AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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Bill Long
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount
itself.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of ap@... <ap@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 4:30 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
That’s good to know, and I just saw the detailed “what’s included” list shows the CBAPT”. Good. But that it attaches to the mount is a bit at odds with page 16 of the CP4 manual, which says:
When using the 400GTO, 600EGTO, Mach1GTO, 1100GTO and some of the OEM mounts that use the AP Servo Drive System, the GTOCP4 is not directly attached to the mount, but instead it is mounted onto a bracket that is then affixed to the tripod or pier.
So the bolts that hold the base to the Berlebach plate will be what the CBAPT attach to? Or it does attach to the 1100 itself?
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 7:35 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount itself.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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Bill Long
The back of the 1100 itself. I will get you a photo here in a few.
🙂 I use the Losmandy HD and the 119FSA which is basically what the adapter you showed is.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of ap@... <ap@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 4:44 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 That’s good to know, and I just saw the detailed “what’s included” list shows the CBAPT”. Good. But that it attaches to the mount is a bit at odds with page 16 of the CP4 manual, which says:
When using the 400GTO, 600EGTO, Mach1GTO, 1100GTO and some of the OEM mounts that use the AP Servo Drive System, the GTOCP4 is not directly attached to the mount, but instead it is mounted onto a bracket that is then affixed to the tripod or pier.
So the bolts that hold the base to the Berlebach plate will be what the CBAPT attach to? Or it does attach to the 1100 itself?
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount itself.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
That’s OK no need to bother, so long as I do not need to buy anything else, I’m OK and will figure it out with hardware in hand. I didn’t mean to sound like I did not believe you, trying to follow along in the manual.
With so much stuff backordered, just trying to be ahead of the game.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 7:53 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4
The back of the 1100 itself. I will get you a photo here in a few. 🙂 I use the Losmandy HD and the 119FSA which is basically what the adapter you showed is.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
That’s good to know, and I just saw the detailed “what’s included” list shows the CBAPT”. Good. But that it attaches to the mount is a bit at odds with page 16 of the CP4 manual, which says:
When using the 400GTO, 600EGTO, Mach1GTO, 1100GTO and some of the OEM mounts that use the AP Servo Drive System, the GTOCP4 is not directly attached to the mount, but instead it is mounted onto a bracket that is then affixed to the tripod or pier.
So the bolts that hold the base to the Berlebach plate will be what the CBAPT attach to? Or it does attach to the 1100 itself?
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount itself.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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Bill Long
It's no bother.
 From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of ap@... <ap@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 4:59 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 That’s OK no need to bother, so long as I do not need to buy anything else, I’m OK and will figure it out with hardware in hand. I didn’t mean to sound like I did not believe you, trying to follow along in the manual.
With so much stuff backordered, just trying to be ahead of the game.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The back of the 1100 itself. I will get you a photo here in a few. 🙂 I use the Losmandy HD and the 119FSA which is basically what the adapter you showed is.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
That’s good to know, and I just saw the detailed “what’s included” list shows the CBAPT”. Good. But that it attaches to the mount is a bit at odds with page 16 of the CP4 manual, which says:
When using the 400GTO, 600EGTO, Mach1GTO, 1100GTO and some of the OEM mounts that use the AP Servo Drive System, the GTOCP4 is not directly attached to the mount, but instead it is mounted onto a bracket that is then affixed to the tripod or pier.
So the bolts that hold the base to the Berlebach plate will be what the CBAPT attach to? Or it does attach to the 1100 itself?
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount itself.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
Thank you, that helps.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2021 8:08 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4
It's no bother.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
That’s OK no need to bother, so long as I do not need to buy anything else, I’m OK and will figure it out with hardware in hand. I didn’t mean to sound like I did not believe you, trying to follow along in the manual.
