AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
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Hi,
I have a 2007 model AP1200 GTO CP3 with Handset GTO-1 S/N2401GTO 2707. I've used it many times with out issues, including tonight to issue slew to Mars, but after finishing imaging Mars, I thought I'd try some visual of M42 (Orion Nebula) and it went to a completely different part of the sky. I selected Sirius and Alnitak as named stars and it slewed to them correctly, so I tried M42 again and it went off in a completely wrong direction again. I checked the database details and it thought M42 was in Lupus, tried M45 (Pleiades in Taurus), which it seemed to think was a target in Sagittarius. Similar issues with M1, and M78, so it would seem that the Messier database in the handset has corrupted. Is this likely to be a case of a battery needing to be replaced (if there is one, I suspect it is the original), or some other issue? Is it an easy fix, or does the handset need to be returned to you in USA? Please note that I am in the UK. Best regards, Geof |
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If your keypad battery is 15 years old I would definitely recommend replacing the keypad battery. There is a document on the AP support pages called “Keypad Maintenance Instructions” that walks you through battery type identification and battery replacement. I have changed the battery in my various keypads twice over the years and if I can do it then anyone can do it.
-- Dean Jacobsen Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ |
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Thanks Dean,
That is good to know. Will the database be corrupted and if yes, is it easy to restore it?
Regards,
Geof
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
Sent: 22 January 2023 22:05 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly If your keypad battery is 15 years old I would definitely recommend replacing the keypad battery. There is a document on the AP support pages called “Keypad Maintenance Instructions” that walks you through battery type identification and battery replacement.
I have changed the battery in my various keypads twice over the years and if I can do it then anyone can do it.
-- Dean Jacobsen Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ |
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The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well.
-- Dean Jacobsen Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ |
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Thanks Dean,
I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version
- I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state....
'new
battery:
aP
#
e0334
(cR2430
with 2.5” soldered pigtail) -
must
be purchased from astro-Physics!'
so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it.
Regards,
Geof From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
Sent: 22 January 2023 22:24 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well.
-- Dean Jacobsen Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ |
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Geof,
You have correctly identified your serial number and will need the pigtail battery. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can transfer your current pigtail to a new battery per these instructions: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/install-pigtail-harness-new-battery.pdf
Otherwise, give our office a call on Monday to order a new one. The database can be easily downloaded from our website and you will be back in business.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 4:37 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
Thanks Dean, I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version - I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state.... 'new battery: aP # e0334 (cR2430 with 2.5” soldered pigtail) - must be purchased from astro-Physics!' so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it. Regards,
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well. |
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Thanks Marj,
I do have a soldering iron, but I'm a bit of a klutz and blew up an astronomy hub the last time I used it, so not sure about risking that. How much would you charge to do it all for me? I'm travelling to the USA this coming May, initially in SC with family,
then on to friends in Devner, CO, so I could bring the handset with me, ship it to you from SC and if you could return it to CO within the 2 weeks that we're in the USA I'd be good to go - just a thought if that's an option please?
Regards,
Geof From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Marj Christen <marj@...>
Sent: 22 January 2023 23:16 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly Geof,
You have correctly identified your serial number and will need the pigtail battery. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can transfer your current pigtail to a new battery per these instructions: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/install-pigtail-harness-new-battery.pdf
Otherwise, give our office a call on Monday to order a new one. The database can be easily downloaded from our website and you will be back in business.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513
www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Dean, I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version - I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state.... 'new battery: aP # e0334 (cR2430 with 2.5” soldered pigtail) - must be purchased from astro-Physics!' so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it. Regards,
Geof
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well.
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If you’re willing to wait until May, we’d be happy to take care of your keypad while you’re in the States, Geof. Contact us shortly before the trip and we’ll make arrangements. Karen AP
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 5:32 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
Thanks Marj, I do have a soldering iron, but I'm a bit of a klutz and blew up an astronomy hub the last time I used it, so not sure about risking that. How much would you charge to do it all for me? I'm travelling to the USA this coming May, initially in SC with family, then on to friends in Devner, CO, so I could bring the handset with me, ship it to you from SC and if you could return it to CO within the 2 weeks that we're in the USA I'd be good to go - just a thought if that's an option please? Regards,
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Marj Christen <marj@...>
Geof,
You have correctly identified your serial number and will need the pigtail battery. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can transfer your current pigtail to a new battery per these instructions: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/install-pigtail-harness-new-battery.pdf
Otherwise, give our office a call on Monday to order a new one. The database can be easily downloaded from our website and you will be back in business.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Dean, I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version - I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state.... 'new battery: aP # e0334 (cR2430 with 2.5” soldered pigtail) - must be purchased from astro-Physics!' so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it. Regards,
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well. -- Karen Christen Astro-Physics |
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Thanks Karen,
That sounds like a plan. We arrive in SC 30 April, there for a week, before heading to Denver, flying back home to UK on 16 May. will you be able to turn it around in under 2 weeks please? We'll be taking a road trip to the Dakotas amongst other things to see
Mt Rushmore, so won't be in Denver (actually Aurora) itself much of the time, so will need to think about shipping timelines.
