Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 6435
Loc: Refractor Heaven (Haven?)
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In stock, and ready to ship, according to Great Red Spot.
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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Cool. I hope to get my hands on one very soon.
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Goodnight moon...
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 6435
Loc: Refractor Heaven (Haven?)
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Yes, I will be tuning in for that! 
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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I was hoping that Steve Forbes would receive his today and post a report...I guess maybe it didn't arrive.
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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David L
sage
Reged: 11/12/07
Posts: 285
Loc: Lee County Iowa
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Capacity is said to be 25 pounds, but I was told the Antares 1527 6" refractor is too heavy for a mini-tower. Is there a reasonably priced tracking and goto mount for such a scope, whether it be altaz or equatorial?
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Nick Lloyd
He asked for it
Reged: 10/24/06
Posts: 2186
Loc: cincinnati
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pm sent
--------------------
"The best scope is the one you use." -rcg
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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JD. I have mine sitting here next to me.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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First pictures.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Someone had asked for a picture of the bottom of the unit.
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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My 4" f/15 mount on the Mini Tower.
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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With my 150mm MAK.
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Hi Steve,
If the mount tracks smoothly and tripod vibrations settle quickly with that purple yard cannon on it, then I for one am convinced.
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 6435
Loc: Refractor Heaven (Haven?)
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As I would be also.
Doug
--------------------
Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
American by birth, Southern by the grace of God, future Texan by the will of God (I think  )
Celestron C6R
Astro-Tech AT90EDT
Carton 60mm f/16.7
Carton 60mm f/20
Faworski/Carton 100mm f/13
Celestron 50mm f/12.5
Faworski 60mm f/6.7
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Well, if SOMEONE could make these storm clouds go away I could give you better information!! I'm SOOOOOOOO sick of this weather! (DARN! I wish I was back in Iraq where it was warm and SUNNY!!)
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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The Mini whipped that purple yard cannon around with no effort. However, I will NOT be crazy enough to even THINK about mounting my 6" f/15 on it!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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chboss
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 215
Loc: Switzerland
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Ahh here is the newer thread...
I will now keep an eye on this one for further reports.
I hope the weather improves soon in your area. 
regards Chris
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Hi Steve,
Good luck and have some fun.
--------------------
SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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Nick Lloyd
He asked for it
Reged: 10/24/06
Posts: 2186
Loc: cincinnati
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Can you slew "manually" like the Discmount? Or are you at the mercy of the coffee-grinder slew-motors like the Nexstar mount?
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"The best scope is the one you use." -rcg
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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It appears that we may very well have a clear night!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!! I'm hoping and crossing my fingers!! (Please, please, PULLLLEEEEEZE let it be clear!!!))
Chris and SteveC:
Thank you.
Nick:
Yes, you CAN move it manually, HOWEVER, you will NOT maintain any alignment. Also, this thing is very quiet and does NOT sound like it will be dropping a pound of French Raost into a bag at any time. LOL
I'm going to start setting up. Here's HOPING!!
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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hammerhead
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 916
Loc: MA
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I'm a little south of you in MA and last night was a pretty great night down here! Especially after 1am or so. Got four and a half much needed hours of observing in myself!
Sooooooooo..... what's the deal?  I've got a MiniTower sitting in my shopping cart on Ioptron's website and an itchy trigger finger! Did you get to give it a work out? I'll even make the coffee for ya this morning if it helps.
--------------------
-Brian
TMB80ss triplet
xt10i w/ MoonLite CR2
31mmT5, 26mmT5, 20mmT5, 13Ethos, 10mmXW, 7mmXW, and 5mmXW
Oberwork 15X70, Coronado 10x25 Solar, Orion 7x50.
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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Steve, we're all waiting with bated breath! 
--------------------
Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Brian:
We pulled an all-nighter and of course we are now paying for it with very HD T-Storms!!
I and a number of our club members were at the club observatory site. Everyone was quite interested in the Mini. They were also interested in the SmartStar-PR that I also had with me. Both were well received.
The Mini was a breeze to set up. I had the Mini leveled, aligned and seeking targets with the MAK in about 10 minutes. The three leveling screws really make that task much easier than playing with tripod legs!
The two star alignment was easy and afterward, M-13 was within the FOV. As I kept marching through objects (M-27, M-31, M-110, etc.) and used the SYNC to OBJECT function, the targets fell well within the FOV. By the way, this was with a 150mm MAK and a 32mm TeleVue EP. The FOV was a bit smaller than what I normally experience with my 4" f/15 refractor. The tripod did not wiggle and was surprisingly steady. I was very pleased with the results.
The dew that befell us last night was horrible! Everything was SOAKED by 0400!! The mounts kept doing their thing and worked very well.
I hope that anyone in the New England area had a successful a night! It may be quite some time before we get clear skies again. (Groooooooooooooan!)
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Thanks, Steve!
At OPT, the rep said the trick he used to do an alignment was to turn on the mount, point the OTA anywhere, let it get a GPS fix, then goto Polaris. The mount will probably slew way off, but when it stops and beeps, he loosens the clutches and manually moves the mount until Polaris is centered in the eyepiece, and then tightens the clutches.
Sounds like it should work...
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Hi Steve,
Glad to see you're OK. After not hearing from you, I was afraid you and the iOptron Mini Tower had gotten lost for some strange reason.
--------------------
SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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JD:
SLICK! I've got to try that one!
SteveC:
I spent the day recovering from that all-nighter last night! It's kind of funny because my 23 year old son was with me all night and he caved in before me. We both retired around 0500. I was back up at 0730. He slept until noon!! LOL
CS
Steve
PS The T-Storms have returned with a vengeance!
sbf
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Hi Steve,
Don 't be too hard on the kid, you don't want to find yourself explaining how you developed the stamina to stay up all night. There are some things he doesn't have to know about until he's 50, when he's not so much a danger to himself.
--------------------
SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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chboss
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 215
Loc: Switzerland
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Hi Steve
Thanks for your update.
How is the GOTO accuracy of the mini without using the Sync to function?
I also use the "Sync to" function on the cube with good success, however without it I will get lost if going to the other end of the sky.
regards Chris
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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SteveC:
When I was in Iraq, staying up for three days and nights was not too uncommon. LOL
Chris:
I can't answer that. I used the SYNC function out of habit. If we ever get another clear night I'll try to remember to NOT use it.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Brian:
The observing was wonderful on Saturday night! The dew as horrible, though! The Mini did very well with the 150mm MAK. It was up and running in 10 minutes. After the two star alignment everything was within the FOV. I worked it very hard with no issues.
I thought I already posted these results? Aaaaaaah! What do I know? Maybe it was a dream.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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hammerhead
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 916
Loc: MA
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Hi Steve,
Your posts are coming through now... but thanks so much for sharing your results with me by PM. I really appreciate it!
Yes, Saturday night was the night I've been waiting for for months now! Clears skies, comfortable temps, and no work the next day! I made it until about 3:30am myself before the coffee wore off. It was one of those nights for me where everything just went perfect! My gear was all working right, my dew equipment did it's job (man was it dewy!) and I gave first light to a bunch of new toys. I must have hit 50 targets that night and maybe 1/3 of them were 'firsts' for me. Awesome night all around!
