My Keyspan USB-to-4 serial port adaptor has been in my central Ohio
observatory for about 3 years now with no problems, During the winter
the temperature gets down near or a bit below 0F, and during the
summer as high as near 100F, although that is unusual.

Regards,
Gary

--- In ap-gto@..., "KG KIRKLEY" <kgkirkley@...> wrote:

In a message dated 06/12/08 17:43:22 Central Daylight Time,

sreilly@... writes:

I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units

have

operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems

below 45° or

so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,

especially if

using in the field.


Interesting?

I've had my Edgeport repeatedly down to well below freezing out at

dark sites with no problems.

Kent Kirkley


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rick,

PAM is very fast and convenient to use, both for measuring the
misalignment and for correcting.
What I do observe is that:
- the results are not exactly repeatable (say you just measure the
misalignment and do it twice without changing anything):
the error in amplitude is generally consistent, not the error in hour
angle
- when measuring the misalignment on 2 distinct regions (on the same
side of the meridian), the resulting numbers can be significantly
different, both in amplitude and in hour angle
- I can never reach figures below 0.5 arcmin, and more typically I
get 1 arcminute. Only a few iterations are required (2-3), more do
not help.

PEMPro is also quite convenient to use, but takes (significantly)
more time.
The results are definitely more consistent and I believe a better
accuracy can be obtained:
say you do 2 runs without correcting anything, just to measure the
misalignment, you get pretty much the same values for each run.
But clearly you need to let the software run for about 3-4 minutes at
least in each measuring step before the results can be considered to
be meaningful.
PEMPro reports show that I can be very close to the pole: my best
value so far is an (incredible and somewhat doubtful)... 5 arcsec.
More typically is 30 arcsec or below.

My procedure so far is to use PAM (more exactly first use the polar
scope for rough alignment and quick star drift meridian delay, then
PAM) and to start the PAM alignment process in the area where I will
be imaging next whenever possible.
Most pics so far were made at about 2 arcsec/pixel and I am quite
happy to image at least 4 minutes with no guiding, just with PEM on
(Mach1).

My 2 cents, I'd be happy to hear from further experiences.

Pierre

Wrap a couple of dew heaters around it.

Mark

On Jun 12, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Steve Reilly wrote:

Hello Howard,

I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems
below 45° or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration,
especially if
using in the field.

Thanks,

Steve

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Howard,
Very nice writeup, the kind I can learn from. I ordered a few of the
new products a few days ago and look forward to using them.
Bob Cuberly



--- In ap-gto@..., "Howard" <howard@...> wrote:

Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se

rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like

to, but

were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial

adapters

if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that

stem

from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different

from

USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got

a

secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via

whispers

and then the original message is compared to what the last person

heard,

and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was

corrupted.

Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is

what

the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has

worked

remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter

going

at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB

server

simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly

written

software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had

additional

USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while

simultaneously

giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the

USB

server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices.

That

was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB

devices

at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some

success

using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying

the

USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could

be

used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however,

want

to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns"

that

still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain

here

in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I

get

them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale

Ghent

in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT

use the

Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use

chipsets

from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial

adapters to

be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the

drivers

on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling

straight

through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find

them in

the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On

Behalf

Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re optical paths, the first time I used it was on tight fitting
"T" threads and I have never had it "migrate" to where it
was not needed, however only the smallest amount is needed,
I use a cotton bud to apply it - with caution, I have used it for
tight fitting optic filters and no problems, Gerald.

Hello,



We have the units available and up on our website.



http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm



We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like to, but
were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial adapters
if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different from
USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via whispers
and then the original message is compared to what the last person heard,
and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was corrupted.
Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is what
the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has worked
remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.



Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter going
at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB server
simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly written
software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had additional
USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while simultaneously
giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices. That
was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB devices
at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some success
using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.



Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying the
USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could be
used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however, want
to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns" that
still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain here
in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I get
them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale Ghent
in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use the
Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use chipsets
from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial adapters to
be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the drivers
on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling straight
through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find them in
the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

In a message dated 06/12/08 17:43:22 Central Daylight Time, sreilly@... writes:
I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems below 45° or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration, especially if
using in the field.


Interesting?

