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Re: Default.mlm file recovery
#APCC
Ray Gralak
Hi Claude,
APCC automatically saves all settings in compressed files in this folder:
C:\ProgramData\Astro-Physics\APCC\Backups
Each filename has the date/time in the filename. For example, this settings file indicates the date was 2018, December 10th, 15:34:52 local time (about 3:34 PM):
ApccZ-Settings-Backup-2018-12-10-153452.ApccZ
From APCC, you can restore any settings file which includes default.mlm from APCC's File menu with the "Load Settings" menu item as shown here:
BTW, the ApccZ files are just zip container files. If you rename the file extention from “ApccZ” to “Zip” you should be able to open them directly in Windows explorer. However I recommend you use APCC to load the settings so that the files will be placed in the correct folder locations.
-Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro V3: https://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: https://www.siriusimaging.com/apdriver
> -----Original Message-----
> From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Isphotoman via Groups.Io > Sent: Friday, November 8, 2019 8:29 PM > To: main@ap-gto.groups.io > Subject: [ap-gto] Default.mlm file recovery #APCC > > Does the Default.mlm file have pre-defined meridian limits? I saved new meridian limits on my installed default.mlm > file by accident. If default.mlm has pre-defined limits I'd like to restore them. I moved the overwritten default.mlm file > to another directory then re-installed APCC but the new default.mlm file wasn't in it's directory. > > Thanks > Claude |
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Re: Mach2 update?
Hello Marj,
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can you show a picture how the cabling through the mount is done? Grüsse Konstantin v. Poschinger Hammerichstr. 5 22605 Hamburg 040/8805747 0171/1983476 Am 09.11.2019 um 02:40 schrieb Marj Christen <marj@...>:
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Re: AP 92mm and NiteCrawler - Even Possible?
Bill Long
Well you could thread one on, but I am not really sure why one would want to do that. The NiteCrawler weights like 5 times the scope. :) From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Tony Benjamin <tonybenjamin@...>
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2019 7:05 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: [ap-gto] AP 92mm and NiteCrawler - Even Possible? Wonder if anyone is using or planiing to use a NiteCrawler focuser/rotator with this scope? Is it doable?
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
Joe Zeglinski
Mike,
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Good idea about "isolating " your Mean Well power supply with wood and a plastic enclosure, so you no longer (?) have a leaky ground return to the GFCI, from it. If the "Euro Safety Regulations", as recently noted by Rolando, require tying power supply DC Returns to chassis/earth ground - dumb idea, unsafe for electronics even with a nearby storm just miles away - and the chassis ground on the 120 AC side of the power supply case and power cord's earth return (third pin) is also tied to house neutral in the fuse box through plumbing or copper ground rod, then why wouldn't the GFCI not trip, when it senses even a few milliamps, (or perhaps just micro amps), supplied by the CPx controller's serial port housing? That's true for many other controllers anywhere on the scope besides just AP's). In such case, the (slightly) leaky chassis ground return is tied to the GFCI circuit protected socket. The GFCI would naturally trip to protect you from being (potentially) electrocuted by electronics with a chassis ground tied to the pier. Seems logical. Probably nothing you can do to prevent it, except replace the GFCI outlet for the pier, with a non-fused one. However, your home fuse box panel might also be wired with GFCI breakers. It probably isn't, or you would have a room full of lights drop out every time you power up the telescope electronics, using a normal outlet. GFCI breakers are very sensitive, if they do their job right. You can likely prove the possibility of the pier chassis leaking current to your GFCI protected AC power cord, supplying your telescope. Using an ohmmeter , check the resistance (continuity) between scope electrical system and GFCI supply - on the unpowered telescope - by touching the probe to the bare serial port screw on the CPx, and the other probe to the earth safety ground pin in the AC socket at the telescope. A meter with a "continuity buzzer" would be easier to use than looking at a reading. A few milliamps of chassis current won't hurt you, but it is reassuring that the GFCI would protect you from a major short circuit from something at the pier. But, the GFCI can be a nuisance for typically minor amps from pier equipment. Joe Z. -----Original Message-----
From: Mike Dodd Sent: Friday, November 8, 2019 11:09 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mean Well power supply question On 11/8/2019 9:55 PM, Don Anderson via Groups.Io wrote: Hi MikeNo; the one that tripped was the one powering the pier equipment, so that's the one I tested. No matter. I have the Mean Well mounted on a board, and enclosed on three sides with a plastic shield that extends over the ends, so I'm ready to use that one. --- Mike |
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Default.mlm file recovery
#APCC
Claude Benoit VE6GTX
Does the Default.mlm file have pre-defined meridian limits? I saved new meridian limits on my installed default.mlm file by accident. If default.mlm has pre-defined limits I'd like to restore them. I moved the overwritten default.mlm file to another directory then re-installed APCC but the new default.mlm file wasn't in it's directory.
Thanks Claude |
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
On 11/8/2019 9:55 PM, Don Anderson via Groups.Io wrote:
Hi MikeNo; the one that tripped was the one powering the pier equipment, so that's the one I tested. No matter. I have the Mean Well mounted on a board, and enclosed on three sides with a plastic shield that extends over the ends, so I'm ready to use that one. --- Mike |
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AP 92mm and NiteCrawler - Even Possible?
