No documentation found after a long search, so here are the cables. Eight leads break apart into two four leads (black cable, white cable is for computer connection)
Four wire dual cable, each is: Black = GND, Green = +5v , think source R = 10k
.
Reference: www.usdigital.com/products/cables-connectors/cables/adapt...
.. and "(serial port) by which external 9- 15 volts DC may be supplied.
This does not require the internal battery to be removed; the two supplies are in parallel with diodes to prevent back-circuits. It does not recharge the internal battery" 18-55mA
.
After the fact, noted what seems to be 8 pin RJ45 pin-out for the box: US Digital Encoder pinout (pg4) www.nova-astro.com/pdfs/mg5manual.pdf (from Micro-Guider)
MG5 RJ45 connector pin number
Function Name (and US Digital encoder pin number)
1 Declination GND (pin 1)
2 Declination ChA (pin 3)
3 Declination +5V (pin 4)
4 Declination ChB (pin 5)
5 Right Ascension GND (pin 1)
6 Right Ascension ChA (pin 3)
7 Right Ascension +5V (pin 4)
8 Right Ascension ChB (pin 5)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
HP Printer Problems and double talk.
Model C3100 will not print from computer or internal scanner.
Ordered #92 and #93 print cartridges, but also refiled the black one. Still no printing.
Now to the manual
(it's at http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/HP_Photosmart_c3180_UsersGuide.pdf )
Manual says: Print cartridge troubleshooting > If you are experiencing problems with printing,
... To print a self-test report
1. Press and hold Cancel on the control panel.
2. While holding Cancel, press Start Copy Color.
The self-test report prints, containing the serial number and service ID.
Before you call HP customer support ... Reset the HP All-in-One:
a. Turn off the HP All-in-One by pressing the On button.
b. Unplug the power cord from the back of the HP All-in-One.
c. Plug the power cord back into the HP All-in-One.
d. Turn on the HP All-in-One by pressing the On button
Is there some "micro-switch" that the power cord activates? If not, this is exactly what happens when I power down my office every day.
------
Now let me do this... printer not printing, so have it print out a self test report.
-----
I discovered that to park heads, need to press ON button to turn printer off, then power down office - or you will wind up with dry ink cartridges.
------------------
Might this be the problem?
" Sometimes after you refill the print cartridge for your HP 92 printer, the printer refuses to detect the refill and keeps sending "ink low" messages. When that happens, you have to reset the fill level of the cartridge so the printer can recognize the new ink level and be able to print again. You can easily reset the fill level gauge and get your printer working again."
Follow the steps below to reset the Fill Level for a HP 92 Ink Cartridge :
Model C3100 will not print from computer or internal scanner.
Ordered #92 and #93 print cartridges, but also refiled the black one. Still no printing.
Now to the manual
(it's at http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/HP_Photosmart_c3180_UsersGuide.pdf )
Manual says: Print cartridge troubleshooting > If you are experiencing problems with printing,
... To print a self-test report
1. Press and hold Cancel on the control panel.
2. While holding Cancel, press Start Copy Color.
The self-test report prints, containing the serial number and service ID.
Before you call HP customer support ... Reset the HP All-in-One:
a. Turn off the HP All-in-One by pressing the On button.
b. Unplug the power cord from the back of the HP All-in-One.
c. Plug the power cord back into the HP All-in-One.
d. Turn on the HP All-in-One by pressing the On button
Is there some "micro-switch" that the power cord activates? If not, this is exactly what happens when I power down my office every day.
------
Now let me do this... printer not printing, so have it print out a self test report.
-----
I discovered that to park heads, need to press ON button to turn printer off, then power down office - or you will wind up with dry ink cartridges.
------------------
Might this be the problem?
" Sometimes after you refill the print cartridge for your HP 92 printer, the printer refuses to detect the refill and keeps sending "ink low" messages. When that happens, you have to reset the fill level of the cartridge so the printer can recognize the new ink level and be able to print again. You can easily reset the fill level gauge and get your printer working again."
Follow the steps below to reset the Fill Level for a HP 92 Ink Cartridge :
- Take the cartridge out of the printer.