Again, thanks for your report on the IOptron. It sounds very promising. I've been waiting for a GOTO Alt-Az with decent capacity for awhile now and I was really keeping my fingers crossed that the Mini Tower would be 'the one'. Just two weeks ago I broke down and ordered encoders and hardware to use my Argo Navis on my Porta-mount. They haven't even arrived yet, but I think when they do, I will return them and get the Mini Tower instead. I'm hoping to use my 8" SCT and my 110mm Megrez on it (not at the same time though). How do you think it'll fair with those scopes? Do you really think the 25lb rating is accurate?
Quote:
Brian:
The observing was wonderful on Saturday night! The dew as horrible, though! The Mini did very well with the 150mm MAK. It was up and running in 10 minutes. After the two star alignment everything was within the FOV. I worked it very hard with no issues.
I thought I already posted these results? Aaaaaaah! What do I know? Maybe it was a dream.
Steve
--------------------
-Brian
TMB80ss triplet
xt10i w/ MoonLite CR2
31mmT5, 26mmT5, 20mmT5, 13Ethos, 10mmXW, 7mmXW, and 5mmXW
Oberwork 15X70, Coronado 10x25 Solar, Orion 7x50.
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RAKing
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 2520
Loc: West of the D.C. Nebula
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Quote:
I'm hoping to use my 8" SCT and my 110mm Megrez on it (not at the same time though). How do you think it'll fair with those scopes? Do you really think the 25lb rating is accurate?
Brian,
I sure hope the capacity is as advertised. I want to use my M703 and my AT80 at the same time. There are a lot of us sitting here, waiting for the results. 
BTW - Congrats on your night. We had great conditions in Virginia, too. But my target list was much shorter than yours. Nice going. 
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
Favorite Stuff: Astro-Physics, Baader, Celestron, Takahashi, Televue, Zeiss, and .....
a beautiful wife, plus two furry cats who rule the world!
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Brian:
The 4" f/15 Jaegers that you see in one of the previous pictures should demonstate the capability of the Mini. That's a 22 pound scope that is 60" long! Remember basic physics? LOL
By next week, if possible, I will try to test it with a 9.25" SCT. Personally, I believe that will be the maximum that it can handle on one side. However, I could be wrong!
By the way, just in case anyone is interested, I opened my Mini up today and looked around. There are four very nice tapered roller bearings inside of the Mini. Two per axle. (Duh?) The gears consist of very large aluminum worm wheels and brass worm gears. The worm gear bearing assemblies are braced by very solid brackets to prevent side to side play which was known to be problem with the early versions of the Cube. The lubrication appears to be synthetic. In other words, it's built like a tank!
CS
Steve
PS In case I did not mention it, there is an internal battery pack that takes 8 AA cells that will run the mount without any outside power supply.
sbf
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Winnie
super member
Reged: 04/28/07
Posts: 117
Loc: Las Vegas
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I am wondering about the tripod which comes with the mini. Is it good, fair, adequate, awesome?
--------------------
CPC925 GPS
Feather Touch Microfocuser
C130 Mak
Celestron Plossl Kit
15mm Pan
9T6 Nagler
Canon 10x30 IS
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BlueMoon
sage
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 379
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Guess what just went on my Christmas Wish List... 
--------------------
Jeff
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Winnie:
The Tripod is actually pretty solid. We had no signs of any weakness then using it last Saturday. The legs measure 1.50" on the upper parts and 1.25" on the lower parts. Each leg has a small stud at the foot to allow it to anchor itself in soft grass. It is made from stainless steel, too. It measures 44" tall.
Jeff:
I can't wait for Christmas.
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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Steve, any idea how long the batteries last? I presume that a power supply can be used with it. Am I correct?
--------------------
Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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For those who want some more details, here's a link to the MiniTower manual on the iOptron site:
MiniTower Manual
The manual indicates that the MT comes with a DC power cable with a cigarette lighter plug.
Strangely, it doesn't mention a battery pack... 
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Steve,
Are you planning on attempting any kind of astrophotography to see how feasible it is ? I thought you could do planetary stuff using just the alt-az mode as the exposures are very short. I'd also be interested in knowing if some kind of wedge along with the necessary software upgrade might be in the works. And I too am inpressed that it seemed to run fine with your refractor torture test ! How much does that 4" f15 weigh ?
Thanks,
Sam
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Jerry Hyman
sage
Reged: 03/29/07
Posts: 288
Loc: Mesa, Arizona
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Hi Steve,
On page three of the manual it states that "Its payload (25 lbs)can be even further enhanced by more than 50% with heavy-duty accessories."
However, I can not find anything in the manual that tells what those accessories are. Do you have any information on them?
My last question is what type of dovetail is being used on the mount since it is not mentioned in the manual. I assume it is a standard type Vixen dovetail?
I like most others are waiting for your report on the payloads and settling times with that mount. Since I own a carbon fiber 9.25" SCT that weights 21.5 lbs with optical finder, visual back, telrad, and 2" diagonal I will be VERY interested to see the results with the 9.25" test.
We hope you really have clear skies this week!
~jerry
--------------------
Discovery 10" f5.6 dob
9.25" Celestron carbon fiber SCT
Celestron Regal LX 8X42 binos
Vixen Super Polaris Deluxe mount
Vixen Super Polaris mount
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 6435
Loc: Refractor Heaven (Haven?)
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Quote:
Guess what just went on my Christmas Wish List...
Yeah, and I think I just found the replacement for my Orion TeleTrack, which I use as my travel scope mount. Maybe I'll travel with two scopes on the Mini, a 5" SCT on one side (Omni XLT127), and the AT66ED on the other. Now won't that mess with some truck drivers' heads?
Doug
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Don:
No, I have no idea how long the batteries will last. I've not run it with the batteries, yet. Obviously, it depends upon the load and how much you slew it around the sky. I will put that test onto my list of things to learn. Yes, the included power supplies will work with the batteries installed.
JD. I actually have not yet read the manual in detail. I'll make note of the omission. Thank you.
Sam:
I'm not into AP, yet. I may get there, some day. LOL I thought I had mentioned that the 4" f/15 Jeagers weighs 22 pounds without any EPs. Yes, a wedge is being developed for the Mini.
Jerry:
The HD accessories that are mentioned most likely refers to whatever the owner would care to use. That can be counterwieghts, cameras, or another scope.
The dovetail is Vixen
As soon as I get to test the Mini with a 9.25" I will let everyone know.
OK. Here come MORE T-Storms!! DARN!
CS
Seve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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hammerhead
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 916
Loc: MA
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Yeah, this thunderstorm thing is getting ridiculous. Maybe we'll get another clear weekend though...just in time for the full moon I presume. 
If I can get my CG-5 sold I'm absolutely going to get a Mini-Tower. Who am I kidding? I'm probably gonna get a Mini-Tower no matter what. 
--------------------
-Brian
TMB80ss triplet
xt10i w/ MoonLite CR2
31mmT5, 26mmT5, 20mmT5, 13Ethos, 10mmXW, 7mmXW, and 5mmXW
Oberwork 15X70, Coronado 10x25 Solar, Orion 7x50.
