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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
George
Ron,
All the information that you seek is in the Greasing Instructions that come with the Grease Kit.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-282-1513 Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Ron Kramer
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 3:33 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
yeah that's a given - thanks for the heads up. Anything else due to the springs? see previous questions.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 4:06 PM Fernando Proietti <fernandoaproietti@...> wrote:
-- Ron Kramer
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Re: M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
Roland Christen
That is a very nice one!
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Kramer <ronkramer1957@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Jun 10, 2020 3:35 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus Wish I could see that one from Michigan. My nearest cousin.
LIGHTS only, OSC, stacked in APP then levels and color done in pshop. https://www.flickr.com/photos/158199519@N08/49807321776/ MACH1 - RASA 11, ASI094, IDAS D2
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Roland Christen
As far as springs, nothing to worry about on your gearbox. Just use the lever to back off the worm, then remove the 3 screws that hold the gearbox to the mount axis. That's it in a nutshell.
Of course once you back off the worm, the RA axis is free to move and can swing wildly if it is unbalanced. Make sure you are in park3 position. I usually pull one of the counterweights down to the farthest position so that more than compensates for the scope weight. That way the RA axis will naturally stay put in Park3 even when the worm is backed off or the gearbox is fully removed.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Kramer <ronkramer1957@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Jun 10, 2020 3:33 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount yeah that's a given - thanks for the heads up. Anything else due to the springs? see previous questions.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 4:06 PM Fernando Proietti <fernandoaproietti@...> wrote:
Ron Kramer
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Re: M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
Wish I could see that one from Michigan. My nearest cousin. LIGHTS only, OSC, stacked in APP then levels and color done in pshop. https://www.flickr.com/photos/158199519@N08/49807321776/ MACH1 - RASA 11, ASI094, IDAS D2
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 4:21 PM REDIGER-LIZLOV Didier <rediger@...> wrote:
--
Ron Kramer
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Re: M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
Roland Christen
Thank you all.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: REDIGER-LIZLOV Didier <rediger@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Wed, Jun 10, 2020 3:21 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
very nice one !
Didier REDIGER-LIZLOV
De : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> de la part de uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011@...>
Envoyé : mercredi 10 juin 2020 04:46 À : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>; main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io> Objet : [ap-gto] M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus I recently uploaded this image which I took during a period of clear skies (but bad seeing) on the island of Hawaii this past March. I was testing out new pointing/tracking software with the keypad and used my 1600 encoder mount with the
175 EDF refractor and my trusty QSI683 camera. I have a few more images of other galaxies which I plan to post.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/2qta6a/0/?nc=Uncarollo&real=&mod=
This spiral was really nice visually in the 175 refractor, and also in Chris Erickson's 130GT refractor which he generously loaned to me. We had a star party several days later to which we invited a number of locals and one professional
astronomer (from Keck observatory) who was kept busy by the guests explaining stuff they saw in the eyepieces. That day we also had a wonderful house blessing, Hawaiian style, which included the observatory, where the Kapuna sprinkled the observatory, scope
and mount (oops).
Hawaii Island can have incredibly good seeing and exceptionally clear dark skies, but depending on the trade winds can also have very poor seeing at times. When we came at the end of February, we learned that the major observatories on Mauna
Kea had just had a horrible winter with most times no clear skies available. It was their worst winter season in memory. Fortunately by early March we a had a clear spell, but of course the Moon came to spoil it for deep sky imaging. Nevertheless, it is really
cool to be able to swim and snorkel during the day and see Orion cresting overhead, in short sleeve weather at night.
Rolando
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
yeah that's a given - thanks for the heads up. Anything else due to the springs? see previous questions.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 4:06 PM Fernando Proietti <fernandoaproietti@...> wrote:
--
Ron Kramer
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Re: Mach1 problem please assist
Ron,
Now that our production staff has returned, the turnaround time for repairs is pretty quick. There is no standard cost for a “ tune up” since it depends on what is involved and if parts have to be replaced.
Try regreasing first and contact us again if you can’t resolve the issue.
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 Ron Kramer
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 1:33 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach1 problem please assist
I'm about to try to re-grease - I'll see if I can see something during inspection. Is swapping the worm something easy I can do at home? I ordered the grease, I'll see how that goes.
On Tue, Jun 9, 2020 at 7:51 PM uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
-- Ron Kramer
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Re: M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
REDIGER-LIZLOV Didier
very nice one !
