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Re: Dovelm162 springs too short or assembled wrong?
Worsel
See this video for an approach to works for me, even for the few times that I have had to take the OTA off in an observatory. 14.5" IDK on an 1100 GT. I did build a table that sits at the right height when the OTA is rotated down. I did not think a stool was substantial enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwVg1M6bURI&t=167s The video is a bit over the top and a little jumpy, but the concept is clear. Bryan
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Peter Nagy
I don't have an observatory but every Spring maybe in April, if I see wasp trying to build a nest in my backyard, I use a fly swatter to wack as many wasps as I can and at least one of them is a queen, they never seem to swarm my yard again until next year. It's usually no more than 10 wasps a year to wack them.
Peter
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
On 9/18/2021 10:51 AM, Michael Hamburg via groups.io wrote:
My biggest problem has always ben mice!Last summer mice built a large nest in the open area beneath my 1200's RA assembly. After removing it, I set a trap with peanut butter bait, but never caught a mouse. Same this year -- a small nest, but no trapped mice. There was a pile of leaves and grass behind the computer monitor in the NE corner, so I'm sure they were coming in via the ROR support track -- up the diagonal brace, along the track, and through the track gap in the gable end. This year I installed aluminum screening around the top of the track support posts (image attached). So far, so good. When I built the observatory, I glued screening to the pier and the sides of hole in the floor as a "critter screen" to keep out everything prowling on the ground. <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/observatory.html#CritterScreen> --- Mike
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Andrea Lucchetti
In my old observatory I built an aluminum wall around the pier, 60 cm height. It was actually a defense line wide enough to include the rack with electronics. The walls were flat to avoid the mice climbing. That after the first attack in which they chewed all the cables 😂
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Looking for DOVEDV10
KHursh
A-P appears to be out. I have a DOVELM162 for trade if that is amenable. I've had ads on AM and CN for a little while with no luck.
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Re: Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2
Roland Christen
Great! Now I can sleep at night.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: davidcfinch9 via groups.io <DF121819@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Sat, Sep 18, 2021 9:40 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2 Roland,
Thank you, success! Although it appeared that the pivot bolt was too LOOSE. At any rate, I jockeyed the pivot bolt around so that I got good mesh while still allowing the gears to come slightly out of mesh when pushing down on the back of the motor. With everything back together, there is no longer any “slop” in the axis.
And thank you for the quick response.
Regards,
David C. Finch
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Roland Christen via groups.io
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 6:20 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: george@...; howard@...; marj@...; karen@...; dave@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2 Hello Dave,
Your pivot bolt might be too tight which is preventing the worm from pivoting fully into mesh. It's an easy adjustment.
Remove the outer motor box cover and set it aside with its 4 screws.
Remove the 4 screws that hold the inner cover and put those screws aside in another place, but do not mix them with the outer screws!
Now slide the inner cover back and out of the way to expose the worm assembly. You don't need to remove it entirely.
First make sure that the 3 Allen screws that hold the motor assembly to the RA axis are fully tight. If they are, then proceed with the next step:
Referring to the image below, loosen the locking screw #1 (5/64 Allen Key). Then with a 1/4" Allen key loosen the pivot bolt #2 about 1/2 turn ccw while gently pushing on the counterweight shaft in the RA direction. Gently! not with guerilla force please. It should stiffen up as the worm mates with the worm wheel teeth. Once it is in full mesh, tighten the pivot bolt a small amount and again feel the RA axis to make sure that it is meshed. You can then push down on the top back of the motor to bring the worm slightly out of mesh, then let go to allow the springs to pop the worm teeth back into mesh. The motor assembly should be able to rotate slightly in and out of mesh when you apply force to the back of the motor.
If everything feels right, re-tighten the locking screw. Then replace the inner motor cover with the shorter 4 screws (very important that you do not use the outer cover screws!!) Finish by replacing the outer cover.
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics Inc.
 -----Original Message-----
From: davidcfinch9 via groups.io <DF121819@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Fri, Sep 17, 2021 2:07 pm Subject: [ap-gto] Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2 Hello Ray,
I have a slight "slop" (similar to backlash) in my RA axis when I apply light pressure in rocking the telescope back in forth, which I believe is due to insufficient mesh between the worm gear and worm wheel. The "slop" amounts to about 1/64" of play at the end of the counterweight shaft. All of the RA and DEC clutch knobs are fully tightened. I removed the RA gear box cover and everything appeared to be "normal." There is no such "slop" in the DEC axis.