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Brian:
The I believe that the Mini would work very well with you C8 or the 110ED. Drop me a note (PM) if you need more info.
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Max Lattanzi
sage
Reged: 06/27/07
Posts: 306
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Quote:
By the way, just in case anyone is interested, I opened my Mini up today and looked around. There are four very nice tapered roller bearings inside of the Mini. Two per axle. (Duh?) The gears consist of very large aluminum worm wheels and brass worm gears. The worm gear bearing assemblies are braced by very solid brackets to prevent side to side play which was known to be problem with the early versions of the Cube. The lubrication appears to be synthetic. In other words, it's built like a tank!
Hi Steve,
Would you share some pix of the opened mount?
Thanks!
Max
--------------------
*** Refractorland ***
www.refractorland.org
info@refractorland.org
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scopedude
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/26/06
Posts: 831
Loc: 6 deg. South
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Any news about goto accuracy? I've been following this thread hoping to see that!
--------------------
Megrez 80 FD, Megrez 88, FLT-98, ZS110 APO
Vixen R150S, Vixen NA140SSf
Celestron C8 CF, C5 Spotter
WO 7x50
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Max:
Like this one?
When we were using it last Saturday night the GOTO accuracy was very good. I was using a 150mm f/12 MAK with a 32mm TV Plossl. The FOV was more narrow than that of my 4" f/15 refractor. Each object was within the FOV.
Does that help?
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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One more.
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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That looks VERY sturdy inside. But is that brass coming off on the wheel or just the color of the grease? (It looks like grease to me, but it's hard to tell from the photo.)
Reading in the manual, the slew rates seem to go really high and there's a "user definable" option. (I wonder if it's fast enough to track the space shuttle? )
--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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I seem to remember that someone had suggested that the internal battery pack for the Mini was not discussed in the manual. It IS mentioned in item #10 on page 11 of the manual.
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Hi Steve,
Those plastic gears would keep me well within the maximun load limit of the mount.
--------------------
SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
Edited by SteveC (08/14/08 01:23 PM)
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chboss
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 215
Loc: Switzerland
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Hi all
I am surprised to see the same weak plastic part holding the worm in place (as on the original Cube). The only upgrade is the metal side support preventing side to side movement.
As SteveC mentions the plastic gears that transmit the motor power are still a weak link in the long run.
Seems to me that some good upgrades went into production while other parts were left alone to reduce costs.
Regards
Chris
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Max Lattanzi
sage
Reged: 06/27/07
Posts: 306
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Thank you Steve,
Exactly those ! And if you have more, do not hesitate to share them.
I am trying to figure out if this Mini Tower could be a better solution than the monofork Nextar SE...
Thank you so much!
Max
--------------------
*** Refractorland ***
www.refractorland.org
info@refractorland.org
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Wes James
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 3957
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Quote:
I am surprised to see the same weak plastic part holding the worm in place
Quote:
Those plastic gears would keep me well within the maximun load limit of the mount.
And me from buying one of these.
--------------------
Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Some bino’s from Miyauchi 5x32 Binon's up through Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from a Stellarvue 80mm NHNG up through a couple of 8” reflectors…
And a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Shiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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Winnie
super member
Reged: 04/28/07
Posts: 117
Loc: Las Vegas
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Well, I've never opened up my CPC925 but I would bet that there are some plastic gears in there somewhere.
--------------------
CPC925 GPS
Feather Touch Microfocuser
C130 Mak
Celestron Plossl Kit
15mm Pan
9T6 Nagler
Canon 10x30 IS
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Quote:
I am trying to figure out if this Mini Tower could be a better solution than the monofork Nextar SE...
Same here.
--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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I googled pics on the NexStar mounts. Winnie, from what I can see the gears in the CPC's are all metal. Same with the single-armed NexStar mounts I saw. (Unless what I believe to be a 90 degree turn in the end of the single armed NexStar mounts has plastic gears. I couldn't see the inside of the gear train.)
--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Quote:
I seem to remember that someone had suggested that the internal battery pack for the Mini was not discussed in the manual. It IS mentioned in item #10 on page 11 of the manual.
CS
Steve
Steve,
If so, your manual is different than the one on the iOptron website:
Web site manual
Item #10 on page 11 in the web site manual just says to plug in the power cable, no mention of a battery pak...
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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bcuddihee
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 1553
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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What I wish is that someone...maybe Ioptron would make a heavy duty ALT AZ goto (like the mini tower) with the capability to be used in manual mode. That would be nice!
bc
--------------------
B Cuddihee
--------------------------
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor
Celestron Nexstar8SE aka "The Bumblebee",(there is no way this scope should perform as well as it does...but it does)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of Edmund 28 plossls
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of Edmund 21 plossls
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's
Pair of Edmund 15 plossls
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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You can use the Mini in a manual mode. You will not keep the alignment, though. All you need do is loosen the clamps, aim and then use the controller to center the object. If you practice enough you could even track using the hand controller. That is a skill that I most likely will never develop so I'll let the Mini do the tracking.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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islandsteve11
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 517
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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Telescopeman
I've been waiting for some follow-up on your first light report with the MiniTower. Your first report was notable for lacking your usual exhuberance and simply mentioned that the mount kept the target in the FOV of a low mag EP. I'm hoping this was just due to morning-after sleep deprivation .
Don't get me wrong, I WANT to like the MiniTower enough to shell out the $$ for it and sincerely HOPE it is the Darwinian evolutionary successor to the less than impressive Cube.
As I mentioned in my email to you, here's to "Wishing you a wildly successful new mount"
--------------------
Orion 110ED, AT80ED & EON72ED
SV M1 & CG5-ASGT mounts
WO 8X42 APO & Bushnell 7x35(10th b'day present)binoculars
"Complaints are an opportunity to identify issues and make improvements."
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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I've been "advised" to keep my enthusiasm to a dull roar by the "Powers that Be"! Drop me a PM and I can give you a more detailed report. In short, though, I'm thrilled with it.
CS
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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euklides69
newbie
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 3
Loc: MA, Marlborough
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Guys - could you advise please if IOptron Mini Tower can be controlled by PC Ascom compatible software ? Does exists any Ascom platform drivers for this mount ?
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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Steve, do you know what this thing weighs? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
--------------------
Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Steve,
I guess from one of the early reports I saw that talked about the worm, etc. I had assumed all of the gears were metal. I am a bit surprised to see that plastic gears are being used at all in something that cost $800. How concerned should I be about this or are they so lightly loaded that aside from the fact they could eventually crack and break, there really should be no concern ? How much more might it have cost iOptron to use all metal gearing ? Or is there a benefit to using plastic gears where they did like minimizing vibration ?
Thanks,
Sam
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Steve,
One other thing. I just briefly went through the Mini-Tower manual and did not see any information on operating temperature. Do you know what temp range it has ?
Thanks,
Sam
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sang33ta
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/08/08
Posts: 767
Loc: UK
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Urgh, that pic showing lots of plastic is sad 
Celestron CG-5 GT is still the king of the hill for a cheap metal geared mount then.
--------------------
Hioptic 152mm f12.5 Maksutov, CG5-AGT, Meade Super Plossl Set, Casio QV-2900UX
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Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7907
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
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I have to admit I am a little dissapointed myself,in the use of plastic gears in this mount.
