Hello everybody,
it seem that there is no way to let me control via Ascom my SC/Nexus DSC (not pro). People that can do that they use Argo Navis. It is OK for me to replace my Nexus with the Argo Navis to control the system with Ascom but in my current system I have the 40.000 steps encoder. If I replace my Nexus with the Argo Navis is it necessary to change the encoders also?

Thank you for your help.

Filippo

Hello Gary and everybody,

I would like to ask a question about a problem I described in the past.

I tried to optimize my system for astrophotography. I recognized some backlash in my system. Gary gave me some very important advices so the problem is less important than before but there still is something wrong. The gears have no backlash and also the reductions, in my opinion they work well. When the system is still and I try to move the shaft with my hands everything seems strong with a very small amount of backlash, absolutely acceptable, so I could not explain the reason why when at low speed I change the direction, I have to wait 15 or more seconds to see a changing in the directions. The .dat file has been updated as Gary told me so the problem does not depend on it. I have a theory and I want to share it with you.

I show you a video (please let me know if you can see it properly). When I change direction (here is at high speed) the gear moves in the other direction quite quickly with a very small amount of backlash. The problem is that even if the gear starts to move in the opposite direction the structure starts to move after a certain amount of time. This “angle” when the roller rotates but the structure is still, is the reason that let me wait several seconds before I see in the ocular or in the camera the movement. In the video the roller starts to rotate in the opposite direction but the telescope starts after a while. I really don’t know what is the reason of that but in my opinion this is something that I believed was backlash of the gears, but actually it is not. Probably it depends on my structure. There is a sort of delay between the movement of the roller and the action on the structure. What do you think about it?

Thank you for your help.

Have a good day.?

Filippo

Hi all,

My Obsession UC18 telescope is able to be remote controlled via the ASCOM driver for the ServoCAT.

For mosaics of large objects (>5x my field of view) I use the virtual hand pad of the ASCOM driver to bump over to the next part of the target (by about a half of the field of view to provide overlap from one frame to the next).

The Rosette required 30 or so frames (and I still need more) using my Mallincam DS10cTEC camera.

I really enjoy my ServoCAT gen3 and the ASCOM driver remote control of my DOB.



Richard

I've had a number of inquiries on this - just to be clear these are only for Gen3 ServoCAT's. A Gen3 can be distinguished by looking at the front panel - left side - there is a USB PC USB port (vs. on a Gen2 that port is labeled PC PORT).?

Gary?

I have 10 of these left. It is a new Gen3 Hand Controller with nice plastic card showing functions as well as an extra long coiled connection cable. Original price $199. Christmas Sale: $159. Write to me at k9rx@...?for info or to order one. Priority Mail shipping in the US should be around $14 and should have it there in just a few days. Picture on request.
Gary Myers, StellarCAT

I remember years ago ... I was out one night with the 30" in Arizona... I remember it was a nicely transparent night with good seeing and I happen to be cruising around at 500X... and I happened upon this GORGEOUS object... it was listed as an NGC number... I didn't recognize the number ... but was utterly stunned at the beauty and complexity of the object. I always had excellent color vision, I've seen red surrounding M82, and color in planetaries is common place - a real show... and this one was showing me hints of color.. I studied it for some time as I was wont to do ... just incredible... went back over to Megastar and took a look..."OH - of course - M76!" ... if you can see this one under very good+ conditions at higher power... take the time - its well worth it.

And superb image Richard - congrats!

Gary Myers
StellarCAT

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I am amazed by how well my UC18 is tracking now that I replaced the broken plastic gear.

Makes me wonder how long it had been at least partially damaged.

I figured out that it is so important not to over tighten (stress out) the set screws through the plastic part onto the steel shaft.? Just snug rather than "tight".

My idea is that I damaged the part by not being careful with my accessories under the VMB and allowed an interference to occur.

I have reorganized my accessories to prevent any chance of interference to the path of the primary mirror as it travels over the rocker.

Here is M76 (a difficult target for me) from my UC18.

Gary,

When I installed the slotted teflon slide to support ServoCAT I wondered if the UC would benefit if both sides had the slotted teflon and perhaps wider slots.

Richard

I "can't" turn the VMB 90 deg due to my addons so I just shortened the counter weight tube and remove the secondary to fit into the Pelican case.

I am going to follow the rule in boy scouts to make sure you can't hit anything with your axe before you start to swing.

I think I have the scope balanced well, so my issue is to just make sure there is clearance to stuff on my deck and under the VMB in the rocker.

Richard

Dont let your scope hit anything while slewing! ?And dont over tighten the set screw.

I have sent another email.

BC

Bill,

I did not get your email.

rmille64@...

Richard

Richard:

I have sent you an email off-list.

Bill Conrad

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I think I know what may have happened.

I have too much stuff now in my rocker and while moving the Alt I think my mirror impacted something and halted the scope.

After this is when I noticed the backlash.? I am now guessing that is when I damaged this sprocket.

You can watch the set screw locations on the brass part and the sprocket part move out of sync with each other (large backlash).

I will rearrange all my stuff in the rocker of the UC or move it to outside the scope so there is no danger of any impact.

Hopefully I can get a replacement part to restore my scope's operation.? I am really liking my new camera.

Here is my last photo before I broke the sprocket.?



Richard

Gary,

I broke my sprocket while attempting to remove my backlash.? I over tightened the set screw and broke the sprocket.

Any advice--can Bill sell me a new sprocket?

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