Date
1 - 11 of 11
Can't adjust speed when aligning
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GrayFox65@...
Paul,
Greetings from Fredericksburg. I noticed from a previous posting, on S.A.A I think, that you live in nearby Williamsburg. What a marvelous historic locale. My wife and I have visited there many times---we love the architecture so well that we designed our house based on the Williamsburg story-and-a-half style, complete with dormer windows on the upper floor. Hope the seeing is good there---although truly good seeing seems to be a rarity in Virginia, at least in the more settled areas. You didn't mention which alignment method you are having trouble with: Polaris, two-star or simulated star-drift. Unfortunately, because I live among trees, I can't see to the North so I can't use the Polaris method, and I can't see to the East so I can't use the two-star method. I'm stuck with the simulated star drift method and can therefore only give advice on that method. However, although it took me awhile, it does work extremely well once mastered. Nor did you mention eyepiece/magnification. I seem to recall that the default N/S/E/W button speed is 64X, which, for me at least, isn't a problem at low magnification. I always start the alignment process using a 55mm Plossl, and ratchet up the magnification once I'm close. It takes several seconds for a star to traverse the Plossl's 2.5 degree field at 64X. The only eyepiece that gives me a little trouble is my 3mm Radian. At 365X, stars do scoot by quickly. But even then, if one "taps" the N/S/E/W buttons rather than holding them down, one can place the alignment star near the center of the field fairly reliably. Could it be that your controller is defective and is somehow erroneously changing itself to a higher speed, say 300X, 600X or 1200X, rather than staying set at 64X or at the slower settings you are entering? Don't know what other problems you have encountered in getting precise alignment. Fortunately, I don't have much orthogonality error. My 155 EDF, rings, dovetail plate and Maxbright are all pretty well square. The biggest barrier I've found is one that several of the first GTO mount owners mentioned in the early going: loosening and then retightening the altitude and azimuth bolts during alignment tends to move the alignment star out of dead center in a high power eyepeice---just enough to be aggrevating. Early on, someone suggested using two hex wrenches rather than one to tighten the azimuth bolts simultaneously. This does indeed reduce the problem for me, but it doesn't eliminate it completely. Also, tightening the altitude bolts can cause some change of alignment. However, with care one can approach perfection. As I've gotten better at this, I've become rather insistent on putting things near the center of the 3mm Radian every time. Once one gets to that point---and it took me well over six months to get there, during which time I made just about every mistake that can be made---using the AP GTO mount (I have the 600E) is great fun. My interest in observing has never been higher. Best wishes, Michael Masters |
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Paul Gustafson <drgus@...>
When polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to adjust
the N/E/W/S button speed when centering the alignment star. No matter what speed I pick at the initial screen, as soon as I enter the alignment routine, the button speed increases and makes getting the alignment star centered very difficult. I'm tired of shooting back and forth and back and forth until I finally get the star close to being centered. Am I being obtuse? It's probably something simple I'm missing, but I can't find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, did anyone else see the shadow transit this morning, right in the middle of the GRS? Regards, Paul Gustafson "For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream..." -- Van Gogh |
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RCK <rkuberek@...>
Paul Gustafson wrote:
When polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to adjustI've wondered about this myself, but haven't figured it out. The only thing I know is that the older firmware didn't do this, which is the main reason I haven't upgraded yet. Bob Kuberek |
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HOWARD L LAZARUS <LAZHOW@...>
Hi Bob;
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Just wondered about the firmware. i am still on the original firmware and have no problem in adjusting the slew speed , that is , it never reverts back to 64X uinless i wish it so. My question to you what is different about the new firmware and to my knowledge i have never gotten notice from AP inviting me to make the change over??? Can you fill me in. Thanks Howard lazarus ----- Original Message -----
From: RCK <rkuberek@...> To: <ap-gto@...> Sent: Saturday, September 18, 1999 8:18 PM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Can't adjust speed when aligning Paul Gustafson wrote:adjustWhen polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to whatthe N/E/W/S button speed when centering the alignment star. No matter thing Ispeed I pick at the initial screen, as soon as I enter the alignmentI've wondered about this myself, but haven't figured it out. The only knowhaven't upgraded yet. |
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RCK <rkuberek@...>
HOWARD L LAZARUS wrote:
Hi Bob;
You might want to call Christine and ask. I'm not sure if I got an "official"
Here is the text of Charles' post on 7/31: Hello All,
ok first, how long to upgrade a hand controller, i suggest
everyone wait
So I hope this answers some questions concerning the hand controller. Maybe Charles would give us a status report? Bob Kuberek |
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RCK <rkuberek@...>
RCK wrote:
HOWARD L LAZARUS wrote:Howard,Hi Bob; Further to this, the letter I received from AP dated May 27 mentions the keypad upgrade prominently. It also lists the revisions by date and function. The 11-2-98 version 2.2 upgrade added a feature to change the button rate at five additional places. According to this, you can push the +- key to bring up a screen to change the button rate while in the Pick Star and Cal Star screens. Maybe this will help. Bob Kuberek |
