Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
ctrl + shift + f :
Find
ctrl + / :
Quick actions
esc to dismiss
Likes
- ServoCAT
- Messages
Search
|
Re: Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN
开云体育Hi Gary, Happy Christmas mate. Sadly your initial response appears lost! I have attached Martin Lewis's notes that he made when trying to control my scope with his ipad. I have now recreated the set up but am struggling with his directions? I hope the document has the complete 2 pages! Best wishes, Dale
Do you want to know more about my interest in astronomy? If so take a look at my Website: Keep up to date with observations from Chippingdale Observatory by reading the Blog |
|
Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
Hey Paul,? ?I had a similar problem with “Zamar” ; fully SDM Pimped 20” Ob classic . For better or worse I chose the largest lithium ?AA batteries for the AG. Stopped the problem dead ?? Fixed? On Sun, Dec 18, 2022 at 6:45 AM Paul Abel <pabel0418@...> wrote: Everyone, many thanks for the quick replies.? I did not have batteries in the AN before this (which is why I discovered the issue!) but I do now.? We hosted a star party last night and the issue did not pop up, so the batteries probably did their thing. --
Cheers Wes Smith? |
|
Re: Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN
开云体育Many thanks Gary I really appreciate your support. I’m sure that once I get it set up and use it a couple of times to ingrain I will be fine. Dale ------ Original Message ------ |
|
Re: Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN
Hi Dale, If for some reason my response does not appear, could you please email sales@...?and I will respond from there. Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@...
https://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au |
|
Newbie wants help setting up ipad control of AN
Hi all I'm trying to set up Sky Safari on an ipad running through a Skywire to control my 24" Dob. I'm very poor with technology so I apologise in advance. I think I have connected to serial port 2 after removing the encoder plug.
The next instruction I have been given is "In AN Setup I set up Serial 2 socket to Baud 9600 and Startup Meade" can this be clarified for me please? Regards, Dale |
|
Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
Everyone, many thanks for the quick replies.? I did not have batteries in the AN before this (which is why I discovered the issue!) but I do now.? We hosted a star party last night and the issue did not pop up, so the batteries probably did their thing.
I did receive Gary M's comprehensive list of things to check and will start troubleshooting.? I will post again when problem located and solved or if I have further questions. Clear skies and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Paul |
|
Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
Paul, Indeed as mentioned the issue is in the powered option to the ground board. This is invariably caused by a not quite right installation ... I will send you a list of things to check starting with the most common issues. Write to me direct if you have additional questions. And as noted by Gary K we recommend if only because 'stuff happens' like the battery powering the scope can be disconnected etc - we recommend to leave batteries in the AN. This way if something happens you don't lose the alignment. We do recommend you replace batteries in the Argo no less often than every 6 months - whether used or not (if not used then you can use them for other things) ... or every 3 months at the solstice/equinox.? Gary Myers StellarCAT ------ Original Message ------
From "Richard" <rmille64@...>
Date 12/16/2022 5:48:00 AM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
|
|
Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
开云体育Check the powered ground board hardware. ?I suspect you have a loose plate screw making an intermittent connection on the bottom plate. ?I had a similar problem and added thread locker to prevent my screws from backing out.
Richard
Richard Miller
33.51N 83.59W
UC18 & DS287m
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Paul Abel <pabel0418@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2022 11:13:41 PM To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [ServoCAT] AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session ?
I am using a SC V3 and an AN with the latest firmware.? My last 2 or 3 outings have been cut short because when I am moving my scope manually with the SC handpad, the scope suddenly stops moving, the AN beeps and loses its previous 2 star alignment, and
then goes into MODE FIX ALT REF.? It happened several times tonight and I paid more attention to what was happening.? Hopefully someone can help me figure this out.