Many thanks.
Geof From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Karen Christen <karen@...>
Sent: 23 January 2023 00:48 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly If you’re willing to wait until May, we’d be happy to take care of your keypad while you’re in the States, Geof. Contact us shortly before the trip and we’ll make arrangements. Karen AP
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Marj, I do have a soldering iron, but I'm a bit of a klutz and blew up an astronomy hub the last time I used it, so not sure about risking that. How much would you charge to do it all for me? I'm travelling to the USA this coming May, initially in SC with family, then on to friends in Devner, CO, so I could bring the handset with me, ship it to you from SC and if you could return it to CO within the 2 weeks that we're in the USA I'd be good to go - just a thought if that's an option please? Regards,
Geof
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Marj Christen <marj@...>
Geof,
You have correctly identified your serial number and will need the pigtail battery. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can transfer your current pigtail to a new battery per these instructions: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/install-pigtail-harness-new-battery.pdf
Otherwise, give our office a call on Monday to order a new one. The database can be easily downloaded from our website and you will be back in business.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513
www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Dean, I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version - I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state.... 'new battery: aP # e0334 (cR2430 with 2.5” soldered pigtail) - must be purchased from astro-Physics!' so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it. Regards,
Geof
From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well.
-- Karen Christen Astro-Physics |
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Geof,
It would be a shame to miss use of your mount until May for want of a battery. The process of transferring the pigtail is really quite easy and ideal for international customers. I suggest that you try it and if it fails, resort to plan B of sending it to us during your trip to the US.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 6:55 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
Thanks Karen, That sounds like a plan. We arrive in SC 30 April, there for a week, before heading to Denver, flying back home to UK on 16 May. will you be able to turn it around in under 2 weeks please? We'll be taking a road trip to the Dakotas amongst other things to see Mt Rushmore, so won't be in Denver (actually Aurora) itself much of the time, so will need to think about shipping timelines. Many thanks.
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Karen Christen <karen@...>
If you’re willing to wait until May, we’d be happy to take care of your keypad while you’re in the States, Geof. Contact us shortly before the trip and we’ll make arrangements. Karen AP
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Marj, I do have a soldering iron, but I'm a bit of a klutz and blew up an astronomy hub the last time I used it, so not sure about risking that. How much would you charge to do it all for me? I'm travelling to the USA this coming May, initially in SC with family, then on to friends in Devner, CO, so I could bring the handset with me, ship it to you from SC and if you could return it to CO within the 2 weeks that we're in the USA I'd be good to go - just a thought if that's an option please? Regards,
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Marj Christen <marj@...>
Geof,
You have correctly identified your serial number and will need the pigtail battery. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can transfer your current pigtail to a new battery per these instructions: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad/install-pigtail-harness-new-battery.pdf
Otherwise, give our office a call on Monday to order a new one. The database can be easily downloaded from our website and you will be back in business.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Thanks Dean, I've found the keypad maintenance instructions page, so am now reading that and yes, it seems to exactly describe my issue. I'm now trying to establish which handset version I have. It's not clear to me which part of the serial number relates to which version - I'm presuming 2401GTO, means that it is the 'later than 1568GTO' version, for which the instructions state.... 'new battery: aP # e0334 (cR2430 with 2.5” soldered pigtail) - must be purchased from astro-Physics!' so I'll wait for someone from the AP team to chime in to confirm before I try to open it. Regards,
Geof From:
main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dean Jacobsen <deanjacobsen@...>
The symptoms that you describe are low battery symptoms listed in the document. I did have to reload firmware to the keypad but that was all covered in the AP support documentation as well.
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Hi Marj,
Ok, I’ll give it a try once the weather warms up a bit. It’s not a big deal for me, as star and planet GOTOs are working fine and for DSO imaging I set to the mount to External and use plate solving via my imaging laptop. It’s only when I use
the handset to navigate to DSO for visual observing that it will be an issue, but that’s not something that I do very often, maybe a handful of times per year.