I can understand the use of plastic gears in a lower priced mount like the cube.But for a mount that commands this price,I cant understand the use of plastic gears except for a larger profit margain.
While I may purchase a cube at one time or another, I will not purchase the Mini Tower because of the plastic gears. I like the fact the worm gears are brass but what good does that do if the gears driving the worm break or break teeth because of their plastic construction.
--------------------
Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
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Gary
sage
Reged: 06/12/05
Posts: 407
Loc: Southeast, Ga
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If you ever look at the transmission gears, between the motor and worn drive assembly, you just might be in for a surprise. I talking about gotos priced around 900.00 and less. And some very reliable fork mount priced higher.
CS
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Eddgie
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/01/06
Posts: 3275
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I would not worry greatly about the plastic transmission gears. The Worm and Worm wheel are metal. Since these are the gears that are subject to the most contact point pressure, it is crucial that they be metal.
The simple spur gears though receive very little loading. In fact, they receive almost none. The leverage of the screw gear against the worm is extremly high, so again that gear takes a lot of pressure from even small amounts of imbalance. When that pressure is transmitted into the worm gear itself though, it is transferred as SIDEWAYS thrust (forcing the end of the worm into the housing at either end of the worm shaft). There is NO transmission of this thrust into the plastic spur gears.
I would not be worried about the nylon gears here at all. The simply don't take any serious loading.
If the side housing for the worm gear is not very thick, it is conceivable that a heavy impact could crack it, but Nylon (which is most likely what this is made of and not just "Plastic") has good tensile strength and wears quite well.
In some of the Meade telescopes, they used nylon spur gears to drive the tube in elevation. THAT is not so good... The reason is that when the scope IS unbalanced (and in these scopes, there was not any way to correct balance except with a metal weight balance kit). The pressure on the teeth could be very very high when using heavy eyepieces or attaching cameras.. Any imbalance was absorbed almost completly by the face of the spur gear teeth themselves.. Not so good. When loaded in this manner, the face of the teeth can deform in such a way that the point of the driven tooth bends when the point of the driving tooth slides up the face of the driven tooth. As it approached the top, the pressure on the very tip of the tooth subjects it to unusually high wear.
But again, in this case, the face of the Nylon (not plastic) gears is so lightly loaded that they will likely last a few decades of normal observing.
It is SILL important though to ensure that balance is maintained. While most of the pressure is the sideways pressure on the worm and the mechanical advantage of the worm against the worm wheel keeps the loading on the spur gears of the transmission fairly low, anything that causes the transmission to have to drive hard will eventually take a toll.
This is just my opinion, but if you study the torque transmission, you will see that in this case, these nylon gears are loafing.
Oh, and Nylon 6 (which is pretty common in gear building) is also self lubricating.. The lube in metal gears will age and dry in 10 years... Hmmmm.
Do some research on "Nylon Gears" and you will find that in low torque applications like this, they have become the "Industry Standard". Many manchines like copiers and printers use them exclusivly these days if there is low gear-face loading. The company I work for has been using nylon gears in a variety of commercial business machines for decades with excellent results. I have seen nylon gears last 20 years in heavy duty service. IF the design puts them in the right place (as seems to be the case here) and the tolerances for mesh are properly maintained in manufacturing (typical today for CNC machined parts or castings made from molds built with CNC technology) I would expect the same.
Oh, I am not an engineer, but I used to be a field engineer at one time. TOTALLY not an expert, but have seen a lot of gears in my life... lol.
Regards.
Regards.
--------------------
Celestron C14, CGE (Big Al)
Astro-Physics 6" f/8 (Buffy)
Celestron EdgeHD C8 (Lil' Eddgie)
Celestron C5 (Tiny Tiger)
Vixen Ed100sf
The night sky is my mistress. She seduces me away from all other lovers.
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Fred1
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/19/07
Posts: 1046
Loc: Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania
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Quote:
Hi Steve,
On page three of the manual it states that "Its payload (25 lbs)can be even further enhanced by more than 50% with heavy-duty accessories."
However, I can not find anything in the manual that tells what those accessories are. Do you have any information on them? ~jerry
Coleman Coates of iOptron responded to my inquiry on this, stating, "Yes, this seems confusing. Basically, adding additional counterweights (besides what is already included) will allow for greater payload. However, the maximum payload must still be adhered to."
Seems like 25 lbs is still the limit.
--------------------
Fred
Celestron 11" EdgeHD, Celestron 8" SCT both w/Starlight Feathertouch Microfocuser;
Stellarvue SV80ST Triplet APO
Tele Vue Bino Vue, Earthwin Optical and Stellarvue BV3 Binoviewers
CGEM, CG5-ASGT, Astro-Tech Voyager mounts
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qlan
newbie
Reged: 08/19/08
Posts: 1
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Nylon is not simply "plastic." Nylon gears are currently used in many high end office equipment, such as printers, scanners, and coppiers. The most wearable part in the mount is the worm, which better off be copper or SS. Other gears, Nylon will outer perform metal. I would be suprised if they made the mount with all metal gears, which is noisy (if not properly lubricated) and unnecessary.
Qlan
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jasonj998
Banned - Duplicate Account
Reged: 08/19/08
Posts: 51
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In the Cube discussion, I did suggest the manufacture to change the worm and worm wheel to metal when make new version of the mount. However, I was against changing all to metal. Nylon 6 is a better choice in terms of self lubrication, high in strenth, good temperature performance, etc. I am glad to see this is the case in Minitower.
Jason
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bcuddihee
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 1553
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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Steve, would you please copy me on that report as well.
Thanks bc
--------------------
B Cuddihee
--------------------------
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor
Celestron Nexstar8SE aka "The Bumblebee",(there is no way this scope should perform as well as it does...but it does)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of Edmund 28 plossls
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of Edmund 21 plossls
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's
Pair of Edmund 15 plossls
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Well, I just purchased a Mini-Tower so we will see. Though I do agree with the comments about the use of non-metal gears if the load is light. It makes sense. I guess after thinking about it and reading some encouraging posts, I am less concerned about it. I am about to set mine up tonight and put it through its paces and see how it performs. And most surprisingly, the weather appears like it will cooperate ! I will add one thing. I am surprised that the metal/foam case the mount arrived in was only protected by a single layer of cardboard given how UPS and FedEx can throw things around. I half expected to see dents in the case. But I saw no signs of damage and it is a very compact case. Very creatively, if not densely engineered. Other manufacturers like Vixen should be ashamed of themselves that they too do not include a nice case like this as part of the price tag, especially for eq. mounts that cost over $2,000.
Sam
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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I believe the answer is yes and the iOptron website has an area where you can download the required software to do this. Or at least that was my impression. I was inquiring about any required firmware upgrades for the controller and Coleman from iOptron told me that an upgrade for the Mini-Tower was in the works and should be available (or something concerning the upgrade) in the next few days. Does anyone who is using the Mini-Tower aware of any problems ?
Thanks,
Sam
Sam
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Steve,
I picked one of these up and am having trouble getting the battery pack out of the mount. It moves around but seems to be stuck. Is there some kind of trick to getting it out ? I don't know how much I will use it especially as I have no idea ho long the battery power will last but it would be nice to know I could if I wanted to.