- Place a small piece of tape over the top left contact on the HP 92 cartridge.
- Insert the cartridge back into the printer.
- Print an alignment page and remove the cartridge as the page comes out.
- Place a small piece of tape over the top right contact on the cartridge.
- Print another alignment page and remove the cartridge again. Now remove both pieces of tape.
- Put the cartridge back into the printer. The HP 92 cartridge ink level will be reset.
- Last resort... " If you are still unable to reset the cartridges, using multiple cartridges is likely the only way to do it. ... the printer only retains the memory of two print cartridges.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Gigabyte Computer Motherboard works great, see set and links
My advice about getting a new computer.
.
Two monitors
.
Backup method in mind - removable drives
.
Logbook of installed programs
.
Do a benchmark, enables one to verify performance later.
.
As soon as you get it working, make an image of system.
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in standards. For computers, they're at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX .
Why do I make my own? You can buy a computer that works as well for not much more.
All the name brands are proprietary (non-standard) design. Just wait till a repair or upgrade needs to be done!
Read: www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=339053
More at www.engadget.com/2005/02/22/the-hp-bios-that-locks-non-wh...
Above picture documents its looks after mounting in case, before it was populated.
Added next , an Intel i5 650 CPU, might be an overclocking beast.... www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16093/35/ ... easily managed to reach 4.6GHz phonestechnology.blogspot.com/2009/10/processor-core-i5-6...
.
Easily will take seven hard drives (SATA and PATA (ATA-1, 2, 3, IDE 133)), and 12
USB
intel i7 960 quad @3.2GHz currently costs $589.99.
intel i5 650 dual @3.2GHz currently costs $189.99. (hyper-threaded, Intel claims up to a 30% performance improvement) Has four logical processors.
Review: www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/28/gigabyt...
Turbo: www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=1
www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=0
Blog at: edhiker.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html has important note about Hard Drives.
Troubled by the size of Win 7, 16GB for 32bit, and 20GB for 64 bit. What ever happened to "MinWin" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinWin
Need more power? Intel's Core i7-980X Extreme Edition has six cores, base speed of 3.33GHz, processor has 12 threads
www.pcworld.com/article/191244/when_four_cores_arent_enou...
.
Two monitors
.
Backup method in mind - removable drives
.
Logbook of installed programs
.
Do a benchmark, enables one to verify performance later.
.
As soon as you get it working, make an image of system.
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in standards. For computers, they're at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX .
Why do I make my own? You can buy a computer that works as well for not much more.
All the name brands are proprietary (non-standard) design. Just wait till a repair or upgrade needs to be done!
Read: www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=339053
More at www.engadget.com/2005/02/22/the-hp-bios-that-locks-non-wh...
Above picture documents its looks after mounting in case, before it was populated.
Added next , an Intel i5 650 CPU, might be an overclocking beast.... www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16093/35/ ... easily managed to reach 4.6GHz phonestechnology.blogspot.com/2009/10/processor-core-i5-6...
.
Easily will take seven hard drives (SATA and PATA (ATA-1, 2, 3, IDE 133)), and 12
USB
intel i7 960 quad @3.2GHz currently costs $589.99.
intel i5 650 dual @3.2GHz currently costs $189.99. (hyper-threaded, Intel claims up to a 30% performance improvement) Has four logical processors.
Review: www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/28/gigabyt...
Turbo: www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=1
www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=0
Blog at: edhiker.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html has important note about Hard Drives.
