Date
1 - 20 of 27
Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights
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W Hilmo
There are a couple of Mach2 threads on Cloudy Nights.
Last night, someone posted a couple of sample images here: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/694300-mach2-waiting-list/?p=10752413 I would be interested in understanding what's happening with the image that shows the mount transcribing little loops while tracking. The author of the post says that changing the counterweight configuration to use higher weight, but farther down the shaft, corrected the problem. The author suggests that it's taking the encoders some time to correct tracking errors, but my experience with my AP1600AE suggests that the encoders are so fast, that it would be very hard to catch the corrections in an image like that. Any ideas? |
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Roland Christen
Well, posting to CN won't fix things. If the poster contacts us, we can patch into his controller, see what version of software he has and the settings, and actually watch it do the tracking. I don't understand why people post problems on CN without first contacting the manufacturer.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 8:32 am Subject: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights There are a couple of Mach2 threads on Cloudy Nights.
Last night, someone posted a couple of sample images here: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/694300-mach2-waiting-list/?p=10752413 I would be interested in understanding what's happening with the image that shows the mount transcribing little loops while tracking. The author of the post says that changing the counterweight configuration to use higher weight, but farther down the shaft, corrected the problem. The author suggests that it's taking the encoders some time to correct tracking errors, but my experience with my AP1600AE suggests that the encoders are so fast, that it would be very hard to catch the corrections in an image like that. Any ideas? -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Jeff B
"
Well, posting to CN won't fix things." OMG, really!! My world is shaken to the core. 😵😱 "
I don't understand why people post problems on CN without first contacting the manufacturer. " Amen A Merry Christmas to the entire AP family and thanks for hanging in there and putting up with us customers. 😁 Jeff (a 35+ year customer)
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Bill Long
I promised Karen I would be nice...
I think some of those folks there just dont get that there is a better place to ask questions about A-P gear. I tell folks all the time that I chat with Roland and Co in email and I think they dont believe me. LOL!
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2020 8:20 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights Well, posting to CN won't fix things. If the poster contacts us, we can patch into his controller, see what version of software he has and the settings, and actually watch it do the tracking. I don't understand why people post problems on
CN without first contacting the manufacturer.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 8:32 am Subject: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights There are a couple of Mach2 threads on Cloudy Nights.
Last night, someone posted a couple of sample images here: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/694300-mach2-waiting-list/?p=10752413 I would be interested in understanding what's happening with the image that shows the mount transcribing little loops while tracking. The author of the post says that changing the counterweight configuration to use higher weight, but farther down the shaft, corrected the problem. The author suggests that it's taking the encoders some time to correct tracking errors, but my experience with my AP1600AE suggests that the encoders are so fast, that it would be very hard to catch the corrections in an image like that. Any ideas? -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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W Hilmo
I understand that. In this case, though, the user is not asking for help. He’s reached his own conclusion (which is contrary to your guidance for counterweight placement) and posted it. I don’t happen to agree with his post, and was curious to know if there was a more likely explanation that I could pass on. I also understand that it might require more information than what’s in the thread over there. Thanks, -Wade On Dec 24, 2020, at 8:20 AM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:
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Roland Christen
The most likely explanation is multi-fold. First probably he was out of balance in either or both axes. Second, he may not have the latest software. Some of the previous versions had subtle errors in the loop response that do not normally show up. Third, we can also check that the loop gain settings are correct according to my latest tests for various boundary load conditions.
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone. Just to make sure that these kinds of loads work in a stable and accurate manner (and because I like to do crazy stuff)
 Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 12:03 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights I understand that.
In this case, though, the user is not asking for help. He’s reached his own conclusion (which is contrary to your guidance for counterweight placement) and posted it. I don’t happen to agree with his post, and was curious to know if there was a more likely explanation that I could pass on.
I also understand that it might require more information than what’s in the thread over there.
Thanks,
-Wade
On Dec 24, 2020, at 8:20 AM, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Marcelo Figueroa
On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 12:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone. Just to make sure that these kinds of loads work in a stable and accurate manner (and because I like to do crazy stuff) We want a picture of that! :D |
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Roland Christen
Marj has forbidden me from taking a pix of this setup! Upon pain of death and worse.
 Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io <marfig1970@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 12:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone. Just to make sure that these kinds of loads work in a stable and accurate manner (and because I like to do crazy stuff) We want a picture of that! :D -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 01:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone.You shouldn't have to live like that. Let me take one of those 6" refractors off your hands and I promise to give it a Mach2 of it's own. |
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John
Well, I'll settle for a nice AP 5" refractor!! :) I don't see it under the tree, maybe next year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year John |
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Roland Christen
-----Original Message-----
From: Xentex <michael@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 2:48 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 01:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone.You shouldn't have to live like that. Let me take one of those 6" refractors off your hands and I promise to give it a Mach2 of it's own. -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Worsel
You should ask Marj for the refractor...you might get a deal!
Bryan |
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Roland Christen
Well, I couldn't resist. Here's a pix of the setup with the caveat of WHAT NOT TO DO!
It's a 155EDF on top of a 160EDF, each has CCD cameras and Quad TCC hand grenades. The two scopes weigh ... I don't really know. The goodie bag on the end of the counterweight shaft holds another 10lb weight because I ran out of shaft length. Total cwt = 3x 14lb plus 5x 10lb plus 1x 5lb. (yes it tracks and slews just fine, but a bit boingy if you bang on it).