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
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astroguy9.25
newbie
Reged: 08/20/08
Posts: 1
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Hi all, I am not new to Cloudy Nights but I am new to the forums arena, so if I make mistakes posting I will apologize in advance! P.S. I should be getting my new mini-tower any day now!!!
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jasonj998
Banned - Duplicate Account
Reged: 08/19/08
Posts: 51
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Agree with Sam, the aluminum case is really nice. I would be willing to pay $100 for the case alone, which was included in the package for free. Jason
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Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7907
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
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I Would like to say Welcome To Cloudy Nights To Both jasonj998 and astroguy 9.25. We hope you will find a good deal of useful information here on the Forum.
I would also like to say Thanks to everyone who explained why it was OK to use a combo of the Nylon and Brass Gears in the Mini-Tower.
I Feel Much Better and far more confident about the quality of this mount now.
--------------------
Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
Edited by Talstarone (08/22/08 10:39 PM)
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NotThePainter
sage
Reged: 06/02/07
Posts: 371
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Here's some news from Steve.
He just wants to say that you need to contact him directly for now. CN has banned him from posting for being too enthusiastic about the Mini Tower.
Disclaimer. Although my wife and I do the web site for Trapezium Telescopes, this is pro bono work. Which means we do not get paid. We have zero financial interest in Trapezium other than the fact that Steve buys the first round when we meet.
Paul
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60mm Swift Refractor
5 inch Burgess 1278 Refractor
6 inch Edmund Scientific Reflector
8 inch Celestron SCT
Celestron ASGT mount
Canon 15x50is
-
Cape Cod Astronomy Society
New Hampshire Astronomy Society
My astronomy blog: http://www.NotThePainter.com
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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That's very interesting. The last post I see from Steve was on 8/16, in which he states that the "powers that be" have told him to tone down his enthusiasm. No posts at all since then, unless the moderators have deleted them.
I personally don't think Steve's posts were at all out of line, but nobody asked for my opinion...
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Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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BlueMoon
sage
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 379
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Quote:
CN has banned him from posting for being too enthusiastic about the Mini Tower.
Well, that's a first for me. In all the forums I've frequented, I've never seen anyone "banned" for enthusiasm...
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Jeff
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
Edited by BlueMoon (08/23/08 04:47 PM)
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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Dang, I was learning a lot from Steve. There are probably not enough owners out there yet to give very many useful opinions. I could email him, but not everyone would benefit from his opinion. What are we to do? Post his response here?
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Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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BlueMoon
sage
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 379
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Ah, I see. Steve is affiliated with Trapezium Telescopes... I guess his exuberance may have been a breech of "advertising policy" for the CN forums...
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Jeff
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
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Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 8414
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
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Please let's get the story straight. As far as I know Steve's not banned forever. He's been given a few days off for persistently not sticking to the vendor requirements in the TOS on quite a number of levels. I (and others) have tried hard to warn him about it and I also tried *very hard* to help him understand what is and is not permitted from a vendor posting in the open forums, but Steve just kept posting away like he isn't a vendor at all. Sooner or later the administration had to take a stand or else abandon trying to hold vendors to a highter standard (which isn't going to happen).
I really hope he'll be back - he's a good guy. In the meantime, let's not fuel the speculation on this or turn this thread into a flame on the management, okay? They are just doing their job.
Charlie
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"He's dead, Jim - I'll get his wallet, you get his tricorder." - Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Weston CSC:
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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The only thing I can find in the TOS under the "Vendors" section that seems to apply is the following:
"Vendors are expected to act professionally and are held to a high standard when posting. The right is reserved to take corrective action deemed appropriate by the administrators and moderators, including but not limited to deletion of posts, temporary or permanent bans, and loss of rights to free advertising."
I can find nothing that actually defines "professional" conduct or a "high standard", unless I missed something. It appears that the moderators can pretty much arbitarily decide what is allowed and what isn't, and take whatever action they feel like...
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Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 8414
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
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It's counterproductive to get into a back and forth with you on this J.D. (before I let that happen I'll lock the thread down first) but you're apparently not reading far enough down the TOS...
"Vendors, please be aware that product pushing will also be considered a violation of the TOS."
You can cross the line from directly answering a poster's question on some product you sell to outright promotion pretty easily. The intent is for vendors to strictly stick to answering direct questions on a product ("Does the Mini-Tower come in blue?"). This is not as easy for the vendor to do as you would think, and like it or not it is up to the management to determine what is or is not product pushing. Hence the comment about being "too enthusiastic". Steve has been counseled on this at length on several occasions by multiple people, including myself.
"In addition, vendors/manufacturers are to refrain from commenting on their competitor’s equipment (directly or indirectly). Please restrain your comments to products you manufacture or resell."
We all know that Steve freely shares his opinions on a lot of different gear on a very regular basis. He cannot do so as a vendor without crossing this part of the TOS. Likewise, Steve has been counseled on this point on numerous occasions.
He's also been given many warnings to cease and desist. He didn't. He got a time out because he didn't. Like it or not, that's how it works.
Charlie
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"He's dead, Jim - I'll get his wallet, you get his tricorder." - Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Weston CSC:
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Hi Charlie,
I'm really not trying to get into a push and shove, truly. I'm just trying to understand where the line is. I have enjoyed reading Steve's very informative posts about the Mini-Tower, and I think others have also. I personally would not classify his posts as "product pushing". I just think the TOS is very vague in its wording, and leaves too much to the judgement of the moderators. Personal opinion. I'll let it rest...
Hopefully some of the new non-vendor owners of the Mini Tower will start posting their experiences.
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 8414
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
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Me too, J.D.
Charlie
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"He's dead, Jim - I'll get his wallet, you get his tricorder." - Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Weston CSC:
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jasonj998
Banned - Duplicate Account
Reged: 08/19/08
Posts: 51
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I have found very helpful reading Steve's posting and nothing inappropriate. Wish his coming back soon. Jason
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RAKing
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 2520
Loc: West of the D.C. Nebula
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I also enjoy Steve's posts and hope he comes back soon.
It sounds like what we need here on CN is for some customers to post reviews of their experience with the Mini-Tower. If the product is any good, I'm sure we will see those soon enough and I value those reviews as much (if not more) than a vendor's write up.
Ron
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Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
Favorite Stuff: Astro-Physics, Baader, Celestron, Takahashi, Televue, Zeiss, and .....
a beautiful wife, plus two furry cats who rule the world!
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Quote:
Me too, J.D.
Charlie
So there's no truth to the rumor that Steve hooked up the Mini tower to his auto's GPS and he ended up in S. Dakota?
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SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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Teal'c
Indeed
Reged: 08/02/05
Posts: 3854
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Quote:
Quote:
Me too, J.D.
Charlie
So there's no truth to the rumor that Steve hooked up the Mini tower to his auto's GPS and he ended up in S. Dakota?
It was Point Pleasant WV. 
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------------------
SV95T 95/650(LOMO)
SV80S 80/480(LOMO)
Matthias Wirth 80/600(LOMO)
Celestron 120 XLT
AP140.... Waiting......Waiting....
