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Re: Can DSCs be attached to new 900 mounts?
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
I will be adding the ability to join this group and the other a/p group from
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my web site and also from a/p web site. This should stir some talks here. I have quite a list now of DSV owerns and growing as well. Special note: DigitalSky Voice Version 3.00 was presented at StarFest-99 just outside of Toronto Canada last week. YES all registered users of DigtialSky Voice 2.x will receive FREE digtialsky voice 3.00 from the transporter room in the web site. Many new features, watch the web site in the coming weeks for full details. - Enjoy--- Charles Sinsofsky
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Gustafson <drgus@erols.com> To: <ap-gto@egroups.com> Sent: Thursday, July 22, 1999 8:24 AM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Can DSCs be attached to new 900 mounts? IIRC, you can use DSC's like the NGC-Max with the 900 GTO, but you have toto the DSC's.
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precision of ap900 gto
visonneau-vincent <visonneau-vin@...>
Hello from france (sorry fro my poor english)
I just receive my new mount 5 days ago (ap900 gto).I make some try this week and i have some problems with precision pointing.What kind of precision can we expect with that sort of mount. I have a celestron 8" and the scope and the mount are connect with a system who seems not very good for "orthogonalite".Perhaps the bad precision coming here. Bye Vincent France
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Re: precision of ap900 gto
Derek Wong <dawong@...>
Hi Vincent:
I just receive my new mount 5 days ago (ap900 gto).I make some try this weekI don't have exact numbers, but if everything is right the precision can be outstanding, within a few arcminutes or better. I have a celestron 8" and the scope and the mount are connect with a systemThere are several issues: 1. Polar alignment may be off - you can check this with the polar alignment scope or star drift tests. 2. The scope may not be orthogonal to the mount - in the manual there is a method to check for this on p. 21-22. SCT's have mirror shift, which may lead to more problems. Also, recollimating the scope will change the relationship between the tube axis and the optical axis, again affecting orthogonality. Assuming your polar alignment is accurate, you may need to collimate the scope, focus it on a star, then shim the rings if necessary and then test the pointing. Sorry, I'm on vacation and will not be able to respond until 8/1. Derek Wong dawong@earthlink.net
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From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
N. Foldager
I just receive my new mount 5 days ago (ap900 gto).I make some try this weekDear Vincent, From where did you purchase your mount? I am at the beginning of the runway to order a mount, but I am in doubt whether I should order it from AP in US or from Baader Planetarium in Germany. I don't know if there is added EU toll when the goods goes from US to Germany, so that the German price is higher, and what (low if any) toll I need to pay from Germany to Denmark. (Baader cannot tell me a German price right now because the mounts are out of stock). How much toll and tax did you need to pay? From US to Denmark I have to pay 31% toll and tax. Maybe it is better to go to US and pick it up myself? What is your or other European's experience? Thank you in advance, Best regards Niels Foldager Copenhagen Denmark
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
visonneau-vincent <visonneau-vin@...>
Hello
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I bought my new mount ap900 gto in a french seller (Optique et vision,Antibes-Juan les pins in south of france ovision@aol.com). There is an official seller in france (http://www.medas.fr) and i think that astrophysics didn't want to sell mounts or scope from them to us without using official seller. In france,the price is higher than in USA :-(( but i was afraid to purchase directly in USA (in fact,i don't know if it is possible from france because official company Medas like Baader in german) Other precision,i wait my new AP 900gto more than 9 months between ordering and receiving the mount (very very long delay). Bye Vincent
---- Message d'origine -----
De : N. Foldager <nf@dadlnet.dk> : <ap-gto@egroups.com> Envoy : dimanche 25 juillet 1999 14:19 Objet : [ap-gto] From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto weekI just receive my new mount 5 days ago (ap900 gto).I make some try this canand i have some problems with precision pointing.What kind of precision systemwe expect with that sort of mount. comingwho seems not very good for "orthogonalite".Perhaps the bad precision here.Dear Vincent,
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
THe precision of the A/P 900 mount is close to 1 arc-minute if setup
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correctly. Perhaps even greater. I have done entire nights CCD imaging on my camera and I can tell you 'because I wrote the software for them mount, and the camera, and the control code' that the objects are being placed exactly in the same spot of the chip over and over again accross the entire nights sky. I am sure Roland can confirm this also ie: get exact numbers but my 1200 and my 900 both can perform this 'miracle' over and over again with little setup time. I should point out that the setup would include a god polar alignment using the hand controller and three or four stars from different points in the sky, a good deal of ra and dec values away from polaris. I hope this answers the questions... - Charles Sinsofsky p.s. all Dsky Voice users see upgrade at the web site...thnx www.digitalskyvoice.com
----- Original Message -----
From: visonneau-vincent <visonneau-vin@infonie.fr> To: <ap-gto@egroups.com> Sent: Sunday, July 25, 1999 12:31 PM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto Hellothat astrophysics didn't want to sell mounts or scope from them to us withoutpurchase directly in USA (in fact,i don't know if it is possible from francebecause official company Medas like Baader in german)ordering and receiving the mount (very very long delay).this weekprecisionand i have some problems with precision pointing.What kind of cansystemwe expect with that sort of mount.
