Date
1 - 12 of 12
New-to-me AP900GTO
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So recently purchased an AP900GTO which should arrive me next week. So until then I won't get to give it a good go over, but seems to be in very nice condition. This will be my first AP mount, so I thought I would start this thread to ask the group questions and for feedback. First question being, It has the GTOCP3 with V chip installed, is there any reason to update to the V2 chip? I plan on purchasing APCC Pro to be able to make pointing models. And now wife said it is time to go to Costco, so more questions later! Thanks,
Tom |
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Hi Tom
Regarding moving to the newer V2 chip on your CP3, here's the rom revision update guide that spells out the differences: https://astro-physics.info/tech_support/mounts/keypad_update/rev-servo-cp3.pdf you could also consider upgrading to the CP4 as well Brian |
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Thanks Brian. I actually read through that guide prior to posting, but didn't see where it specified the differences in the V chip versions. I did read somewhere else where it talked about the V2 chip being needed if you have mount with encoders, so if that is the only difference than maybe I should be asking if it would be beneficial to upgrading to the CP4 unit. I will have to read on the CP3 vs. CP4 and see if my planned use would make sense to do that. I plan to set this up in my home observatory. My other mount is in New Mexico for the time being and since I have decided not to send my AP130GT there, and playing with it here I wanted something more robust than the RST-135e I have for traveling. I figured the AP900GTO would do nicely. Thanks,
Tom |
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Hi Tom The V,V1 and V2 comparisons are at the top of the document "V" is minimum required for APCC, so you are good for that compatibility The other published fixes are for fork mount and encoders, so maybe you are good with the V for your needs if you are sticking with CP3 Among other things the CP4 has ethernet, wifi, and USB in addition to serial, a nice addition imo :) Brian Thanks Brian. I actually read through that guide prior to posting, but didn't see where it specified the differences in the V chip versions. I did read somewhere else where it talked about the V2 chip being needed if you have mount with encoders, so if that is the only difference than maybe I should be asking if it would be beneficial to upgrading to the CP4 unit. I will have to read on the CP3 vs. CP4 and see if my planned use would make sense to do that. I plan to set this up in my home observatory. My other mount is in New Mexico for the time being and since I have decided not to send my AP130GT there, and playing with it here I wanted something more robust than the RST-135e I have for traveling. I figured the AP900GTO would do nicely. Thanks, --
Brian Brian Valente astro portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/astrophotography/ portfolio brianvalentephotography.com |
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The mount arrived a few days ago and looks pretty good and as described. Everything powered up and ran as I suppose it should. I cleaned the older grease out today, it was definitely due. Tapped my pier plate and am ready to mount it up. Decided I need to do a little house keeping in the observatory first. In the meantime, I have sent in a request to have my email in the APCC database so I can download and get familiar with that program. I also downloaded PEMPro.
And for my next question: PEMPro seems pretty straight forward just giving the program a quick go over, but does anyone know if there are any tutorial guides or videos out showing its usage I can check out prior to actually starting to use it? Tom |
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Answered my own question and found the PEMPro user guide. Good documentation.
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This is the video I used however the documentation was ultimately what saved me. The video is not someone using an AP mount but was fine to watch while sitting on the couch ignoring my wife. Lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atFPPEFUs_M |
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Thanks, I'll give it a watch!
I got the mount up on the pier, looking pretty good up there! And another question, I don't plan to use the Polemaster, is there a plug/cap for that spot still available or is there an aftermarket solution? Tom  |
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fernandorivera3
Nice mount! There is a black metal threaded cap from AP that can replace the red one from QHY. The part number should be on the AP website under mount accessories. It's probably still available & not discontinued <yet>.
Fernando |
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I took a look and didn't see anything. Could have missed it. I'll give a call to AP after I compile a list of any thing else that I might need. For now the Polemaster can keep it covered and I'll likely use it to get a rough PA done this week if the clouds clear.
Tom |
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Got the mount rough Polar aligned with Polemaster last night. Scope and imaging gear mounted up and ready to start dialing in a bit more this evening. Last clear night for a bit. Everything seems to be connecting properly so far. Another quick question, in PHD2, does the mount require "Reverse DEC output after meridian flip" checked? Thanks,
Tom |
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Hi Tom >>> does the mount require "Reverse DEC output after meridian flip" checked? Thanks, The default of this enabled should work. If you find it does not (you will know because DEC seems to fly off) run the meridian flip wizard in Phd Brian Got the mount rough Polar aligned with Polemaster last night. Scope and imaging gear mounted up and ready to start dialing in a bit more this evening. Last clear night for a bit. Everything seems to be connecting properly so far. Another quick question, in PHD2, does the mount require "Reverse DEC output after meridian flip" checked? Thanks, --
Brian Brian Valente astro portfolio https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/astrophotography/ portfolio brianvalentephotography.com |
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