Re: ServoCat radio control
Do I understand correctly that since 2010 this is 2.4 GHz? I have problems with the radio remote control (or radio base). Perhaps this is a conflict with my router.
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Re: ServoCat radio control
The first wireless, designed and introduced in 2003/4 for Generation 1 ServoCAT's (as well as Gen2) operated on 433Mhz. That system has not been available since the main ICs used, a parallel to serial encoder and serial to parallel decoder, were discontinued in 2008. The replacement systems were introduced in late 2009, a few units to finish off the last Gen2's and Gen3 introduction with the very first Obsession 22UC systems. Full production of Gen3 including the WL and WL AB system started the first of 2010.?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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Hi.
Tell the frequency range of the radio remote control for ServoCat? I'll clarify, this is the "old" remote control. This one was bought before the "new" 2.4 GHz compatible one was sold.
Thank
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Re: Generation 3 wired hand controller / wireless HC
reply direct only please.?
rxdesign at ssvecnet dot com
garymyers at power dot net
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Generation 3 wired hand controller / wireless HC
Gentleman,
I have a limited supply of these Generation 3 (front panel left side "PC USB" port) controllers:
A) wired hand controller? $199
B) Wireless AutoBASE hand controller $469
Both plus S&H. First come first serve.?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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Re: Gary: please advise…Runnaway Alt. servo-motor
Hi Dave -? long time no hear. I hope you are doing well.? Ok - so indeed this is a ServoCAT issue and has nothing to do with the Argo Navis. It also has nothing to do with ALL connections with one exception - so DON'T go unplugging and re-plugging things in.... seems that is the goto scenario for most people. It can introduce other problems especially if it has not been used for a long time. One thing at a time.? So - the issue is the motor encoder feedback is not getting to the ServoCAT box. It is highly unlikely it's IN the ServoCAT, although possible but extremely unlikely. The issue is more than likely the cable itself. This is the smaller 'phone style' cable that goes from the - ALT motor back to the ServoCAT box. Unplug it at both ends - plug it back in - repeat this several times. The contacts are all gold plated and there are spring loaded contacts inside the jack so this action will help wipe away any possible corrosion that might be there. The fact that it worked at least at slower speeds suggests that it is an intermittency and thus a good sign as it's also not likely to be the actual encoder on the motor or the encoder connection board. Try this - see if it makes it better or solves it. Contact me directly if you continue to have issues.? [and just to repeat - it is ONLY the smaller encoder cable, it is not the larger CAT5 type cable which is the power - obviously that is working so don't mess with it] Gary Myers StellarCAT rxdesign@...?
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Gary: please advise…Runnaway Alt. servo-motor
After many years of storage in a dry shed, I’ve been trying to get my 15” Nightsky Dob fitted w/ ServoCat Jr. up and running again powered by a 9AH gel cell battery.? It was working fine the first couple years, and I brought both handpad and ServoCat box indoors, and stored them in a dry closet about 12 years ago.? PROBLEM today: When handpad set to jog it passes all the tests, moving correctly in AZ and Alt., however in slew mode the Alt motor just starts spinning in the correct direction, but won’t stop till power connection is stopped. Most times 3button stop or unplugging handpad won’t stop it running, so I must quickly loosen spring and disconnect power.?? I know communication between setting circles and Argo Navis is fine and I can correctly locate DSO’s manually.? This is just a problem in the ServoCat box or handpad.? All my manuals and updates in Tools are dated 11/04/2003.? Should I attempt to reprogram the ServoCat box??? Any ideas on what would cause this problem?
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
this is the video that created my servocat wish list
dave
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Re: Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
I'm very sorry to hear of the death of his wife - and for that matter the issues.?
Unfortunately I can't control the installation - I ship the components and have specific installation instructions but its not unusual for some one to not read them or ignore them (and worse when its because "they know better").?
I've always been here - I'm sure he wrote initially, or at least hope he did - but if it continued to be an issue I would have wanted him to continue to report back until we completely resolved it. Now that stated the UC's ARE "compromise scopes" - Dave's description... and it was probably unknown to the vast majority of buyers and users that my mandate when designing a system for it was that it had to fit TWO "builds". Builds that were literally orthogonal to each other - one the normal one for use - the other where someone can pick up the VMB, rotate it 90 degrees and put it back down on the rocker, not interfering with anything that is already there (i.e. everything) AND it all had to fit in to a pelican travel case that was TIGHT to begin with. The solution I came up with works quite well - but it assumes things are installed and used correctly.?