Is there anything that I can do to tighten things up?
Regards,
David C. Finch
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
My biggest problem has always ben mice! The best approach has been spring traps to keep down the population from breeding. There is no 100% elimination when you are in the country. Best wishes, Michael
On Saturday, September 18, 2021, 10:04:33 AM EDT, M Hambrick <mhambrick563@...> wrote:
Hi Dale I used to feel the same as you about spiders and left them alone so they would eat the other insects. That was a mistake. Once they get a foothold they are hard to get rid of. As for wasps and hornets, the mud daubers are the worst. It is very difficult to completely remove the residue from their mud nests. I suggest aggressively controlling these insects. I like pyrethrin insecticides, but the Ortho Home Defense spray also seems to be pretty effective at controlling many insects, but I am not sure about spiders. If you spray the perimeter of the observatory inside and out a couple times a year at ground level and where the roof retracts that should help. Spiders don't like light. you could also consider adding some windows and leave the shades up except when you are observing. Mike
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Re: Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2
davidcfinch9
Roland, Thank you, success! Although it appeared that the pivot bolt was too LOOSE. At any rate, I jockeyed the pivot bolt around so that I got good mesh while still allowing the gears to come slightly out of mesh when pushing down on the back of the motor. With everything back together, there is no longer any “slop” in the axis. And thank you for the quick response. Regards, David C. Finch
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Roland Christen via groups.io
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 6:20 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: george@...; howard@...; marj@...; karen@...; dave@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2
Hello Dave,
Your pivot bolt might be too tight which is preventing the worm from pivoting fully into mesh. It's an easy adjustment. Remove the outer motor box cover and set it aside with its 4 screws. Remove the 4 screws that hold the inner cover and put those screws aside in another place, but do not mix them with the outer screws! Now slide the inner cover back and out of the way to expose the worm assembly. You don't need to remove it entirely.
First make sure that the 3 Allen screws that hold the motor assembly to the RA axis are fully tight. If they are, then proceed with the next step:
Referring to the image below, loosen the locking screw #1 (5/64 Allen Key). Then with a 1/4" Allen key loosen the pivot bolt #2 about 1/2 turn ccw while gently pushing on the counterweight shaft in the RA direction. Gently! not with guerilla force please. It should stiffen up as the worm mates with the worm wheel teeth. Once it is in full mesh, tighten the pivot bolt a small amount and again feel the RA axis to make sure that it is meshed. You can then push down on the top back of the motor to bring the worm slightly out of mesh, then let go to allow the springs to pop the worm teeth back into mesh. The motor assembly should be able to rotate slightly in and out of mesh when you apply force to the back of the motor.
If everything feels right, re-tighten the locking screw. Then replace the inner motor cover with the shorter 4 screws (very important that you do not use the outer cover screws!!) Finish by replacing the outer cover.
Roland Christen Astro-Physics Inc.
-----Original Message----- Hello Ray, I have a slight "slop" (similar to backlash) in my RA axis when I apply light pressure in rocking the telescope back in forth, which I believe is due to insufficient mesh between the worm gear and worm wheel. The "slop" amounts to about 1/64" of play at the end of the counterweight shaft. All of the RA and DEC clutch knobs are fully tightened. I removed the RA gear box cover and everything appeared to be "normal." There is no such "slop" in the DEC axis. Is there anything that I can do to tighten things up? Regards, David C. Finch
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Re: Dovelm162 springs too short or assembled wrong?
skester@...
I have the same issue described here but with the DOVEDV10 plate I received with my 1100GTO in April of this year. The springs run out of travel before the clamps have fully retracted. It's not a big deal for me as I mount the scope rings first and simply push the clamps all the way back prior to doing so. But I wanted AP to be aware the same issue is occurring with the 10" dovetail plate.