After turning on the SC and AN, I set up MODE FIX ALT REF.? I then successfully performed a two star alignment by hitting Enter on the AN when the selected stars were in the middle of the FOV.? The red light on the SC changed from blinking to steady on.? Because the dome where the scope is located is somewhat cluttered, I want to control the direction the scope uses when finding the first catalog object.? So I am using the movement buttons on the SC handpad when the scope stops as described above. So I repeat the two star alignment, am again successful and when I move the scope with the handpad the same thing happens.? I see something flash on the AN screen but I am too far away to see what it says. So I align for a third time.? This time to align on the second star I use the GOTO button on the SC handpad.? I get the beeps, and the flashing red light on the SC goes steady on.? I realize that I did not hear the beeps the first two successful alignments.? To me this is strange because I thought hitting Enter on the AN or the GOTO button on the SC handpad were exact equivalents? This time I am able to manually move the scope to the first object I want to observe.? After observation, I choose the second object I want to observe in the catalog and start moving the scope with the SC handpad.? Again I get the reset described in the first paragraph above.? This time however I am able to see that when the scope stops moving the AN screen says "Argo Navis Initializing" before going into MODE FIX ALT REF. I am powering both the AN and the SC off the powered ground board on my dob (a Starstructure). The current is supplied by a Pyramid AC to DC converter. Obviously this is very frustrating and I would appreciate any guidance anyone might have. Paul |
|
Re: AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
Hi Paul,
First of all don't forget you can always reach out to us directly by emailing sales@... I then see those emails immediately. It will almost certainly be a power related issue on your scope, such as an intermittent open circuit. A typical scenario is where a powered ground board has an intermittent open circuit. Some users also place a set of AA batteries in their unit (remember to remove them when storing the unit for an extended period in case one leaks). The idea is that the AA batteries will takeover seamlessly if the external DC power fails. However, this in itself can often mask an underlying problem. What can happen is that the external power goes open circuit from time to time and the AA batteries take over without the user even being aware of it. Over time, the AA batteries become depleted and the next time there is an open circuit, the unit may just have enough power to start, but once it applies power to the encoders, the additional current draw drops the voltage below that at which the unit can operate and the unit does a power on reset. If you dial up MODE STATUS, STATUS POWER you can observe what power source it is using at any one time. If you do have a set of backup AA batteries in the unit, as a diagnostic, remove them. In any case to do the test, move the scope around in azimuth and up and down in altitude (the shifting of the COG when moving in altitude might also induce an open in a power ground board). if it transpires it is the power ground board, to rectify it disassemble it and clean it. Or a squirt of good electrical contact cleaner, such as CRC. On a collection of scopes near here in Sydney at a location not far from the ocean where the air is salty, we see powered ground build up light oxidation over time and they require annual maintenance. Humid locations might require a similar maintenance schedule. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Seasons Greetings! -- Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@...
https://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au |
|
AN Reinitializing in Middle of Session
I am using a SC V3 and an AN with the latest firmware.? My last 2 or 3 outings have been cut short because when I am moving my scope manually with the SC handpad, the scope suddenly stops moving, the AN beeps and loses its previous 2 star alignment, and then goes into MODE FIX ALT REF.? It happened several times tonight and I paid more attention to what was happening.? Hopefully someone can help me figure this out.
After turning on the SC and AN, I set up MODE FIX ALT REF.? I then successfully performed a two star alignment by hitting Enter on the AN when the selected stars were in the middle of the FOV.? The red light on the SC changed from blinking to steady on.? Because the dome where the scope is located is somewhat cluttered, I want to control the direction the scope uses when finding the first catalog object.? So I am using the movement buttons on the SC handpad when the scope stops as described above. So I repeat the two star alignment, am again successful and when I move the scope with the handpad the same thing happens.? I see something flash on the AN screen but I am too far away to see what it says. So I align for a third time.? This time to align on the second star I use the GOTO button on the SC handpad.? I get the beeps, and the flashing red light on the SC goes steady on.? I realize that I did not hear the beeps the first two successful alignments.? To me this is strange because I thought hitting Enter on the AN or the GOTO button on the SC handpad were exact equivalents? This time I am able to manually move the scope to the first object I want to observe.? After observation, I choose the second object I want to observe in the catalog and start moving the scope with the SC handpad.? Again I get the reset described in the first paragraph above.? This time however I am able to see that when the scope stops moving the AN screen says "Argo Navis Initializing" before going into MODE FIX ALT REF. I am powering both the AN and the SC off the powered ground board on my dob (a Starstructure). The current is supplied by a Pyramid AC to DC converter. Obviously this is very frustrating and I would appreciate any guidance anyone might have. Paul |
|
Re: Wildcard Innovations update?
