http://www.campocatinobservatory.org/galleria.asp?Gruppo=C.A.O.&Titolo=C.A.O.

>(replacing the central "space" with a "question mark" (?))

>Trying tinyurl again:
http://tinyurl.com/yh3ak2f

Thanks!

>>  I want accuracy and as high speed goto slews as possible.

>... and cheap and Autostar-controlled....

>Will you settle for two out of four?

If we have to. There's no room in the budget for a $2K system and I'd like to
avoid steppers.

>> Drive system: drive control will be by Autostar and a DS2000 motor control
board feeding LMD18245T full bridge drivers with encoder feedback thru JD
Watson's encoder divider circuit. If 3amps is enough!
>>
>>  1000 ounce inch (124 max. continuous) torque
>>  4.33 oz-in / amp or 13 oz-in @ 3amps

>13 oz-in?  That's only 1 oz-foot (before the gear reduction).
>But a 325 reduction makes it about 20 foot pounds.

The 124 oz/in. limit is for the spur gear reduction unit. Pittman doesn't give
any for the planetary unit. It may be higher.
The LMD18245T is limited to 3 amps. To max the torque would take about 30 amps
or what my 3hp compressor likes at start up.

>> At 3500rpm the encoders are going to be working at 1.75mHz. If the
>> Watson board knocks this down to 438kHZ is that going to be too
>> much for the Autostar?

>I *know* i said "upper limit of 20KHz (or 10) for the encoders"
>Is 438  larger than 10?

I forgot if you we're taking m or ks!

>> US Digital offers encoder discs down to 32 count. This would get
>> us down to 28kHz.

>Still too rapid.  If the "Watson board" is simply a flip-flop
>divider, you can get chips that divide by higher powers of two.

Watson's design as executed by Tim Middendorf is in the files as "Al's Non-DS
Motor Interface & JD's Encoder Divide by 4 PCB." Al Peters' "Encoder Divider"
file has the original Watson design and Al's comments.

>> But what concerned me is that the emitters and receivers in the
>> HEDS encoders are set up for quadrature. So how do they go from
>> 500 to 32 slots without adjusting the pickups? You can do
>> quadrature by locating the pickups 90deg. apart, but they are
>> mounted together in the HEDS, just as they are on a DS board.

>Is it a simple "vaned" encoder disk (like Meade's), or is it
>a pair of optical patterns on a glass disk?
>If the latter, you simply make patterns the will block the
>two photosensors with the proper phasing.
>Instead of (short, alternating)
>- - - - - -
>  - - - - - -
>you do (overlapping, long)
>-----
>     -----
(diagram requires viewing with fixed-pitch font)

Yes, the HEDS encoders use slotted steel disk and a mask. I think Meade went
this route on the classic LX200. There are three pickups, two for quadrature and
one for indexing. Per HP's datasheet:

"these encoders contain a single Light Emitting Diode (LED) as its light source.
The light is collimated into a parallel beam by means of a single polycarbonate
lens located directly over the LED. Opposite the emitter is the integrated
detector circuit. This IC consists of multiple sets of photodetectors and the
signal processing circuitry necessary to produce the digital waveforms. The
codewheel rotates between the emitter and detector, causing the light beam to be
interrupted by the pattern of spaces and bars on the codewheel. The photodiodes
which detect these interruptions are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to
the radius and design of the codewheel. These detectors are also spaced such
that a light period on one pair of detectors corresponds to a dark period on the
adjacent pair of detectors. The photodiode outputs are then fed through the
signal processing circuitry resulting in A, -A, B and -B. Comparators receive
these signals and produce the final outputs for channels A and B. Due to this
integrated phasing technique, the digital output of channel A is in quadrature
with that of channel B (90 degrees out of phase)."

>>
>> The gearheads are 3 planetary sets stacked. There is the potential
>> to lock one or two sets and increase the speed of the output shaft
>> at the expense of some torque.

>Can you access the internal shafts to pick off the encoder on
>a slower shaft?

