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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: hersey0308]
#2953930 - 02/27/09 09:37 PM

Hello Heresay,
I appreciate the direct answer.

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WidowMaker
Catchy Title

Reged: 12/29/07

Loc: Frankfort, Ky

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: hersey0308]
#2953940 - 02/27/09 09:43 PM

David, can I ask what the screen shot came from?
Is that a program youre using to control the G11?

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jackk
member

Reged: 10/14/08

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

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[Re: alanon]
#2953972 - 02/27/09 10:12 PM

Quote:

Thanks Mighty Kong!

I think that my question still stands though. If an average performance in PE is + or - 4"to 7", then this mount does little (if anything) to warrant the extra cash out of the box. I should think that an Atlas, Sirius, or CGEM is capable of these numbers as well. Plus rebuilds if I recall, the hyper tuning jobs on the Atlas Mounts do not entail an expenditure of $500 for a part.This doubles the cost of the competitive offerings at this load bearing capability. Please correct me if I am wrong ,but is there something I am that missing? What other qualities are there that would justify this price? I don't mean to be confrontational, but really would like to know.

Add on... I am in the market and haven't scratched the GM-8 from the option list. So, any help would be very useful. Thanks All!

It seems like you are kind of looking for a reason NOT to buy a G-11. Im sure if you look around hard enough, you will be able to find it.

My personal reasons for buying the G-11 is that it is a great stable imaging platform to begin with, I have about +-8 arcsec of periodic error right out of the box. Id say this is an average build quality for a G-11. If i want to get down to +-3, I have the option of upgrading the $3000 mount for only $500 with the ovision worm. I like this option to upgrade better than having to sell my G-11, and spend $9k-12k and buy a AP or Paramount to get that level of stability.

Also, you with the G-11 you have a super active user community that in my experience will go to great lengths to provide information. You may or may not find that with other mounts, not sure.

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blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: Astronomics]
#2954085 - 02/27/09 11:40 PM

I have the ST2000xm with the filter wheel, that is why I stated the the Chinese focuser was thought to not be able to support the load.
So, I would probably need the FT focuser or I would worry about that.
So, I assume that at this time the AT8RC is not available and there are no adapters available for the FT focuser, which is what I stated earlier. Is this correct?
Blueman

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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.

Reged: 06/07/04

Loc: Right Here

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: blueman]
#2954087 - 02/27/09 11:43 PM

The AT8RC is due end of March.
The adapter should be available to purchase from Starlight. They know what is needed and it is up to them to keep the part in stock.

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Patrick
Postmaster

Reged: 05/16/03

Loc: Franklin, Ohio

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: alanon]
#2954103 - 02/28/09 12:01 AM

Quote:

Yes my budget is a bit too tight for the G-11. In fact the GM-8 Gemini would be a hard stretch, but if there is a clear advantage for AP over the Synta brands then I could push it to go the GM-8 Gemini. My load is a projected 20-25lbs with my WO98mm, WO66 guide scope, Orion autoguider, Canon 450d, and hardware. Is this asking too much of this mount?

The GM-8 is obviously a nice mount with great build quality. But, I don't think it has any show-stopping advantages over a Sirius mount. If you're planning on autoguiding you should have no problem getting accurate tracking in the +/- 5 arc second range. With the focal lengths you're planning on using, you should be able to get very long exposures...probably longer than the sky fog will allow you if you live in a suburban setting. Even a CG5-GT is capable of getting fairly long exposures at <1000mm focal lengths.

I think the thing you're missing is that the Losmandy mounts have a very real feeling of quality to them. They exude quality...better fit and finish, better machining, all made by skilled craftsmen...but you pay for that. If budget is an issue, I wouldn't hesitate to go the Orion Sirius/EQ6/CGEM/CG5 route. Astrophotography is expensive enough with all the accessories you'll need beside the mount. If you can get round stars nearly 100% of the time, that's the important criteria.

Patrick

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blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: Astronomics]
#2954175 - 02/28/09 01:21 AM

Thank you Michael, that answers my questions. I will talk with Starlight concerning the adapter and focuser.
Do you know what length the draw tube will be, so I can ask about that too?
Floyd

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: Patrick]
#2954229 - 02/28/09 02:27 AM

Thanks Patric!

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: jackk]
#2954248 - 02/28/09 02:48 AM

Hi Jackk,

I don't have a problem with the G-11 it is just more mount than I want. It is most definitely over my price range by 2X. If you read the rest of my posts you will see that I am interested in a GM-8, and am trying to justify what is so much better about it verses a Synta like the Atlas. I could maybe scrape together some more money for it, but I need to know if my money is well spent in doing so.

I know this thread is about both the GM-8 and the G-11 as well. Somehow it became a thread about Catadiopteric focusers also. It gets a little confusing

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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.

Reged: 06/07/04

Loc: Right Here

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: blueman]
#2954476 - 02/28/09 08:52 AM

You should be able to use the 1.5" or 2" drawtube without issue.

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blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: Astronomics]
#2954993 - 02/28/09 02:06 PM

Hi,
Thank you, that will help. I have a 1.5" FT here, but I am wondering if a 2" would not be better. But, I will worry about that when the time comes I guess.
Blueman

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hersey0308
super member

Reged: 12/04/08

Loc: Ontario Canada

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: WidowMaker]
#2955249 - 02/28/09 05:08 PM Attachment (23 downloads)

hi widow - the screenshot is from the gemini control center software from daniel gorlich. i use it to remotely model build and additional align. i have just scratched the surface with this control program because there is fantastic stuff you can do with it. if you goog gemini control center there is an overview and trial.
i'm still digesting the manual which is very thorough...just another intangible reason why dan and wass should be gemini/losmandy guys!?