Etch-O-Sketch and an eraser. Although....the eraser dosn't work
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bcuddihee
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 1553
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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I realize that a moderators position is a tough one and one has to be fair to everyone, but by in a case like this I feel everyone looses.
It seems to me that there is nothing wrong with a vendor being enthusiastic..not a euphemism for pushing product, about the products they carry...provided they represent themselves as vendors. This is where the line should be drawn. Maybe this should be visibly more obvious on their post heading. Vendors "posing as customers" should be censored. The reason for this forum is the exchange of information and experiences.
I was not the only one who was learning some very valuable info about a product that I might be interested in purchasing. Quizzing a vendor is a great way to do this. Often the only info on a new product is through the vendor replying to questions ...and adding some info of his own that was not asked for simply because people have not yet seen enough of the product to know the appropriate questions to ask. A suggestion..perhaps in the future if a known vendor is posting they could have a highlighted post heading that is recognizable instantaneously to those viewing the post. They can make up their own minds on taking the info provided, with or without a grain of salt. I wish more vendors were as enthusiastic about what the sell.
Thanks
bc
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B Cuddihee
--------------------------
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor
Celestron Nexstar8SE aka "The Bumblebee",(there is no way this scope should perform as well as it does...but it does)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of Edmund 28 plossls
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of Edmund 21 plossls
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's
Pair of Edmund 15 plossls
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Me too, J.D.
Charlie
So there's no truth to the rumor that Steve hooked up the Mini tower to his auto's GPS and he ended up in S. Dakota?
It was Point Pleasant WV.
....... so now were playing the Cloudy Night's version of "Where's Waldo"? Besides, any place named Point Pleasant, can't be that bad !
Good luck, Steve, where ever you are?
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SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
Edited by SteveC (08/24/08 12:02 PM)
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Even though we all know that moderators are the most despicable human beings on the the planet, the lowliest of lowlies, you should give them a break. They gave Steve a long leash as a vendor.
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SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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I noticed the manual implies the mount has a backlash and anti-backlash settings. I am curious to know if the Mini Tower has the same problems as the Celestron SE mount. Too bad Steve isn't here to answer. Perhaps someone else knows that answer? This is one of the main reasons I am considering replacing that mount with the Mini. Oh, and by the way, I've never received an answer to how much the mount weighs. Does anyone know that?
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Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Quote:
Oh, and by the way, I've never received an answer to how much the mount weighs. Does anyone know that?
I'd like to know the answer to that one myself. It's odd that it isn't listed in the specs anywhere.
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Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7907
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
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Quote:
I noticed the manual implies the mount has a backlash and anti-backlash settings. I am curious to know if the Mini Tower has the same problems as the Celestron SE mount. Too bad Steve isn't here to answer. Perhaps someone else knows that answer? This is one of the main reasons I am considering replacing that mount with the Mini. Oh, and by the way, I've never received an answer to how much the mount weighs. Does anyone know that?
Hi Don.I was wondering what problems exist with the SE GOTO Mount.
I have the small sized SE mount that works for the 4 and 5SE optical tubes.I have not had a chance to put it through its paces as of yet.But it seems I may be dissappointed.
I have even committed to purchase an Astro-Tech AT-80 to use on the SE Mount. So is the Cube or Mini-Tower a better performer then the SE.
I would love to get a Mini-Tower but without knowing its weight, I dont know if I can carry it outside in one piece like I can with the SE.
So any help you or anyother member can provide would be appreciated.
--------------------
Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
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jasonj998
Banned - Duplicate Account
Reged: 08/19/08
Posts: 51
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The Mini comes with an aluminum suit case, total of 29 lb (there is a cw of 10 lb inside). The tripod is 13 lb (additional). I just checked ioptron web, these two numbers were listed in the product spec. It is comfortable carrying the case on one hand and the tripod on the other. By the way, I like the aluminum case very much.
Jason
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king1522
sage
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 203
Loc: Texas
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I have the 8se mount which is different from the 4 and 5 mount, so I don't know if the same problems exist. The se mount has spur gears while, as I understand it, the Mini has worm gears. With the se mount, you have to jack with the backlash settings to keep it from jumping when starting and stopping. Also, when the arrow button is released, it doesn't always stop. Then too, when an arrow button is pushed, sometimes it seems to take an eternity to start. These problems can be worked around but are frustrating. I was hoping the worm gears would alleviate these problems.
Other things that irrate me is that once aligned, the go to is not always accurate in different parts of the sky. Occasionally, a very good alignment can be made, but not consistently. Then the problem in alignment, that to be accurate, you must approach the alignment star "down and right". Also, the legs are a problem. So far I have had Orion replace two of them. I'm not saying these problems do not have a work around, but I'm lazy. I like things to work right out of the box!
I realize the problems results from price vs quality. I was spoiled by owning a Nexstar 11 gps. Alignment was simple and extremely accurate and would last all night long! Also, when aligning, I could just let the star drift into the crosshairs. No "down and right" or other hoops I had to jump through'
One thing I do like about this mount is sometimes I mount an 80mm EON on it and it makes a great grab and go. Light weight and all I do is a solar alignment on the object I am interested in viewing that night.
If I had it to do all over again, I would have spent a few more bucks and bought the mount and scope seperately.
I could go on and on, but enough of my rants for now! 
--------------------
Don
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more you roll off, the faster it goes.
Celestron CPC 1100
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Jerry Hyman
sage
Reged: 03/29/07
Posts: 288
Loc: Mesa, Arizona
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I thought I would post some information that Steve sent me in an email as a response to some questions I had.
They tried the Mini-Tower with a 9.25" SCT and it handled it well with damping times of less than 2 seconds. The goto worked great. The only issue they had was that the 8lb weight included in the kit was not enough to balance the SCT properly but once they added a 11lb counter weight they had no problems.
They have run one of the towers for a few evenings so far with the internal batterys still going strong.
The Jager 4" f15 (I think) that he has would not balance properly on the mini-tower.
The tracking and goto actually seems to be very percise with the objects ending in the center of the field. The did try it with some software (french name) and the solar system and M objects did fine, but the NGC's etc. were on the edges of the field. They have not figured out the problem on that yet but it appears to be the other software and not ioptron.
There is a ioptron user group at yahoo that has some reports from actual users of the mini-tower.
Hope this helps.
~jerry
--------------------
Discovery 10" f5.6 dob
9.25" Celestron carbon fiber SCT
Celestron Regal LX 8X42 binos
Vixen Super Polaris Deluxe mount
Vixen Super Polaris mount
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Ragnorok
newbie
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 4
Loc: Greenfield, NH
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- I see nothing wrong with *this* thread's activities by Steve. People asked questions, he answered. He never pushed his vendor status, he never (publicly at any rate) solicited sales, he did not appear to drone on about it endlessly. People asked questions, he answered to the best of his ability, and he mainly stuck to the Mini Tower. That is this thread's subject after all.
- Since CN doesn't allow searching I couldn't tell what Steve may have said about the Cube. Anyone who knows Steve knows he bashed that thing heinously at every opportunity, and he won't take money for one. If Steve posted he wouldn't take money for a Cube would that get him time off, too?
