windows 10 update wrecked the date/time settings of my imaging PC. I discovered that after hours of
investigation. My Mach1 stopped tracking for no obvious reason in the middle of the night… Noticed several errors
in the APCC log and in the APCC pop up window that appears when things go really bad.
However, even after fixing the W10 issue, rebooting, APCC seems lost as if the settings for various limits were
sticking with the previous / wrong date/time Windows 10 settings.
Is there an easy way to reset APCC and the CP4 to the default factory settings altogether?
Other suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Rodolphe
Re: Rescue an old 400QMD?

Anthony DAngelo
 

I have a spare hand control if needed or would consider purchase of mount,thanks Anthony 

On Jun 12, 2021, at 10:22 AM, alan137 <acfang137@...> wrote:

Hello folks, 
There's an old 400 QMD near me for sale that was probably acquired at an estate sale or whatever and the seller doesn't know much about it.  It seems to include literally the mount head only and no accessories like counterweight shaft, hand controller, etc.
Are these parts still available?
Can this mount be converted / updated into a modern imaging platform with GOTO and computer control and guiding?
I think the original specs were that the motors only slew up to 16x.

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