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Re: More basic mount questions
Nick Iversen
No need to go "some more" beyond finger tight. I have actually forgotten to tighten the clutches at all and not noticed - slewing and guiding still worked.
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
No problem.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
In hindsight you can probably get away with 2-18, 1-10, 1-5. Notice on my photo how the 10 is almost flush with the 18s up top. The 10 is in the middle when I have my imaging train on the OTA. So, there is still wiggle room for a few extra pounds. Sure, you want to keep the inertial moment arm small by keeping the weight high up the shaft, but I believe you’ll be able to achieve balance on 55lbs with 2-18 up top and the 10 lower on the shaft. Especially if you have a 5 too for fine tuning. You can always order another 18. Cheers, Eric
On Sep 30, 2021, at 13:25, Michael Kelly <Michael@...> wrote:
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
W Hilmo
I run a C14 on my AP1100, which is close to 55 lb with accessories. I use 3 of the larger diameter weights and it’s just about perfect with the weights at the top of the shaft. The counterweights came with my 1100, which I bought used, and I have never weighed them. I think that they are the 30 lb ones, though.
On Sep 30, 2021, at 12:04 PM, Shailesh Trivedi <strivedi@...> wrote:
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Re: Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hey Sébastien - just one thing I can comment on: >>>If so, I was wondering if I should ONLY tick the "Enable Dec Arc Tracking" checkbox or if I do also need to tick the "Enable Tracking Correction" box for the Dec Arc tracking corrections to be actually sent to the mount ? Dec Arc Tracking is a type of tracking enhancement, so you definitely need to enable tracking correction regardless of whether you use dec arc or not. Then in your case enable dec arc tracking, assuming that is your preferred approach. If you disable tracking correction, no tracking corrections are applied at all >>>
On Thu, Sep 30, 2021 at 1:21 PM Seb@stro <sebastiendore1@...> wrote:
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Re: Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Roland Christen
Dec arc tracking is for doing unguided imaging on one object along the track. It really isn't intended for pointing, so it is of limited use for that. If you want both, you need to make a full sky model.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Seb@stro <sebastiendore1@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Thu, Sep 30, 2021 3:21 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hello Howard,
I'm also trying to learn the ropes of the new Dec Arc Tracking feature for portable use (with a new model each night). Please keep in mind I'm totally new at modeling in general. At
this point, I believe I have quite managed to understand the global idea from the a little experimentation (did a complete Dec Arc mapping run successfully), reading the manual and some recent posts but I'm still left with the following questions about the
pointing model tab in APCC.
My general understanding is that the tracking corrections will use the "all-sky algorithm" to compute the correction terms from the mapped points unless the
Dec Arc Tracking is also enabled in which case another algorithm (taking also other variables into account) to compute more accurately the correction terms for the current declination arc. Am I getting this right ?
If so, I was wondering if I should ONLY tick the "Enable Dec Arc Tracking" checkbox or if I do also need to tick the "Enable Tracking Correction" box for the Dec Arc tracking corrections to be actually sent to the mount ? It seems the latter is required from
what I see in the Tracking Status window, but I would like a confirmation that both types of corrections are not conflicting with each other, meaning that it is the Dec Arc algorithm that is actually the one being used to compute the tracking corrections.
Also, would you recommend to "Enable Pointing Correction"
in such a case?
Maybe since the model is generally rather small (< 50 pts) the pointing corrections would not be accurate enough across the sky ? Would it harm to keep the pointing corrections enabled anyway in case I would like to switch target in the same declination range
for example ? What about a target outside of the "dec arc model" range?
Thanks for your time,
Sébastien
De : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> de la part de Howard Hedlund <howard@...>
Envoyé : 30 septembre 2021 12:50 À : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Objet : Re: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hi Andrea, for portable setups, the APCC Dec Arc feature is amazing! It is perfect for your situation.
I would definitely run 3 arcs if you can spare the time – one right on the target declination, and two more – one a couple degrees north, and the other a couple degrees south of your target
dec.
As for the RA density, I would experiment a little. You presently do 2 arcs each with 10 or so points giving 20 total. 3 arcs totaling between 25 and 30 should rock!
Mag. 7 or Better Skies!
Howard Hedlund
Astro-Physics, Inc.
AP Phone: 815-282-1513
Direct Phone: 815-315-7015
Please include this e-mail with your response.
P
Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Andrea Lucchetti
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:16 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hi, the new functionality is now more mature and I assume some of you have some good data to share.