- This "time off" thing *appears* more than a little arbitrary based on this one thread. I'd *love* to be able to search the whole forum and see if there's been a change in Steve's posting habits since becoming a vendor, but alas I'm denied that opportunity.
- Since this is the second forum post I've done to CN in my entire life (that i recall), despite months of membership, if I should be arbitrarily given "time off" I'll try to login in time to notice. Since I can't search the usefulness of this site as a knowledge base, my primary interest in any forum, is astonishingly limited.
- That's my half nybble.
--------------------
(________)
Ragnorok
Venerable Odyssey 13.1" f/4.5 newt on a dob mount w/ new 2" two-speed Crayford knock-off
Venerable Orange Tube C8 on CG5 mount with clock drive atop an unknown ash tripod
Rigel Quickfinder, Nikon T-adapter, Lumicon Deep Sky filter
Antares 2" diagonal, 30mm wide field, 27, 26, 12.5, 10, & 5 mm EPs w/ 2x barlow
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Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 8414
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
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Please folks. Enough already. All your bickering over an issue that quite frankly you really know very little at all about (and that you simply cannot change for that matter) is diluting all the good information that this thread has to offer.
It's done as of right now. If you want to discuss this with me or the admins then I'll be happy to discuss it in PM.
From here on out I want no more discussion of this here. Keep the subject strictly *on* the Mini Tower and *off* of Steve's ban.
Charlie
--------------------
"He's dead, Jim - I'll get his wallet, you get his tricorder." - Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Weston CSC:
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Quote:
By the way, I like the aluminum case very much.
Jason
I wish more manufacturers included cases with their mounts. My Mak came with a very nice case for the tube, but nothing for the mount. It would save me a few trips if I had a case to keep the head, counterweight, and spreader bar hardware in...
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Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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Quote:
Quote:
CN has banned him from posting for being too enthusiastic about the Mini Tower.
Well, that's a first for me. In all the forums I've frequented, I've never seen anyone "banned" for enthusiasm...
Sorry Charlie, I know this is off topic, but I think this needs a bit of a direct answer.
That wasn't the reason. In respect of the user we don't discuss bans publicly, but members should realize that nearly any ban has to do with repeated violations of the terms of service - not enthusiasm. IMO, there was a very easy way for this to be avoided, unfortunately it didn't work out that way.
I agree, it's a pity it had to happen but in any case it was temporary, and he's been unbanned.
My apolgies for taking this off track, now lets heed Charlie and get back to discussing the Cube. Further discussion should be taken to PM.
Steve has been posting in the ioptron group, and there's lots of good information there as well. Hopefully, he'll come back here and abide by the TOS. FWIW, There are several satisfied users.
I've had some issues with mine, but I hope to get them resolved shortly. I was hoping to do it this weekend, but simply didn't have the time.
T
--------------------
Goodnight moon...
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Tom,
I purchased one last week and am still working through some difficulties. Probably another night out will resolve any alignment issues I had my first time. I noticed some inaccuracies with the manual and the hand controller (i.e. there is no speed control button). And I was a bit surprised that when I tried to do a 1 star alignment, there were only a few selections available and there were two brighter stars in the same basic area of the sky which were neglected (Vega and Deneb). Do you know if the user can select his own star or are you at the mercy of the few the controller selects for you ? And do you know what the diffetrences are between the two park commands ? They seem redundant.
Thanks,
Sam
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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As far as I know, we're at the mercy of the controller.
I seem to have gotten my issue resolved tho. My GPS module wasn't locking on. Support told me to check the internal connections. They didn't look loose, but evidently they were. It seems to be working ok, now - hopefully I'll get a chance to try in the next couple of days.
--------------------
Goodnight moon...
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 992
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Quote:
The only issue they had was that the 8lb weight included in the kit was not enough to balance the SCT properly but once they added a 11lb counter weight they had no problems.
~jerry
I don't understand how an alt-az like this balances. I can understand how the alt motion balances, (just move the tube within the dovetail), but how do you know when the scope is balanced with the weights on this mount? Let go and if the tripod tips over, you need more weight? 
--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Tom,
Thanks. Come to think of it, my controller never did say it had acquired the GPS satellite signals (I followed the instructions in the manual and shut off the unit and then turned it back on but the GPS reading stayed the same even after several minutes.) but somehow it got the date and time right. So it is not behaving the way it is supposed to. But even if that wasn't working right, I can always over-ride the lat and long (I assume) and move on from there. Did you have to open it to check some internal connections or was it something inside the mount and not the controller ? I figure I'll take it out the next decent night and make notes of anything that does not appear to be working right and then email iOptron and see what they say. They did seem to be very responsive the last time I had questions. And exactly what does the Sync to Target command do ? This is my first GOTO mount so excuse any ignorance on my part.
Sam
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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Quote:
Quote:
The only issue they had was that the 8lb weight included in the kit was not enough to balance the SCT properly but once they added a 11lb counter weight they had no problems.
~jerry
I don't understand how an alt-az like this balances. I can understand how the alt motion balances, (just move the tube within the dovetail), but how do you know when the scope is balanced with the weights on this mount? Let go and if the tripod tips over, you need more weight?
Actually, from what I understand that's about right. The counterweight is to distribute the load across the tripod.
--------------------
Goodnight moon...
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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Quote:
Tom,
Thanks. Come to think of it, my controller never did say it had acquired the GPS satellite signals (I followed the instructions in the manual and shut off the unit and then turned it back on but the GPS reading stayed the same even after several minutes.) but somehow it got the date and time right. So it is not behaving the way it is supposed to. But even if that wasn't working right, I can always over-ride the lat and long (I assume) and move on from there. Did you have to open it to check some internal connections or was it something inside the mount and not the controller ?
I was getting GPS ON but no GPS OK. Support told me to take the top panel and side panel (on the side with the powerswitch) off and wiggle the connections to the GPS (which is on top) on both ends.
After I did that, I booted it up and got GPS OK.
Quote:
I figure I'll take it out the next decent night and make notes of anything that does not appear to be working right and then email iOptron and see what they say. They did seem to be very responsive the last time I had questions. And exactly what does the Sync to Target command do ? This is my first GOTO mount so excuse any ignorance on my part.
Sam
Assuming it's like other goto mounts, what it will do is use the target as an additional alignment star. It will make successive gotos in that area of the sky more accurate. Highly recommended.
Typically with mounts with GOTO or DSCs, you'll get some error creep in. This can be due to many different factors including nonorthogonality of the mount. This helps to compensate for that.
You may or may not need it, but it's a very nice feature to have.
Personally, I wish the database had information on the targets. It's nice to know the details of what you're looking at, mag, target type, notes etc... (Or does it have this, and I missed it?)
T
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Goodnight moon...
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Jerry Hyman
sage
Reged: 03/29/07
Posts: 288
Loc: Mesa, Arizona
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Tom and Sam, what type of OTA's are you mounting on it and how much do they weigh? How much time does it take the mount to settle down after a knock?