With so much stuff backordered, just trying to be ahead of the game.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The back of the 1100 itself. I will get you a photo here in a few. 🙂 I use the Losmandy HD and the 119FSA which is basically what the adapter you showed is.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
That’s good to know, and I just saw the detailed “what’s included” list shows the CBAPT”. Good. But that it attaches to the mount is a bit at odds with page 16 of the CP4 manual, which says:
When using the 400GTO, 600EGTO, Mach1GTO, 1100GTO and some of the OEM mounts that use the AP Servo Drive System, the GTOCP4 is not directly attached to the mount, but instead it is mounted onto a bracket that is then affixed to the tripod or pier.
So the bolts that hold the base to the Berlebach plate will be what the CBAPT attach to? Or it does attach to the 1100 itself?
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Bill Long via groups.io
The pier adapter for the CP4 comes with the mount. It will connect to the backside of the 1100 with two screws. So you will drop the RA axis onto the adapter you pictured, secure that with the bolts on the side, then bolt the CP4 box on the back of the mount itself.
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of
ap@... <ap@...>
I am anticipating a AP 1100 in a few months, and have that plate on order for my Berlebach Planet tripod. From their website it looks like the attached.
There is a “Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter” that shows as an angled bracket for attaching to a tripod. The CP4 manual indicates the 1100 needs something on which to attach the CP4. The 1100 manual on the other hand, on page 8, is a little confusing as it shows two screws for the CP4, but on the left hand page mentions “& adapter”. So I think the adapter is there. Maybe.
Does anyone have this mount on a Planet, specifically one with the Berlebach plate?
Will I need the adapter? I’m thinking yes.
Will that top hole on the adapter (the one on the bent piece of metal) attach to a screw that’s going to go into one of the four holes below? Or am I going to need something else with which to attach either the CP4 itself, or the adapter? Will just that one screw hold it?
I am hoping not to drill holes in the wooden legs.
But even more, I want to make sure when I get it, I have all the parts. Be a shame to then wait weeks to order some minor but necessary part. L
Linwood
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
As a follow on question with a Berlebach planet.
I received the mounting ring from Berlebach, and it emphasized how large the base of the AP1100 will be in comparison to this tripod. I do not plan to have more than about 45 pounds of OTA, and counterweights of course. Does anyone with a similar setup have any kind of idea where the center of gravity is for that kind of setup? Specifically how far off center? I typically image with the legs retracted fully for stability, and legs at closest are 9.5" (between legs) and 17" (at a single leg) from center. I prefer to image with the single leg south not north, this provides a LOT more clearance (at least on my MyT) near zenith to avoid leg crashes. But when I looked at that 9.5" it made me worry, this is a larger mount and probably different CG. I found the Dimension Calculator spreadsheet, clearly aimed at clearance not load. But I think (emphasis on think) that the point in the first image labeled as offset B, represents the BALANCED CG, basically at the intersection with the DEC axis. But what I am worried about is the unbalanced CG -- the point at which I have loaded 50# or so of counterweights and have yet to attach the OTA. I.e. the situation why everyone says "put the single leg under the counterweight shaft". Which is good advice I hope to not have to take so I don't hit the legs with my imaging train. This all works fine on the MyT, it is quite stable. But worried -- am I in for a rude surprise with the larger AP1100 (with 45# load)? Yes, this is easy to figure out once I get it -- but if I need a new tripod/pier I'd like to get it on order now. Anyone know where the CG is going to land? And yes, I realize it's latitude dependent (I'm at 26d) but any real world experience welcome. Linwood |
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Roland Christen
Whether you put the 3rd leg pointing North or pointing South, the clearance of the other two legs will be about the same. In fact, you will have slightly more clearance for the telescopes when pointing at the zenith because the 1100 Dec axis hangs more northward of center. It is also the most stable condition for the mount with just counterweights attached.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: ap@... <ap@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Tue, May 18, 2021 10:54 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 As a follow on question with a Berlebach planet.
