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Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2
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Am I correct in assuming that there will be a future keypad update for those of us who want to use the keypad with their new Mach2?
Dean Jacobsen |
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Terri Zittritsch
Dean, what does this mean? I just put in an order for the mach2 plus keypad? Is the current keypad not compatible or lacking something with the mach2?
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Terri On Sep 14, 2019, at 2:00 AM, deanjacobsen@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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mike.hambrick@...
Hi Terri I think he is referring to a keypad software update. They will normally ship the keypads with whatever the current software version is at the time they send it to you. It is probably worth asking the folks at A-P about the timing of the new software release. You will be able to download the latest version but it will be less hassle to get it already installed. |
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Terry, My present keypad has version 4.19.3 firmware loaded into it and does not have a mount type Mach2 in the "mount type" menu. If you are ordering a new keypad with your mount then I am sure your keypad will be set up for the Mach2. I will probably have to upload new firmware to my keypad that has the Mach2 mount type. Dean Jacobsen web site: http://astrophoto.net/wp/ image gallery: http://astrophoto.net/wp/image-gallery/ astrobin gallery: https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ |
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Terri Zittritsch
Thanks guys for explaining. I just ordered the tripod, weights, keypad and am hoping for a decent date for the mach2.
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Terri On Sep 14, 2019, at 9:43 AM, deanjacobsen@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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Roland Christen
Yes, and all the CP4 users as well.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: deanjacobsen@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 1:00 am Subject: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Am I correct in assuming that there will be a future keypad update for those of us who want to use the keypad with their new Mach2?
Dean Jacobsen
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Posted by: deanjacobsen@...
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Thanks Roland. When do you anticipate that the Mach2 manual and the CP5 manual will make its way to the support page? Dean Jacobsen |
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DFisch
Also will they be the same form factor, i’ve just gotten used to the buttons Tom Fischer
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Roland Christen
As soon as it's ready and as soon as we finish testing all the new features.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: deanjacobsen@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> To: ap-gto Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 2:43 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Thanks Roland.
When do you anticipate that the Mach2 manual and the CP5 manual will make its way to the support page?
Dean Jacobsen
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Roland Christen
Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Fischer manusfisch@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 3:14 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Also will they be the same form factor, i’ve just gotten used to the buttons
Tom Fischer
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Rolando, I don't mean to start anything, but most imagers have their mount connected to a PC and therefore don't need the keypad - at least at night. What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. Your keypad is great but only at night. During the day it's a real pain. Every time I'm forced to use it I keep thinking of the easy to read in the daylight keypad on the cheap mount I use for visual stuff. Will we ever see an AP keypad usable during the day?
Greg
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2019 5:47 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2
Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers.
Rolando
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Roland Christen
What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. I hear you. We actually are thinking of adding a minimalist keypad with Oleg screen that shows up in the daytime. One of our customers developed one and it is really nice. We just have to work out some things, but like you i do want this also.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Greg Salyer' astronutcase@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 5:45 pm Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Rolando, I don't mean to start anything, but most imagers have their mount connected to a PC and therefore don't need the keypad - at least at night. What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. Your keypad is great but only at night. During the day it's a real pain. Every time I'm forced to use it I keep thinking of the easy to read in the daylight keypad on the cheap mount I use for visual stuff. Will we ever see an AP keypad usable during the day?
Greg
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2019 5:47 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers.
Rolando
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That is GREAT news. I sure hope it works out.
Greg
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2019 8:05 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2
I hear you. We actually are thinking of adding a minimalist keypad with Oleg screen that shows up in the daytime. One of our customers developed one and it is really nice. We just have to work out some things, but like you i do want this also.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
Rolando, I don't mean to start anything, but most imagers have their mount connected to a PC and therefore don't need the keypad - at least at night. What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. Your keypad is great but only at night. During the day it's a real pain. Every time I'm forced to use it I keep thinking of the easy to read in the daylight keypad on the cheap mount I use for visual stuff. Will we ever see an AP keypad usable during the day?
Greg
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers.
Rolando
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Richard Lapides
Great idea! I would also like to have one you could read in the
daytime.
Right now I have to cover up my head with a black-out cloth. Rich Lapides On 9/14/2019 7:04 PM, chris1011@...
[ap-gto] wrote:
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Terri Zittritsch
Rolando, I’ve just placed my order for all accessories including a keypad with my vendor. Should I have waited on the keypad until the Mach2 is shipping, or is this a pretty transparent change that I’ll just get software updates for? Just want to make sure I’m not missing something by purchasing the keypad early.
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Terri
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All Mach2 mounts will ship with the new keypad version.
We will have the update available on our website for keypads that are already in the field.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2019 9:48 AM To: chris1011@... [ap-gto] Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2
Rolando, I’ve just placed my order for all accessories including a keypad with my vendor. Should I have waited on the keypad until the Mach2 is shipping, or is this a pretty transparent change that I’ll just get software updates for? Just want to make sure I’m not missing something by purchasing the keypad early.
