G11 accessorising

[TrevorW]

Bobs Knobs from OPT Telescopes

equatorial head mounting bolts
elevation lock bolts

saves using a Allen Key

[mithrandir]

Great men think alike. Mine arrived this week. :D

[TrevorW]

So did mine

now I'm saving for those stainless steel counterweights the Losmandy standard is ugly

and maybe a set of clutch knobs if I can't be bothered adding handles knobs to the existing ones

why oh why are these things not standard (thats a rhetorical question)

Cheers

[mithrandir]

Ugly I can cope with.
The knobs with handles are so much easier to use. I got my G11 2nd hand, and the knobs and GPS came with it.

[Logieberra]

Do you guys know if other brand GPS units can be attached? Any ebay options? :)

[Logieberra]

Can you guys take a pic of these items pls:
- Bobs Knobs from OPT Telescopes
- equatorial head mounting bolts
- elevation lock bolts

Cheers.

[TrevorW]

Try this link


http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.aspx?uid=439-735-219

as to the GPS as far as I know the Losmandy one is the only one designed for the mount but I did hear that it should accept a Gammin usb GPS

[mill]

I used a generic usb gps device and forwarded the gps port to the G11 port.

http://www.stargps.ca/manual.htm#redirect
http://www.stargps.ca/pub/redirect.exe

I used it on my Gemini 2 and it works as long as you get the settings right.

[Brundah1]

Soon after acquiring my 2009 build G11, the mod program started.

Mod 1: Being a boat builder / sailor, I dislike protruding knobs etc. So I reversed the tripod leg knobs. No more trip hazards!

Mod 2: I found the assembled tripod awkward to carry. So fit tripod carry handles. Heavy duty Satin Chrome brass "D" handles (not the Bunnies type) were "adjusted" with a half round file to fit the contour of the tripod head stub leg stubs. Screws and penny washers were fitted from inside the leg stubs - requires 1/4 drive ratchet and bit.
Now the tripod is more balanced when carrying outside - simple ergonomics.
Handles link: http://elraco.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=23_568_573&products_id=8441

Mod 3: Allen Key Cap screws that connect the mount to the tripod are a pain. The after market no-tool knobs interfere with operation of Altitude and Azimith Adjuster knobs. The better solution is a "T" handle ball type Allen key. Just keep it with your mount. Note other "T" handle ball type Allen keys are also great for remove / install of Gemini motors, Altitude Lock cap screws etc.
Link: http://www.justtools.com.au/prod2783.htm
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod2782.htm
or: https://www.bolt.com.au/ball-end-drive-screwdriver-short-c-1_2_9_12.html

Mod 4: Counter Weight Shaft case. It seemed strange such a fine piece of machining is supplied without a case or protector. Find a short length of 40mm electrical conduit fit an end cap - presto CWS case! (Nbr1 son is an electrician ;))

Mod 5: Supplied CWS safety bolt and washer are a PITA. ADM Slow Motion Knobs are just the right size 1 5/8" dia x 5/8 knurled grip. Counterbore and tap to suit an Allen key cap screw (use Locktite).
link: http://admaccessories.com/Miscellaneous_SMK.htm

Mod 6: TBC I was surprised to find the Gemini panel has no environmental sealing, yet the case is a beautiful example CNC milling. We all know Micro electronics does not like to be wet (dew) while powered. So precaution suggests some form of protection is required - solution invert and rotate Gemini so motor sockets remain on the same side as the motors. (RA lead may need lengthening). Drill and tap the reverse end of the Gemini case for the Gemini indexing handles. The Gemini mount lugs need to be packed out 15mm (use flexible plastic as spacers) and add longer 1/4 UNC socket caps screws.
All connections fit as normal, the additional benefit of this mod is that you now have a flat surface to velcro the Gemini Handpad!

Mod 7: TBC CKS Clutch Knob Set is on the way from Losmandy. Yes they seem expensive, but they provide better feedback and finer adjustment of clutches. To make DIY handles for ex-factory knobs seems easy, but only if you have a lathe, mill drill and indexing table. The handle shape is more than just eye candy.

Mod 8: TBC Also in the order is a OPW Block for the RA - the G11 has HPW fitted ex-factory. There good install guides on the web. The reported PEC results appear to be excellent and stable.

As others have said, its a shame Scot Losmandy does not ship new mounts with ALL his improvements as standard. The basic design is time-proven. Users and reviewers state its capable of carrying most mid range scopes with a high degree of accuracy. But the best features are all the upgrades and most replacement parts are readily available on-line by Losmandy. The user base is huge and informative. :thumbsup:

Plus there is quite a gap up the dollar ladder to get more load, more accuracy and better design.

[TrevorW]

2 new stainless steel 15lb counterweights from Robin Cassidy Astro Accessories, not cheap but comparable to geniune Losmandy counterweight prices, although freight each from the US was $60, but well made and look the part

[Paul Haese]

Their gear is fantastic. I have two of their smaller ones for my CGE which have been out in the weather for a couple of years now (covered with a tarp but constantly being dewed up); the sheen has gone a little but they work like new. I am contemplating getting two larger ones to replace the CGE main weights as these have peeled and are starting to rust.

[adman]

just to chime in with a comment here.

I am not a huge fan of the tripod knob set for the G11.

It is nice not to have to get my allen key out to attach/detach mount from tripod - but they get in the way of both the altitude and azimuth adjustments for when you are polar aligning. I have gone back to the plain old standard allen key method.

Adam