Troubled by the size of Win 7, 16GB for 32bit, and 20GB for 64 bit. What ever happened to "MinWin" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinWin
Need more power? Intel's Core i7-980X Extreme Edition has six cores, base speed of 3.33GHz, processor has 12 threads
www.pcworld.com/article/191244/when_four_cores_arent_enou...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Apple iPod and iTunes things -
Do not ever connect the iPod to iTunes if it is set to auto sync and your iTunes library is empty or some of the songs are not in your iTunes library but are only stored on the iPod because it will erase the iPod's contents. http://forums.ilounge.com/showthread.php?t=146135
Never delete music from the PC that is not burned to a disk unless you keep your iPod on manually manage songs and playlists. When you download iTMS songs burn them to a disk the same day. 2005
---------------
Windows XP, then it is in My Documents\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music
found > 3GB in Elaine's old HD
Do not ever connect the iPod to iTunes if it is set to auto sync and your iTunes library is empty or some of the songs are not in your iTunes library but are only stored on the iPod because it will erase the iPod's contents. http://forums.ilounge.com/showthread.php?t=146135
Never delete music from the PC that is not burned to a disk unless you keep your iPod on manually manage songs and playlists. When you download iTMS songs burn them to a disk the same day. 2005
---------------
Windows XP, then it is in My Documents\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music
found > 3GB in Elaine's old HD
Monday, April 26, 2010
JUST TO CHARGE A BATTERY
This is absurd! - I had an iPod with a dead battery. A nightmare.
Tried to charge it using USB port on my girlfriend's computer and my music was deleted.... with error an message.
Search - charge ipod on another computer - 18M hits - READ THEM !
Your computer must be turned on to charge your iPod - not sleep or hibernation.
If your computer is shut down, the lid is closed or it goes into sleep or hibernation mode, the iPod will not charge.
The car must be running in order for the iPod to be charging,
"yes, this is the way to do it, but it's also far to easy to do it the other way. i've erased the music off my iPod enough times to know that iTunes loves to erase. it might even be a badly worded dialogue box, i don't recall. i do know that it should be a lot harder to erase an iPod. "
The first step in transferring music (from iPod to computer) is to purchase a software program that will allow you to do so. .. or under $20.
use the "EJECT" button in iTunes to eject the device, but leave it plugged into the computer.
... just want to make sure I understood correctly, the adapter has not changed going from 4G to 5G and as long as it says that it can accept 110-220 V its fine?
Prevent your iPod from syncing by choosing not to sync if prompted by iTunes.
... my ipod will say that it is charging but when it asks for my password ..... This morning I tried it on another computer, same problem,
... you are just borrowing a few electrons to charge the battery, that's it. So far no problem, at least for what you want to do: charge it. But no. Clicking NO just "disconnects" the iPod (basically make it off-line), and it no longer charges. Is it that difficult to let it charge?
http://www.figuiere.net/hub/blog/?2005/08/18/275-no-sir-you-can-not-charge-your-ipod-shuffle
iTunes program says that to share my music on another computer needs a CREDIT CARD (Home Share ... an iTunes store account is needed)
... and on and on.
For future reading -
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-your-ipod-wont-tell-you-19460/
Bottom line - all I want to do is put selected tracks from my CD collection (mostly classical) on my iPod. From the above event, I now see that I need to back these up on another computer. Looks like a BIG project, it should be easy.
This is absurd! - I had an iPod with a dead battery. A nightmare.
Tried to charge it using USB port on my girlfriend's computer and my music was deleted.... with error an message.
Search - charge ipod on another computer - 18M hits - READ THEM !
Your computer must be turned on to charge your iPod - not sleep or hibernation.
If your computer is shut down, the lid is closed or it goes into sleep or hibernation mode, the iPod will not charge.
The car must be running in order for the iPod to be charging,
"yes, this is the way to do it, but it's also far to easy to do it the other way. i've erased the music off my iPod enough times to know that iTunes loves to erase. it might even be a badly worded dialogue box, i don't recall. i do know that it should be a lot harder to erase an iPod. "
The first step in transferring music (from iPod to computer) is to purchase a software program that will allow you to do so. .. or under $20.
use the "EJECT" button in iTunes to eject the device, but leave it plugged into the computer.
... just want to make sure I understood correctly, the adapter has not changed going from 4G to 5G and as long as it says that it can accept 110-220 V its fine?
Prevent your iPod from syncing by choosing not to sync if prompted by iTunes.