Terri
On Sep 14, 2019, at 5:46 PM, chris1011@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
Also will they be the same form factor, i’ve just gotten used to the buttons Tom Fischer
On Sat, Sep 14, 2019 at 12:42 deanjacobsen@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@yahoogroups..com> wrote:
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Roland Christen
You will get the latest keypad with your order.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Terri Zittritsch theresamarie11@... [ap-gto] To: chris1011@... [ap-gto] Sent: Sun, Sep 15, 2019 9:47 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Rolando, I’ve just placed my order for all accessories including a keypad with my vendor. Should I have waited on the keypad until the Mach2 is shipping, or is this a pretty transparent change that I’ll just get software updates for? Just want to make sure I’m not missing something by purchasing the keypad early. Terri
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mike.hambrick@...
Not everyone uses just a PC for imaging.
I still like having a fully functional keypad
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Best Regards Michael Hambrick ARLANXEO TSR Global Manufacturing Support PO Box 2000 Orange, TX 77631-2000 Phone: +1 (409) 882-2799 email: mike.hambrick@... From: "chris1011@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...> To: ap-gto@... Date: 09/14/2019 07:04 PM Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Sent by: ap-gto@...
What we do need is a keypad we can see during
the day when we're doing maintenance stuff.
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Greg Salyer' astronutcase@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 5:45 pm Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Rolando, I don't mean to start anything, but most imagers have their mount connected to a PC and therefore don't need the keypad - at least at night. What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. Your keypad is great but only at night. During the day it's a real pain. Every time I'm forced to use it I keep thinking of the easy to read in the daylight keypad on the cheap mount I use for visual stuff. Will we ever see an AP keypad usable during the day? Greg From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2019 5:47 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers. Rolando
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Roland Christen
We will always have a full functioning keypad - the one we sell now. I use it almost always, even if I am imaging with other software.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.hambrick@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Mon, Sep 16, 2019 4:43 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Not everyone uses just a PC for imaging. I still like having a fully functional keypad Best Regards Michael Hambrick ARLANXEO TSR Global Manufacturing Support PO Box 2000 Orange, TX 77631-2000 Phone: +1 (409) 882-2799 email: mike.hambrick@... From: "chris1011@... [ap-gto]" To: ap-gto@... Date: 09/14/2019 07:04 PM Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Sent by: ap-gto@... What we do need is a keypad we can see during
the day when we're doing maintenance stuff.
I hear you. We actually are thinking of adding a minimalist keypad with Oleg screen that shows up in the daytime. One of our customers developed one and it is really nice. We just have to work out some things, but like you i do want this also. Rolando -----Original Message----- From: 'Greg Salyer' astronutcase@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sat, Sep 14, 2019 5:45 pm Subject: RE: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Rolando, I don't mean to start anything, but most imagers have their mount connected to a PC and therefore don't need the keypad - at least at night. What we do need is a keypad we can see during the day when we're doing maintenance stuff. Your keypad is great but only at night. During the day it's a real pain. Every time I'm forced to use it I keep thinking of the easy to read in the daylight keypad on the cheap mount I use for visual stuff. Will we ever see an AP keypad usable during the day? Greg From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...] Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2019 5:47 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Using the GTO keypad with the Mach2 Nothing has changed on the keypad physically. Some of the buttons may change function. We don't have a final software set yet. We are adding in some things that will be very useful to imagers. Rolando |
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Terri Zittritsch
A few more questions for the Mach2. First, what is the counterweight need for the Mach2? I was surprised about the larger mounts needing from 90-120% of the weight of the load. Is this what I can expect for the Mach2 as well? I do understand that part of this will depend on how far the load is from the axis, and right now I’m planning side-by-side mounting of scope/guide scope to keep things close to the axis. I know this isn’t ideal and I’ll have to deal with unequal scope-saddle movement. Secondly, I notice that the power needs show 12V/24V and 5A continuous. Should this really be 60W continuous (12V, 5A) or will it really draw 120W (5A) at 24V? Is this the result of the high holding current of micro-steppers on the mount? I know when I saw the demo at NEAF the mount was resisting and correcting for bumps/wind. I also remember hearing at some point that the mount will still track well with 20 pounds of imbalance, am I remembering this right? I think I’ll be happy that I purchased the mighty-max sealed 55AH battery rather than the ubiquitous battery boxes with lights which contain tiny little batteries (although my arms and back will never forgive me). Third, I’ve heard that the encoders will give me peace of mind because the mount will always know where it is. I think I know what it means, but just to make sure my understanding is correct: The mount knowing where it’s pointing, really only refers to knowing the absolute position of the shafts, and has nothing to do with knowing the absolute position of where the mount is pointing (the sky). Even assuming perfect polar alignment, the mount still can’t understand where it’s pointing without some initial synchronization with at least a star or three or a model of the sky. With a model plus the encoders, then you’ll know the absolute position (I think). Am I thinking of this correctly? And how practical is it to create a model of the sky when you’re using the mount in a non-permanent way? Can I create a model in less than an hour, or is this a long process only really intended for permanent mounting and for mobile users we’ll just do a few star synchronization after polar alignment (I guess a model of sorts)? Lastly for Mr. A-P himself, I’ve addressed you as both Roland and Rolando, and am getting uncomfortable with this ambiguity. Everywhere outside of this forum, I’ve seen the name listed as Roland, but your signature here is shown as Rolando. How do you prefer to be addressed? It may seem a silly question, but I think it’s important to use the form/spelling of your name as you prefer. I do understand they are forms of the same name. Terri
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