Data base corruption
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paulsimonjones
Starting to reuse my Mach 1 mount after a few years and have found that although the stars and sol data base is ok. The messer database is corrupted - with things like Crab Nebula is in Ursa minor. Any one seen this behavior?
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It is possible that the keypad battery has died. I understand when it does, the stars and planet databases still work, but catalogs like the Messier and NGC objects get corrupted. I just ordered a battery for my keypad before it dies. Once it does, then you have to replace the battery and then reload the DSO databases.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of paulsimonjones
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2021 8:56 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Starting to reuse my Mach 1 mount after a few years and have found that although the stars and sol data base is ok. The messer database is corrupted - with things like Crab Nebula is in Ursa minor. Any one seen this behavior? |
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Jeff B
Just had this happen to me as well. The custom battery is a bit expensive but once in every 10 to 12 years ain't too bad. Removal and installation of the battery requires care but is straightforward as it reloading the database, though it can take a while. I also went to the .19 firmware version. Jury is still out on that one. Jeff On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 9:41 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Jeff,
George at AP told me if I place the new battery next to the original one and quickly swap them out, the databases will not be lost. I do not know how quick I need to be. I guess I will find out as the battery in the keypad has not died, but I want to change it before it does. BTW the battery for my keypad was $25 plus shipping.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeff B
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 9:59 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Just had this happen to me as well.
The custom battery is a bit expensive but once in every 10 to 12 years ain't too bad. Removal and installation of the battery requires care but is straightforward as it reloading the database, though it can take a while.
I also went to the .19 firmware version. Jury is still out on that one.
Jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 9:41 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time). It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery? -jeff On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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paulsimonjones
Thanks for feedback, did some more reading and think the very cold weather depleted the battery, and I need a replacement. I understand I can only get this from astrophysics per manual, but do not see the item on the website. I have an inquiry with AP at moment.
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Send them the serial number off of your keypad and they will let you know what battery you need. George at AP emailed me the battery number, I called last week and placed the order. It was shipped Friday and I will get it this week. Very great customer service.
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of paulsimonjones
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 8:17 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Thanks for feedback, did some more reading and think the very cold weather depleted the battery, and I need a replacement. I understand I can only get this from astrophysics per manual, but do not see the item on the website. I have an inquiry with AP at moment. |
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Jeff B
You can easily identify which battery you have when you open up the keypad and compare it to the pictures of the multiple versions shown on the AP website. Just be careful and do it slowly. But George is sooo pleasant to talk with and he's very patient too, talking you through the steps. He'll also talk you through reloading the database. Great guy! Jeff On Sun, Mar 28, 2021 at 9:09 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Bill Long
Probably use mentioning for people if you have the old keypad (pre-V5) membrane and you buy a Mach 2 -- can kill two birds with one stone and send it into AP for the new membrane and new battery. I did and they had it back to me pretty fast and works great!
This is also useful once V5 is released for CP4.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Jeff B <mnebula946@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 7:45 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption You can easily identify which battery you have when you open up the keypad and compare it to the pictures of the multiple versions shown on the AP website. Just be careful and do it slowly.
But George is sooo pleasant to talk with and he's very patient too, talking you through the steps. He'll also talk you through reloading the database. Great guy!
Jeff
On Sun, Mar 28, 2021 at 9:09 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 12:50 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George
Time for a battery replacement and a database reload. The sole function of the keypad battery is to maintain the database. Call or email me if you have questions. Enjoy!
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of paulsimonjones
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2021 8:56 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Starting to reuse my Mach 1 mount after a few years and have found that although the stars and sol data base is ok. The messer database is corrupted - with things like Crab Nebula is in Ursa minor. Any one seen this behavior? |
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George,
This is good to know. My replacement battery arrives by the end of the week and I will be swapping it out next weekend.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 9:25 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George
Jack,
It never hurts to replace it every 4-5 years before the database dies.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 11:57 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
This is good to know. My replacement battery arrives by the end of the week and I will be swapping it out next weekend.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George,
Is battery life a function of just age (how old the battery is) or does using the keypad more to locate DSOs shorten the life span? I rarely use the keypad to locate targets, using my planetarium program instead.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 12:03 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jack,
It never hurts to replace it every 4-5 years before the database dies.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
This is good to know. My replacement battery arrives by the end of the week and I will be swapping it out next weekend.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George
Jack
It is a function of age primarily. Environment can affect it somewhat.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 12:02 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
Is battery life a function of just age (how old the battery is) or does using the keypad more to locate DSOs shorten the life span? I rarely use the keypad to locate targets, using my planetarium program instead.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jack,
It never hurts to replace it every 4-5 years before the database dies.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
This is good to know. My replacement battery arrives by the end of the week and I will be swapping it out next weekend.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George,
Thanks.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 5:04 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jack
It is a function of age primarily. Environment can affect it somewhat.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
Is battery life a function of just age (how old the battery is) or does using the keypad more to locate DSOs shorten the life span? I rarely use the keypad to locate targets, using my planetarium program instead.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Jack,
It never hurts to replace it every 4-5 years before the database dies.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
This is good to know. My replacement battery arrives by the end of the week and I will be swapping it out next weekend.