Didier REDIGER-LIZLOV
De : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> de la part de uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011@...>
Envoyé : mercredi 10 juin 2020 04:46 À : main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>; main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io> Objet : [ap-gto] M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus I recently uploaded this image which I took during a period of clear skies (but bad seeing) on the island of Hawaii this past March. I was testing out new pointing/tracking software with the keypad and used my 1600 encoder mount with the
175 EDF refractor and my trusty QSI683 camera. I have a few more images of other galaxies which I plan to post.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/2qta6a/0/?nc=Uncarollo&real=&mod=
This spiral was really nice visually in the 175 refractor, and also in Chris Erickson's 130GT refractor which he generously loaned to me. We had a star party several days later to which we invited a number of locals and one professional
astronomer (from Keck observatory) who was kept busy by the guests explaining stuff they saw in the eyepieces. That day we also had a wonderful house blessing, Hawaiian style, which included the observatory, where the Kapuna sprinkled the observatory, scope
and mount (oops).
Hawaii Island can have incredibly good seeing and exceptionally clear dark skies, but depending on the trade winds can also have very poor seeing at times. When we came at the end of February, we learned that the major observatories on Mauna
Kea had just had a horrible winter with most times no clear skies available. It was their worst winter season in memory. Fortunately by early March we a had a clear spell, but of course the Moon came to spoil it for deep sky imaging. Nevertheless, it is really
cool to be able to swim and snorkel during the day and see Orion cresting overhead, in short sleeve weather at night.
Rolando
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Fernando Proietti
Just in case: I do not know if it is "common, well known knowledge". I just learnt recently from George:
""Fernando,
If the motor box is removed for greasing the wheel, or if the worm is turned manually, then yes, it would need a new PE curve or disable PEM.
Regards,
George""
Em qua., 10 de jun. de 2020 às 16:56, Fernando Proietti via groups.io <fernandoaproietti=gmail.com@groups.io> escreveu:
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Fernando Proietti
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
PS searching the site for re-greasing shows no grease and LOTS OF NON GREASE RELATED HARDWARE?
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 2:57 PM Ron Kramer <ronkramer1957@...> wrote:
--
Ron Kramer
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Just give them a call Ron, that is what I did when I needed the grease kit. You can even talk to one of their experts to get you started on the right track.
-- Dean Jacobsen http://astrophoto.net/wp/ Image Gallery - http://astrophoto.net/wp/image-gallery/ Astrobin - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Looking on the AP website - I can't find the grease kit. = ( SEARCH for not reveal it when searching Grease. IT's a HUGE tube on amazon for 22. I suspect we'd use 1/10 of that in a life time? I accidentally ordered MS version in a small kit on Amazon which now will be worthless... as I read the "S" version is not recommended.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 2:42 PM Ron Kramer <ronkramer1957@...> wrote:
--
Ron Kramer
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
AGREE - I have the spring loaded mesh units and wonder if there are tricks or troubles to watch out for? (To now loose spring tension or mess it up).
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 3:30 AM DiscoDuck <montagoo@...> wrote: Hi Rolando, --
Ron Kramer
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Re: Mach1 problem please assist
Cheng-Yang Tan
Hi Ron, If you plan to re-grease, do you mind taking photos of the process. It'll help owners of the Mach1GTO out. I chickened out after reading the regreaing instructions -- I think I need the comic book version :) cytan
On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, 01:33:17 PM CDT, Ron Kramer <ronkramer1957@...> wrote:
I'm about to try to re-grease - I'll see if I can see something during inspection. Is swapping the worm something easy I can do at home? I don't want to do anything complicated. I don't believe I've nicked a gear - I only use park3. But it has come against the pier during a few 3-4 occasions? Would that do anything? How much does it cost to send it in for a tune up? HOW LONG would I be without it? I'm near in Grand Rapids, MI. I'll look for a clump of anything in the worm teeth. If I send it in I don 't want it waiting for weeks/days. What is time frame? I ordered the grease, I'll see how that goes. On Tue, Jun 9, 2020 at 7:51 PM uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Ron Kramer
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Re: Mach1 problem please assist
I'm about to try to re-grease - I'll see if I can see something during inspection. Is swapping the worm something easy I can do at home? I don't want to do anything complicated. I don't believe I've nicked a gear - I only use park3. But it has come against the pier during a few 3-4 occasions? Would that do anything? How much does it cost to send it in for a tune up? HOW LONG would I be without it? I'm near in Grand Rapids, MI. I'll look for a clump of anything in the worm teeth. If I send it in I don 't want it waiting for weeks/days. What is time frame? I ordered the grease, I'll see how that goes.