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Philip Perkins <philip@...>
When polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to adjustPaul, I think this is a known bug. I have a very similar thing with version 2.4. Except that I steer well clear of the iterative routines, which are hopeless unless you have excellent orthogonality of the optics with the mount. I notice the same thing when I do a Recal (button 9) - the star veers off in an RA direction and the guide speed changes. That, I am afraid, is a bug. Charles said that it was being fixed in 2.5 Regards --Philip Philip Perkins - philip@... Wiltshire UK & Luberon France Astrocruise - http://www.astrocruise.com |
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Charles Sinsofsky <strfire@...>
Hello Everyone,
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Sorry I did not respond to these questions right away, I have been VERY busy with DSV 3.0, the upcoming downloadable Hand controller code. a new chip will be required for your mounts but you will all be able to use thew web site now to download the hand controller code as I bring it out. 2.6 is well on the way to being completed. As to changing the button speed, remember there is a somewhat hidden menu, when ever you can press the buttons say at alignment mode, you can press the '+-' button to bring up a speical hidden menu that allows you to adjust the button speads from the slowest to the highest by presssing the next and previous buttons then press the 'menu' button and you will return to exact position you left off but the hand controller buttons will now slew the scope much slower or faster if you like. - charles sinsofsky ----- Original Message -----
From: RCK <rkuberek@...> To: <ap-gto@...> Sent: Saturday, September 18, 1999 8:18 PM Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Can't adjust speed when aligning Paul Gustafson wrote:adjustWhen polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to whatthe N/E/W/S button speed when centering the alignment star. No matter thing Ispeed I pick at the initial screen, as soon as I enter the alignmentI've wondered about this myself, but haven't figured it out. The only knowhaven't upgraded yet. |
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Paul Gustafson <drgus@...>
As to changing the button speed, remember there is a somewhatTo Charles and everyone else who responded, I am grateful for your help. I'll try it next night out. I know, I know--RTFM. :-) Paul Gustafson |
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Marj <astrophy@...>
Paul and all GTO users,
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Here is an updated version of the changes made thus far to the firmware in the keypad and the chip located in the servo box. Charles is working on a few enhancements and minor fixes in the keypad software which will be v2.6 when finished. If you want to upgrade to v2.5, you have two options. If you can't wait, send the keypad into Astro-Physics and we will reprogram it. Since we have a new version in the wings, I recommend that you wait for our internet download from our web site which we are planning to have in October. In order to accomplish the download, you will need a new chip in your servo box (we will probably charge about $30 to cover the cost of the chip, extraction tool needed to remove current chip and shipping). These will be available in October also and can be easily installed by the user. Then, you will be able to upload all future upgrades to the keypad firmware from our web site without further costs. This will make it easy for all. UPDATES TO KEYPAD AND SERVO DRIVE CHIP KEYPAD REVISIONS After 6-22-98 Fixed PEM and added timer Fix save of Dec backlash Complete safe zone with save Change set site location - took negatives out, added W-E and N-S (the minus zeros were a problem). Fixed ADS separations Removed "size" from object data since most objects are irregular and this data was not loaded Fixed RA/Dec entries involving minus 0 Activate park function Added current position function to NEXT button at Objects Menu Reorganized and corrected search function Recalculated lunar position (later determined this was incorrect) 7-13-98 Corrected lunar position calculation Change focus default setting to Low to correspond with TheSky 7-15-98 Removed Display Time/LST from Setup-2 menu Add RA Backlash to Setup-1 menu (new function) Moved Reticle adjustment to Setup-2 7-16-98 Add N-S-E-W button function to Cal. Menu when star choice data is displayed Prevent observer from using N-S-E-W directional buttons in Center Polaris screen Put Focus selection in #2 spot in Setup1 so that people don't accidentally change the backlash setting which was in #2 spot 7-18-98 Fix PEM (timer was not going off consistently) 7-21-98 Increased backlash compensation for 400 & 600E mounts 7-29-98 Fixed planets menu, which used to skip #1 and begin w/# 2 (if you pressed 1 accidentally, you got gibberish). Now #1 works properly for first selection. 8-25-98 - version 2.1 Fixed sign of declination number of Southern Hemisphere objects from + to -. Used to show + sign when displaying RA/Dec coordinates prior to go-to action. Will now go to objects between 0 and -1 latitude. Save position of common object names in Tours menu. When you go to a common object from this menu, then press Menu, the display will return to the screen that shows the last common object you viewed. If you go to other objects using other menus (Search, M, etc) then return to common names menu, the display will show the last common name object you viewed. Previously, it returned to the beginning of the common objects list each time. Save position of Stars/Constellation in Tours menu. When you go to a star in a chosen constellation, then press MENU, the display screen will return to the same constellation and screen as previous entry. Previously, it returned to the first screen of the constellation with the alpha star. Save position of Objects/Constellation in Tours menu. When you go to an object in a chosen constellation, then press MENU, the display screen will return to the same constellation and object screen as previous entry. Previously, it returned to the first screen of the constellation with the alpha star. 9-15-98 Corrected remainder of objects that have -00 latitude (these had +00) 11-2-98 - version 2.2 Allow user to change button rate at five additional places in the program. Pushing "+-" button brings up screen that allows you to change button rate. Button rate can be changed when you are in these functions: "Pick star" screen in startup procedure, 'cal star" screen in startup procedure, "objects menu" screen, screen that displays after you slew to an object, RA/Dec coordinates display that is accessed by next button after you slew to object. These are places that the user is likely to need this feature. The screen displays "guide speed: <rate> x", rates are from .25x through 1200x. Toggle through the selections using Prev< and Next> buttons. 