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: hersey0308]
#2955272 - 02/28/09 05:17 PM

I am still seriously thinking of the GM-8.
One other question about the AP ability of the Gemini system. Does the software come with proper drivers for Vista 64 bit OS? This would certainly clinch it for me, as all of the other systems out there are 32 bit only.

EDIT: Like it or not, the reality is that the 32 bit OS is rapidly going the way of the dinosaur. I don't wish to start an XP vs. Vista scrap here. I just think that those companies that wish to keep selling computer driven equipment really have an obligation to keep there software workable.

Edited by alanon (02/28/09 05:22 PM)

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Strgazr27

Reged: 10/04/04

Loc: StonyHill Observatory

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: alanon]
#2955498 - 02/28/09 07:35 PM

Quote:

EDIT: Like it or not, the reality is that the 32 bit OS is rapidly going the way of the dinosaur. I don't wish to start an XP vs. Vista scrap here. I just think that those companies that wish to keep selling computer driven equipment really have an obligation to keep there software workable.

Actually MS announced recently continued support for XP users (Still the best OS MS has IMO) and is treating Vista like a redheaded stepchild. It will be quite some time before 32 bit OS's go the way of T-REX

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blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: alanon]
#2955647 - 02/28/09 09:11 PM

What software would you be talking about? The G-11 or GM-8 work with a hand pad or you can use a computer with a program like Starry Night, but there is no software for a computer required to run the mount.
As for the 32 bit vs 63 bit, well there is not that much 64 bit software out there really. Maybe the OS is 64 bit, but the programs are mostly not.
Blueman

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: Strgazr27]
#2955666 - 02/28/09 09:26 PM

Hi Bobby,
I appreciate, and certainly respect your opinion, but the fact is...
It took a long time for Windows 98 to go away too. Many argued (like you are for XP) that 98 blows XP out of the water. The reality is that less and less 32bit computers are being made. The day will come when the industry is just going to leave 32 behind for the faster 64 bit processor. Sooner, or later the astronomy industry will have to upgrade. Either Vista 64 or the next OS down the road will rule as the Hardware seems to all be going that way in the real market. So our miniscule nitch needs to come along just like the DSLR has. That just my $0.02.
but I digress...

The question was if the Losmandy/gemini system supports the newer OS with drivers?

EDIT: It would be nice if this industry would start give the customer the option at any rate.

Edited by alanon (02/28/09 09:30 PM)

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: alanon]
#2955755 - 02/28/09 10:16 PM

Add on:

There are a growing number of people out there (like me)who have completely upgraded their equipment in the last year or so, and are now completely changed over both with the home and Lap top to the Vista 64. Even Moderately priced gear comes that way these days. I am happy that the industry didn't do us the same as they did when they switched from the old 486 16bit Windows 3.11 to the Pentium 32 processor and Windows 95. They just, slammed everyone into the next era with lack of support, and the software companies fell right in line with Microsoft. We were Scruged! At least they have been, what I consider more than gradual this time as the 64 bit computer has been around for a while.

Now, if I can't find AP hardware companies with enough foresight to move forward with 64 bit drivers, I will be forced to either buy a sub parr cheapo laptop and upgrade the memory just so it is functional. Or.. I will have to dumb down an otherwise decent laptop to just to be compatible with a brand new mount and autoguider. (My DSLR is on board already)

I hope that Losmandy has addressed this issue. It isn't a deal breaker if it hasn't as it would just be in line with the rest of an already backward industry.

Remember, it isn't our nitch that guides the computer industry. That is a bit like the tail wagging the dog. Have you looked at Laptops lately? It is even getting hard to find an rs232 jack on new ones.

Now I realize that it costs money to upgrade and pay for drivers to make your equipment up to date compatible, but isn't that the cost of business if you wish to remain viable in a changing industry? I mean come on...

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: blueman]
#2955768 - 02/28/09 10:21 PM

Quote:

What software would you be talking about? The G-11 or GM-8 work with a hand pad or you can use a computer with a program like Starry Night, but there is no software for a computer required to run the mount.
As for the 32 bit vs 63 bit, well there is not that much 64 bit software out there really. Maybe the OS is 64 bit, but the programs are mostly not.
Blueman

Hi Blueman,
Does this mean that I don't need drivers for the 2 components to talk to each other?

That is not what I have been told.

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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: alanon]
#2955775 - 02/28/09 10:25 PM

Quote:

Does this mean that I don't need drivers for the 2 components to talk to each other? That is not what I have been told.

The Gemini uses RS-232. There are no equipment-specific drivers required for that.

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alanon
Nobody tells me anything

Reged: 06/29/07

Loc: Las Vegas

Re: Question for Losmandy Imagers new

new

[Re: jrcrilly]
#2955787 - 02/28/09 10:29 PM

Hi John,
Please excuse me if this is beginning to sound like a circular discussion, but where do you get a laptop that still has such a connection?

EDIT: I am getting more confused. I really need help guys!

Edited by alanon (02/28/09 10:33 PM)

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