I received the mounting ring from Berlebach, and it emphasized how large the base of the AP1100 will be in comparison to this tripod. I do not plan to have more than about 45 pounds of OTA, and counterweights of course. Does anyone with a similar setup have any kind of idea where the center of gravity is for that kind of setup? Specifically how far off center? I typically image with the legs retracted fully for stability, and legs at closest are 9.5" (between legs) and 17" (at a single leg) from center. I prefer to image with the single leg south not north, this provides a LOT more clearance (at least on my MyT) near zenith to avoid leg crashes. But when I looked at that 9.5" it made me worry, this is a larger mount and probably different CG. I found the Dimension Calculator spreadsheet, clearly aimed at clearance not load. But I think (emphasis on think) that the point in the first image labeled as offset B, represents the BALANCED CG, basically at the intersection with the DEC axis. But what I am worried about is the unbalanced CG -- the point at which I have loaded 50# or so of counterweights and have yet to attach the OTA. I.e. the situation why everyone says "put the single leg under the counterweight shaft". Which is good advice I hope to not have to take so I don't hit the legs with my imaging train. This all works fine on the MyT, it is quite stable. But worried -- am I in for a rude surprise with the larger AP1100 (with 45# load)? Yes, this is easy to figure out once I get it -- but if I need a new tripod/pier I'd like to get it on order now. Anyone know where the CG is going to land? And yes, I realize it's latitude dependent (I'm at 26d) but any real world experience welcome. Linwood -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
>>> Roland said:
Whether you put the 3rd leg pointing North or pointing South, the clearance of the other two legs will be about the same. In fact, you will have slightly more clearance for the telescopes when pointing at the zenith because the 1100 Dec axis hangs more northward of center. It is also the most stable condition for the mount with just counterweights attached.
That would be great if the clearance is better, as I do not really WANT to put the single leg south. But with both my old CEM70G and current MyT that did give me several inches more clearance, enough I had no risk of collision (so long as I paid a bit of attention to rotation angle of the filter wheel), but definitely had collisions otherwise.
But if I can put the single leg North and still not have a collision issue, that would be terrific, as that almost doubles the available supported CG position.
Thank you.
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Roland Christen
I should have added that with the 3rd leg pointed northward, there is slightly more clearance for the telescope when it is pointing to the zenith.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Tue, May 18, 2021 11:18 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 Whether you put the 3rd leg pointing North or pointing South, the clearance of the other two legs will be about the same. In fact, you will have slightly more clearance for the telescopes when pointing at the zenith because the 1100 Dec axis hangs more northward of center. It is also the most stable condition for the mount with just counterweights attached.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: ap@... <ap@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Tue, May 18, 2021 10:54 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 As a follow on question with a Berlebach planet.
I received the mounting ring from Berlebach, and it emphasized how large the base of the AP1100 will be in comparison to this tripod. I do not plan to have more than about 45 pounds of OTA, and counterweights of course. Does anyone with a similar setup have any kind of idea where the center of gravity is for that kind of setup? Specifically how far off center? I typically image with the legs retracted fully for stability, and legs at closest are 9.5" (between legs) and 17" (at a single leg) from center. I prefer to image with the single leg south not north, this provides a LOT more clearance (at least on my MyT) near zenith to avoid leg crashes. But when I looked at that 9.5" it made me worry, this is a larger mount and probably different CG. I found the Dimension Calculator spreadsheet, clearly aimed at clearance not load. But I think (emphasis on think) that the point in the first image labeled as offset B, represents the BALANCED CG, basically at the intersection with the DEC axis. But what I am worried about is the unbalanced CG -- the point at which I have loaded 50# or so of counterweights and have yet to attach the OTA. I.e. the situation why everyone says "put the single leg under the counterweight shaft". Which is good advice I hope to not have to take so I don't hit the legs with my imaging train. This all works fine on the MyT, it is quite stable. But worried -- am I in for a rude surprise with the larger AP1100 (with 45# load)? Yes, this is easy to figure out once I get it -- but if I need a new tripod/pier I'd like to get it on order now. Anyone know where the CG is going to land? And yes, I realize it's latitude dependent (I'm at 26d) but any real world experience welcome. Linwood -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Roland Christen
I have both an 1100 and a tripod so I will set them up and see what the clearances are both ways.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: ap@... <ap@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Sent: Tue, May 18, 2021 11:47 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 >>> Roland said:
Whether you put the 3rd leg pointing North or pointing South, the clearance of the other two legs will be about the same. In fact, you
will have slightly more clearance for the telescopes when pointing at the zenith because the 1100 Dec axis hangs more northward of center. It is also the most stable condition for the mount with just counterweights attached.