Hi Richard, Feel free to email us direct any time. :) Progress has been made but unfortunately the global semiconductor supply chain issues are impacting just about everyone right now who manufactures anything, including us. So unfortunately it won't be under your Christmas tree this year. But maybe next. :) -- Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
sales@...
https://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au |
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
开云体育silicone spray its sold at walmart? and others in auto or hardware
these days.? Shake the can well , just a small amount does the job, any
excess wipes off easy.?
? From: Cale
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2022 10:04 AM
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Gen 3 handpad buttons
sticking ?
What type or brand of fine silicone mist do you use.? Do you
simply spray lightly on the buttons and let it kind of penetrate?
Thanks
Cale ?
On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 11:30 AM leroy
<lmarion@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
Cale
What type or brand of fine silicone?mist do you use.? Do you simply spray lightly on the buttons and let it kind of penetrate? Thanks Cale On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 11:30 AM leroy <lmarion@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 28, 2022, at 11:30 AM, leroy <lmarion@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
开云体育I have fixed all the sticking buttons on all the different hand controls
over the years with fine mist silicone, they never stuck again.
?
roy in montana weather
? From: Mike
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2022 7:54 PM
Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] Gen 3 handpad buttons
sticking ?
Nope exactly same as you.
On Nov 27, 2022, at 8:14 AM, claude.junge via groups.io <claude.junge@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 27, 2022, at 8:14 AM, claude.junge via groups.io <claude.junge@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Gen 3 handpad buttons sticking
My Gen 2 ServoCAT with the then “new” wireless transmitter/receiver and wireless Hand Controller dates from 2009. ? About 4-5 years use the wireless HC “CW” button began to stick. ?I sent it along with the wireless receiver back to GM and had the receiver firmware updated, purchased a new spare transmitter/receiver and new spare wireless HC. ?GM also repaired the malfunctioning “CW” button on the original wireless HC. I’ve used the “new” wireless HC since then and exactly 5 days ago ( Sunday ) while observing in Calhoun County Park, Grantsville, WV, in 18 Deg F temps the CW button on the “newer” HC stuck and I had a slow “runaway” situation in AZ ( not the true fast, alternating back and forth runaway Servo motor response which I have also experienced the same year I received my ‘scope in 2009 - related to servo motor malfunction ) as though someone was ?pressing the “CW” button and wouldn’t let up on it. I killed that with the three button “smash”, shut down and then examined my wireless HC. ?The “CW” button was frozen in the down position, no “clicking” sound when pressed, but if I firmly hit the back of the HC ( like burping a baby ) the “CW” button popped up, it clicked when depressed but remained stuck in the active down position. I carry the repaired original HC with me so I simply switched wireless HC units and all was well and partied on observing in the bitter cold. The next day, when warmed to ambient room temps, ?the malfunctioning wireless HC “CW” functioned as it should, becoming “unstuck”. I may ask if GM can replace all the yellow buttons on this HC and I’ll have a new “old” spare for another decade ( I hope ). RW Hershey, PA 22” f/3.6 SDM Kennedy primary / SC Gen 2 On Thu, Nov 24, 2022 at 4:12 PM Mike <mklosterman1@...> wrote:
|
Mike
to navigate to use esc to dismiss