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
RCK <rkuberek@...>
Charles Sinsofsky wrote:
Charles, Do you repeat the N-Polar alignment procedure separately for different stars? Bob Kuberek
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I should of change the title! sorry
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
I should of changed the title, I wanted to just get a convo going here and
used reply to get the right email address. but I forgot to change the title...will watch it from now on. = charles
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
Yes, I use the polar alignment with the lastest hand controller code, you
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must be at least 2.4 or later to use this method. What you do is initally point the telescope roughly at the pole star. Then choose a given star say 'deneb to start' and then manual move the scope to deneb. then once on deneb you use the telescope hand controller to select the star deneb in polar alignment mode and then auto slew it ot polaris after you select the star deneb. the scope will slew to polaris, at this time you let go of the hand controller and use the alt/az only to center polaris as well as you can. then you ask for re-calibrate and you choose a star menu comes up, this time choose deneb again the scope will now auto slew to deneb by itself, when you reach deneb, using the 'hand controller key n,e,w,s buttons center deneb in a medium power eyepiece, then press goto, the telescope will auto calibrate the new position of deneb and then autoslew back to polaris, then polaris will now be off center once again you use the alt az on your physical mount and then press re-calibrate and then ask for deneb again, I usually repeat the same star 5 times, then I choose another star a great deal of distance away from deneb and go through that one 5 times and then I choose another star and do it 5 times and then I go back and do each star i used one time to ensure everything is pefect ie: the scope auto slews to each star and back to polaris always dead center and then I exit the polar alignment routine. with this method i can expose 30 minutes unguided with my camera, and i have done several all night ling 10 mins exposures with the ccd camera, go to my web site www.digitalskyvoice.com and look at the gallery photos all unguided shots. I hope this clears it up...the polar alignment routine and the mount will produce highly accurate polar alignment if you take the time to do the procedure I outlined here. - charles sinsofsky
----- Original Message -----
From: RCK <rkuberek@ix.netcom.com> To: <ap-gto@egroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 1999 10:02 PM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto Charles Sinsofsky wrote:using stars?the hand controller and three or four stars from different points in theCharles,
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Polar Alignment with V2.4
sjruss55@...
Hello Charles,
I have V2.3 on my 600gto which I picked up 1/19/99. What was updated in V2.4 to allow your method of polar alignment that V2.3 does not have?
The newest version of the servo box chip which will allow us to download the latest keypad updates, when will this chip be ready? If it's going to be a while, then I was thinking about getting V2.4 with the 5/13/99 chip installed since I have version 5 of the Sky.
Thanks, Stephen Russell
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Re: Polar Alignment with V2.4
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
Ok, I have to check my files, but if you request the inital alignment star
under 2.3 and then have it autoslew to polaris, and then request back the
orignal star will the mount auto slew back to that star or do you have to manual
push the scope back to that star to re-run the autoslew to polaris....i can not
remember if I add this featrure in 2.4 or 2.3 ...i have to check my notes.
- charles
p.s. the internet based upgrade chip for the inside of your mout is not yet
ready soon.