I set this up to test the QuadTCC with the 155EDF scope for a customer request, but didn't want to disturb my 160 setup which I am using for a winter imaging project. Do Not try this at home upon pain of death from Marj!!! (my death mostly)
 Rolando
 -----Original Message-----
From: chris1011@... To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 1:33 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights Marj has forbidden me from taking a pix of this setup! Upon pain of death and worse.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io <marfig1970@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 12:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone. Just to make sure that these kinds of loads work in a stable and accurate manner (and because I like to do crazy stuff) We want a picture of that! :D -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Bill Long
Nice setup! I will be sure not to try this.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2020 4:04 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights Well, I couldn't resist. Here's a pix of the setup with the caveat of WHAT NOT TO DO!
It's a 155EDF on top of a 160EDF, each has CCD cameras and Quad TCC hand grenades. The two scopes weigh ... I don't really know. The goodie bag on the end of the counterweight shaft holds another 10lb weight because I ran out of shaft length.
Total cwt = 3x 14lb plus 5x 10lb plus 1x 5lb. (yes it tracks and slews just fine, but a bit boingy if you bang on it).
I set this up to test the QuadTCC with the 155EDF scope for a customer request, but didn't want to disturb my 160 setup which I am using for a winter imaging project. Do Not try this at home upon pain of death from Marj!!! (my death mostly)
Rolando
 -----Original Message-----
From: chris1011@... To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 1:33 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights Marj has forbidden me from taking a pix of this setup! Upon pain of death and worse.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcelo Figueroa via groups.io <marfig1970@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 12:32 PM, Roland Christen wrote:
Right now I have my Mach2 loaded with two 6" refractors, one on top the other, and all the heavy camera gear and counterweights galore, which is in the no-no zone. Just to make sure that these kinds of loads work in a stable and accurate manner (and because I like to do crazy stuff) We want a picture of that! :D -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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It's a 155EDF on top of a 160EDF, each has CCD cameras and Quad TCC hand grenades.Where's the guide scope/camera on top of the 155EDF. Oh, I forgot! This rig probably does unguided imaging! :-) --- Mike |
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Cheng-Yang Tan
First I need to get my hands on an AP155 and AP160 and a Mach2 before I can try this ... just pulling your leg :)
toggle quoted message
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On Thursday, December 24, 2020, 6:10 PM, Mike Dodd <mike@...> wrote:
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Roland Christen
Strickly off-axis guiding if guiding at all. It's on the bottom camera.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Dodd <mike@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 6:10 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights > It's a 155EDF on top of a 160EDF, each has CCD cameras and Quad TCC hand grenades.
Where's the guide scope/camera on top of the 155EDF. Oh, I forgot! This
rig probably does unguided imaging! :-)
--- Mike
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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deonb
On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 08:20 AM, Roland Christen wrote:
I'm the dope who originally posted this on CN :). I wasn't specifically posting it as a problem. It was more like a "hey cool, this mount can track for 10 minutes at 2800mm without guiding!", and "here's what I did" post. I loaded more counterweights than the specs of the mount originally so I didn't think there was anything to fix. I do now... It seems that there is a some positions that if I slew my mount there, it goes into an infinite "oscillation" mode. I can physically see the scope move back-and-forth a few millimeters about once a second, and it will keep doing that even if I stop tracking completely. It stops though if I park the mount in that position. I'm running directly through the ASCOM driver v5.30.10 connecting via USB. (I'm still learning APCC). The mount firmware is VCP5-P02-08. The encoder firmware is A02-08. |
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deonb
On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 08:20 AM, Roland Christen wrote:
I'm the dope who originally posted this on CN :). I wasn't specifically posting it as a problem. It was more like a "hey cool, this mount can track for 10 minutes at 2800mm without guiding!", and "here's what I did" post. I loaded more counterweights than the specs of the mount originally so I didn't think there was anything to fix. I do now... It seems that there is a some positions that if I slew my mount there, it goes into an infinite "oscillation" mode. I can physically see the scope move back-and-forth a few millimeters about once a second, and it will keep doing that even if I stop tracking completely. It stops though if I park the mount in that position. I'm running directly through the ASCOM driver v5.30.10 connecting via USB. (I'm still learning APCC). The mount firmware is VCP5-P02-08. The encoder firmware is A02-08. |
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Roland Christen
So a couple of things would be good to know:
1) the serial number of the mount
2) the direction of the oscillation (most likely RA I'm guessing)
You can send this to my e-mail direct and we can go from there: chris1011@...
I'll be leaving for Christmas eve dinner in a few minutes, and tomorrow we are not here, but I will get back to you first thing Monday. We'll get it sorted out. Probably a simple setting and also you may want to load the latest version P02-08 into the CP5.
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: deonb <deonb@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2020 7:10 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Interesting Mach2 Behavior on Cloudy Nights On Thu, Dec 24, 2020 at 08:20 AM, Roland Christen wrote:
I'm the dope who originally posted this on CN :). I wasn't specifically posting it as a problem. It was more like a "hey cool, this mount can track for 10 minutes at 2800mm without guiding!", and "here's what I did" post. I loaded more counterweights than the specs of the mount originally so I didn't think there was anything to fix. I do now... It seems that there is a some positions that if I slew my mount there, it goes into an infinite "oscillation" mode. I can physically see the scope move back-and-forth a few millimeters about once a second, and it will keep doing that even if I stop tracking completely. It stops though if I park the mount in that position. I'm running directly through the ASCOM driver v5.30.10 connecting via USB. (I'm still learning APCC). The mount firmware is VCP5-P02-08. The encoder firmware is A02-08. -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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