On Tue, Jun 9, 2020 at 7:51 PM uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
--
Ron Kramer
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Re: Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
DiscoDuck
Hi Rolando,
Thanks for that. I'd love to see a quick video of a Mach1 gearbox being removed from the mount if possible. (I have latest version - one of the last Mach1 batch). Regards, Paul
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Re: M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
Roland Christen
Link to data:
https://www.astrobin.com/2qta6a/
-----Original Message-----
From: uncarollo2 <chris1011@...> via groups.io <chris1011@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>; main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io> Sent: Tue, Jun 9, 2020 9:46 pm Subject: [ap-gto] M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus I recently uploaded this image which I took during a period of clear skies (but bad seeing) on the island of Hawaii this past March. I was testing out new pointing/tracking software with the keypad and used my 1600 encoder mount with the 175 EDF refractor and my trusty QSI683 camera. I have a few more images of other galaxies which I plan to post.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/2qta6a/0/?nc=Uncarollo&real=&mod=
This spiral was really nice visually in the 175 refractor, and also in Chris Erickson's 130GT refractor which he generously loaned to me. We had a star party several days later to which we invited a number of locals and one professional astronomer (from Keck observatory) who was kept busy by the guests explaining stuff they saw in the eyepieces. That day we also had a wonderful house blessing, Hawaiian style, which included the observatory, where the Kapuna sprinkled the observatory, scope and mount (oops).
Hawaii Island can have incredibly good seeing and exceptionally clear dark skies, but depending on the trade winds can also have very poor seeing at times. When we came at the end of February, we learned that the major observatories on Mauna Kea had just had a horrible winter with most times no clear skies available. It was their worst winter season in memory. Fortunately by early March we a had a clear spell, but of course the Moon came to spoil it for deep sky imaging. Nevertheless, it is really cool to be able to swim and snorkel during the day and see Orion cresting overhead, in short sleeve weather at night.
Rolando
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M83 - Southern Pinwheel in Centaurus
Roland Christen
I recently uploaded this image which I took during a period of clear skies (but bad seeing) on the island of Hawaii this past March. I was testing out new pointing/tracking software with the keypad and used my 1600 encoder mount with the 175 EDF refractor and my trusty QSI683 camera. I have a few more images of other galaxies which I plan to post.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/2qta6a/0/?nc=Uncarollo&real=&mod=
This spiral was really nice visually in the 175 refractor, and also in Chris Erickson's 130GT refractor which he generously loaned to me. We had a star party several days later to which we invited a number of locals and one professional astronomer (from Keck observatory) who was kept busy by the guests explaining stuff they saw in the eyepieces. That day we also had a wonderful house blessing, Hawaiian style, which included the observatory, where the Kapuna sprinkled the observatory, scope and mount (oops).
Hawaii Island can have incredibly good seeing and exceptionally clear dark skies, but depending on the trade winds can also have very poor seeing at times. When we came at the end of February, we learned that the major observatories on Mauna Kea had just had a horrible winter with most times no clear skies available. It was their worst winter season in memory. Fortunately by early March we a had a clear spell, but of course the Moon came to spoil it for deep sky imaging. Nevertheless, it is really cool to be able to swim and snorkel during the day and see Orion cresting overhead, in short sleeve weather at night.
Rolando
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Regreasing an Astro-Physics mount
Roland Christen
An AP user posted this video on Cloudy Nights today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7s2kTzFNF4
The video is well done and informative.
I have one concern. He mentions using Aeroshell 33 MS grease. Please do not use the MS version because the S stands for sulfur, which corrodes brass and bronze materials. All of our mount use brass and bronze in the geartrain (pinion gears, worm gears etc). Sulfur will eat away at these metals and cause premature wear.
If you will be using Aeroshell grease, use the Aeroshell33 version (non sulfur), which has a green color. It is a very good grease to use by itself. You can also use Dow chemical Molykote33 which has similar properties (no sulfur). Both of these will go down to -100F (-73C) ad will hold up well above 150F. I can also recommend our own grease kit which uses these materials and has some damping components from Nye to make the grease stick better.
Rolando
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