Not likely, but while disassembling an old JVC video cam I noted its use of very
simple code wheels. It was setup to use reflective diode encoders so the code
wheels were alternately black and mirrored. The capstan wheel was simply divided
in half for one count per RPM, another was divided in quarters. Which is why I
started thinking about modifying or making up some codewheels. Doing a 15 degree
pattern would give me 12 pulses/ revolution or about 11.5kHz after division. I
could just print the pattern on acetate overhead projection sheet in the laser
printer at 600 DPI. I would have to mount the detectors at 90 degrees to get the
proper phasing. Don't think I will be working with the HP diodes. They are less
than a mm square!
George

CAS,

Cool work here!
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/message/11380

A question about one section of the code:
When you are responding to the 0x8 command from the 497 you do:

----------------
comm_recv = ticks<<16; // data is tranmitted MSB first
ticks = 0L;
if (cur_speed != 0L) comm_recv |= 0x00 00 20 7FL; // add a randomly chosen pwm
value and QEI error bit to the result
else comm_recv = 0x00000000L;
---------------

For the 'if' when moving, with only 25 bits to transmit the last 9 bits sent are
00100000 0

Is this as you intend? Is the 7F meant to be gated out?

Thanks, and again COOL WORK HERE!

Gene

Only 25 bits are transmitted, so the last 7 are don't care.

ps: there is an error somewhere in the code with the communication with the
autostar, the data line is kept low at the end of transmission. I'll correct
this when i have some time later today and update the source file.

Cas
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: lynol1000
   To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 3:15 PM
   Subject: [RoboScope] rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c



   CAS,

   Cool work here!
   http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/message/11380

   A question about one section of the code:
   When you are responding to the 0x8 command from the 497 you do:

   ----------------
   comm_recv = ticks<<16; // data is tranmitted MSB first
   ticks = 0L;
   if (cur_speed != 0L) comm_recv |= 0x00 00 20 7FL; // add a randomly chosen pwm
value and QEI error bit to the result
   else comm_recv = 0x00000000L;
   ---------------

   For the 'if' when moving, with only 25 bits to transmit the last 9 bits sent
are
   00100000 0

   Is this as you intend? Is the 7F meant to be gated out?

   Thanks, and again COOL WORK HERE!

   Gene





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cas,

Ok!

Have you ever had the chance to try one of the new 497EP's against this code?
There are a few new surprises in the Calibrate section that Andrew is working
out.

Gene
--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "cas" <cas@...> wrote:
>
> Only 25 bits are transmitted, so the last 7 are don't care.
>
> ps: there is an error somewhere in the code with the communication with the
autostar, the data line is kept low at the end of transmission. I'll correct
this when i have some time later today and update the source file.
>
> Cas
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: lynol1000
>   To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 3:15 PM
>   Subject: [RoboScope] rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c
>
>
>
>   CAS,
>
>   Cool work here!
>   http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/message/11380
>
>   A question about one section of the code:
>   When you are responding to the 0x8 command from the 497 you do:
>
>   ----------------
>   comm_recv = ticks<<16; // data is tranmitted MSB first
>   ticks = 0L;
>   if (cur_speed != 0L) comm_recv |= 0x00 00 20 7FL; // add a randomly chosen
pwm value and QEI error bit to the result
>   else comm_recv = 0x00000000L;
>   ---------------
>
>   For the 'if' when moving, with only 25 bits to transmit the last 9 bits sent
are
>   00100000 0
>
>   Is this as you intend? Is the 7F meant to be gated out?
>
>   Thanks, and again COOL WORK HERE!
>
>   Gene
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

No, I haven't. I only have the old version here.

Cas
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: lynol1000
   To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 6:54 PM
   Subject: [RoboScope] Re: rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c



   Cas,

   Ok!

   Have you ever had the chance to try one of the new 497EP's against this code?
There are a few new surprises in the Calibrate section that Andrew is working
out.