... my ipod will say that it is charging but when it asks for my password ..... This morning I tried it on another computer, same problem,
... you are just borrowing a few electrons to charge the battery, that's it. So far no problem, at least for what you want to do: charge it. But no. Clicking NO just "disconnects" the iPod (basically make it off-line), and it no longer charges. Is it that difficult to let it charge?
http://www.figuiere.net/hub/blog/?2005/08/18/275-no-sir-you-can-not-charge-your-ipod-shuffle
iTunes program says that to share my music on another computer needs a CREDIT CARD (Home Share ... an iTunes store account is needed)
... and on and on.
For future reading -
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-your-ipod-wont-tell-you-19460/
Bottom line - all I want to do is put selected tracks from my CD collection (mostly classical) on my iPod. From the above event, I now see that I need to back these up on another computer. Looks like a BIG project, it should be easy.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ultra Slow HP Laptop Computer
Mystery as to why it runs at 72 MHz instead of advertised 2000 MHz.
If anybody has an answer, please post it!
.
HP model HSTNN-C31C
AKA Notebook 6910p www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3960
.
If anybody has an answer, please post it!
.
HP model HSTNN-C31C
AKA Notebook 6910p www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3960
.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Web page hosting nightmare by edhiker
History
1998 AOLPRESS HTML editor and Prodigy. All went away.
2002 Comcast - made 1000's of items on various pages, most with absolute URLs (stupid)
2007 Time Warner took over from Comcast, told me "Your existing web pages will be transferred in their entirety." = LIE. Time Warner's web space allotment and management so bad that it's not worth using.
2006 Try Google pages. Gone in 2010 - no FTP, single layer structure - got 500MB, was converted to GoogleSites in 2009.
2010 Try Google Sites , replacement for "pages", still no FTP and all pages are converted to JAVA. Local backup/edit options are TBD, see below.
----------------------------------------
To answer my own questions, I just tested "copy this site" and it does not update the copy when I make changes to the original site. And if I "copy this site" again, using the same URL as my previous copy, a message says "The site URL you have chosen is not allowed"
Why would Google want a hundred million copies of websites on their servers? Let us copy our sites to our own computers and we'd be happy.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/sites/thread?tid=6381dcf34c61570d&hl=en
History
1998 AOLPRESS HTML editor and Prodigy. All went away.
2002 Comcast - made 1000's of items on various pages, most with absolute URLs (stupid)
2007 Time Warner took over from Comcast, told me "Your existing web pages will be transferred in their entirety." = LIE. Time Warner's web space allotment and management so bad that it's not worth using.
2006 Try Google pages. Gone in 2010 - no FTP, single layer structure - got 500MB, was converted to GoogleSites in 2009.
2010 Try Google Sites , replacement for "pages", still no FTP and all pages are converted to JAVA. Local backup/edit options are TBD, see below.
----------------------------------------
To answer my own questions, I just tested "copy this site" and it does not update the copy when I make changes to the original site. And if I "copy this site" again, using the same URL as my previous copy, a message says "The site URL you have chosen is not allowed"
Why would Google want a hundred million copies of websites on their servers? Let us copy our sites to our own computers and we'd be happy.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/sites/thread?tid=6381dcf34c61570d&hl=en
Friday, March 26, 2010
It happened to me, most likely with one about like this installed inside a gas pump.
Familiar scenario: Soon after filling up at the gas pump, a motorist learns that his bank account has been emptied. goo.gl/FLfG
Some Links:
goo.gl/UZIx goo.gl/gDJX
goo.gl/qciu goo.gl/Admx
goo.gl/gDJX www.bloggernews.net/124112
Visa: “Merchants cannot refuse to complete a purchase transaction because a cardholder refuses to provide ID"
The Great See ID Credit Card Hoax (Comments) goo.gl/swZ5 - That says it!
Spike in reported cases of identity theft involving gas pumps, with 68 reported in January and February alone, compared with 100 in all of 2009. goo.gl/fLP2 "each theft averaging from $1,500 to $2,000 (one county)" = me
goo.gl/qrKu 10,000 stolen credit card numbers.
