Re: Download/Upload of version 7
Version 7.0C is available on request by emailing me at bill at servocat dot com. Please include your serial number from the back of the control box and indicate what GEN you have (2 or 3). BC
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Download/Upload of version 7
Where is the version 7 update for servocat located?
Mickey
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Re: Redesigned spool I am considering
There is always at least one flat on the shaft. As mentioned I don't remember which size scope Richard has. The 15/18UC's both have a 1/4" shaft and thus there is only one flat and one set screw. One could add a second but as noted these extra gymnastics shouldn't be necessary if blue locktite is on the threads at the bottom of the hole. (and the set screws are knurled at the end - but keep in mind that if locktite isn't there the knurling would potentially only delay the screw coming loose).
g.
------ Original Message ------
Date 1/23/2024 6:04:13 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering
I would like to see a close up pic of the shaft of the area the set screw makes up to. In previous Tool and Die work says a small flat ground or filed onto the shaft gives the set screw more area to contact. The bottom of the set screw area can be important too. Yes double set screws properly done might help too and another hole drilled and tapped 90 deg away would be an extreme method for such light duty. BW?
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Re: Redesigned spool I am considering
I would like to see a close up pic of the shaft of the area the set screw makes up to. In previous Tool and Die work says a small flat ground or filed onto the shaft gives the set screw more area to contact. The bottom of the set screw area can be important too. Yes double set screws properly done might help too and another hole drilled and tapped 90 deg away would be an extreme method for such light duty. BW?
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Re: Redesigned spool I am considering
yes indeed that works! The outside one only need be 1/8". Good suggestion - thanks Bob.
g.
------ Original Message ------
Date 1/23/2024 8:10:39 AM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering
Richard. In a previous life another common fix we used for setscrews in high vibrations situations is to stack them. Not really high vibration but should work. Just remember if you need to remove the capstan that there are two screws in the hole. Bob ? ? Looks nice? - however its totally unnecessary. The design I came up with will hold, far far too many in the field with very very few complaints of issues with the set screws to say otherwise. The one problem I am sure you are having is the inability to get blue locktite down the threads. It is thin enough that it coats the threads on the bronze in the entry and there is none that gets down in to the base of the hole - and thus none between the threads of the screw and wall. I did go to a 3/8" length set screw to try to overcome the issue and take advantage of what was happening (i.e. there would still be locktite to bind between the set screw threads and the inner wall threads). I don't remember which size you have and if a 3/8" will fit - if not then go to McMaster Carr and find the next smaller size. If that drops to 1/4" then get a custom one - I'm sure they're out there and they're not going to cost a substantial amount.? What I recommend in the instructions to overcome this when using a shorter set screw (set? Or is this a UC?) is to put it on the set screw - screw it all the way in - remove it and repeat. This will get it down far enough to allow it to set and clamp.? ------ Original Message ------ Date 1/22/2024 11:54:47 PM Subject [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering All,
I am still fighting the set screw backing out of the brass spool.
Here is a split spool I am designing in eMachineShop.com that clamps the shaft rather than using a set screw.? Thoughts?
Richard
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Re: Redesigned spool I am considering
Richard. In a previous life another common fix we used for setscrews in high vibrations situations is to stack them. Not really high vibration but should work. Just remember if you need to remove the capstan that there are two screws in the hole. Bob ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of K9RX - Gary
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 5:38 AM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering? Looks nice? - however its totally unnecessary. The design I came up with will hold, far far too many in the field with very very few complaints of issues with the set screws to say otherwise. The one problem I am sure you are having is the inability to get blue locktite down the threads. It is thin enough that it coats the threads on the bronze in the entry and there is none that gets down in to the base of the hole - and thus none between the threads of the screw and wall. I did go to a 3/8" length set screw to try to overcome the issue and take advantage of what was happening (i.e. there would still be locktite to bind between the set screw threads and the inner wall threads). I don't remember which size you have and if a 3/8" will fit - if not then go to McMaster Carr and find the next smaller size. If that drops to 1/4" then get a custom one - I'm sure they're out there and they're not going to cost a substantial amount.? What I recommend in the instructions to overcome this when using a shorter set screw (set? Or is this a UC?) is to put it on the set screw - screw it all the way in - remove it and repeat. This will get it down far enough to allow it to set and clamp.? ------ Original Message ------ Date 1/22/2024 11:54:47 PM Subject [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering All,
I am still fighting the set screw backing out of the brass spool.
Here is a split spool I am designing in eMachineShop.com that clamps the shaft rather than using a set screw.? Thoughts?