   Gene
   --- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "cas" <cas@...> wrote:
   >
   > Only 25 bits are transmitted, so the last 7 are don't care.
   >
   > ps: there is an error somewhere in the code with the communication with the
autostar, the data line is kept low at the end of transmission. I'll correct
this when i have some time later today and update the source file.
   >
   > Cas
   > ----- Original Message -----
   > From: lynol1000
   > To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
   > Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 3:15 PM
   > Subject: [RoboScope] rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c
   >
   >
   >
   > CAS,
   >
   > Cool work here!
   > http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/message/11380
   >
   > A question about one section of the code:
   > When you are responding to the 0x8 command from the 497 you do:
   >
   > ----------------
   > comm_recv = ticks<<16; // data is tranmitted MSB first
   > ticks = 0L;
   > if (cur_speed != 0L) comm_recv |= 0x00 00 20 7FL; // add a randomly chosen
pwm value and QEI error bit to the result
   > else comm_recv = 0x00000000L;
   > ---------------
   >
   > For the 'if' when moving, with only 25 bits to transmit the last 9 bits sent
are
   > 00100000 0
   >
   > Is this as you intend? Is the 7F meant to be gated out?
   >
   > Thanks, and again COOL WORK HERE!
   >
   > Gene
   >
   >
   >
   >
   >
   > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
   >





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've updated the source, sadly i can't test it anymore, i've stripped the
autostar connection from my board and connected it to my EQ3 mount for tracking
(fixed speed) in RA.
But it *should* work as is now. The previous version forgot to release the data
line after a command that send parameters back to the autostar (and would block
communication from the 2nd motor)

Cas
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: cas
   To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 5:13 PM
   Subject: Re: [RoboScope] rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c



   Only 25 bits are transmitted, so the last 7 are don't care.

   ps: there is an error somewhere in the code with the communication with the
autostar, the data line is kept low at the end of transmission. I'll correct
this when i have some time later today and update the source file.

   Cas
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: lynol1000
   To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 3:15 PM
   Subject: [RoboScope] rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c

   CAS,

   Cool work here!
   http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/message/11380

   A question about one section of the code:
   When you are responding to the 0x8 command from the 497 you do:

   ----------------
   comm_recv = ticks<<16; // data is tranmitted MSB first
   ticks = 0L;
   if (cur_speed != 0L) comm_recv |= 0x00 00 20 7FL; // add a randomly chosen pwm
value and QEI error bit to the result
   else comm_recv = 0x00000000L;
   ---------------

   For the 'if' when moving, with only 25 bits to transmit the last 9 bits sent
are
   00100000 0

   Is this as you intend? Is the 7F meant to be gated out?

   Thanks, and again COOL WORK HERE!

   Gene

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've been working on a "clone" of Al Peters' design to use the Autostar will
higher power motors. Looking at his DS circuit mods
( http://tinyurl.com/yj9zjf3 ) I think I see a problem, but what do I know?

On the DS PCB there are six resistors #'s 230-235 on the diagram. They are each
connected to the PIC54C data inputs(?) RB7 thru RB2 respectively. The resistors
other ends are connected to Vcc thru the encoder's LED.

Al cuts the encoder out and breaks the connection to Vcc. I'm guessing the
resistors are there to provide proper pull up voltage to the PIC inputs and
without the power they will float.

So shouldn't the resistors still be connected to Vcc?
TIA, George

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "cas" <cas@...> wrote:
>
> I've updated the source, sadly i can't test it anymore, i've stripped the
autostar connection from my board and connected it to my EQ3 mount for tracking
(fixed speed) in RA.
> But it *should* work as is now. The previous version forgot to release the
data line after a command that send parameters back to the autostar (and would
block communication from the 2nd motor)
>
> Cas

Yes those are pull-up resistors, unless you connect them to a non 3 state
device (to a TTL gate output) you should connect them to vcc.

I remember that even when we used TTL, sometimes we got better "lab results"
by using pull-ups on some TTL or CMOS components. In the specific case of
the DS motors, if you don't connect them to VCC, you should remove them
completely

Freddy

   _____

From: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RoboScope@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of pinyachta
Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 8:04 AM
To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RoboScope] Re: rapsacw - DIY Motor controller autostarstepper.c




I've been working on a "clone" of Al Peters' design to use the Autostar will
higher power motors. Looking at his DS circuit mods
( http://tinyurl. <http://tinyurl.com/yj9zjf3> com/yj9zjf3 ) I think I see a
problem, but what do I know?

On the DS PCB there are six resistors #'s 230-235 on the diagram. They are
each connected to the PIC54C data inputs(?) RB7 thru RB2 respectively. The
resistors other ends are connected to Vcc thru the encoder's LED.