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
Ray Gralak <ray@...>
Hi Charles,
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I think Vincent's concern is that his optical axis may not be orthogonal to his mount. In that case, even the most accurate mount and polar alignment will result in pointing errors if not compensated for in software. This is not much of a problem with high quality refractors since their optical axis is usually very close to the mechanical axis. However, other types of scopes may have a poorly aligned optical axis inherent to the OTA, or from the interface to the mount (i.e. mounting plate holes not drilled exactly straight on the OTA's mechanical axis). So, I think someone asked about this but I'm not sure I heard you answer, but does the AP Goto firmware internally measure optical axis non-orthoginality (from a number of stars) and adjust for it? If not, is there a plan to do allow this in a future rev of the firmware? For what it is worth, I know that Software Bisque's version of TPoint program will measure and correct this and many other types of errors. I use it and it works fantastically. I know it works with The Sky, but I don't think it works with Digital Sky Voice (yet??). -Ray Gralak
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
howard lazarus <lazhow@...>
Hi Charles;
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Howard Lazarus here. On my keypad which I got back in Oct 1998 I maually have to move the scope back to the selected star and then press goto to go back to Polaris. Now unless I read you incorrectly you are pressing the recal button and it goes to the original selected star by automatic slewing???. Under my system keypad I go back to the selected star manually. 1. When does it pay to send in the keypad for the most important updates. 2. Do you have any idea how long it would take to get the keypad back. 3.Do you have any info on the computer chip for the main computer box..when coming and what we can expect it's usage to us give us. Lastly, you know that I have had many e mail contacts with you and I applaud your efforts as well as you willingness to aid us poor amateurs....but...I have no problems with the goto precision and then only with three at most attempts. Simply by using a southern star and being a wise guy and having the scope on a polar aligned PIER...the alignment process I have which is obviously the not the newest works just fine and even better with your program. Wishing much success Howard Charles Sinsofsky wrote:
Yes, I use the polar alignment with the lastest hand controller code, you
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
Hello All,
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This most likly applies to all goto people, so the latest hand controller code is 2.5, but i am finnishing 2.6 which will be a very bug upgrade new features etc. ok first, how long to upgrade a hand controller, i suggest everyone wait just little longer the new chip code is finnished and i am now in trhe prcoess of setting up the internet based upgrading of the hand contorller the chips will most likly be available from a/p in late september and soon after the web based update system will be in place and it will be very easy to use, I will design it that way. So I hope this answers some questions concerning the hand controller. Special Note: A major upgrade to dsky voice 2.02.09 will be placed on the net next week 'early' and it contains a major upgrade as well as changes to the tour export and import facilites all will be on the net...www.digitalskyvoice.com .... latest news on 3,0 ---> well 2.02.09 will be out first...3.0 (FREE upgrade, will be in september most likly...stay tuneded. -= charles sinsofsky
----- Original Message -----
From: howard lazarus <lazhow@prodigy.net> To: <ap-gto@egroups.com>; <strfire@ibm.net> Sent: Saturday, July 31, 1999 9:56 AM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto Hi Charles;have to move the scope back to the selected star and then press goto to go back tobutton and it goes to the original selected star by automatic slewing???. Under mysystem keypad I go back to the selected star manually.box..when coming and what we can expect it's usage to us give us.applaud your efforts as well as you willingness to aid us poor amateurs....but...Ihave no problems with the goto precision and then only with three at mostattempts. Simply by using a southern star and being a wise guy and having the scopeon a polar aligned PIER...the alignment process I have which is obviously thenot the newest works just fine and even better with your program.you Thenmust be at least 2.4 or later to use this method. tochoose a given star say 'deneb to start' and then manual move the scope selectdeneb. then once on deneb you use the telescope hand controller to athe star deneb in polar alignment mode and then auto slew it ot polaris controllerstar menu comes up, this time choose deneb again the scope will now auto thenkey n,e,w,s buttons center deneb in a medium power eyepiece, then press youautoslew back to polaris, then polaris will now be off center once again thenuse the alt az on your physical mount and then press re-calibrate and chooseask for deneb again, I usually repeat the same star 5 times, then I thatanother star a great deal of distance away from deneb and go through goone 5 times and then I choose another star and do it 5 times and then I theback and do each star i used one time to ensure everything is pefect ie: goscope auto slews to each star and back to polaris always dead center and allto my web site www.digitalskyvoice.com and look at the gallery photos willunguided shots. alignmentproduce highly accurate polar alignment if you take the time to do the theusingthe hand controller and three or four stars from different points in ------------------------------------------------------------------------stars?sky, a good deal of ra and dec values away from polaris.Charles,
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
That message should be read 'big upgrade...lets hope its not a bug upgrade!!
