Telescope Reviews: iOptron GotoNova Kit

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GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

iOptron GotoNova Kit
#2395416 - 05/14/08 05:29 PM

I have just ordered one of these for my GP2 mount. I wondered if anyone out there has used one of these kits for their GP2 or similar mount?

Thanks in advance.

Post Extras:

Gary
sage

Reged: 06/12/05

Loc: Southeast, Ga

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2396334 - 05/14/08 11:09 PM

Hi Glen,
Sounds like you have a good plan. I'm thinking of getting the kit for my mount or the MiniTower. Please, let us know what you think of it.
CS
Gary

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Gary]
#2396380 - 05/14/08 11:23 PM

I will try and get a report together for it. With some pics as well.Not really seen any reviews anywhere yet.The Mini-Tower does look interesting. I was undecided whether to go for GoTo or not. I was going to go for the high quality Vixen drives but thought I would try the GotoNova instead. Let's hope I made the right decision.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2396524 - 05/15/08 12:54 AM

I have not installed one on a GP2, yet. However, I have installed them on CG-5s and other such mounts. I really like mine a lot! That product is the very reason that I signed up to be a dealer.

If you have any questions about the install I would be happy to guide you. Just drop a PM to me and we can take it from there. I may have some pictures that will help.

I'm waiting for word from iOptron that I can go down and pick up my Mini Tower. They should be shipping around the middle of July.

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

WirelessDude
sage

Reged: 01/02/08

Loc: San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2396642 - 05/15/08 03:53 AM

I agree with Steve! The kit was quite simple to install. On a CG-5, at least on mine, you have to fine-adjust the RA worm assembly so that the supplied gear that slips onto the axle does not grind against the main mount assembly. The adjustment is a balance between the prevention of the grinding and the minimizing of the "slop" on the RA axis. It took some doing, but the mission was accomplished!

I added the GPS option for added accuracy. It gives you the most accurate time and your location to the exact second. Acquisition is very fast!

Clear skies!

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: WirelessDude]
#2397437 - 05/15/08 01:03 PM Attachment (92 downloads)

WirelessDude:

Thank you for the support. I will have to admit that on my older CG-5 it was necessary for me to modify the housing a bit. All I had to do was take Mr. Dremel tool and cut a notch to allow for the RA drive gear to fit in correctly. I'll attempt to attach a picture. The process took minutes and the rest was so easy that I should feel guilty, but, I don't! LOL

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2397440 - 05/15/08 01:04 PM Attachment (111 downloads)

Here is the gear in place.

sbf

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2397446 - 05/15/08 01:06 PM

If you have trouble, no tools, or aren't comfortable doing this kind of work, I can help. Drop a PM to me and I can give you my email and web site addresses.

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

WirelessDude
sage

Reged: 01/02/08

Loc: San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2398035 - 05/15/08 04:45 PM

Steve --

Ya know, I was toying with the exact idea of going out and getting a Dremel tool kit for that same task! It was going to be my excuse to the wife in getting one!

Clear skies!

Post Extras:

rcd47
sage

Reged: 03/15/08

Loc: East Texas, USA

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: WirelessDude]
#2398095 - 05/15/08 05:19 PM

You will never regret buying a dremel! I've had mine for 12-13 years and it does ALL the odd jobs that nothing else can. I think my excuse for buying had something to do with a boat....but that's another story!

Anyway I'm watching this thread closely. I may need to start saving my nickels for the Ioptron, since my cg-5 DADs deal fell through.

Randy

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2398118 - 05/15/08 05:32 PM

Cheers Steve thank you very much for the offer.

Good luck with your new venture.

Post Extras:

J_D_Metzger
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/13/04

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2398250 - 05/15/08 06:30 PM

Hi Glen,

I installed the kit on my GPD2 a while back. The only installation issue I had was that I had to shim the DEC motor to get the spur gears to mesh properly. If you need details or a picture, PM me.

I am satisfied with the kit overall. With a decent alignment and a carefully leveled mount, the gotos are very good, but with a near miss once in a while. If you're trying to goto a dim object, it helps to center and synch to a nearby bright object first.

The hand controller is nice, I like the 8-line display. The only thing I really miss from my old Meade Autostars is the "Guided Tour" function.

Good luck with the install!

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: J_D_Metzger]
#2398270 - 05/15/08 06:39 PM

Thanks JD. Could be here Monday. Really looking forward to giving it a go.I don't have a polar scope fitted though. I know the GPD2 comes with one fitted but the GP2 doesn't. Could be something else to look at.