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 9:25 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:47 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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George,
I just wish a little more thought had gone into the design and engineering of the keypad. Placing the battery and its connection to the PCB below all those optical fibers should have been avoided. As a 40+ year mechanical engineer, I have seen many situations where I wish the engineer who designed systems was forced to work on them afterwards. Like having to remove valve covers to replace spark plugs on a motor. Or having to remove the transmission to get at the starter mounted next to the torque converter.
I was worried the whole time I was working on the simple battery replacement that I would damage one of those fine optical fibers. And then when I went to close up the keypad, the optical fibers would not lay flat and kept trying to get between the case and one of the red plastic standoffs. I ended up getting a piece of cardboard about the size of an emery board, laying it over the optical fibers to hold them down, placing the cover over the 6 screws, starting to tighten them and then slowly sliding the cardboard out from the case.
At least next time, I will know what to expect.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:51 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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Jack,
The individual optical fibers are not mission critical, and breaking one or ten of them will not disable any important aspect of the keypad. While it is good to be careful, you would not notice if a few strands snapped when using the illuminated buttons. In addition, you can simply pop the little rubber caps off of the LED lights and move the fiber bundles freely. They have a full 180 degree range of motion. If you don’t pop the rubber caps off of the LEDs, you would end up having to weave the battery wires through two bundles of optical fibers; a task I wouldn’t wish on anybody.
As the technician that works on keypad repairs every week, I used to be very very careful. Eventually I learned that they are less delicate than I thought. These days I can fly through the repairs much faster, and still have yet to break a fiber optic by accident. The most important part is to make sure that the rubber caps get back onto the LED bulbs securely.
I hope this helps with the next time. Liam Plybon
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 1:08 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Cc: mallincamusa@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Data base corruption
George,
I just wish a little more thought had gone into the design and engineering of the keypad. Placing the battery and its connection to the PCB below all those optical fibers should have been avoided. As a 40+ year mechanical engineer, I have seen many situations where I wish the engineer who designed systems was forced to work on them afterwards. Like having to remove valve covers to replace spark plugs on a motor. Or having to remove the transmission to get at the starter mounted next to the torque converter.
I was worried the whole time I was working on the simple battery replacement that I would damage one of those fine optical fibers. And then when I went to close up the keypad, the optical fibers would not lay flat and kept trying to get between the case and one of the red plastic standoffs. I ended up getting a piece of cardboard about the size of an emery board, laying it over the optical fibers to hold them down, placing the cover over the 6 screws, starting to tighten them and then slowly sliding the cardboard out from the case.
At least next time, I will know what to expect.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jack,
I’m pleased that it worked out well. Enjoy!
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jack Huerkamp
George,
I guess I got lucky! I received the replacement battery and, using the instruction downloaded from the AP website, I was able to access the battery. I did manage to disconnect the old one, fish the wires under the fiber optics and get it plugged in. Then when trying to secure the battery in its holder, I noticed that the connector had dislodged. I figure that there wasno battery power for over 30 seconds, but when I got the keypad back together and tried it, it appears that the Messier and NGC databases were not lost.
I connected the mount to SkyTools, did a slew to the Sun and that was fine. Then I used the keypad to go to M33 and then NGC 7814. In each case the crosshairs moved onto the targets on the atlas, so it appears that all is fine with the keypad.
I will know for sure the next time I get to use the mount. Once the keypad battery issue was accomplished, I started removing all the scopes from the mount to tackle the regreasing of the RA and Dec gearboxes – another long overdo maintenance issue.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of George
Jeff,
You should be good for 20 to 30 seconds…no rush, but I wouldn’t go get a cup of coffee while changing the battery. <G>
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Jeffc
I just replaced a keypad battery (and a cord) (and I have another keypad which will also get a new battery as soon as I get some time).
It seemed the DB did not get lost when I swapped the battery... tho i might not have checked the Messier objects. How long will the keypad memory persist without a battery?
-jeff
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 8:03 PM Jack Huerkamp <Mallincamusa@...> wrote:
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