11-12-98 Reword screen that comes up when push "+ -" button. Used to display, i.e. "guide speed: 64 x", now displays "button rate: 64x". 01-14-99 version 2.3 (actually downloaded in mid-December) N Polar Calibration routine changed. Previously, the user had to manually move the telescope to the next calibration star, and then the scope would slew back to Polaris. Now, the user moves the scope manually to the first star, then all subsequent movements are automatically slewed with keypad controller. Each time you use the N-S-E-W buttons to center a star, then press Menu, you recalibrate. Two Star Calibration routine has been simplified. Probably easiest to compare instructions to see the differences. Now the user goes to a star and makes adjustments halfway with N-S-E-W buttons and the remaining half with the alt-az adjusters. When the user selects Menu to exit, the mount recalibrates and you can either go to another star or exit the program. 01-30-99 version 2.4 Revised park function to include Park 1, Park 2 and Park 3. When you select one of these park positions, the mount auto-slews to one of the following locations: Park 1 - the scope will be level and pointing north. Park 2 - the scope will be level and pointing east. Park 3 - the scope will point to the pole. You can use the Park 1 position (also called reference park) with a bubble level to polar align your telescope in the daytime or when you can't see Polaris. 06-02-99 version 2.5 Park functions work correctly in Southern Hemisphere. Improved declination backlash range for 400GTO. Prevent user from bypassing Startup routine in location selection and Cal. Menu screens. In previous versions, it was possible to press MENU and escape the Startup, however then the mount was not calibrated. If a user still manages to bypass the Startup routine at the Cal. Star selection screen by pressing MENU, the keypad will send the data for the reference park position (see the manual for discussion of this postion). SERVO DRIVE BOX REVISIONS - Chip Program 7-9-98 Solved 80% of problem - if slew with buttons to various areas of sky, the mount gets lost when asked to slew to object. Just two areas remain that are below mount in areas not likely to slew to. 7-16-98 Can slew anywhere in sky with buttons and mount knows where it is (used to get lost if you were pushing N-S-E-W buttons to guide across the meridian or when scope was below mount). Made adjustments to allow correct movement (motors and slewing direction) in southern hemisphere 7-17-98 Fixed PEM (was not recording properly) 10-30-98 If motor stalls more than 1 second, the drive will shut off. This is a safety feature to prevent motor burnout in case of severe load on the motor due to an extreme imbalance condition or if the power to the mount has been accidentally left on and the scope has hit a hard stop. 12-18-98 The telescope can now be placed in any of 3 park positions, the power turned off and the keypad removed. When the power and keypad are restored, the mount will stay parked and not resume tracking until the Resume from Park function has been entered on the keypad. Note: We recommend removing all power cords from the mount and/or from the wall socket to prevent damage from direct lightening strikes. 5-13-99 Horizon check - This function is normally used from the keypad. Added it to the chip so that people who are writing software will have access to this command code. Commands: :ho# means on :hq# means off Fix communications interrupts that caused a problem when using DigitalSky Voice and TheSky software together. This problem occurred with version 5 of TheSky. Provides ability to download new keypad versions from our web site. This has been tested in simulated download, but not an actual web download. This part of the code may need revision before finalized. 07-29-99 Initialize the COM ports twice to be sure they can establish communication consistently. 08-09-99 Allow recalibration during PEM playback without extraneous motion. Marjorie Christen Astro-Physics -----Original Message-----
From: Paul Gustafson [mailto:drgus@...] Sent: Saturday, September 18, 1999 4:04 PM To: Ap-GTO e-group; Subject: [ap-gto] Can't adjust speed when aligning When polar aligning, a constant frustration for me is my inability to adjust the N/E/W/S button speed when centering the alignment star. No matter what speed I pick at the initial screen, as soon as I enter the alignment routine, the button speed increases and makes getting the alignment star centered very difficult. I'm tired of shooting back and forth and back and forth until I finally get the star close to being centered. Am I being obtuse? It's probably something simple I'm missing, but I can't find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, did anyone else see the shadow transit this morning, right in the middle of the GRS? Regards, Paul Gustafson "For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream..." -- Van Gogh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 250 FREE HOURS on America Online! America's most popular online service! Try AOL *risk free* for 250 HOURS! CLICK HERE http://clickhere.egroups.com/click/912 eGroups.com home: http://www.egroups.com/group/ap-gto http://www.egroups.com - Simplifying group communications |
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howard lazarus <lazhow@...>
Dear Marj;
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When you can would you give an estimated date when the computer chip to bring the keypad up to date to version 2.5 will be ready for shipping. This information would be most appreciated. Many thanks Howard Lazarus Marj wrote: Paul and all GTO users, |
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