I usually shoot one subject per night. Given the declination, what is the best combination of : -number of dec arcs -total number of points -RA spacing my present strategy is to run 2 arcs one degree north /south of the object declination for a total of 20 points. But I wonder if there is a better approach. I think I can increase the number of total points while still investing a reasonable amount of time. it is better to increase the number of points in the two arcs or may be have one middle arc running on the object declination? Also, Someone recommended a new feature to easily model these points: I think that it would be very useful for people with a nomad set up. Thank you, Andrea -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
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Re: Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Sébastien Doré
Hello Howard,
I'm also trying to learn the ropes of the new Dec Arc Tracking feature for portable use (with a new model each night). Please keep in mind I'm totally new at modeling in general. At
this point, I believe I have quite managed to understand the global idea from the a little experimentation (did a complete Dec Arc mapping run successfully), reading the manual and some recent posts but I'm still left with the following questions about the
pointing model tab in APCC.
My general understanding is that the tracking corrections will use the "all-sky algorithm" to compute the correction terms from the mapped points unless the
Dec Arc Tracking is also enabled in which case another algorithm (taking also other variables into account) to compute more accurately the correction terms for the current declination arc. Am I getting this right ?
If so, I was wondering if I should ONLY tick the "Enable Dec Arc Tracking" checkbox or if I do also need to tick the "Enable Tracking Correction" box for the Dec Arc tracking corrections to be actually sent to the mount ? It seems the latter is required from
what I see in the Tracking Status window, but I would like a confirmation that both types of corrections are not conflicting with each other, meaning that it is the Dec Arc algorithm that is actually the one being used to compute the tracking corrections.
Also, would you recommend to "Enable Pointing Correction"
in such a case?
Maybe since the model is generally rather small (< 50 pts) the pointing corrections would not be accurate enough across the sky ? Would it harm to keep the pointing corrections enabled anyway in case I would like to switch target in the same declination range
for example ? What about a target outside of the "dec arc model" range?
Thanks for your time,
Sébastien
De : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> de la part de Howard Hedlund <howard@...>
Envoyé : 30 septembre 2021 12:50 À : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Objet : Re: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up Hi Andrea, for portable setups, the APCC Dec Arc feature is amazing! It is perfect for your situation.
I would definitely run 3 arcs if you can spare the time – one right on the target declination, and two more – one a couple degrees north, and the other a couple degrees south of your target dec.
As for the RA density, I would experiment a little. You presently do 2 arcs each with 10 or so points giving 20 total. 3 arcs totaling between 25 and 30 should rock!
Mag. 7 or Better Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. AP Phone: 815-282-1513 Direct Phone: 815-315-7015 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Andrea Lucchetti
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:16 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hi, the new functionality is now more mature and I assume some of you have some good data to share.
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
Michael Kelly
Eric, thanks for the input! I’ve got that same honking hunk of optical magic!!
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
So maybe; 3-18 1-10
On Thursday, September 30, 2021, 2:54 PM, Eric Weiner <weinere@...> wrote:
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
I’m assuming your Mach1 has the upgraded shaft since the previous owner is using those CW on the 1100. Make sure it’s the 1.875” shaft before ordering.
I don’t think the 30lb will fit as the highest cw on the Mach1 so keep that in mind. Mach1 owners can chime in on that. I have a Mach2 with ~50lb of loading with my largest OTA imaging setup. I use 2 x 18lb + 1 x 10 lb. you can see that on the attached photo (setup for visual but with a honking monster of an ep attached). I also have 1 x 5lb for lighter visual configurations. You could add one more 18lb and be good.
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
Shailesh Trivedi
In my experience if your OTA+imaging train weighs 55lbs you need more than this since it is recommended to keep the largest CWs close to the top to reduce moment arm swings and then fine balance with a lighter CW lowering on the shaft . You can begin with 1 30lbs, 2 18lb and maybe 1 10lb; also order a 5lb just for posterity.
Shailesh
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Re: Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Andrea Lucchetti
Thank you Howard,
Will try this next time, I’ll let you know. Andrea
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
Michael Kelly
Excellent, thank you all for the responses!! Next question is that I need to buy counterweights as the previous owner is using on his 1100. My current set up weighs about 40lbs and new scope which I should have in a few weeks will dress out at about 55lbs. How much weight will I need? Best, Michael
On Thursday, September 30, 2021, 12:56:54 PM EDT, Howard Hedlund <howard@...> wrote:
We recommend both the FTDI dongles and the Keyspan by Tripp-Lite. Both have excellent drivers. We now sell the FTDI USB to Serial converter because we use the FTDI chipset in the GTOCP4/5. The same FTDI driver works for both the dongle and the on-board chip.
The Keyspan has the advantage of offering a utility that can be extremely handy for diagnostics. We DO NOT recommend the cheaper and more generic Tripp-Lite converters – only the more premium Keyspans.
Mag. 7 or Better Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. AP Phone: 815-282-1513 Direct Phone: 815-315-7015 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Steven Panish
I agree the USB->serial converter is all you need to be happy with the CP3. The FTDI chipset has been the standard for about 20 years, and you can download drivers direct from them. The Prolific chipset used to have a bad reputation, but I tried one recently, loaded the latest driver, and it worked well. On the other hand, I tried a no-name that was about $5 from Ebay and the drivers were junk. Kept grabbing new logical serial ports on the PC.
