From: Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@me.com>

Date: August 29, 2010 12:06:01 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Re: guiding last night...

Milton, 

Attached is the backlash adjustment section from my Manual (It`s for a C9.25 SGT scope, which mine is effectively with the C9.25 OTA & CG-5 mount..)

I`ll try tomorrow, weather permitting to set these backlash settings to zero as you suggest..

As for testing whether this has any effect we`ll see..

Mark.

On 30/08/2010, at 3:44 AM, milton_aupperle wrote:

Mark;

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@...> wrote:
>
> Milton,
> Some of those fluctuations in the guiding graph may be accounted for
> by my turning on the desklamp I have at the site so I can add items to
> & from the scope without balancing a torch in one hand.

I seriously doubt that has any affect unless the light is pointing in the guide scope.

> The
> callibrations were done in the dark though (I`m pretty sure..?).
> Would the settings you described for your 1100 mm FL (with an f6.3
> reducer I presume) be OK..i.e. 7 seconds for start time & min
> distances of 25 for RA & 20 for Dec..? Or should I be trying something
> a little different?

I can tell you all the settings in the world mark, but it will not make a bit of difference. You have mechanical issues with the mount and nothing will fix that until you resolve them.

> You`ve got to realise I`m yet to familiarise myself with the
> significance of the figures in the log..! These pixel distances etc.,
> measurements, I take it are how far Astro IIDC is moving the mount
> when guiding..

Read the previous message I sent about the Log results wher eI describe in detail what they measn.

> I may try to adjust the backlash settings on the HC & mount using
> power from my battery tank (it`s not much chop running for long times
> though, especially running just a dew strap which I usually use it
> for)..
> My readings for the FL etc. of the Kwiq & the Scorpion combination,
> seem to tally with yours..as far as I can see..?!

Why not read what I wrote and think about it. Both the last message and the other one described in detail how to interpret the calibration log and what it is telling you.

Your ignoring the actual problem that your mount is mechanically out of whack. Until you solve that problem, which is screwing up not only the guiding but your GOTO repeatability, your wasting your time imaging DSO's.

Best of luck..

Milton Aupperle