Gemini got system for the Losmandy G11

[White Rabbit]

Hi guys.

In the next few months I'm about to get myself a G11 mount. And I was wondering if there is any other way to interface it with a pc other than the gemini system?

Or is the Gemini system that good that I really ought to get it. I'd love to but it just puts my purchase off by a few months.

Thanks.

Oh, anyone thinking of selling theirs??? ;)

[Omaroo]

As an alternative, I prefer a push-to setup to the Gemini go-to - and I ordered my G11 without Gemini with this in mind. Here's my G11 with Losmandy shaft encoders fitted, and an Argo Navis. I now also have a CarinaSoft SkyFi unit attached to the Argo which gives me WiFi control of the scope via my phone. The whole system works flawlessly.

[wasyoungonce]

You cannot connect the Digital Drive system to a computer and run it via ASCOM...aka you cannot interface a computer to it.

The Gemini system is a good reliable system. I was a bit doubtful at 1st but it's something to get to like. Things like the handset...I'm glad they made it the way they did..I've dropped it many times, stood on it and it's impervious to dew.

I like the way you navigate with just a few buttons. The menu structure is easy to remember & intuitive.

If you are used to "star hopping" & finding objects then you may not need a Gemini.

Alternatives are Argo Navis (around 1K+ Aust) or the Losmandy DSCH and Lumincon Sky vector kit (around $1K Aust)...though I wouldn't really know the prices!

The price of the alternates is around 2/3 the Gemini price at least... indicates to me that the Gemini system is reasonable after all.

[Hans Tucker]

Ummm, Chris...you sure you have enough scopes on that mount..maybe want to add another waffer thin one (this is leading to a Monty Python punch line).

I love what you have configured though with the Argo Navis..I plan a similar setup but with an cheap EM-200 USDII I just purchased from Astromart if I can ever get it shipped. TNR has just completed it's physical but are a bit slow in shipping it off on behalf of the previous owner.

What is the keypad box mounted on the left?

[Omaroo]

"It's aaah waaafer thin"... LOL :)

Hans - It's a programmable clock that I built. I wanted a clock on the scope somewhere that could vary its brightness automatically, have large (heated) digits I could read from a distance across the observing field, and control my camera exposures. It's still work in progress.

[allan gould]

This statement is incorrect. You can drive a losmandy g11with Gemini system directly from a computer using the new ascom driver. It acts exactly like the eqmod system for eq6 mounts even including sound feed ack and driving all Gemini functions using a cordless pc gamepad. There is ayahoo site for the new ascom driver for Gemini.
Regards Allan

You cannot connect the Digital Drive system to a computer and run it via ASCOM...aka you cannot interface a computer to it.

The Gemini system is a good reliable system. I was a bit doubtful at 1st but it's something to get to like. Things like the handset...I'm glad they made it the way they did..I've dropped it many times, stood on it and it's impervious to dew.

I like the way you navigate with just a few buttons. The menu structure is easy to remember & intuitive.

If you are used
Alternatives are Argo Navis (around 1K+ Aust) or the Losmandy DSCH and Lumincon Sky vector kit (around $1K Aust)...though I wouldn't really know the prices!

The price of the alternates is around 2/3 the Gemini price at least... indicates to me that the Gemini system is reasonable after all.

[wasyoungonce]

ummm I'm pretty sure the Gemini ASCOM driver (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Gemini_ASCOM_Driver/) is...for the Gemini...not the digital drive system.

I think we have crossed wires. I was referring to the Losmandy Digital drive and computer interface...not the Gemini.;)

[allan gould]

Point taken, my bad.
Profuse apologies.
Allan

[wasyoungonce]

Absolutely no need for apologies what so ever.:)

[White Rabbit]

I actually have an argo navis. How much are the shaft encoders for it?

Thanks for the info guys.

[gary]

I've sent you an email with current pricing for the Losmandy encoder kit.
This kit is manufactured for us by Hollywood General Machining (aka Losmandy)
themselves and consists of a pair of encoders providing an effective resolution of
8192 steps per axis, the encoder mounting hardware, an encoder cable and
a set of Delrin Gear Covers.

These components are equivalent to Losmandy part numbers DSCH and DGC
combined.

Since the kit is manufactured by Losmandy, it has the same high quality
machined finish as the mount itself. The kit fits all GM-8's and G-11s
irrespective of vintage.

We have plenty of kits in stock.

You can find an exploded diagram of the installation on the Wildcard Innovations
website here - http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/enc_losmandy.gif

Please do not hesitate to email me or phone should you have any questions.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au