4 replies to this topic

[lantosque]

Hello dear experts (I hope there are some)--

 

 

I have a fine AP400 mount which I am trying to get working correctly.

But - Here is the problem.

 

The GOTO function works well on any star in the sky as far as I can tell.  And it works on Saturn too.

 

However, it does not work on any Messier objects!

 

On all Messier objects — or NGC objects — the telescope either points in the wrong direction or reports that the object is below the horizon.

 

I also tried to use the RA/DEC function in order to directly set the RA/DEC of Messier objects like m31 etc -- and it reported an error each time and refused to go to the designated RA/DEC.

 

This all seems pretty strange to me, especially since the GOTO worked so precisely on about a dozen different stars all over the sky.

 

How can this be possible?  Does anybody have an idea?

 

Roger

[Marcelofig]

Contact AP, their support is fantastic. You can also join the user group of their mounts and ask questions there, the people at AP are very attentive and always willing to help:

 

 

https://ap-gto.groups.io/g/main

[Dan_I]

Hello dear experts (I hope there are some)--


I have a fine AP400 mount which I am trying to get working correctly.
But - Here is the problem.

The GOTO function works well on any star in the sky as far as I can tell. And it works on Saturn too.

However, it does not work on any Messier objects!

On all Messier objects — or NGC objects — the telescope either points in the wrong direction or reports that the object is below the horizon.

I also tried to use the RA/DEC function in order to directly set the RA/DEC of Messier objects like m31 etc -- and it reported an error each time and refused to go to the designated RA/DEC.

This all seems pretty strange to me, especially since the GOTO worked so precisely on about a dozen different stars all over the sky.

How can this be possible? Does anybody have an idea?

Roger

If the keypad battery is low the objects database (not the stars') could get corrupted.

You probably need to order a new battery and, once installed, upload a fresh database on the keypad following AP instructions

https://astro-physics.info/

Edited by Dan_I, Yesterday, 01:02 AM.

[R Botero]

Yes, it's the battery.  Depending on the model of your handset, they are not that difficult to replace (by you if handy).  Contact them.  As you are in France, you could obtain them from Baader who carry them.  I actually bought the batteries off Amazon (a simple CR2430 battery) and replaced it myself by resoldering the existing connectors to the new one; a simple job really.

 

Roberto

Edited by R Botero, Yesterday, 04:07 AM.

[lantosque]

Dear Dan and Dear Roberto

 

Thanks very much for letting me know that it could be a battery problem in the keypad.

 

I would never have thought of that.

 

I have been in contact with AP support and will pass on this suggestion to them.  I will also check with Baader as well as Optique et Vision, which is an AP dealer in Juan-les-Pins.

 

Warmly

Roger