Richard
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Re: Redesigned spool I am considering
Richard,
Looks nice? - however its totally unnecessary. The design I came up with will hold, far far too many in the field with very very few complaints of issues with the set screws to say otherwise. The one problem I am sure you are having is the inability to get blue locktite down the threads. It is thin enough that it coats the threads on the bronze in the entry and there is none that gets down in to the base of the hole - and thus none between the threads of the screw and wall. I did go to a 3/8" length set screw to try to overcome the issue and take advantage of what was happening (i.e. there would still be locktite to bind between the set screw threads and the inner wall threads). I don't remember which size you have and if a 3/8" will fit - if not then go to McMaster Carr and find the next smaller size. If that drops to 1/4" then get a custom one - I'm sure they're out there and they're not going to cost a substantial amount.?
What I recommend in the instructions to overcome this when using a shorter set screw (set? Or is this a UC?) is to put it on the set screw - screw it all the way in - remove it and repeat. This will get it down far enough to allow it to set and clamp.?
Gary Myers ?
------ Original Message ------
Date 1/22/2024 11:54:47 PM
Subject [ServoCAT] Redesigned spool I am considering
All,
I am still fighting the set screw backing out of the brass spool.
Here is a split spool I am designing in eMachineShop.com that clamps the shaft rather than using a set screw.? Thoughts?
Richard
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Redesigned spool I am considering
All, I am still fighting the set screw backing out of the brass spool. Here is a split spool I am designing in eMachineShop.com that clamps the shaft rather than using a set screw.? Thoughts?  Richard
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Re: Firmware Upgrade Error in RFU: "Could not open serial port." Windows 10, 11 USB issues
Hi Tim,
thanks for your message, unfortunately, even a Windows updated did not solve the problem nor did a manual search for a driver. But anyway, there is a workaround and I trust Bill to enhance/update the whole application suite of the ServoCat ecosystem to a more current level.?
cs,
Uli
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Re: Firmware Upgrade Error in RFU: "Could not open serial port."
Hi Bill,
the issue of Windows 11 and the "could not open serial port" seems to be still there. I was only able to update my ServoCat by using a Windows 10 machine. If you will need some more on this in the future for a analysis, just let me know.?
cs,
Uli
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Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7
Thanks Bill for helping me out on this and for your outstanding and fast support!
I just wanted to add, that I am really happy that you took over the support of the ServoCat after Gary's retirement, my experience of your support totally convinced me that this project is in the right hands and I am looking forward to further developments of the hard and software.?
Cs and best regards,
Uli
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Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7
I have responded to Uli in a private email but I thought I should address this here for anyone watching...
There is no issue with the upload of Uli's parameters. There is confusion between what is entered into ServoCAT-Sky and what is shown in the SCU response.
The SCU response is displaying the parameter values as they are stored in the ServoCAT. The SCU response also has a paragraph explaining that you can save the parameters to a .DAT file on your computer. If you then load this .DAT file using ServoCAT-Sky you will see the entries as you entered them.
I hope this helps anyone else who may be confused by this situation.
Regards
Bill Conrad
BRC Astro LLC
ServoCAT
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Re: Firmware Upgrade Error in RFU: "Could not open serial port."
I have responded to Uli in a private email but I thought I should address this here for anyone watching...
There is no issue with the upload of Uli's parameters. There is confusion between what is entered into ServoCAT-Sky and what is shown in the SCU response.
The SCU response is displaying the parameter values as they are stored in the ServoCAT. The SCU response also has a paragraph explaining that you can save the parameters to a .DAT file on your computer. If you then load this .DAT file using ServoCAT-Sky you will see the entries as you entered them.
I hope this helps anyone else who may be confused by this situation.
Regards
Bill Conrad
BRC Astro LLC
ServoCAT
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Re: Firmware Upgrade Error in RFU: "Could not open serial port." Windows 10, 11 USB issues
Good Morning All:
Windows 10 and 11 does not seam to support old USB ports out of the box.? I have experanced this with Win 10 and Win 11,? I would get a port error with Sky or SCU.? I found runnings widows update would fix the problem.? ?I have had this issue on two windows 11 pro and one windows 10 machine.
So when I have this problem I just rerun windows update.
Best Regards,
Tim
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Re: Firmware Upgrade Error in RFU: "Could not open serial port."
Hello Jordan,
I had the same problem as I wanted to update my SC today with the files Bill sent me. I just got it to work with a Windows 10 Notebook. My current Windows 11 Notebook did not work and prompted a serial port error all the time. Thanks for you hint!
Unfortunately, I ran in another problem now. After the firmware update which is 70.C now according to the scu tool, I am not able to upload the parameters of my scope any more. I have my file and ServoCat Sky prompts a upload successful message, but the readout of the SCU says nothing changed. I repeated the procedure two times, but no change.
I would really appreciate it, if somebody has an idea!
cs and best regards,
Uli?
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Re: Bug found: Gen2 ServoCAT and ServoCAT-Sky file when upgrading to version 7
Hi Gary,
I updated my Gen3 today to 70.C and ran in a problem that it is not possible to upload my scope parameters again. I do it as stated in the manual with ServoCat Sky and get a prompt that the upload was successful. But the values do not change according to the SCU tool. I did it again, got a success prompt again but same error.?