I've had my Edgeport repeatedly down to well below freezing out at dark sites with no problems.

Kent Kirkley

Hello Howard,



I’m curious as to the warmest/coldest temperatures these units have
operated. I ask because the old EdgePort seems to have problems below 45° or
so. I moved it into my warm room but still a consideration, especially if
using in the field.



Thanks,



Steve



_____

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf Of
Howard
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:58 PM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server



Hello,

We have the units available and up on our website.

http://www.astro-
<http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se>
physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/se
rialusb.htm

We have not tested the USB Server as thoroughly as we would like to, but
were confident enough to go ahead and start offering it. Our main
concern arises when using the USB Server with the USB to Serial adapters
if everything is fully loaded. There are potential issues that stem
from the fact that serial communicates in a way that is different from
USB, which in turn communicates in a way that is different from
Ethernet. Think of the old party game of "whispers" or "I've got a
secret" where a secret message gets passed around the room via whispers
and then the original message is compared to what the last person heard,
and everyone supposedly gets amused by how the message was corrupted.
Yippie gee whiz! Isn't this fun! Now imagine this game in a room
where everyone speaks a different language. This, in effect, is what
the system I demonstrated at NEAF is doing, and so far, it has worked
remarkably well for us, even on a machine running Vista.

Although we had all four ports of the USB to 4-port Serial adapter going
at once, we did not have the remaining three USB ports of the USB server
simultaneously in use at NEAF. We were also using very smartly written
software - PulseGuide and TheSky - both of which handle their serial
communications in an intelligent way that doesn't overload the COM
ports. Finally, I have not tested other serial based software like
focusers, rotators or dew heater controllers, nor have I had additional
USB ports occupied with cameras or other devices while simultaneously
giving the serial ports a workout. I am very confident that the USB
server will work extremely well to communicate with USB devices. That
was its intended purpose, and I'm sure it will handle four USB devices
at once with flying colors. It was not, however, designed to be a
bridge from Ethernet to Serial, even though we are having some success
using it in that manner by combining the USB server with the USB to
serial adapters. The real test will be for people like you to get
these products out in the field and get them working under real
observatory situations with a variety of equipment.

Just a couple more points:

1. I am most certainly NOT trying to dissuade anyone from trying the
USB Server as a remote solution. If we did not feel that it could be
used successfully, we would not be offering it. I did, however, want
to be honest about potential limitations and about the "unknowns" that
still exist. Between my busy schedule and the never ending rain here
in the Midwest, I also don't know how or when I'll get more testing
done, especially real life testing under the stars.

2. We will also be offering two more products from Keyspan when I get
them evaluated a bit further: Another USB server that is USB2.0 for
higher speed applications like cameras, but has two ports instead of
four, and then the Mini-port Replicator that was mentioned by Dale Ghent
in an earlier set of posts (21986)

3. Contrary to several earlier posts, the Keyspan units DO NOT use the
Prolific chip sets that tend to be so problem prone. They use chipsets
from Texas Instruments that have the added advantage of containing
re-programmable ROM. This allows the Keyspan USB to Serial adapters to
be fully updated instead of only updated with band-aids to the drivers
on board the computer. Permit me to repeat: Keyspan USB to Serial
Adapters DO NOT use Prolific chip sets!

4. In addition to the Keyspan units, we have started selling straight
through serial cables to eliminate the hassle of trying to find them in
the stores. They are 15 feet in length, and really truly are
straight-through!

Mag. 7 skies!

Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com] On Behalf
Of Morgan Spangle
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:29 PM
To: ap-gto@yahoogroups. <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> com
Subject: [ap-gto] Keyspan USB Server

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In ap-gto@..., "Morgan Spangle" <msfainc@...> wrote:

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/software/Serial_USB/serialusb.htm

Howard, if you're monitoring this group - when I saw you at NEAF you
were experimenting with the Keyspan USB server (I think it was their
product US-4A). Have you got any progress to report? Seemed very
promising for remotely running the mount, camera, etc..
thanks,
Morgan Spangle
1200 GTO

Any good machine shop could also do the work for you. They might be a
bit more accurate in their hole locations if you aren't comfortable with
such "surgeries." You might also want to have the ADATRI in hand as
well as the specs from the web page when you take the plate in to be
drilled and tapped, just to be sure they understand what is required.
Not all machinists are as skilled as the guys we have here! ;-)



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of jimhp29401us
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:53 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: ATS pier adapter for Mach 1



Simply drill and tap. Hmmm... Guess I can buy the stuff to do that at
Lowes or the local hardware shop...