Clear Skies.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2400565 - 05/16/08 06:46 PM

I'm glad that I could help. I have TWO Dremel tools. One is over 30 years old and still works!! Heck! I even had it sent to me in Iraq and then brought it back. My camera was whacked by the dust, but, my Dremel kept going!! LOL

If anyone needs help or has questions just drop me a PM and I'll fill you in on what I am doing.

Oh! WirelessDude: The secret is to use the fiberglass reinforced disks!!!

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2411160 - 05/21/08 04:41 PM

Just received my iOptron kit from astronomica in the UK.
It did come with a printed manual which will get me started and a CD with update info. Nice little touch that.

The brass gears have now been changed for a harder alloy gears(so the manual said) I think with the weight and feel that they could be steel of some description.Not fitted them yet.

The motors are a '540' can ferrite motor so I hope they are well supressed. Again,not got that far yet.

Also in the kit was a lead to connect to a PC. They have now gone to a USB instead of RS232, better idea that I think. There is a driver for this on the CD.

Not got into ASCOM drivers yet. I have seen info that there has been problems with this and a fix is on the way.

Will post again when I've done a setup.

Edited by GlenM (05/21/08 04:44 PM)

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2411482 - 05/21/08 07:07 PM

GlenM:

You should find it to be pretty easy. Yes, the gears that were used on the GOTOSTAR as well as the RS-232 have been replaced. The GOTONOVA now has very hard alloy gears and a USB connection, instead.

We will certainly look forward to your report.

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2411536 - 05/21/08 07:38 PM

Hi Steve,
should prove interesting if any of the software will run on my Vista machine. It does mention XP.I moved from a Mac to a Vista PC never used XP.Looking around now for a power source.

How's the 'new venture' coming along?

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2413127 - 05/22/08 02:33 PM

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!! VISTA!!!! (Raise fingers in the form of a Crucifix!) I tired it and right away got rid of it! I've been running XP-Pro for years and everyone that I know is having Vist wiped away and going back to XP-Pro!

With that in mind, the ASCOM drivers will work, eventually. However, Vista may be a bit of a bummer. I cannot tell you how well the drivers will work with Vista, let alone, any other software.

The new venture is going. As I expected, it's a bit slow to get started, but, I'd rather build up than be overwhelmed. Thank you for asking.

Let me know if I can do anything for you.

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2413542 - 05/22/08 05:42 PM

Hi Steve,
good to hear you're up and running.Are you or have you a website yet? I have only heard good things from some of your customers. That's always good to hear.

See I never mentioned V****

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2415561 - 05/23/08 04:47 PM

GlenM:

Thank you!

Yes, I have a web site. If you send me a PM I will provide send you a link. I'm suggesting this because the CENSORS on CN frown upon my giving it out in these posts. At least, that is what I have been lead to believe.

I appreciate the compliments from you and whomever with you spoke. I am trying very hard to make certain that I only offer the very best items and sevices.

I noticed that you left the "V" word out! LOL

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2417058 - 05/24/08 01:00 PM

Hi Steve,
I don't see a problem with supplying a link to a website. If you provide good service that's what we all want on CN.

What I have noticed during the past 12 months is that some people really slag off Bill Gates and Microsoft and nothing is said. As soon as someone mentions a vendor or manufacturer they have had a problem with they get jumped on.

Go on Steve give us a link to someone who cares about customer service.

The customer of yours I spoke to was a wicked woman from Groton

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2417677 - 05/24/08 09:19 PM

Glen:

OK! You asked for it! The web site is: www.Trapeziumtelescopes.com. It is a work in progress, so, be gentle with it! LOL Feel free to pass it around and if I can be of service to anyone, I most certainly will do my best.

NOW I know with whom you spoke!! LOL

Clear skies,

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2418626 - 05/25/08 01:00 PM

Thanks Steve,I will have a look around later.

Good luck in the new venture.

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2421212 - 05/26/08 06:35 PM

Quote:

s

The customer of yours I spoke to was a wicked woman from Groton

My ears are burning and now I know why.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2421224 - 05/26/08 06:43 PM

I honestly didn't mention any names at all.Steve knew right away who it was

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: J_D_Metzger]
#2422888 - 05/27/08 03:45 PM

Hi JD,
I now see what you mean about the DEC axis.May need about 020" shim in there.I did notice lots of end float in the DEC motor but I don't think it will be a problem. I had to do a little surgery on the plastic cases. Sorted that today.

I switched on and couldn't smell burning(always a good start that).The mount is not that noisy either. At the moment I am just playing around indoors with the controller.To my surprise I found it quite easy to use.

