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Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 06:52 PM, Dale Ghent wrote:
Ah ok. I've fixed this by taking the same kind of flat-bladed screwdriver and bending the leaf up through the front of the buggy connector, then click in the connector. Sometimes you get a random one where, for whatever reason, the leaf needs to be goaded into doing its job with a little bendy bendy (I buy pre-mated powerpole connectors, so I hate throwing 1 away just because one side's contact is balky)
Indeed that might have worked, but like bad USB cables, one failure and they go in the trash. 

Baseball batters may get three strikes, but cheap stuff that a night's imaging depends on only gets one.  :) 
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Peter Nagy
 

Hopefully this will fix your issues once and for all.

Peter
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Dale Ghent
 

Ah ok. I've fixed this by taking the same kind of flat-bladed screwdriver and bending the leaf up through the front of the buggy connector, then click in the connector. Sometimes you get a random one where, for whatever reason, the leaf needs to be goaded into doing its job with a little bendy bendy (I buy pre-mated powerpole connectors, so I hate throwing 1 away just because one side's contact is balky)

On Dec 29, 2021, at 18:47, ap@... wrote:

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 06:39 PM, Dale Ghent wrote:
The contact wasn't pushed in all the way and the "hook" of the contact wasn't slid up and over the end of the metal leaf that's part of the connector housing. A firm push in from the rear using a small flat-bade screwdriver would fix that up. You will hear a faint click when the hook slides over the end of the leaf inside the connector there, as the black/neutral has done.
I get the concept, but repeatedly pushing it in, getting the click, were followed by a relatively gentle tug on the cord having it un-click and slide off. And yes, I also tried pushing it in with a screw driver more firmly.

Not my first time assembling them.

Newly made one does not budge even with a hard yank.
1600GTO Encoder LED Color #Absolute_Encoders

Patrick Sparkman
 

Hello,

I recently bought a used 1600 with AE from the original owner.  It is raining here in California, so I have not been able to use it to image yet, but have been testing it in the garage.  Using APCC-Pro, I hooked it up and played with it.  I don't get any errors, and the AE tab is available and the encoders are enabled.  I noticed that there is a Green LED showing on the RA AE cover, but the DEC AE cover led is orange.  Is this normal, or is something set up incorrectly?
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 06:39 PM, Dale Ghent wrote:
The contact wasn't pushed in all the way and the "hook" of the contact wasn't slid up and over the end of the metal leaf that's part of the connector housing. A firm push in from the rear using a small flat-bade screwdriver would fix that up. You will hear a faint click when the hook slides over the end of the leaf inside the connector there, as the black/neutral has done.
I get the concept, but repeatedly pushing it in, getting the click, were followed by a relatively gentle tug on the cord having it un-click and slide off.  And yes, I also tried pushing it in with a screw driver more firmly.

Not my first time assembling them.  

Newly made one does not budge even with a hard yank.
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Brian Valente
 

Yep, hearing the click is key

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 3:39 PM Dale Ghent <daleg@...> wrote:

The contact wasn't pushed in all the way and the "hook" of the contact wasn't slid up and over the end of the metal leaf that's part of the connector housing. A firm push in from the rear using a small flat-bade screwdriver would fix that up. You will hear a faint click when the hook slides over the end of the leaf inside the connector there, as the black/neutral has done.

> On Dec 29, 2021, at 13:40, ap@... wrote:
>
> For those bored enough to be following along at home....
>
> I have a possible new theory.  I noticed a bit of play last evening in the powerpole connection from the power supply to the distribution bus on the tripod, and on inspection I have a defective connector, not sure if it is the interior pin or the external clip, but you can see below that the metal crimped-on insert that usually extends forward and clamps over the flat metal strip in the (red) connector is back from it.
>
> I can move it forward and it will "click" down over it, but as soon as it is mated and then disconnected, it pops back.  So it is quite possible this is loose against the feed connector and breaks contact.
>
> Why it would do so at 3:39am twice is above my pay grade, but Murphy does work nights, and at least this is a potential cause.
>
> Since not sure which is the problem going to crimp on a new connector.  This is the first powerpole connector I have ever had issues with.  Not 100% sure this is my problem but... .fix the known issue first is a basic engineering principle, right below "hit it with a bigger hammer".
>
> And "Problems are always in the last place you look".  :)
>
>
>
> <A1A07016-2_113569.jpg>
>






--
Brian 



Brian Valente
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Dale Ghent
 

The contact wasn't pushed in all the way and the "hook" of the contact wasn't slid up and over the end of the metal leaf that's part of the connector housing. A firm push in from the rear using a small flat-bade screwdriver would fix that up. You will hear a faint click when the hook slides over the end of the leaf inside the connector there, as the black/neutral has done.

On Dec 29, 2021, at 13:40, ap@... wrote:

For those bored enough to be following along at home....

I have a possible new theory. I noticed a bit of play last evening in the powerpole connection from the power supply to the distribution bus on the tripod, and on inspection I have a defective connector, not sure if it is the interior pin or the external clip, but you can see below that the metal crimped-on insert that usually extends forward and clamps over the flat metal strip in the (red) connector is back from it.