Familiar scenario: Soon after filling up at the gas pump, a motorist learns that his bank account has been emptied. goo.gl/FLfG
Some Links:
goo.gl/UZIx goo.gl/gDJX
goo.gl/qciu goo.gl/Admx
goo.gl/gDJX www.bloggernews.net/124112
Visa: “Merchants cannot refuse to complete a purchase transaction because a cardholder refuses to provide ID"
The Great See ID Credit Card Hoax (Comments) goo.gl/swZ5 - That says it!
Spike in reported cases of identity theft involving gas pumps, with 68 reported in January and February alone, compared with 100 in all of 2009. goo.gl/fLP2 "each theft averaging from $1,500 to $2,000 (one county)" = me
goo.gl/qrKu 10,000 stolen credit card numbers.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I had > $1000 of gas charged to my card in a month , ~$75/day.
------------
Published Mon, Mar 08, 2010 04:08 PM3 charged with SoCal gas pump ID theft
LOS ANGELES Three men are accused of stealing $2 million by installing devices on gas station pumps that harvested credit card access codes.
The men pleaded not guilty Monday in Los Angeles to two dozen charges of conspiracy, identity theft, grand theft and computer access fraud. They face up to 20 years each in prison if convicted and remain jailed on $2 million bail each.
Prosecutors contend the men installed skimmers on computerized gas pumps that recorded credit card, debit card and PIN numbers that later were used to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Los Angeles County prosecutors say the men had 10,000 stolen numbers when they were arrested on Feb. 25. Authorities also seized $40,000 and fancy cars, including a Ferrari.
------------
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Moon with Venus on 3/16/10, view large... is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/4439981334/
Hand held, Exposure: 1/60 Aperture: f/4.0 Focal Length: 50 mm . IMG_1606CrGC_Moon-Venus
( this is a test of Google Toolbar in Firefox)
Pic= drag and drop from Flickr
Firefox will run slowly at times with all the "check this and that" options, just have links and bookmark things active.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Computer Stuff - a test of Sidewiki
A new highly flexible custom computer was built in Feb 2010. On bootup any one of four operating systems can be chosen. A few documentary photos and comments are shown here.
The CD drive I had around the house was useless, new DVD optical drive added a day later. All late Microsoft operating systems require DVD to do install. http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Very handy. USB from SATA or PATA hard or DVD drive.
Can be used as a spare drive, portable external or internal USB...
Extra small power supply can be used for my telescope.
. New quad channel 3.2GHz computer is using 58 Watts with dual display running.
....................
Four drives, twelve partitions.
Two internal and two plug-in drives shown here for one's choice on system start-up.
Just after post beep, tap F12 key for this choice screen.
On 3/9/10, added small toggle switches on back panel, eliminates need for (accurately timed) F12 key press. Just turn on power switch, come back a minute later with the desired desktop showing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
....................
If the memory device is turned off, it can't get a virus.
.....................
Camera: Canon PowerShot A590 IS
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
.
Only the bottom four needed to get the system restored, adding the top three does a more perfect job.
.... The boot process once understood will help you visualize why putting certain files... www.windowsnetworking.com/
Related - A bootable USB flash drive can come in handy... articles.techrepublic.com.com/
.
Related to the related .. What is BartPE and PE Builder? www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Gigabyte Computer Motherboard is great, see links
I believe in standards. For computers, they're at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX .
Why do I make my own? You can buy a computer that works as well for not much more.
All the name brands are proprietary (non-standard) design. Just wait till a repair or upgrade needs to be done!
Read: www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=339053
More at www.engadget.com/2005/02/22/the-hp-bios-that-locks-non-wh...
Above picture Documents its looks after mounting in case, before it was populated.
Added next , an Intel i5 650 CPU, might be an overclocking beast.... www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16093/35/ ... easily managed to reach 4.6GHz phonestechnology.blogspot.com/2009/10/processor-core-i5-6...
.
Easily will take seven hard drives (SATA and PATA (ATA-1, 2, 3, IDE 133)), and 12
USB
intel i7 960 quad @3.2GHz currently costs $589.99.
intel i5 650 dual @3.2GHz currently costs $189.99. (hyper-threaded, Intel claims up to a 30% performance improvement) Four logical processors.