Any idea??
Thanks cs and 73,
Uli
DK5ZU
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Re: Plate solving with ServoCAT
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Re: Plate solving with ServoCAT
Hi David, 1. Using latest firmware (I believe 7G) 2. Yes and no. I have been working with George Helios on beta testing his new servocat driver (latest I think is 0.8 November 2022) but ran into issues with coordinate conversion values somewhere in the ASCOM code because after doing platesolves in Sharpcap the scope would go in the wrong direction to try to center object. So I went back to using the last avail ASCOm driver from Peter Eschman which now works perfectly with the latest release of Sharpcap 3) Yes exactly. Would eventually like to have a remote way of doing the initial setup and alignment. Maybe eventually Argo or Nexus in future could build a virtual version of their DSC and have it work with an e-finder of sorts that can automatically do the alignment. Then could have big dob in a remote observatory! 4)yes I use a small Intel NUC windows pc attached to the front of the mirror box and it plugs into my gen2 servocat with a usb to serial dongle (not needed for gen3). I remotely connect to it from my windows pc in the house using Remote Desktop protocol (RDP). I used to use a laptop but now use a 32¡± 4K monitor attached to my normal pc in the house. I click a shortcut that runs a script which auto opens all of my usual applications for a night of EAA (ASCOM Device Hub which connects scope and electronic focused), Skytools3, CdC, and Sharpcap Pro. In Sharpcap pro I connect not only to my camera, but also the scope and focuser. 5)my procedure to start live stacking on an object is as follows: Once I choose an object in my list of targets in Skytools and do a goto ( or alternatively click on something in CdC and select goto), I move over to Sharpcap and in live-view mode with high gain and short exposure can usually see the target somewhere in the frame if I did a decent 2 star alignment. However if it is not or I just want to better center the object without trying to figure out which direction arrow to push to move it in the center, I click the little ¡°target bullseye¡± looking icon which initiates a platesolve. That very quickly (like 1second) finds the exact coords the scope is actually at and applies the necesssry offset to center and synch on the object¡¯s correct position. You need to setup platesolving in the Sharpcap options first before you can do this though. I currently use ASTAP which is free. You download it from HNSky.org together with the appropriate star catalogs for your scope+camera fov and then in Sharpcap options point to its directory. There is apparently a native platesolver that comes with the latest release of Sharpcap pro. But I haven¡¯t had a chance to try it yet.
Hope that helps
Mike
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On Jan 3, 2024, at 1:26?PM, david w pearson via groups.io <p.davidw@...> wrote:
? Mike would you please go into some more details on your imaging setup process? 1) what servocat firmware are you using? 2) are you using the new servocat ascom driver? 3) assume you are doing standard servocat/argo with encoder initialization with manual 2 star alignment? 4) computer with sharpcap and?Cartes du Ciel? plugged into servocat pc port? 5) would you please expand on your plate solve process?? ?I may have a misunderstanding in this area.? ?As i understand, platesolve is not compatible with the servocat/argo system.? ?So is sharpcap essentially replacing argo-navis and allowing a platesolve with servocat without using the handpad sync button?
any additional insights would be appreciated thanks dave
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Re: Plate solving with ServoCAT
Mike would you please go into some more details on your imaging setup process? 1) what servocat firmware are you using? 2) are you using the new servocat ascom driver? 3) assume you are doing standard servocat/argo with encoder initialization with manual 2 star alignment? 4) computer with sharpcap and?Cartes du Ciel? plugged into servocat pc port? 5) would you please expand on your plate solve process?? ?I may have a misunderstanding in this area.? ?As i understand, platesolve is not compatible with the servocat/argo system.? ?So is sharpcap essentially replacing argo-navis and allowing a platesolve with servocat without using the handpad sync button?
any additional insights would be appreciated thanks dave
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Re: Plate solving with ServoCAT
Mike, I have been using my servocat+argo Navis equipped 18¡± dob with Sharpcap pro, Cartes du Ciel and Skytools3 (or sometimes Astroplanner) for several years now for Electronic Assisted Astronomy (you can check out my gallery on Cloudy Nights). I use an ZWO ASI 294MC Pro camera which for my f4.2 fl gives me .56¡¯ x .43¡¯ fov. When my target is not in the camera¡¯s Fov (rarely), I use sharpcap¡¯s excellent platesolver to get the object centered before I start live stacking. I can usually get up to 6s exposures and sometimes 8s.
Hope this helps. Happy New Year by the way
Mike from Virginia
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On Jan 1, 2024, at 10:39?PM, mm Bars <mmbars@...> wrote:
?A question for those who do astrophotography with their Dobsonian and ServoCAT. ?My setup is a 15¡± with ServoCAT. ?I have been using ¡°go to¡± followed by spiral search if my target is not in the field of view. ?I have been considering using SharpCap using DSS. ?How well has it worked for you and what software have you been using?
Mike
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bobrose500
Mike