Al cuts the encoder out and breaks the connection to Vcc. I'm guessing the
resistors are there to provide proper pull up voltage to the PIC inputs and
without the power they will float.

So shouldn't the resistors still be connected to Vcc?
TIA, George

--- In RoboScope@yahoogrou <mailto:RoboScope%40yahoogroups.com> ps.com,
"cas" <cas@...> wrote:
>
> I've updated the source, sadly i can't test it anymore, i've stripped the
autostar connection from my board and connected it to my EQ3 mount for
tracking (fixed speed) in RA.
> But it *should* work as is now. The previous version forgot to release the
data line after a command that send parameters back to the autostar (and
would block communication from the 2nd motor)
>
> Cas






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

More interesting stuff for GOTO hacks...

http://elegance.photo.rajiva.de/elegance/photo/indexs.html

"My advice is always free and worth every penny!"

-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com

Follow-up stuff.

http://www.deepsky-solutions.com/e-products.htm

"My advice is always free and worth every penny!"

-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com



> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christopher Erickson [mailto:christopher.k.erickson@...]
> Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 1:47 PM
> To: 'RoboScope@yahoogroups.com'
> Subject: LittleFoot GOTO controller
>
> More interesting stuff for GOTO hacks...
>
> http://elegance.photo.rajiva.de/elegance/photo/indexs.html
>
> "My advice is always free and worth every penny!"
>
> -Christopher Erickson
> Network Design Engineer
> Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
> N19°57' W155°47'
> Meade 16" LX200 SCT
> www.data-plumber.com
>
>
>

Can't do that there will be nothing left of the DS circuit except the PIC!
Looking at the DS2000 dual drive control board, if you use an off board power
supply and Autostar connection all that's left is the PIC, its crystal and the
pull up lines. I'm wondering if I should just cut it down and make it part of
the LM18245s board and eliminate a tangle of conductors.
Geo.

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "Freddy Diaz" <freddy.diazg@...> wrote:
>
> Yes those are pull-up resistors, unless you connect them to a non 3 state
> device (to a TTL gate output) you should connect them to vcc.
>
> I remember that even when we used TTL, sometimes we got better "lab results"
> by using pull-ups on some TTL or CMOS components. In the specific case of
> the DS motors, if you don't connect them to VCC, you should remove them
> completely
>
> Freddy

Must have used google to translate. Maybe I should offer to clean it up in
return for one of their "self-assembling kits."
Geo.

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "Christopher Erickson"
<christopher.k.erickson@...> wrote:
>
> Follow-up stuff.
>
> http://www.deepsky-solutions.com/e-products.htm
>
> "My advice is always free and worth every penny!"
>
> -Christopher Erickson
> Network Design Engineer
> Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
> N19°57' W155°47'
> Meade 16" LX200 SCT
> www.data-plumber.com
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Christopher Erickson [mailto:christopher.k.erickson@...]
> > Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 1:47 PM
> > To: 'RoboScope@yahoogroups.com'
> > Subject: LittleFoot GOTO controller
> >
> > More interesting stuff for GOTO hacks...
> >
> > http://elegance.photo.rajiva.de/elegance/photo/indexs.html
> >
> > "My advice is always free and worth every penny!"
> >
> > -Christopher Erickson
> > Network Design Engineer
> > Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
> > N19°57' W155°47'
> > Meade 16" LX200 SCT
> > www.data-plumber.com
> >
> >
> >
>

Hello, I am new to this site.  I am wondering if anyone has had luck in using DS
motor / Meade control on a large Dob base.  I am starting to build a 13" f/4.5
truss tube dob, and I do like the usability of my DS2114.  I do have an old
DS114 I could strip the drive off of, or I could order a replacement kit, but I
would like to have the GOTO functions of Meade and keep my laptop for future
astrophotography.  I am very good at wood working and am starting to hone my
skills at aluminum (made an 18 point floating cell for primary out of 1/4"
stock)  I would just like some guidance on the motor load situation.  I
understand the worm gear ratio and how to reset the handbox, but I don't want to
design my entire scope around the motors if no one has proven that they can
handle the load.  Thank you -Rob


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

DS motors are capable if you gear down low enough but using
LXD-55/75 will probably work a bit better, but be harder to
adapt.