Gary Myers
------ Original Message ------
Date 5/8/2023 3:03:46 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
Yeah, whatever's clever. If it works and it's fast, all is good.
You have probably read all about Jeff Gortatowski's loud and constant complaints on the Obsession Beach) for first light in LBV with me. The think was a nightmare regarding that cable. It turned out that the pulley was not properly aligned on its axis and therefore pulled to the side too much, making the cable jump right out of its track... but that did not fully resolve the issue. We had to put it back 3 or 4 times, using 3 people and brute force to lift, etc. He finally abandoned the drive so that he could at least push it around and do some observing! Anyhow, Jeff is not at all mechanical, and from then on he just bitched and moaned pretty much constantly. I told Dave Kriege that he should find a customer in the LA area who really understood the drive system and pay that guy to go and teach Jeff what he needed to know in order to successfully operate the thing, but that never happened.?He eventually sold it because he was so frustrated about not ever being able to solve the problem... and his wife just died from a heart attack 2 weeks ago...
At one point Jeff wanted to trade Debbie straight across for her 20" Classic, but that was a non-starter for us.
Regarding the "pin" thing, I cannot imagine how a tiny drilled hole in the Teflon would ever lead to a failure, the overall psi would be very low at any single point... but I thought it was a great idea...
Regarding a lunch date, this weekend, the 13th, is Mother's Day weekend and Deb's 2 sons are coming down from LA for the weekend, and the following Saturday, the 20th, is new-moon weekend and weather permitting we will be in LBV perhaps 2 or 3 nights, most likely Thursday, Friday, Saturday... but maybe the weather will not be agreeable or maybe we just do it on a following weekend... and we like the Hamburger Factory, too!
\Paul
------ Original Message ------
Date 5/8/2023 11:35:09 AM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
The method I came up with only requires a couple small 2X4 blocks and takes less than a minute or so to do. Just an FYI. Its a doc on the provided CD under "Other installations Instructions" ... I don't remember the title preciously but it talks about ALT cable for transportation.?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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Re: Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
Yeah, whatever's clever. If it works and it's fast, all is good.
You have probably read all about Jeff Gortatowski's loud and constant complaints on the Obsession Beach) for first light in LBV with me. The think was a nightmare regarding that cable. It turned out that the pulley was not properly aligned on its axis and therefore pulled to the side too much, making the cable jump right out of its track... but that did not fully resolve the issue. We had to put it back 3 or 4 times, using 3 people and brute force to lift, etc. He finally abandoned the drive so that he could at least push it around and do some observing! Anyhow, Jeff is not at all mechanical, and from then on he just bitched and moaned pretty much constantly. I told Dave Kriege that he should find a customer in the LA area who really understood the drive system and pay that guy to go and teach Jeff what he needed to know in order to successfully operate the thing, but that never happened.?He eventually sold it because he was so frustrated about not ever being able to solve the problem... and his wife just died from a heart attack 2 weeks ago...
At one point Jeff wanted to trade Debbie straight across for her 20" Classic, but that was a non-starter for us.
Regarding the "pin" thing, I cannot imagine how a tiny drilled hole in the Teflon would ever lead to a failure, the overall psi would be very low at any single point... but I thought it was a great idea...
Regarding a lunch date, this weekend, the 13th, is Mother's Day weekend and Deb's 2 sons are coming down from LA for the weekend, and the following Saturday, the 20th, is new-moon weekend and weather permitting we will be in LBV perhaps 2 or 3 nights, most likely Thursday, Friday, Saturday... but maybe the weather will not be agreeable or maybe we just do it on a following weekend... and we like the Hamburger Factory, too!
\Paul
------ Original Message ------
Date 5/8/2023 11:35:09 AM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
The method I came up with only requires a couple small 2X4 blocks and takes less than a minute or so to do. Just an FYI. Its a doc on the provided CD under "Other installations Instructions" ... I don't remember the title preciously but it talks about ALT cable for transportation.?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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? Where can you get a replacement for the Softpot US Digital encoder? ? Tnx, ? Tom Crowley ?