Steve
Steve
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 11:29 PM Jeffc <jeffcrilly@...> wrote:
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Re: More basic mount questions
michael mccann
Well , more like delegated to the light work:)
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
We recommend both the FTDI dongles and the Keyspan by Tripp-Lite. Both have excellent drivers. We now sell the FTDI USB to Serial converter because we use the FTDI chipset in the GTOCP4/5. The same FTDI driver works for both the dongle and the on-board chip.
The Keyspan has the advantage of offering a utility that can be extremely handy for diagnostics. We DO NOT recommend the cheaper and more generic Tripp-Lite converters – only the more premium Keyspans.
Mag. 7 or Better Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. AP Phone: 815-282-1513 Direct Phone: 815-315-7015 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Steven Panish
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 8:44 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
I agree the USB->serial converter is all you need to be happy with the CP3. The FTDI chipset has been the standard for about 20 years, and you can download drivers direct from them. The Prolific chipset used to have a bad reputation, but I tried one recently, loaded the latest driver, and it worked well. On the other hand, I tried a no-name that was about $5 from Ebay and the drivers were junk. Kept grabbing new logical serial ports on the PC.
Steve
Steve
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 11:29 PM Jeffc <jeffcrilly@...> wrote:
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Re: More basic mount questions
fernandorivera3
Michael, ownership of your new AP mount means your Losmandy & iOptron mounts will now become doorstops or paperweights 😃
Fernando
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Re: Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hi Andrea, for portable setups, the APCC Dec Arc feature is amazing! It is perfect for your situation.
I would definitely run 3 arcs if you can spare the time – one right on the target declination, and two more – one a couple degrees north, and the other a couple degrees south of your target dec.
As for the RA density, I would experiment a little. You presently do 2 arcs each with 10 or so points giving 20 total. 3 arcs totaling between 25 and 30 should rock!
Mag. 7 or Better Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. AP Phone: 815-282-1513 Direct Phone: 815-315-7015 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Andrea Lucchetti
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:16 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Hi, the new functionality is now more mature and I assume some of you have some good data to share.
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Re: Hello All and pardon the newbie questions.....
I agree the USB->serial converter is all you need to be happy with the CP3. The FTDI chipset has been the standard for about 20 years, and you can download drivers direct from them. The Prolific chipset used to have a bad reputation, but I tried one recently, loaded the latest driver, and it worked well. On the other hand, I tried a no-name that was about $5 from Ebay and the drivers were junk. Kept grabbing new logical serial ports on the PC. Steve Steve
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 11:29 PM Jeffc <jeffcrilly@...> wrote: Welcome….
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Dec Arc APPM mode: any l best practices for field set up
Andrea Lucchetti
Hi, the new functionality is now more mature and I assume some of you have some good data to share.
I usually shoot one subject per night. Given the declination, what is the best combination of : -number of dec arcs -total number of points -RA spacing my present strategy is to run 2 arcs one degree north /south of the object declination for a total of 20 points. But I wonder if there is a better approach. I think I can increase the number of total points while still investing a reasonable amount of time. it is better to increase the number of points in the two arcs or may be have one middle arc running on the object declination? Also, Someone recommended a new feature to easily model these points: I think that it would be very useful for people with a nomad set up. Thank you, Andrea
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Re: Seeking CP3 Control Box with V2 Chip
Chris White
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 10:59 PM, Marj Christen wrote:
Wow! You can!? That's amazing. :-) I'll send an email to you to set that up. Thank you so much!
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Re: More basic mount questions
Thomas Giannaccini
Yes that’s a lot of weight to think about. Maybe put some weight on first before you load the OTA? I’ll defer to the board here but off the cuff yes I personally loaded the OTA from the Side as you state. Best, Tom
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 11:28 PM michael mccann via groups.io <mmccawsprojects=icloud.com@groups.io> wrote: Thanks Tom --
CN: HasAnyoneSeenMyNeblua
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Re: Maintenance for a 5 year old AP mount
michael mccann
We got here about 10 days ago. And after hard day of setting up the trailer, my wife and I were sitting outside just before sunset when we saw a series of bright flashes about 160° south of us. I asked my friends, about 20 miles away, if they were seeing the flashes. The thought we were “seeing things” , they couldn’t even see any clouds. Well I was using the mapping feature of wunderground to figure where the thunder heads were. I had to expand that map to over northern Mexico, to see the storm was over Nuevo Casas Grande, about 150 miles away. I would have thought those storms were heading your way. But Texas is pretty broad. Last year it was a drought here. I’m just wintering here, so I could see it was dry here. This time , it seems we’re getting daily showers, growing weeds, locust, all kinds of bugs, frogs and toads.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Hopefully you’ll get moisture soon.
On Sep 29, 2021, at 3:52 PM, fernandorivera3 via groups.io <fernandorivera3@...> wrote:
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