See the Photos and Files section of the group's home page
for pictures and other information on other people's
big dob conversions.

"My advice is always free and worth every penny!"

-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com



> -----Original Message-----
> From: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:RoboScope@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of robsfrederick@...
> Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:55 AM
> To: roboscope@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [RoboScope] DS Motors with a large dob
>
>
> Hello, I am new to this site.  I am wondering if anyone has
> had luck in using DS motor / Meade control on a large Dob
> base.  I am starting to build a 13" f/4.5 truss tube dob, and
> I do like the usability of my DS2114.  I do have an old DS114
> I could strip the drive off of, or I could order a
> replacement kit, but I would like to have the GOTO functions
> of Meade and keep my laptop for future astrophotography.  I
> am very good at wood working and am starting to hone my
> skills at aluminum (made an 18 point floating cell for
> primary out of 1/4" stock)  I would just like some guidance
> on the motor load situation.  I understand the worm gear
> ratio and how to reset the handbox, but I don't want to
> design my entire scope around the motors if no one has proven
> that they can handle the load.  Thank you -Rob
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> How to convert your GP-style mount to GOTO:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/files/
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

On Jan 9 this year I sent a call for help in finding a mosfet replacement
for my LXD Mount.
The response from the group was instantaneous. Thank-you for your help. I
had a little difficulty with suppliers and their distributors. Finally
Nutech in Hamilton ON came to the rescue, however the  Distributor insisted
they buy a spool of the item IRF7342. I contacted the distributor a couple
of times who said they would sell direct the  qty I required. Preferring to
support my local merchant we had another go at the distributor who finally
agreed that they could indeed sell individual items to Nutech. The part they
had listed was IRF7342D2 (Co-packaged Hexfet Power Mesfet and Schottky
Diode)was not the same as the part I required a IRF7342(which comprises of
Dual P-Channel Mosfet) and is the same configuration as the failed SI4967.

After all this I have finally been able to make the repair and am back in
bussiness.  I also have three spares just incase .

Again my THANKS to you for your Knowledge and Assistance.

Ed Smith
Brantford ON

While exploring a an old (1996) PC motherboard for parts came across these.
Would seem worth exploring as motor drivers. Very low gate voltage required and
can handle up to 80 amps 30v. Haven't found the complementary P-channel yet.

N-Channel Logic Level PowerTrench MOSFET

"General Description
This N-Channel Logic Level MOSFET has been designed specifically to improve the
overall efficiency of DC/DC converters using either synchronous or conventional
switching PWM controllers. These MOSFETs feature faster switching and lower gate
charge than other MOSFETs with comparable RDS specifications (minimum 1V.).

The result is a MOSFET that is easy and safer to drive (even at very high
frequencies), and DC/DC power supply designs with higher overall efficiency. It
has been optimized for low gate charge, low RDS(ON)
and fast switching speed."

Features
· 80 A, 30 V RDS(ON) = 6.5 mW @ VGS = 10 V
RDS(ON) = 8.5 mW @ VGS = 4.5 V
· Critical DC electrical parameters specified at
elevated temperature
· High performance trench technology for extremely
low RDS(ON)
· 175°C maximum junction temperature rating

geo.

I would like to know of projects upgrading the cg5, possibly making it have goto
capabilites.

Maybe a kit with instructions and parts.

iOptron and Orion sell turnkey setups for under $500. While not a kit you can
pickup a Meade LXD-55 or 75 for $250 to $350, strip the drive system, which will
mount on your CG-5 with a minimum of work and resell the stripped mount for
$75-125.

OR sell the CG-5 and use the LXD-75, which in my opinion is a better mount. I've
had several crappy CG-5s go thru here. Including one that had to spend 20
minutes in the oven to get supposedly sliding parts separated! Took s lot of
lapping with Softscrub to get that one right. Yet to see a LXD that was really
bad. Guess Jinghua's QC is better than Synta's.

Here's one on eBay now "Meade LXD55 AR-5 includes mount, lenses, Autostar: Item
number: 130345652941" You'll have to resell the AR-5 ($175-250?), but if you can
pick it all up for $450, it will be a good deal. A LXD-55 sold yesterday for
$240.
Geo.