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hahahah - charles
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@ibm.net> To: <ap-gto@egroups.com> Sent: Saturday, July 31, 1999 6:48 PM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto Hello All,controller code is 2.5, but i am finnishing 2.6 which will be a very bug upgrade neweasy to use, I will design it that way.to the tour export and import facilites all will be on theto updates.Polaris. Now unless I read you incorrectly you are pressing the recalbutton andit goes to the original selected star by automatic slewing???. Under mysystemkeypad I go back to the selected star manually. amateurs....but...Ibox..when havescopeno problems with the goto precision and then only with three at mostattempts.Simply by using a southern star and being a wise guy and having the on ascopepolar aligned PIER...the alignment process I have which is obviously thenot thenewest works just fine and even better with your program.you topolarisselectdeneb. then once on deneb you use the telescope hand controller tothe star deneb in polar alignment mode and then auto slew it ot thisafter you select the star deneb. the scope will slew to polaris, at centertime you let go of the hand controller and use the alt/az only to choosepolaris as well as you can. then you ask for re-calibrate and you aautostar menu comes up, this time choose deneb again the scope will now presscontrollerslew to deneb by itself, when you reach deneb, using the 'handkey n,e,w,s buttons center deneb in a medium power eyepiece, then againthengoto, the telescope will auto calibrate the new position of deneb andautoslew back to polaris, then polaris will now be off center once youIthenuse the alt az on your physical mount and then press re-calibrate andchooseask for deneb again, I usually repeat the same star 5 times, then Ithatanother star a great deal of distance away from deneb and go throughone 5 times and then I choose another star and do it 5 times and then goie:back and do each star i used one time to ensure everything is pefect theandscope auto slews to each star and back to polaris always dead center ithen I exit the polar alignment routine. camera,have done several all night ling 10 mins exposures with the ccd goinallto my web site www.digitalskyvoice.com and look at the gallery photoswillunguided shots. thedifferentsky, a good deal of ra and dec values away from polaris.Charles, ------------------------------------------------------------------------stars?------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Re: From where? Was: precision of ap900 gto
RCK <rkuberek@...>
Charles Sinsofsky wrote:
That message should be read 'big upgrade...lets hope its not a bug upgrade!!Freudian slip? :) Bob Kuberek
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July 31, 1999 Jupiter and Saturn
Todd Gross <toddg@...>
Seeing quite good in smaller aperture. Used the C9.25" for these photos.
Jupiter is at 5:01am edt (9:01GMT) , sys 2 longitude 314 thanks! -Todd Boston Meteorologist Todd Gross toddg@weatherman.com http://www.weatherman.com (617)725-0777
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July 31, 1999 Jupiter and Saturn
Todd Gross <toddg@...>
Seeing quite good in smaller aperture. Used the C9.25" for these photos.
Jupiter is at 5:01am edt (9:01GMT) , sys 2 longitude 314 Ooops.. forgot to send the files the first time.. here we go... thanks! -Todd Boston Meteorologist Todd Gross toddg@weatherman.com http://www.weatherman.com (617)725-0777
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Re: July 31, 1999 Jupiter and Saturn
Bobby Middleton <bobm@...>
Todd you say photos........what were the exposures, f/#, and what film?
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If they are photos, you are getting ccd quality work with that film. Great shots! BTW, I have my first decent photos with my AP1200 and homebuilt f4.25 8" newt. It can be seen at: http://www.koyote.com/users/bobm/newtm20m8pjmpw.jpg It's a composite of two 40 min shots on unhypered Kodak PJM using a Lumicon coma corrector and Newtonian ez guider. Bobby Middleton
-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Gross Seeing quite good in smaller aperture. Used the C9.25" for these photos.
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Re: July 31, 1999 Jupiter and Saturn
Mark Turner <markt@...>
On Mon, 02 Aug 1999 07:08:34 -0400, Todd Gross <toddg@shore.net> wrote:
>Ooops.. forgot to send the files the first time.. here we go... > > PLEASE don't send images to the entire list. May I suggest that you put them on your web site and then post a referral here? I believe that suggestion is also in the elist welcoming message, too. Thanks. ________________________________________________________ Mark Turner ©¿© Things are Looking Up ! Toronto, Canada ________________________________________________________
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