I can move it forward and it will "click" down over it, but as soon as it is mated and then disconnected, it pops back. So it is quite possible this is loose against the feed connector and breaks contact.

Why it would do so at 3:39am twice is above my pay grade, but Murphy does work nights, and at least this is a potential cause.

Since not sure which is the problem going to crimp on a new connector. This is the first powerpole connector I have ever had issues with. Not 100% sure this is my problem but... .fix the known issue first is a basic engineering principle, right below "hit it with a bigger hammer".

And "Problems are always in the last place you look". :)



<A1A07016-2_113569.jpg>
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 02:47 PM, Woody Schlom wrote:
Based on the photo, I’m thinking the crimped metal part was inserted into the red plastic housing upside-down.  Not a “bad” crimp, but inserted into the red plastic housing upside down.
You would be incorrect.   The blunt looking end is the folded down lip.  If pushed it forward, it does extend and lock down and look identical to the black side, but rather than staying in place, it pops back up and slides back when any tension is put on it (like any tension on the wire as you disconnect, even though primarily I would hold the connector in this case as it is wire-to-wire). 

My GUESS is that the inside is rounded out in some fashion, though it does not show to the eye.   Or it might be something off in the shape of the inside of the red connector.  It just has no strength once it clicks in (and it does).  Normally these things require a tool to lift the lip up to slide off the connector's plate, this one just requires a tug.

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 02:49 PM, Peter Nagy wrote:
Actually they are made by Anderson Power. 
You are of course correct, it's just that Powerwerx is the only place I have seen them for sale (I have not searched, there certainly could be others).  I tend to think of them synonymously, but they are not. 

My real point is Amazon is filled with knockoffs, also knockoffs of the crimpers, and by reputation (though I did not try) many of both are of low quality.
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Peter Nagy
 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 11:19 AM, ap@... wrote:
these are real Powerwerx connectors
Actually they are made by Anderson Power. 

https://www.andersonpower.com/us/en/resources/PowerPoleResourcesPage.html

Peter
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Woody Schlom
 

Based on the photo, I’m thinking the crimped metal part was inserted into the red plastic housing upside-down.  Not a “bad” crimp, but inserted into the red plastic housing upside down.

 

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.  If that’s the problem you might need the PP connector removal tool (yellow handle), or just chop off both connectors and start again – and make sure both are inserted into the plastic housings correctly.

 

Woody

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of ap@...
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 11:20 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 02:00 PM, Peter Nagy wrote:

If you know how to crimp powerpole connectors, I would definitely replace the connectors as shown in your pictures with new ones. 

Already done.  I would have been less surprised if I had a bad crimp, but the crimp was strong, it was the connector at issue.

I have powerpoles everywhere, I generally love them.  And by the way, these are real Powerwerx connectors, not the Amazon knockoffs. 

Now whether this was really the issue... I guess only time will tell. 

Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 02:00 PM, Peter Nagy wrote:
If you know how to crimp powerpole connectors, I would definitely replace the connectors as shown in your pictures with new ones. 
Already done.  I would have been less surprised if I had a bad crimp, but the crimp was strong, it was the connector at issue.

I have powerpoles everywhere, I generally love them.  And by the way, these are real Powerwerx connectors, not the Amazon knockoffs. 

Now whether this was really the issue... I guess only time will tell. 
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

Peter Nagy
 

If you know how to crimp powerpole connectors, I would definitely replace the connectors as shown in your pictures with new ones. 

Peter
Re: Power supply question - Powerwerx SPS-30DM

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

For those bored enough to be following along at home.... 

I have a possible new theory.  I noticed a bit of play last evening in the powerpole connection from the power supply to the distribution bus on the tripod, and on inspection I have a defective connector, not sure if it is the interior pin or the external clip, but you can see below that the metal crimped-on insert that usually extends forward and clamps over the flat metal strip in the (red) connector is back from it.

I can move it forward and it will "click" down over it, but as soon as it is mated and then disconnected, it pops back.  So it is quite possible this is loose against the feed connector and breaks contact. 

Why it would do so at 3:39am twice is above my pay grade, but Murphy does work nights, and at least this is a potential cause.

Since not sure which is the problem going to crimp on a new connector.  This is the first powerpole connector I have ever had issues with.  Not 100% sure this is my problem but... .fix the known issue first is a basic engineering principle, right below "hit it with a bigger hammer". 

And "Problems are always in the last place you look".  :) 
Re: Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #APCC #Mach2GTO

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Marcelo,

A few questions:

1. How old is the model?
2. How many points does it use?
3. Did the issue always happen, or did it start a while after the model was created?
4. Is the scope mounted on a permanent pier?

Also, if you are not using APCC 1.9, you should update. (You do not need a subscription to update to the latest build. If your license is older, you may not get the new major features, but you will still get bug fixes and minor feature improvements.)

-Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 11:08 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #Mach2GTO

I was finally able to complete the tests. First, the effect is actually present on the Dec axis. Then in the 5 and 1
second frames with the modeling activated, the stars are beautiful and round, without any problems.
Examples below:


Oval stars in the first frames after the meridian, 4 minutes exposure, modeling on (then from the fourth, they
are round again):



4 minutes, modeling off (elongation appears to be the same):





5 seconds, modeling activated:



1 second, modeling on:



Test RA axis:
Re: Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #APCC #Mach2GTO

Roland Christen
 

Excellent!
Ok, that rules out the mount as causing this. So we are back to an error in the model. So perhaps your model is sending the Dec in the opposite direction for a period of time after the meridian swap. I'll let Ray comment.

Rolando

-----Original Message-----
From: Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io <marfig1970@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Wed, Dec 29, 2021 1:07 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #Mach2GTO

I was finally able to complete the tests. First, the effect is actually present on the Dec axis. Then in the 5 and 1 second frames with the modeling activated, the stars are beautiful and round, without any problems. Examples below:
 
 
Oval stars in the first frames after the meridian, 4 minutes exposure, modeling on (then from the fourth, they are round again):
 
 
4 minutes, modeling off (elongation appears to be the same):
 
 
 
 
5 seconds, modeling activated:
 
 
1 second, modeling on:
 
 
Test RA axis:
 
 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Re: Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #APCC #Mach2GTO

Marcelo Figueroa
 

I was finally able to complete the tests. First, the effect is actually present on the Dec axis. Then in the 5 and 1 second frames with the modeling activated, the stars are beautiful and round, without any problems. Examples below:
 
 
Oval stars in the first frames after the meridian, 4 minutes exposure, modeling on (then from the fourth, they are round again):
 
 
4 minutes, modeling off (elongation appears to be the same):
 
 
 
 
5 seconds, modeling activated:
 
 
1 second, modeling on:
 
 
Test RA axis:
 
 
Re: #ASI_AIR_PLUS What should my expectations be with AP? #asi_air_plus

Kenneth Tan
 

I have used the ASI pro with the Mach2 . It works but not perfectly. The home position does not bring it home. There is also no CP5 tab in the software. It works using cp2. 

On Wed, 29 Dec 2021 at 02:55, Wes <wschwarz1985@...> wrote:
Hello, I have been using the ASI Air Pro and Plus now for the last 2 years and it has really made my imaging experience a very reliable, repeatable, and failsafe process. Eliminating a PC from my workflow has revolutionized my imaging experience and made imaging alot more comfortable.  I primarily image remotely at darksites and from home on my back porch.
My 2 current mounts are a Celestron CGE classic and a iOptron Cem25. I have full control over these 2 mounts when using AA+ and AAP.  Plate solving, homing, guiding, polar alignment, automated meridian flips, parking the mount after the image session is complete, every feature in the zwo ap which automates the mount through AA+ works perfectly. 

I have been wanting to replace the CGE with a larger mount that can better handle the moment arm of my 12" Newtonian and effectively guide the Newtonian when I use a 2.7x barlow.  For this reason I have taken interest in AP 900, 1200, Mach 2, and 1100.  In my research regarding compatibility with the AA+ however, I keep seeing things that really make me uncomfortable investing in such an expensive mount only to have it not cooperate the way the low end mounts do. 
So far I have read that the AP mounts can have issues parking and doing merdian flips.  I am unclear if this is an HC issue or a CP version issue. Maybe it could be an indi driver issue, which is what ZWO is using to run the AP mounts.

Can anyone offer feedback on their experiences with either AAP or AA+?  I am really hoping someone has figured out a way to achieve full automation from start to finish.  Being able to do this successfully would help me re gain confidence in using an AP as what I would hope to consider my forever mount. 
  

Re: Anyone using 13035FF Field Flattener with TEC140FL?

Dean Jacobsen
 

On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 11:42 AM, Roland Christen wrote:
You probably could, but the spacing would be different. I would need to run the design to see what spacing would be best.
 
Roland
I would be interested in hearing about this too.  I do plan on picking up the QTCC for an anticipated new TEC140FL in the coming year.  It would be nice to have the option of picking up a field flattener as well.
 
--
Dean Jacobsen
Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/

Re: Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #APCC #Mach2GTO

Marcelo Figueroa
 

On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 05:28 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
I need to know what happens if you take a short 1 sec and a 5 second exposure.
 
Rolando
 
Yep, I was doing that test when the clouds attacked. I'll try again in a little while.
Re: Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #APCC #Mach2GTO

Roland Christen
 

I need to know what happens if you take a short 1 sec and a 5 second exposure.

Rolando



-----Original Message-----
From: Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io <marfig1970@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Tue, Dec 28, 2021 2:15 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Unusual APCC and Mach 2 behavior after the meridian #Mach2GTO

Last night I was able to do some tests, but the clouds interrupted the process.
 
As preliminary results this happens on the Ra axis. Also when testing with modeling off the stars are slightly less oval after the meridian (of course, with modeling off the elongation is the same after several frames, before and after the meridian).
 
Tonight should be clear and I should be able to test again.
 
 

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
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