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "bob" <bobmacny333@...> wrote:
>
> I would like to know of projects upgrading the cg5, possibly making it have
goto capabilites.
>
> Maybe a kit with instructions and parts.
>

I did a CG5 conversion with Meade DS motors - full description at

www.thehomeofcricket.com/celestron_cg5_conversion_to_goto.htm

It carries a Meade SN10 + 80mm refractor without any problems.

Regards
Richard

I'm sorry for this odd request because it might get to you too urgent but
it's because of the situation of things right now, i'm stuck in Wales,
United Kingdom right now. I came down here on vacation, i was robbed, worse
of it is that bags, cash and cards and my cell phone was stolen at GUN
POINT, it's such a crazy experience for me, i need help flying back home,
the authorities are not being 100% supportive but the good thing is i  still
have my passport but don't have enough money to get my flight ticket back
home, please i need you to loan me some money, will refund you as  soon as
i'm back home, i promise.

--
-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
5432 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 529
Anchorage, AK  99508
N61° 11.710'  W149° 46.723'


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ignore this message!

My email account has been hacked somehow.

I am just fine, sitting here in our Hawaii home.

More later, as I figure this all out and deal with it.

-Chris



--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Erickson
<christopher.k.erickson@...> wrote:
>
> I'm sorry for this odd request because it might get to you too urgent but
> it's because of the situation of things right now, i'm stuck in Wales,
> United Kingdom right now. I came down here on vacation, i was robbed, worse
> of it is that bags, cash and cards and my cell phone was stolen at GUN
> POINT, it's such a crazy experience for me, i need help flying back home,
> the authorities are not being 100% supportive but the good thing is i  still
> have my passport but don't have enough money to get my flight ticket back
> home, please i need you to loan me some money, will refund you as  soon as
> i'm back home, i promise.
>
> --
> -Christopher Erickson
> Network Design Engineer
> 5432 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 529
> Anchorage, AK  99508
> N61° 11.710'  W149° 46.723'
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thanks for clearing that up, Chris,  it seemed rather unusual -
extremely rare for muggings in the UK to include guns - more usually
knives.  Unlike the USA, hand guns are not readily available here,
although of course the criminal fraternity have ways and means!

Hope you can get to the bottom of it.

Cheers,  Peter.

http://www.madpc.co.uk/~peterv
Approx. 55ºN, 2ºW  (Northumberland, UK)

Data Plumber wrote:
> Ignore this message!
>
> My email account has been hacked somehow.
>
> I am just fine, sitting here in our Hawaii home.
>
> More later, as I figure this all out and deal with it.
>
> -Chris
>
>
>
> --- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Erickson
<christopher.k.erickson@...> wrote:
>
>>I'm sorry for this odd request because it might get to you too urgent but
>>it's because of the situation of things right now, i'm stuck in Wales,
>>United Kingdom right now. I came down here on vacation, i was robbed, worse
>>of it is that bags, cash and cards and my cell phone was stolen at GUN
>>POINT, it's such a crazy experience for me, i need help flying back home,
>>the authorities are not being 100% supportive but the good thing is i  still
>>have my passport but don't have enough money to get my flight ticket back
>>home, please i need you to loan me some money, will refund you as  soon as
>>i'm back home, i promise.
>>
>>--
>>-Christopher Erickson
>>Network Design Engineer
>>5432 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 529
>>Anchorage, AK  99508
>>N61° 11.710'  W149° 46.723'
>>
>>
>>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Chris,


This guy did the exact same thing over in the Yahoo Narrowband Imaging
forum about 2 weeks ago.


I don't know if he has an astro fetish.



Jim

An RCX400 member recently (the 19th) "sent" spam, too.
(not the same message)  But it was blocked by the moderators
before hitting the entire group.

have fun (but keep those patches up to date...)
--dick

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, Jim Chung <jim_chung@...> wrote:
>
> Chris,
>
>
> This guy did the exact same thing over in the Yahoo Narrowband Imaging
> forum about 2 weeks ago.
>
>
> I don't know if he has an astro fetish.
>
>
>
> Jim
>

Im new to the group.  I wish to add RA/Dec motors to my SP mount.  Originally
for the Cometron it is now set up for dbl. refractors (80mm/f10 and 102mm/f5). 
I have motors for a CG4 mount but I will need to make hardware for mounting
these.  I reviewed some photos of previous installers in the group (declination
installation) and my thinking is in line with him.  So, what about the RA motor?
Should I drill and tap the head to mount it or create a mounting bracket and
attach it(how and where?)...Thanks, The new guy!