That would be great if the clearance is better, as I do not really WANT to put the single leg south. But with both my old CEM70G and current MyT that did give me several inches more clearance, enough I had no risk of collision (so long
as I paid a bit of attention to rotation angle of the filter wheel), but definitely had collisions otherwise.
But if I can put the single leg North and still not have a collision issue, that would be terrific, as that almost doubles the available supported CG position.
Thank you.
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
While I certainly appreciate any info, please do not go to a lot of trouble. You guys have a lot on your plates!
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ap@CaptivePhotons.com
This is an old topic but now that I know how it works, I thought I would put some closure to it. Anyway... |
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Peter Nagy
Never leave RAPAS into the mount after finishing polar alignment. I guarantee you at least one of the cables will get caught. It happened to me when USB cable got caught during high speed slewing and ripped out the USB socket of SX Ultrastar guide camera connected to OAG.
Peter |
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Woody Schlom
I just remove the RAPAS after PA. Cables want to hang up on it anyway. Woody On July 28, 2021 8:08:13 PM "ap@..." <ap@...> wrote:
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Jeffc
I have and use a Rapas… when I’m observing visually and have no computer.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
When imaging, I use a polemaster and sharpcap to do polar alignment. I’m curious which method allows for a “more precise” alignment; I assumed the polemaster+sharpcap. Both approaches are certainly very quick. On Jul 28, 2021, at 9:12 PM, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
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Bill Long
I just use Sharpcap. If I'm away from the house, rapas plus Sharpcap.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Jeffc <jeffcrilly@...>
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 10:43 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1100, Berlebach Planet, mounting CP4 I have and use a Rapas… when I’m observing visually and have no computer.
When imaging, I use a polemaster and sharpcap to do polar alignment. I’m curious which method allows for a “more precise” alignment; I assumed the polemaster+sharpcap.
Both approaches are certainly very quick.
On Jul 28, 2021, at 9:12 PM, Woody Schlom <woody_is@...> wrote:
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fernandorivera3
There is absolutely no reason to keep the RAPAS permanently attached to the mount. It is only used for initial polar alignment & once done with the fine tuning/tweaking it is put away until the next session.
Fernando |
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Hi Linwood
I agree with all of the comments about the RAPAS. Do not leave it attached. You can do your polar alignment from Park 2 even with the scope attached, but after you have aligned the mount you should remove the RAPAS, otherwise you will be sending it back to A-P for repair or replacement. Back to the topic of whether you should orient the tripod with the 3rd leg pointed south, I would caution you not to do this. Once you get the scope and counterweights attached, the center of gravity is going to be out beyond the edge of the mount base. It will be unstable. I will share an experience I had with my 1100 GTO with a 180 EDT scope attached. The mounting holes in my old 8-inch A-P pier are slightly oversized, and I noticed one evening that after the scope and counterweights were installed that the mount base had shifted in the pier. The problem was that once the scope and counterweights were attached, the center of gravity had shifted out beyond the north side of the mount base and was trying to tip the mount and scope out of the pier. The excess clearance in the screw holes had allowed everything to shift even with the screws fully tightened. Take a look at the pictures below. In the picture on the left you can see that the base of the mount was tilted by about 1/16". I was able to solve this problem by switching to high performance lock washers, but the point is that if you do not have the 3rd tripod leg facing north, your whole rig is liable to tip over. Mike 
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