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Hi Dale
I used to feel the same as you about spiders and left them alone so they would eat the other insects. That was a mistake. Once they get a foothold they are hard to get rid of. As for wasps and hornets, the mud daubers are the worst. It is very difficult to completely remove the residue from their mud nests. I suggest aggressively controlling these insects. I like pyrethrin insecticides, but the Ortho Home Defense spray also seems to be pretty effective at controlling many insects, but I am not sure about spiders. If you spray the perimeter of the observatory inside and out a couple times a year at ground level and where the roof retracts that should help. Spiders don't like light. you could also consider adding some windows and leave the shades up except when you are observing. Mike
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Re: AP1200 rotating pier adapter
Luke Dodd
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
From: Mike Dodd
Sent: Saturday, 18 September 2021 11:13 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 rotating pier adapter
On 9/17/2021 8:11 PM, Luke Dodd wrote: > What is available to mount the AP1200 onto a > permanent pier.
I have a 1200, and use the SPA Standard Pier Adapter <https://www.astro-physics.com/900spa> to mount it on my concrete pier. The pier is 12" diameter, but reduces to 10" at the top, and the SPA attaches to 5/8" threaded steel rods embedded in that.
This link: <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/observatory.html#PierBolts> illustrates and describes what I did.
One note: The cap screws attaching the SPA to the rods are 1/4"-20. I drilled a #11 hole in one end of each rod, then tapped that for 1/4"-20. This hole should be coaxial with the rod, so a vise on a drill press is helpful. I'm fortunate to have a mini-lathe, so I chucked the rod in the lathe, and easily drilled coaxial holes.
My SPA is circa 2005, and I don't know if the current one is the same.
--- Mike http://astronomy.mdodd.com
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Re: AP1200 rotating pier adapter
On 9/17/2021 8:11 PM, Luke Dodd wrote:
What is available to mount the AP1200 onto aI have a 1200, and use the SPA Standard Pier Adapter <https://www.astro-physics.com/900spa> to mount it on my concrete pier. The pier is 12" diameter, but reduces to 10" at the top, and the SPA attaches to 5/8" threaded steel rods embedded in that. This link: <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/observatory.html#PierBolts> illustrates and describes what I did. One note: The cap screws attaching the SPA to the rods are 1/4"-20. I drilled a #11 hole in one end of each rod, then tapped that for 1/4"-20. This hole should be coaxial with the rod, so a vise on a drill press is helpful. I'm fortunate to have a mini-lathe, so I chucked the rod in the lathe, and easily drilled coaxial holes. My SPA is circa 2005, and I don't know if the current one is the same. --- Mike http://astronomy.mdodd.com
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AP1200 rotaing pier adapter
Luke Dodd
Im looking at putting in a permanet pier for my AP1200. I have the rotating pier plate attached to my portable pier atm which I wish to keep on that pier. What is available to mount the AP1200 onto a permanent pier.
Thanks
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Re: Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2
Roland Christen
Hello Dave,
Your pivot bolt might be too tight which is preventing the worm from pivoting fully into mesh. It's an easy adjustment.
Remove the outer motor box cover and set it aside with its 4 screws.
Remove the 4 screws that hold the inner cover and put those screws aside in another place, but do not mix them with the outer screws!
Now slide the inner cover back and out of the way to expose the worm assembly. You don't need to remove it entirely.
First make sure that the 3 Allen screws that hold the motor assembly to the RA axis are fully tight. If they are, then proceed with the next step:
Referring to the image below, loosen the locking screw #1 (5/64 Allen Key). Then with a 1/4" Allen key loosen the pivot bolt #2 about 1/2 turn ccw while gently pushing on the counterweight shaft in the RA direction. Gently! not with guerilla force please. It should stiffen up as the worm mates with the worm wheel teeth. Once it is in full mesh, tighten the pivot bolt a small amount and again feel the RA axis to make sure that it is meshed. You can then push down on the top back of the motor to bring the worm slightly out of mesh, then let go to allow the springs to pop the worm teeth back into mesh. The motor assembly should be able to rotate slightly in and out of mesh when you apply force to the back of the motor.
If everything feels right, re-tighten the locking screw. Then replace the inner motor cover with the shorter 4 screws (very important that you do not use the outer cover screws!!) Finish by replacing the outer cover.