Damn, I already wired the money.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "autostaretx" <rseymour@...>
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:49:20
To: <RoboScope@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [RoboScope] Re: Help .......HACKED

An RCX400 member recently (the 19th) "sent" spam, too.
(not the same message)  But it was blocked by the moderators
before hitting the entire group.

have fun (but keep those patches up to date...)
--dick

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, Jim Chung <jim_chung@...> wrote:
>
> Chris,
>
>
> This guy did the exact same thing over in the Yahoo Narrowband Imaging
> forum about 2 weeks ago.
>
>
> I don't know if he has an astro fetish.
>
>
>
> Jim
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On mine I drilled the head and used an extra-long screw
to hold on the RA motor.  Figuring out the exact placement
to drill the holes front and back of the motor mounting
area was the biggest challenge.

"My advice is always free and worth every penny!"

-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com



> -----Original Message-----
> From: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:RoboScope@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of bcard
> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:29 AM
> To: RoboScope@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [RoboScope] Super Polaris
>
> Im new to the group.  I wish to add RA/Dec motors to my SP
> mount.  Originally for the Cometron it is now set up for dbl.
> refractors (80mm/f10 and 102mm/f5).  I have motors for a CG4
> mount but I will need to make hardware for mounting these.  I
> reviewed some photos of previous installers in the group
> (declination installation) and my thinking is in line with
> him.  So, what about the RA motor?  Should I drill and tap
> the head to mount it or create a mounting bracket and attach
> it(how and where?)...Thanks, The new guy!
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> How to convert your GP-style mount to GOTO:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/files/
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

After many(many!) code revisions and a lot of help from Andrew J!!!

Closer to being able to remote a 497 from the scope base

http://www.astrogene1000.com/DIY/497_serial_proto/serialized_497.htm

Anyone know an RF weenie to put this on an air interface?
4Mbaud link bidirectional link required with -no- latency!

Gene

Depends. Is the SP black of hammertone green? Sure it's not a Polaris? I've
never seen a Cometron on a SP. The Celestron German mount #4 (CG-4) is everyone
else's EQ-3, a rough copy of the Vixen Polaris. If you are not doing a Meade DS
conversion, the CG-4 drives will not have the right speeds for the SP's worm
reductions.

Assuming it is an SP, some black SPs have the same dec drive mounting lug as the
GP, CG-5 & etc. So fitting most CG-5 LXD-55/75 kit there is straight forward. If
not the Vixen dec drive fitted with a removable dovetail bracket. Look at my SP
Dual Drives in the group photos for ideas.

Orion's True Track drives are the same as the CG-5s. Celestron and Synta
(SkyWatcher) no longer sell the CG-5 drives in the US. There is another system
branded the DK-3, which is also not sold here separately, that is a knock off of
the Vixen DMD stepper system, right down to the dovetailed motor cases. If you
can get one is would make things easier.

The late black SPs had the hole in the head Chris describes, behind the normal
mounting location for the Vixen RA drive. I took a Synta CG-5 RA drive and held
it in the operating position and the holes lined up with the threaded insert on
the drive.

Celestron sold some SPs with a Tangent supplied stepper drive system. The RA
drive mounted in the dovetail recess without using the thru hole.
HTH, Geo.

--- In RoboScope@yahoogroups.com, "thatstheashes" <richard_burden@...> wrote:
>
> I did a CG5 conversion with Meade DS motors - full description at
>
> www.thehomeofcricket.com/celestron_cg5_conversion_to_goto.htm
>
> It carries a Meade SN10 + 80mm refractor without any problems.
>
> Regards
> Richard
>
Richard, I have done the same but used a Warpsdrive kit (belts and pullys rather
than gears) and am unsure about what gear ratios to enter into the Autostar
handcontroller.  And the + - signs to use on the axes also.  what ratios did you
use?
Peter