Thanks,
~jerry
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Discovery 10" f5.6 dob
9.25" Celestron carbon fiber SCT
Celestron Regal LX 8X42 binos
Vixen Super Polaris Deluxe mount
Vixen Super Polaris mount
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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Jerry,
So far I have only used my SV80ED on the mount and I think it weighs about 6 pounds (probably closer to 8 with the 2" diagonal and EP). I also have a Mak that weighs about 10 pounds but haven't tried it yet. I am still getting some bugs out with the set-up so I haven't checked the stability yet. But it does seem to be a very stable mount and tripod that is solidly secured. Our weather isn't looking too good in the near future but I should have it out in the next 4-5 days. I will make sure to give it the old rap test then and see what happens.
Sam
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Quote:
Quote:
The only issue they had was that the 8lb weight included in the kit was not enough to balance the SCT properly but once they added a 11lb counter weight they had no problems.
~jerry
I don't understand how an alt-az like this balances. I can understand how the alt motion balances, (just move the tube within the dovetail), but how do you know when the scope is balanced with the weights on this mount? Let go and if the tripod tips over, you need more weight?
I think there was a post in the iOptron Yahoo group that described a clever way to balance the weights. If I remember correctly it went something like this:
Set up the tripod and mount with the scope and counterweight(s). Shorten the tripod leg that is oposite the scope a few inches, so the scope is on the "uphill" side of the tripod. Be careful not to shorten it so much that the tripod is in danger of toppling. Now loosen the azimuth clutch. If the scope and counterweight(s) are not balanced, the scope will fall to one side or the other. Move the counterweight(s) until the scope no longer falls. Voila - you're balanced. Level the mount and you'ready to go.
Hope this helps.
--------------------
Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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sam32
super member
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 121
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J.D.
That sounds like a pretty good idea. I'll try it next time.
Thanks,
Sam
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Quote:
J.D.
That sounds like a pretty good idea. I'll try it next time.
Thanks,
Sam
Do us a favor and set up a video camera. I sense one of those shots to the midsection scenes. It's always good for a laugh and you'll get the opportunity to destroy the image of astronomers as being smart.
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SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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J_D_Metzger
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/13/04
Posts: 1495
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Quote:
Do us a favor and set up a video camera. I sense one of those shots to the midsection scenes. It's always good for a laugh and you'll get the opportunity to destroy the image of astronomers as being smart.
When I said the scope will "fall" to one side of the other, I assume everyone understands that you shouldn't let it do so in a totally uncontrolled manner...    
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Clear skies,
J.D.
32°15'16.96"N 110°47'39.24"W
Celestron C11 & C6
Explore Scientific 127ED, TeleVue TV-76
Celestron CGEM, iOptron MiniTower, Vixen Porta
Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1927
Loc: The Garden State
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Hi JD,
Uncontrolled is what I do best.
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SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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HELLO BOYS! I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!
Please excuse my absence. I guess I was a bad boy. I apologize to all. I'll try to stick to just answering the questions. As Det. Friday used to say, "The facts, ma'am. Just the facts."
Also, for everyone else, as Bartel's and James used to say, "Thank you for your support!"
I have answers to several of the questions that have been posted here is anyone is interested.
1) IF the GPS flag does not change from "ON" to "OK" after about 2 minutes then you most likely have a loose connection. Check under the cover and give the connections a little push. For the gold antenna connection, give it a little twist with some needle nosed pliers. If this still does not get the GPS to lock onto the birds then call for help. IMPORTANT NOTE: Each time you check a connection do so WITH THE POWER OFF!!
2) The alignment stars are predetermined. If you use the Two Star method instead of the One Star method you will have a larger list from which to chose. The Three Star alignment does not work in Alt/Az mode!
3) The C 9.25 is well supported by the MT. Damping time @ 1.5 - 2.0 seconds, max. (Your mileage may vary.)
4) The C-8 is well supported by the MT. Damping time @ 1.5 seconds, max. (Your mileage may vary.)
5) The C-6 is very well supported by the MT. Damping time @ 1 - 1.5 seconds, max. (Your mileage may vary.)
6) Balancing DOES make a difference. If you need a CW that is more massive than the 8 pound unit provided, the 11 pound CW from the CG-5 class mounts works very well. You can stack more than one CW, too.
7) Use the bubble level that is in the base of the MT. Everything is calibrated to that level. YES, the bubble level IS OFF. However, each mount that I have used has been inaccurate if I used a torpedo level to make everything true. If I used the bubble level in the base everything was fine. Only use a torpedo level for placing the OTA in the vertical position.
8) Balancing in the azimuth axis can be done by SLIGHTLY lowering one leg to allow gravity to pull the heavy side down. Once everything is balanced return the leg to the fully upright position, along with your chair backs and tables.
9) I have not yet tried any A-P with this mount. I'm strictly a visual observer, for now.
10) CDC DOES work with this mount! The GOTONOVA(Gotostar) drive shows up in the choices menu when it is connected. So far, that is the only program that has worked.
11) The SYNC command helps to improve accuracy. It has been my personal experience that it is best to center the object BEFORE selecting this command. THEN, when at that menu choice, press ENTER to confirm, then repeat the process once more. I don't know why, but, using the SYNC command TWICE works better than only once. The first few objects usually require this proceedure. If you later find something placed near the edge of the FOV, then use the SYNC command again.
12) The tripod is very stabile for most applications.
13) SHIPPING WEIGHTS of MT w/ case is 29 pounds and 13 pounds for the tripod. Drop about 1-1/2 - 2 pounds for the shipping materials.
14) The factory sets the Anti-Backlash for 0150 on each axis. It may be necessary to set them to 0000 as I have done.
15) The PARK SCOPE command does just that. When the scope has been parked using this command it then stops tracking and displays "Turn off power." The PARK POSITION moves the scope home believing that you will be using the scope further and does NOT try to shut down. This is convenient for a re-alignment procedure.
Did I miss any questions? If so, please, let's hear them.
Clear skies to all!
Steve Forbes
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Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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rmollise
Postmaster
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 5303
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Quote:
11) The SYNC command helps to improve accuracy. It has been my personal experience that it is best to center the object BEFORE selecting this command. THEN, when at that menu choice, press ENTER to confirm, then repeat the process once more. I don't know why, but, using the SYNC command TWICE works better than only once. The first few objects usually require this proceedure. If you later find something placed near the edge of the FOV, then use the SYNC command again.
Leaving "sync" out of the mix, how _is_ go-to accuracy? On average from horizon to horizon?
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1561
Loc: New Hampshire
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Over all, not too bad. However, I've made such a habit of doing a few sync functions first that I'm not completely certain. I do know that the more accurate the initial alignment the better it is.
Steve
--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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RAKing
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 2520
Loc: West of the D.C. Nebula
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Steve,
How quiet is the Mini-Tower?
I am used to the peace and quiet of the Atlas. How does the M-T compare?
Thanks,
Ron
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Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
Favorite Stuff: Astro-Physics, Baader, Celestron, Takahashi, Televue, Zeiss, and .....
a beautiful wife, plus two furry cats who rule the world!
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rmollise
Postmaster
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 5303
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Quote:
Over all, not too bad. However, I've made such a habit of doing a few sync functions first that I'm not completely certain. I do know that the more accurate the initial alignment the better it is.
Steve
Is "not too bad" 10'...15'...30'?
I ASSUME (and you know what they say 'bout that word) all objects are not landing in the field horizon to horizon or you would not be using sync?
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 30494
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