Review: www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/28/gigabyt...
Turbo: www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=1
www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=0
More overclock at: www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,702446/Intel-Core-i3-and-Core...
Troubled by the size of Win 7, 16GB for 32bit, and 20GB for 64 bit. What ever happened to "MinWin" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinWin
-----------
New find, List of Lists: http://lists.thedatalist.com/
---------
All the Details of many versions of both MBR and OS Boot Records
http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/index.html
------------
"IMPORTANT: One of the first things that any PC user should do after setting up a new hard disk (or creating a new partition with a utility such as Partition Magic) is to make a copy of its MBR" ... from http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/VistaMBR.htm
ps - just found an instructional site about changing a motherboard, so BAD that it has only 5% chance of working!
I find that Flickr makes a good place to keep notes, so the latest stuff is there ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/ ) ...and the links are automatically hot.
I believe in standards. For computers, they're at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX .
Why do I make my own? You can buy a computer that works as well for not much more.
All the name brands are proprietary (non-standard) design. Just wait till a repair or upgrade needs to be done!
Read: www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=339053
More at www.engadget.com/2005/02/22/the-hp-bios-that-locks-non-wh...
Above picture Documents its looks after mounting in case, before it was populated.
Added next , an Intel i5 650 CPU, might be an overclocking beast.... www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16093/35/ ... easily managed to reach 4.6GHz phonestechnology.blogspot.com/2009/10/processor-core-i5-6...
.
Easily will take seven hard drives (SATA and PATA (ATA-1, 2, 3, IDE 133)), and 12
USB
intel i7 960 quad @3.2GHz currently costs $589.99.
intel i5 650 dual @3.2GHz currently costs $189.99. (hyper-threaded, Intel claims up to a 30% performance improvement) Four logical processors.
Review: www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/28/gigabyt...
Turbo: www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=1
www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=656&pgno=0
More overclock at: www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,702446/Intel-Core-i3-and-Core...
Troubled by the size of Win 7, 16GB for 32bit, and 20GB for 64 bit. What ever happened to "MinWin" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinWin
-----------
New find, List of Lists: http://lists.thedatalist.com/
---------
All the Details of many versions of both MBR and OS Boot Records
http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/index.html
------------
"IMPORTANT: One of the first things that any PC user should do after setting up a new hard disk (or creating a new partition with a utility such as Partition Magic) is to make a copy of its MBR" ... from http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/VistaMBR.htm
ps - just found an instructional site about changing a motherboard, so BAD that it has only 5% chance of working!
I find that Flickr makes a good place to keep notes, so the latest stuff is there ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/ ) ...and the links are automatically hot.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Great Nebula in Orion (M42)
Orion's Sword, the region of sky below Orion's Belt includes the Orion Nebula(M42), Running Man Nebula(NGC 1977), the open cluster NGC 1981, and Iota Orionis.
The Orion Nebula is the closest stellar nursery to our solar system. Stellar nurseries are clouds of molecular gas that produce thousands of new stars and then gradually dissipate. The Orion Nebula is 1,500 light years fromEarth and six light years or 35 trillion miles across.
---------------------------------
The Nebula was captured using a Canon T1i Camera at ISO 3200 on a 6 inch Schmidt Newtonian. Autoguide Meade by Pictor on a Celestron CGEM mount
HDR processing by Rob , 0306=13s, 0307=78s, 0304=-296s
.
Photo ID: m42hdr20091018_Sat74_Q80.jpg
The Orion Nebula is the closest stellar nursery to our solar system. Stellar nurseries are clouds of molecular gas that produce thousands of new stars and then gradually dissipate. The Orion Nebula is 1,500 light years fromEarth and six light years or 35 trillion miles across.
---------------------------------
The Nebula was captured using a Canon T1i Camera at ISO 3200 on a 6 inch Schmidt Newtonian. Autoguide Meade by Pictor on a Celestron CGEM mount
HDR processing by Rob , 0306=13s, 0307=78s, 0304=-296s
.