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Re: Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
The method I came up with only requires a couple small 2X4 blocks and takes less than a minute or so to do. Just an FYI. Its a doc on the provided CD under "Other installations Instructions" ... I don't remember the title preciously but it talks about ALT cable for transportation.?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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Re: Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
Jim I too, have had many problems with the altitude cable coming off. I would have to disassemble my 18" UC and then reassemble and realign it. That took me 40 minutes. ? I developed a very quick solution. I reattached the wheelbarrow handles, attached the straps holding the mirror and rocker boxes together, placed a 2" x 4" board in front of the wheels, rolled the scope on top of the 2" x 4" board, removed the mirror and rocker box straps, using the wheelbarrow handles - lifted the scope off of the rocker box an inch or two. A second person could then reinstall the cable. If you are alone, you could prop up the wheelbarrow handles at the raised position with a object (tool box, small step stool,etc) with another 2" x 4" board placed between the wheelbarrow handles. Once the cable is in place, lower the mirror box back down onto the rocker box, replace the straps, move the scope off of the wheelbarrow wheels. And you are done. Approximately 5 minutes. ? Practice this technic during the daylight? I hope this helps. Leary 
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Re: Instructions for re-installing ServoCAT altitude cable
Jim I too, have had many problems with the altitude cable coming off. I would have to disassemble my 18" UC and then reassemble and realign it. That took me 40 minutes. ? I developed a very quick solution. I reattached the wheelbarrow handles, attached the straps holding the mirror and rocker boxes together, placed a 2" x 4" board in front of the wheels, rolled the scope on top of the 2" x 4" board, removed the mirror and rocker box straps, using the wheelbarrow handles - lifted the scope off of the rocker box an inch or two. A second person could then reinstall the cable. If you are alone, you could prop up the wheelbarrow handles at the raised position with a object (tool box, small step stool,etc) with another 2" x 4" board placed between the wheelbarrow handles. Once the cable is in place, lower the mirror box back down onto the rocker box, replace the straps, move the scope off of the wheelbarrow wheels. And you are done. Approximately 5 minutes. ? Practice this technic during the daylight? I hope this helps. Leary 
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
Regarding satellite tracking, you're better off doing this natively from the AN. Tracking rates vary too much and too rapidly with the TLE for objects so close to the Earth. It's technically doable with a direct connection to the AN, but it would best if the SC firmware provided more of an interface to control these things.
Bill, another option is to provide an escape command that passes sub-commands through to the AN. Then it would be up to the driver to react accordingly.
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
When you're connected to the AN you can't command the mount to move. You essentially have to connect to both and coordinate commands, but I'm not even sure that would fully work.
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
Thank you for your effort, George. Can I ask you if you experienced problems in connecting the system with the nexus? The people that regularly use the driver seem to use Argo. But I experienced some connection problems with my nexus.
Thank you very much.
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Il giorno 7 mag 2023, alle ore 20:47, George Hilios <ghilios@...> ha scritto:
?At the moment just for slewing. Soon plate solve + sync as well. Since I implemented pulse guide, you could also attach a guider provided you do the calibration in PHD2. Both applications will be able to connect to the driver at the same time.
Future considerations:
- After we add video capture natively, use pulse guide to keep planetary bodies centered
- Track near earth bodies (comets, planets, asteroids) using custom tracking rates if that support is added to the firmware
- Perhaps a plugin for alignment, if that functionality is exposed in the firmware
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
I will install the last version of the new driver. At moment it seems that it works very well with Argo. With my Nexus I have connection problems but I have not already installed the last version.
Thank you.?
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Il giorno 6 mag 2023, alle ore 23:19, George Hilios <ghilios@...> ha scritto:
?Congratulations Bill, that's fabulous news! Regarding the driver, I'm working out some kinks related to syncing coordinates following a plate solve. Bad weather, day job, and Hocus Focus have been taking me away from it but rest assured I will
sort these last remaining issues out.
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
Hey! Just curious, what about satellite tracking? Lots of hoops we have to jump through using the Argo Navis to make that happen.
-Roger G.
www.astrocrumb.com
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On May 7, 2023, at 2:47 PM, George Hilios via groups.io <ghilios@...> wrote:
?At the moment just for slewing. Soon plate solve + sync as well. Since I implemented pulse guide, you could also attach a guider provided you do the calibration in PHD2. Both applications will be able to connect to the driver at the same time.
Future considerations:
- After we add video capture natively, use pulse guide to keep planetary bodies centered
- Track near earth bodies (comets, planets, asteroids) using custom tracking rates if that support is added to the firmware
- Perhaps a plugin for alignment, if that functionality is exposed in the firmware
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Re: ServoCAT will continue this year
At the moment just for slewing. Soon plate solve + sync as well. Since I implemented pulse guide, you could also attach a guider provided you do the calibration in PHD2. Both applications will be able to connect to the driver at the same time. Future considerations:
- After we add video capture natively, use pulse guide to keep planetary bodies centered
- Track near earth bodies (comets, planets, asteroids) using custom tracking rates if that support is added to the firmware
- Perhaps a plugin for alignment, if that functionality is exposed in the firmware
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Filippo Scopelliti