Tony Benjamin <tonybenjamin@...>
Wonder if anyone is using or planiing to use a NiteCrawler focuser/rotator with this scope? Is it doable?
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
Hi Mike That's odd. I have never had that problem with mine. I did run mine through a 50' extension cord plugged into a outside outlet in my previous residence. I believe it was a GFCI but I can't say for certain. Did you try the Alinco on another outlet? Don Anderson
On Friday, November 8, 2019, 07:14:24 a.m. MST, Mike Dodd <mike@...> wrote:
On 11/8/2019 1:43 AM, Don Anderson via Groups.Io wrote: > Another good power supply that I have used for the past 8 years is an > Alinco DM-330MV. It is made for the ham radio world. I use one a DM-330MV for my ham station, and thought it would be good for the AP1200 as well. Sadly, that was not the case. During the first imaging run with it, I found the mount and cameras dead -- the GFCI had tripped. I reset the GFCI and tried again. An hour later it tripped again. The next night I connected the DM-330MV to a 20W resistor box, and ran 1A of current through it. The GFCI tripped sometime overnight. I tried that test again the following day -- the GFCI tripped once again. To be clear: the DM-330V was the ONLY thing being powered through the GFCI receptacle that tripped. I don't know why the power supply caused the GFCI to trip. Perhaps it was the cold temperature or the humidity. The specs state an ambient temperature of 50F to 95F. The GFCI problem was the reason I bought the Mean Well supply. Now I have a spare power supply for my ham station. -- Mike Mike Dodd Louisa County, Virginia USA http://astronomy.mdodd.com |
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Re: Problem with GOTOs in Keypad
It sure sounds like your battery needs to be replaced. Here is a document from our support website that may help: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/keypad-maintenance-instructions.pdf
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of R Edelson
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2019 8:13 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Problem with GOTOs in Keypad
Interesting I have that too with Messier objects but since I use APCC I just use TheSkyX to slew to objects. The keypad can slew to stars fine. I updated the keypad to 4.19 a while ago with no issues. My mount is a 1200 built in 2008 so
the keypad is the same age. How would I check the battery status on the keypad? |
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Re: Mach2 update?
We’re working on ASCOM, APCC and the keypad and will have more news when they are ready for release.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of deanjacobsen@...
Sent: Friday, November 08, 2019 8:39 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 update?
I've been watching for the release of public updates to the AP ASCOM v2 driver and the keypad software as indicators. It is my understanding that new versions of both will be released which will work with the Mach2. |
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Re: Mach2 update?
Hello Dean, Most of the parts have been painted and we are busy assembling the Mach2 mechanical parts and electronics. Since this is a brand new mount, our team is taking extra special care to be sure to QC thoroughly and be sure that all the details are taken care of. Roland is closely supervising the process and will be testing each mount before shipping.
At this time we are running a little behind schedule and expect to begin shipping in early December.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Dean S
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2019 9:41 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Mach2 update?
Just wondering what the latest is on about when these mounts may start to ship?
Not pushing at all.
Thanks Dean
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WiFi Dropout Solution for Smart Devices (Sky Safari etc.)
#WiFi
Hi GTO gang! Some good detective work by some smart people at Lowell Observatory (Thanks Jim C.!) has led us to a probable solution to WiFi dropouts when using Sky Safari, Luminos etc.
It appears we have been looking at this the wrong way. We were blaming weak or corrupted signal from our WiFi module, and couldn't reproduce the problem here. Instead, it appears that our signal may actually be too strong and may be overwhelming the smart devices' WiFi hardware. For right now, if you are having WiFi dropout issues, please fold your antenna into its little cubby on the GTOCP4, and then try not to let your smart device get too close to the GTOCP4. Try to keep the device a couple feet from the GTOCP4. Please give us feedback on your results. If this does indeed turn out to be the issue, then we may be able to fix it permanently and more elegantly. Thanks in advance for any feedback you can give! Howard |
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Re: Problem with GOTOs in Keypad
Richard, please contact me at AP if you would like to update your database.
ANYONE with a GTOCP4 who needs to update their keypad database, please give me a call. Our engineer added keypad programming support to the lower COM port and to the USB COM port so that keypad updates can be done without a USB to serial adapter. We have tested this GTOCP4 version here, of course, but I'd love to have some of you give it a try before I post it as the new VCP4-P01-14. Thanks! Howard |
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
On 11/8/2019 10:03 AM, Daniel Marcus wrote:
Hi MikeI did not try the power supply on the other GFCI circuit in the observatory. or measured the leakage current to ground?I checked AC voltage to ground through a 1 meg resistor, and there is no potential on either DC output terminal or on the power supply case. GFCIs are notorious for going bad. Could be the GFCIPossible, but very unlikely. Both observatory GFCIs are one year old. Further, both have never tripped in that year of operation. The pier GFCI tripped ONLY when the Alinco DM-330V power supply was plugged in. Never before and never since. --- Mike |
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
Daniel Marcus
Hi Mike
missed part of this conversation, so I am assuming you have already done this but -just curious - have you tried a different GFCI circuit ( one that is using a different GFCI protector) or measured the leakage current to ground? GFCIs are notorious for going
bad. Could be the GFCI is in the process of failing and is too sensitive?