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: davidcfinch9 via groups.io <DF121819@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Fri, Sep 17, 2021 2:07 pm Subject: [ap-gto] Slight Slop in the RA Axis of My Mach2 Hello Ray,
I have a slight "slop" (similar to backlash) in my RA axis when I apply light pressure in rocking the telescope back in forth, which I believe is due to insufficient mesh between the worm gear and worm wheel. The "slop" amounts to about 1/64" of play at the end of the counterweight shaft. All of the RA and DEC clutch knobs are fully tightened. I removed the RA gear box cover and everything appeared to be "normal." There is no such "slop" in the DEC axis.
Is there anything that I can do to tighten things up?
Regards,
David C. Finch
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Bill Long
Place a small planter box with some herbs in it there. They will avoid that spot after.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Joel Short <buckeyestargazer@...>
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 2:41 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy On Fri, Sep 17, 2021 at 04:19 PM, Bill Long wrote:
For the wasps you can use decoy nests. It does not kill them, but you can basically decide where they will go.I do use decoy nests. I put two up near the OBS and I do think that it helps some. But every year I still get a nest in the same place, despite leaving their old nest up too. joel
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Joseph Beyer
"For the wasps you can use decoy nests. It does not kill them, but you can basically decide where they will go. "
Agree, this is the best case scenario. All serve a purpose by eliminating a lot of the nuisance bugs despite their reputation. There are hornet and yellow jacket workers all over our garden and we all seem to coexist pretty well. I've been stung way to many times in other situations that leads to swelling of the affected body part like week-old road kill. When one becomes a bit too aggressive it's hard to suppress the flight instinct that only serves to give anyone within a several yard radius one hell of a great show.
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
On Fri, Sep 17, 2021 at 04:19 PM, Bill Long wrote:
For the wasps you can use decoy nests. It does not kill them, but you can basically decide where they will go.I do use decoy nests. I put two up near the OBS and I do think that it helps some. But every year I still get a nest in the same place, despite leaving their old nest up too. joel
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Bill Long
For the wasps you can use decoy nests. It does not kill them, but you can basically decide where they will go.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Joel Short <buckeyestargazer@...>
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 1:51 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy I do two things.
1. Twice per year (early Spring and early Fall) I spray an insecticide called Tempo SC Ultra on the outside walls and perimeter of my roll off roof obs. This stuff works great, for other areas of the house too. 2. I put a little bit of peppermint extract in a small spray bottle and once a month I spray the inside of the obs, especially around any cracks. I haven't seen a spider in years in my obs; wasps are a completely different story. Nothing deters those buggers. joel
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Woody Schlom
Joe,
Thanks for suggesting pyrethrin based products. I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve used them on camping gear and clothing with success against mosquitos and the like. You spray the stuff onto fabrics (clothes, tents, etc. in my case) and when it’s dry, it lasts at least 6 months – even through several washing machine cycles.
According to what I’ve read, it’s poisonous to everything (including humans) while wet after application, but only harms (kills) insects when dry. And it kills on contact somehow – even months later.
I’m thinking that it should indeed work in an observatory – sprayed onto covers, walls, ceiling, floor. BUT you have to be very careful spraying the stuff – as in cover yourself in a complete disposable painter’s outfit AND wear a fancy chemical rated respirator. I’d think one specifically designed and rated for spray painting should work well.
Woody
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Joseph Beyer
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 1:46 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
Some of the pyrethrin-based insecticides, which tend to be less toxic to mammals have sustained activity. In particular there are sprays or formulations that claim to give one to several months of activity. I use an Ortho product that is called a perimeter defense that is stated to provide 6 months of activity. After drying it is essentially odorless and from what I've observed seems to be quite effective. I have a small weather station in my yard and the spiders find it very inviting. Once or twice a year I'll open it up and wipe a thin coating of the perimeter defense spray inside and it helps a lot in keeping the critters out.
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Re: semi-OT: deterring critters in the obsy
ap@CaptivePhotons.com
Bear in mind the biggest predator of spiders is probably wasps, depending what part of the world you are in. Be careful of getting rid of all the wasps.
Hobson’s choice. 😊
If you can figure out what the spiders are eating that may get you closer. If it’s flying insects, check if you have any light, even infrared light, maybe even warm electronics up in those places that might attract flying insects. If it’s crawling insects an insecticide barrier may stop their food source.
But I find webs even where there’s just no light and seemingly no insects. Tenacious little critters.
Nanobots needed (and a NINA plugin to control them).
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