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Jim,



If you have either a flat plate on top of your ATS pier, or the 900
Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA), simply drill and tap three 5/16-18

holes

for the Tripod Adapter (ADATRI) and install it on top of the flat
surface.

http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/mounting_acc/piers.htm

#adatri



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com> ] On
Behalf

Of jimhp29401us
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:12 AM
To: ap-gto@... <mailto:ap-gto%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ap-gto] ATS pier adapter for Mach 1



Hello,
I have an ATS pier that was made for an AP 900 GOTO mount. I have
sold the AP 900 ad now have a Mach 1. Is there an adapter that will
allow me to attach the Mach 1 to the ATS pier?

Jim

I'm not so fond of Teflon tape when used on something that
is frequently screwed on and off.

Hi Jim,



If you have either a flat plate on top of your ATS pier, or the 900
Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA), simply drill and tap three 5/16-18 holes
for the Tripod Adapter (ADATRI) and install it on top of the flat
surface.

http://www.astro-physics.com/products/accessories/mounting_acc/piers.htm
#adatri



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On Behalf
Of jimhp29401us
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:12 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] ATS pier adapter for Mach 1



Hello,
I have an ATS pier that was made for an AP 900 GOTO mount. I have
sold the AP 900 ad now have a Mach 1. Is there an adapter that will
allow me to attach the Mach 1 to the ATS pier?

Jim

Simply drill and tap. Hmmm... Guess I can buy the stuff to do that at
Lowes or the local hardware shop...

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Jim,



If you have either a flat plate on top of your ATS pier, or the 900
Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA), simply drill and tap three 5/16-18

holes

for the Tripod Adapter (ADATRI) and install it on top of the flat
surface.

http://www.astro-

physics.com/products/accessories/mounting_acc/piers.htm

#adatri



Mag. 7 skies!



Howard Hedlund

Astro-Physics, Inc.

815-282-1513

________________________________

From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] On

Behalf

Of jimhp29401us
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:12 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: [ap-gto] ATS pier adapter for Mach 1



Hello,
I have an ATS pier that was made for an AP 900 GOTO mount. I have
sold the AP 900 ad now have a Mach 1. Is there an adapter that will
allow me to attach the Mach 1 to the ATS pier?

Jim





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Or Teflon Tape...joe :)


"May You Go Among The Imperishable Stars"
Joe Mize www.cav-sfo.com
Chiefland Astronomy Village, Fla.

Rick, I agree. Keep this stuff away from your optics. The liquid carrier evaporates away over time...joe :)


"May You Go Among The Imperishable Stars"
Joe Mize www.cav-sfo.com
Chiefland Astronomy Village, Fla.

Hi Gerald,
I would caution against using this anywhere near the optical path. It
doesn't sound like something you want on optical surfaces.
Thanks, Rick

Hello,
I have an ATS pier that was made for an AP 900 GOTO mount. I have
sold the AP 900 ad now have a Mach 1. Is there an adapter that will
allow me to attach the Mach 1 to the ATS pier?

Jim

NAPA has it, called Anti-Cease. Gerald is correct it is messy. "A little dab will do ya", for those of us old enough to remember the jingle....joe :)


"May You Go Among The Imperishable Stars"
Joe Mize www.cav-sfo.com
Chiefland Astronomy Village, Fla.

Hi, I finally was able to checkout my AP1200 GTO (Aug.2006 version).
The backlash on the keypad was ste @ 0. Removing the cover plate of the
Dec gears,I removed the (2) spear gears. The gear that has the brass
insert the set-screw is not loose. I assembled the gears back into
their home and without replacing the cover I controlled the mount in
different slew speeds. The "1" setting causes the uppermost spur gear
to function erratic. No other speeds create any issues! I have gotten a
few responses in the last post. I am puzzled! Must be something wrong
under under the gear box that is causing this. Has anybody gone further
with the disassembly of their mount? How is the gear with the brass
insert attached to the Dec axis under the gear box. Last resort before
sending in the mount for repairs. - Mike