Dan Marcus
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Mike Dodd <mike@...>
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2019 9:14 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mean Well power supply question On 11/8/2019 1:43 AM, Don Anderson via Groups.Io wrote:
> Another good power supply that I have used for the past 8 years is an > Alinco DM-330MV. It is made for the ham radio world. I use one a DM-330MV for my ham station, and thought it would be good for the AP1200 as well. Sadly, that was not the case. During the first imaging run with it, I found the mount and cameras dead -- the GFCI had tripped. I reset the GFCI and tried again. An hour later it tripped again. The next night I connected the DM-330MV to a 20W resistor box, and ran 1A of current through it. The GFCI tripped sometime overnight. I tried that test again the following day -- the GFCI tripped once again. To be clear: the DM-330V was the ONLY thing being powered through the GFCI receptacle that tripped. I don't know why the power supply caused the GFCI to trip. Perhaps it was the cold temperature or the humidity. The specs state an ambient temperature of 50F to 95F. The GFCI problem was the reason I bought the Mean Well supply. Now I have a spare power supply for my ham station. -- Mike Mike Dodd Louisa County, Virginia USA https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fastronomy.mdodd.com&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6d2d00054a0846af1da408d76455f51e%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637088192648994628&sdata=1qwMYXbPInoJYiJLaH8Fn%2BlNi9CZNRtlLYwGqOJslHU%3D&reserved=0 |
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Re: Mach2 update?
I've been watching for the release of public updates to the AP ASCOM v2 driver and the keypad software as indicators. It is my understanding that new versions of both will be released which will work with the Mach2.
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
On 11/8/2019 1:43 AM, Don Anderson via Groups.Io wrote:
Another good power supply that I have used for the past 8 years is anI use one a DM-330MV for my ham station, and thought it would be good for the AP1200 as well. Sadly, that was not the case. During the first imaging run with it, I found the mount and cameras dead -- the GFCI had tripped. I reset the GFCI and tried again. An hour later it tripped again. The next night I connected the DM-330MV to a 20W resistor box, and ran 1A of current through it. The GFCI tripped sometime overnight. I tried that test again the following day -- the GFCI tripped once again. To be clear: the DM-330V was the ONLY thing being powered through the GFCI receptacle that tripped. I don't know why the power supply caused the GFCI to trip. Perhaps it was the cold temperature or the humidity. The specs state an ambient temperature of 50F to 95F. The GFCI problem was the reason I bought the Mean Well supply. Now I have a spare power supply for my ham station. -- Mike Mike Dodd Louisa County, Virginia USA http://astronomy.mdodd.com |
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
110 Volt wire connections on power supply
Make sure you connect the protective ground (green wire) to chassis
If the screws will unscrew out completely I would use
Ring wire connectors on end of wires.
If the screws will not unscrew completely out I would use
Spade wire connectors on end of wires.
Or clip out part of the ring connector making it a spade connector.
Crimped or not I always solder the wires in connectors.
Crimping only is a second choice for me if a soldering iron is not available.
Do a google search for ring or spade wire connectors.
Lots of local stores carry them.
RTV cons
I have never used any kind of sealant on terminal strips.
You might be surprised how often the screws become loosened with constant movement of wires.
May hamper re-tightening screws.
RTV pros
Sealant my act as a lock tight and keep screws from loosening???
Jimmy
Our Earth would become a black hole if compressed down to a volume of about 1 cubic inch.
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
Another good power supply that I have used for the past 8 years is an Alinco DM-330MV. It is made for the ham radio world. Is a 30 amp switching power supply with lots of connection options. It also has an adjustable output voltage from 5-15VDC.
Below is a link to one supplier. https://www.radioworld.ca/ali-dm330mvt |
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Re: Mean Well power supply question
Dale Ghent
The way I read the ANSI/IEC60601-1 standard this claims to conform to, these are standards which govern the /safety/ of electrical medical equipment that patients come in contact with. Low leakage, proper grounding, parameters like that. It doesn't necessarily guarantee or make any claims regarding the /performance/ of the device. That can be a different ballgame, especially if it's being used outside the environment it was perhaps designed or intended for (eg; outside in high humidity, sub-zero temps, hot temps, direct sunlight, etc and not in indoors at room temperature)
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So I guess such certification is nice, but I don't think it makes something more (or less) appropriate for our kinds of use-cases, if that's what you're asking. I don't think that, beyond a few basic stipulations, one needs to get fancy with their power supplies here. A quality regulated bench power supply that outputs 12-13.8VDC is what's needed. How much current it should be able to push is site-specific and up to your wallet. Bear in mind that you'll probably want an in-line buck-boost transformer to step the voltage up to 14-16VDC for your mount. Straight 12VDC in cold wether will make for some sluggish and hungry servo motors. /dale On Nov 7, 2019, at 10:04 PM, Michael Fulbright <mike.fulbright@...> wrote: |
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