m.tweedy

Before

After some great feedback I have changed my mount and scope configuration as the CEM120 has great through the mount to saddle power and powered USB3 connections. Bought some bespoke power connectors from Dew Control and some Lindy USB cables from FLO. They have made such a difference. The only thing hanging off the scope now is the Lakeside ribbon cable.

Thank you. I bought a number from Dew Control on UKABS as he sells bespoke power cables. I needed to modify my cabling with the CEM120 having on saddle power (and USB3). This is soooo good.

Just ordered one for my travel rig i am setting up

Oh I do like that.

Why not an Anderson Powerpole I have used these for years and they work very well with a secure connection. I have tended to use it in conjunction with a 12v powered USB hub https://www.dewcontrol.com/Powerpole_Distribution_Box/p3099125_20055344.aspx

This is a useful guide

You need to connect the wifi in your tablet/mobile to the synscan in the setting first

An update on my painfully slow mount upgrade. Due to a slow recovery from my operation and it’s potential failure I have not managed first light yet. i was originally going to dual mount my C8 and GT81 but have given up on that idea for now (I cannot manage to lift the weight and lockdown means no one can assist) however over the last few days I have managed to get the GT81 mounted. Those counterweights are heavy! Waiting for custom made cables from Dew Control as I am sick of spaghetti junction. Anyway here are some photos. onwards and upwards.

L4-L5

Ditto

I use a Lakeside on my Refractor and it is fully configurable re step sizes ETC and it focuses great for me. The only time i had issues with the v (mines more like a U) is then the grub screw came loose and the motor was turning but not the focuser. Having had a C11 that had very minor mirror flop (now sold to a good home) I installed a Crayford focuser and attached a motor on it for all of the reasons mentioned above. I am currently looking to do the same with my vintage 1979 C8 that it intend to use for Galaxies. I am sure you can buy pre used SCT crayfords for very reasonable prices and attach the focuser to that.

I joined in 2009 as well and i have been a member for 11 years. Obviously we live in different Universes and my time travels half the speed yours does😷. Joking aside In the early days especially i sought a lot of advice which was always freely and willingly given. I hope i now contribute in the same manner.

One more thing to add. The focus lock screw has never been used since attaching the Lakeside. It is loose but kept in place so i dont lose it.

My GT81 is the original version so don’t know it it’s different. Mine has a Lakeside and has never slipped as the stepper motor holds it securely. i hope that helps

Yes and they are very good quality.

I never had a problem with it slipping however agree and put something none slip. I have thin cork that I have used for this purpose on other items.

If you live in the UK and want to help small businesses then look at this https://www.dewcontrol.com/Powerpole_Distribution_Box/p3099125_20055344.aspx apologies if it is deemed Political. I hope not but if it is please delete and let me know. I have been a member on here too long to be barred.

Yes and it was great. My only concern was that when using it if i did not extend the legs it got a bit top heavy with the C11

On my C11 (that i recently sold) I had the big threaded nut that is screwed in front of the mirror(for want of a better word) tightened. It did involve removing the corrector plate to do. Juergen who did it for me reduced the mirror flop a lot by tightening it up. It did not remove it completely even though i had a Starlight micro focuser instead of the stock focuser. I ended up buying one of the large format Crayford Focusers which meant the reducer screwed inside the actual Crayford. I then attached a cheap motor control (an Orion or Skywatcher) to stop the extreme vibration caused when trying to focus. At 2.7 metres any slight vibration is quite obvious. It performed brilliantly. I only sold it to enable me to buy an Ioptron CEM120. You can of course do this. http://www.darkatmospheres.com/music/C11_Project/

I never used my handset again when i started using this. If the mount is working with this then it implies the fault is with the handset or cable (in my none expert none electrical opinion)

I made a cover out of poly carbonate that fits inside a case. However a laptop tent is quicker and easier. The heat thats generated should keep it ok. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Notebooktent-Outdoor-Protection-Sunlight-FrontCover/dp/B00GADA2HW

I B also moved away from cigarette type power to Anderson Powerpole. I much more secure connection.

Lead acid batteries should not normally be discharged more than 50% otherwise damage can occur. Leisure ones can be discharged more-not sure by how much more. 24ah LiPo ones have a flat discharge ie output virtually the same level of power until empty.

As stated above the LiPo4 batteries are ideal. They are also a LOT lighter than lead acid ones. A 24Ah one is virtually equivalent to a 50 Ah lead acid one (leisure batteries can be discharged more that the 50%) Here is another supplier that I use as well as Tracer. Same technology different brand. https://www.libertybatteries.com/lithium-golf-trolley-battery-package-36-hole-extended-life-97-p.asp 36 hole is a 24Ah one.