The weather is not good at the moment so I'm going to have to wait a while to get her outdoors.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2423344 - 05/27/08 07:03 PM

Just another update(tell me if you're getting board) According to my destructions the mount is supposed to remember the time and date with a back up battery. This does not seem to be working. I can't seem to find a back up battery in the cicuit. Unless I've missed the 'tag' for it

Post Extras:

Gary
sage

Reged: 06/12/05

Loc: Southeast, Ga

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2423406 - 05/27/08 07:30 PM

Glen,
It looks as if you have to have the a GPS unit connected. Page 10 under getting started.
CS
Gary

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Gary]
#2423413 - 05/27/08 07:36 PM

Cheers Gary I will have a look at that. I only got a 4 page destruction manual. I'll go to the website and have a look.

Thanks Again.

Clear Skies.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Gary]
#2423425 - 05/27/08 07:46 PM

Got it now. I didn't have that manual with the unit.Could have saved some time so to speak.

That was a great help THANKS.

Post Extras:

---Ozzy---
newbie

Reged: 09/14/07

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2890860 - 01/27/09 11:24 AM

Will the GotoNova kit work with a Celestron Ci-700 mount?

What about a G11 mount?

I am excellent with modifing. Like using 2 dremel tools, one to spin the part, the other to modify it

What would be required to get it to work with the Ci-700 and G11 mounts (will the motors need to be changed, gearing/belts, ect) ?

Thanks!
Oz

Post Extras:

jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: ---Ozzy---]
#2890867 - 01/27/09 11:29 AM

Quote:

Will the GotoNova kit work with a Celestron Ci-700 mount?

Hi, Ozzy - welcome to Cloudy Nights!

I don't know the answer to your question, but if you fabricate brackets to do it, please make an extra set for me!

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: jrcrilly]
#2891004 - 01/27/09 12:58 PM

There IS a back up battery inside the 8401 controller. If the clock is not keeping up then the battery may be depleted. I have not yet needed to change one, though.

If anyone needs THE manual for installation then drop a note to me via my corporate email and I can send along the manual that we wrote for it. It includes some really average pictures, but, it is pretty thorough.

The GOTONOVA is designed for the CG5 class of mount. It requires a final gear ratio of 144:1. I have never even considered trying it on those mounts because I don't have either of them available. If the worm and wheel are indeed a 144:1 ratio then anything is possible, I suppose.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Now, about that wicked woman from Groton who was SUPPOSED to join me for an observing session... I'm waiting! One of these days I will get HER hooked on the Mini Tower and then things will never be the same! LOL

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

---Ozzy---
newbie

Reged: 09/14/07

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2891221 - 01/27/09 02:55 PM

The G11 and Ci-700 is 360:1 ratio.

Is there a chance to make it work, EG by changing software(firmware).

If not, any other suggestions to make my Ci-700 or G11 a goto, gemini at $1500 is not an option right now.

Thanks
Oz

Post Extras:

jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: ---Ozzy---]
#2891230 - 01/27/09 02:58 PM

Quote:

The G11 and Ci-700 is 360:1 ratio.

The CI700 is 180:1 (like the GM-8). The G11 is 360:1.

I keep thinking about picking up a set of LXD55 motors; the Autostar does permit custom ratios.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2891373 - 01/27/09 03:55 PM

Hi Steve,

If it's cold Steve,you have no chance with you know who. Nothing worse than a cold woman

I think now would be a good time for Amy to buy a new mount.
She did force me into buying a Mak

Hope the new year is being good to you.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2891596 - 01/27/09 05:56 PM

Glen:

I am not even going to NIBBLE at that bait! Oh could I ever get myself into trouble if I did! Nice try, though!

Yes, I do believe that she needs a new mount. Since you have that nice new MAK then so do you! BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Thank you for the good wishes. We'll see just how things go and I promise to NOT go into a highly conservative rant about the political situation! Nope! Not going there at all!

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2894029 - 01/28/09 06:17 PM

Hi Steve,

There seems to be a mini boom on equipment in the UK. Probably due to some price rises in the offing. Well,I know Baader just went up around 40%

Yeh, don't bite. It's much safer saying nothing

NO! I don't want a new mount.... erm.

Clear Skies and hope for a mini boom.

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2894042 - 01/28/09 06:20 PM

I thought I felt my ears burning.

Given the weather we are having right now, I think I need an ark rather than a new mount.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2894082 - 01/28/09 06:35 PM

I nearly got away with it

Hope you've warmed up after the weekend.

The mount's still working

But the finder fell off my Mak

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2894098 - 01/28/09 06:44 PM

You didn't listen to me. I TOLD you to get an Intes Micro Mak.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2894110 - 01/28/09 06:48 PM

You're a wicked woman

Hey! nothing wrong with British workmanship

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2894707 - 01/28/09 11:31 PM

Amy! You got rain and we have over 16" of S_N_O_W!!!