Many thanks for getting back to me.
Geof
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Hello Marj,
I finally decided to look at replacing the battery in the handset, but I've failed to find the battery or equivalent in the UK, so essentially fallen over at the first hurdle. I found suppliers that list Renata and equivalent batteries, but the
model I need with the soldered tabs comes up as 'not available in your region', so I'm stuck.
If anyone here in the UK knows where I can source the required battery, then please let me know. Otherwise, I'll revert to shipping it to you to replace and update the database for me, so do I need a reference
to ship it to you please?
Many thanks,
Geof
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Geof Lewis <geoflewis@...>
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 6:05:19 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly Hi Marj,
Ok, I’ll give it a try once the weather warms up a bit. It’s not a big deal for me, as star and planet GOTOs are working fine and for DSO imaging I set to the mount to External and use plate solving via my imaging laptop. It’s only when I use
the handset to navigate to DSO for visual observing that it will be an issue, but that’s not something that I do very often, maybe a handful of times per year.
Many thanks for getting back to me.
Geof
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You can buy these batteries from Baader Planetarium in Germany, contact them by email first. https://www.baader-planetarium.com/Geert Vdbulcke Op do 23 mrt. 2023 11:59 schreef Geof Lewis <geoflewis@...>:
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Thanks Geert,
That's too much trouble for me to go to when I'm still not sure that I'll be able to complete the task anyway. I'm just going to get AP team to do it all for me, so I just need a reference to return the handset to them.
Regards,
Geof
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R Botero
Geof
I had the same issue as you did and just bought an equivalent battery from ebay and did the soldering myself. It's not difficult; try it. As Geert says, Baader also sell them but the price is prohibitive for a simple 3V battery. Roberto |
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Sure, Geof. I’ve done it a few times now, a lot easier than to go through the hassle of sending something to the USA and back and coping with all sorts of customs issues and cost.
Best regards,
Geert
Van: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Namens Geof Lewis
Verzonden: donderdag 23 maart 2023 12:41 Aan: main@ap-gto.groups.io Onderwerp: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
Thanks Geert, That's too much trouble for me to go to when I'm still not sure that I'll be able to complete the task anyway. I'm just going to get AP team to do it all for me, so I just need a reference to return the handset to them. Regards,
Geof
Sent from Outlook for iOS |
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Hi Roberto,
Do you recall which one it is that you got off eBay? I've done almost zero soldering ever and the soldering iron that I have is maybe 40+ years old and probably too large for the job. The last time I used it I destroyed the item I was trying to fix, costing
me over £150 for the repair, so I'm not very confident about doing it. Maybe I should send my handset to you and get you to do it for me 😉.
Regards,
Geof
PS I'm looking forward to meeting you at your Astro Society meeting in June. From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of R Botero via groups.io <rbotero@...>
Sent: 23 March 2023 12:47 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly Geof
I had the same issue as you did and just bought an equivalent battery from ebay and did the soldering myself. It's not difficult; try it. As Geert says, Baader also sell them but the price is prohibitive for a simple 3V battery. Roberto |
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Hi Geert,
Yes, I understand your point, but please see my reply to Roberto. I'm not very capable at these sorts of tasks and fear that I would create a bigger mess than having someone do it for me.
Regards,
Geof From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Geert <geert.vandenbulcke@...>
Sent: 23 March 2023 12:49 To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly Sure, Geof. I’ve done it a few times now, a lot easier than to go through the hassle of sending something to the USA and back and coping with all sorts of customs issues and cost.
Best regards,
Geert
Van: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Namens Geof Lewis
Thanks Geert, That's too much trouble for me to go to when I'm still not sure that I'll be able to complete the task anyway. I'm just going to get AP team to do it all for me, so I just need a reference to return the handset to them. Regards,
Geof
Sent from Outlook for iOS
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R Botero
Geoff
I've sent you a PM. Roberto |
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George
Geof,
Contact me directly and I can arrange for an RA number. Unfortunately, it is cheaper for you to send us the keypad for battery replacement than to send you a battery. Yes, things are upside down.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@... Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Geof Lewis
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 7:41 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] AP1200 GTOP CP3 - Handset Messier list not working correctly
Thanks Geert, That's too much trouble for me to go to when I'm still not sure that I'll be able to complete the task anyway. I'm just going to get AP team to do it all for me, so I just need a reference to return the handset to them. Regards,
Geof
Sent from Outlook for iOS |
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