When are you coming up to observe? I need to turn you into a Mini Tower convert! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Steve

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2894713 - 01/28/09 11:33 PM

Amy, I know better than to argue with you, at least when you are correct! LOL

Steve

Post Extras:

---Ozzy---
newbie

Reged: 09/14/07

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: jrcrilly]
#2894953 - 01/29/09 03:21 AM

Quote:

Quote:

The G11 and Ci-700 is 360:1 ratio.

The CI700 is 180:1 (like the GM-8). The G11 is 360:1.

Thanks for correcting me, I did not know that!
Oz

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2895049 - 01/29/09 06:54 AM

Quote:

Amy! You got rain and we have over 16" of S_N_O_W!!!

When are you coming up to observe? I need to turn you into a Mini Tower convert! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Steve

Hey, Steve: When my Starbook looked like it had bitten the dust recently, my choice was going to be pay $800 for a new one or get a mini-Tower. Fortunately, my Starbook has been repaired and its on its way back to me. Since I'm recently unemployed, neither was a very feasible option.

By the way, Richard and I will be heading to Sunday River on Saturday to enjoy some of that new white stuff.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2896563 - 01/29/09 08:20 PM

I will always have a Mini with your name on it! I'm patient! LOL

YOU can HAVE that white "STUFF"!! The Winter Star Party cannot happen soon enough!!!

Call or stop by if you wish. You know that you are always welcome.

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2897219 - 01/30/09 07:12 AM

Thanks Steve. While I like the snow on the mountains, I'm sick of it everywhere else. Let me know when the snow (and mud) disappear this spring and I'll head up there. Gotta check out that mini-Tower.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2897540 - 01/30/09 11:20 AM

Amy:

I expect that the snow and mud should be gone by, hmmmmmmmm, AUGUST!?! That's if we are lucky! LOL
You will most likely be as spoiled by it as I have been.

I'll look forward to seeing you sometime soon.

Steve

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2897884 - 01/30/09 02:25 PM

Me too Steve.

Post Extras:

nitrohepcat
member

Reged: 12/04/07

Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#3052377 - 04/19/09 10:38 AM

I am using a VixenGP with an Ioptron GOTONova EQ Conversion. The scope is a 4" f9 refractor.
Although I am very careful in setting the time/date/location (using Googlemaps and a clock that updates with a built-in shortwave radio), making sure the mount is level, accurately setting the polar alignment and doing a 3 star alignment - the pointing accuracy is still not that great. Most objects are about one degree from the center of the FOV.
Is adding the GPS antenna a worthwhile option?
When synching to an alignment star nearby the object I'm looking for - do I do a choose ALIGN and then perform a 1 star alignment on that star?
How can I check the alignment of the telescope tube to the mount?

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: nitrohepcat]
#3053953 - 04/20/09 01:47 AM

Is it off by exactly the same amount each time or does it vary? Have you done a GOOD polar alignment? Do you have a solid dovetail and is everything tight? Are the spur gears meshed correctly and are they lubricated?

If you location data is accurate to within several hundred meters/yards then the targeting should be darned close. Check all of the above questions carefully.

Steve

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nitrohepcat
member

Reged: 12/04/07

Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#3055482 - 04/20/09 05:37 PM

The distance between the center of the FOV and the target object varies.
The polar alignment is good.
The location data is within 200 feet.
The dovetail is solid.
The gears have no grease on them. Well, that could be my problem. I'll put some grease on them the next time it's clear.
With regard to the gears meshing correctly - They seem to be meshing OK. I adjusted the backlash with the hand controller and it works OK. Is there a measurement I should be making on the gear to gear interface?

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nitrohepcat
member

Reged: 12/04/07

Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: nitrohepcat]
#3055513 - 04/20/09 05:51 PM

Also, the correction factor displayed when I did a 3 star alignment was:
Altitude 246.3' lower
Azimuth 367.9' east
I double checked my observing notes from past sessions and these correction factors are typical.

I was also very careful with the polar alignment and double checked it with the telescope tube and counterweight attached. In the past I've done a drift align after polar alignment, with similar results.

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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: nitrohepcat]
#3056369 - 04/21/09 01:10 AM

The gears are best spaced by placing a piece of printer paper in between them to use as a gauge. Turn the motor to get the paper out when you are done.

It sounds as if you may need to update the controller. The latest firmware along with the downloader program is on the iOptron web site.

Did you set up the controller with the correct UT offset and is there a check mark set next to the Daylight Savings line?

Drop me a line via email if you need further information or help.

CS

Steve

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