Photo ID: m42hdr20091018_Sat74_Q80.jpg
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Friction Telescope Drive, a new design
I will detail the development of a new design that started out as simple way to achieve accurate telescope tracking for astrophotography, free of periodic error and backlash. By simple, I mean that the basic embodiment can be constructed by hand tools.
Initial tests exceed my expectations, even with known fabrication deficiencies.
------------------------
Arcturus photo using 411 sec exposures. New drive design by Ed Johnson
High Wind Warning in effect and windy. Seeing = bad (see insert, short exposure crop)
Field 1.05º high, North=down, Mag limit ~~ 14-15, ISO=100
11 day old moon not far away from target. Right image is contrast enhanced.
8 " f/4 scope, see www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/2978778220
Closeup of drive lashup www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3491156027/
Friction drive at 76.5 Hz and 0.500" drive roller = best (right photo)
Left exposure used 75.5 Hz drive rate.
.Comments:
Pointing and guiding is not easy at this time (keep unguided exposures <2min)
Wind showed the friction drive is very sturdy-rigid-stable.
Pole finder tube used - only.... recheck axis elevation
Next time, start off by taking Polaris with drive off, then on.
Next drive roller to be about 0.6375" for 60 Hz drive (adjustable accurate source (this part is a game, to see how close the mechanics can be made))
Next is to make it transportable and easy setup.
Motor=4RPM, gears 20:66 (15 / 20) * 66 = 49.5 sec @ input of 40:1 worm = 1980 sec (33m) rotation on drive roller. Roller ratio s/b 86164 / 1980 = 43.5171717
Small roller r s/b 13.88 / 43.5171717 = 0.318954552, Dia = 0.6379 for 60Hz
Measured r of drive arc sector = 13.88"
.Background
Friction drive efficiency is high, very smooth, many times stiffer than any other gearing system, has zero backlash and periodic error. Machining is very straight forward as only cylindrical surfaces are needed (www.dfmengineering.com)
Large scope using a friction drive: www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3210785525/
.
The Earth's rotation relative to the stars is called a sidereal day, it has a length of 86164 seconds (a Solar day is 86400 seconds)
Coincidence of Dimensions: 0.6379 - 0.6375 = 0.0004" = Rob's calculation from my by trial speed setting vs my calculation from moter speed\gears\roller sizes
.
IMG_7940-41_Arcturus_8inF4_411-412_75.5-76.5Hzsec
Test photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3509743245/
I will detail the development of a new design that started out as simple way to achieve accurate telescope tracking for astrophotography, free of periodic error and backlash. By simple, I mean that the basic embodiment can be constructed by hand tools.
Initial tests exceed my expectations, even with known fabrication deficiencies.
------------------------
Arcturus photo using 411 sec exposures. New drive design by Ed Johnson
High Wind Warning in effect and windy. Seeing = bad (see insert, short exposure crop)
Field 1.05º high, North=down, Mag limit ~~ 14-15, ISO=100
11 day old moon not far away from target. Right image is contrast enhanced.
8 " f/4 scope, see www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/2978778220
Closeup of drive lashup www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3491156027/
Friction drive at 76.5 Hz and 0.500" drive roller = best (right photo)
Left exposure used 75.5 Hz drive rate.
.Comments:
Pointing and guiding is not easy at this time (keep unguided exposures <2min)
Wind showed the friction drive is very sturdy-rigid-stable.
Pole finder tube used - only.... recheck axis elevation
Next time, start off by taking Polaris with drive off, then on.
Next drive roller to be about 0.6375" for 60 Hz drive (adjustable accurate source (this part is a game, to see how close the mechanics can be made))
Next is to make it transportable and easy setup.
Motor=4RPM, gears 20:66 (15 / 20) * 66 = 49.5 sec @ input of 40:1 worm = 1980 sec (33m) rotation on drive roller. Roller ratio s/b 86164 / 1980 = 43.5171717
Small roller r s/b 13.88 / 43.5171717 = 0.318954552, Dia = 0.6379 for 60Hz
Measured r of drive arc sector = 13.88"
.Background
Friction drive efficiency is high, very smooth, many times stiffer than any other gearing system, has zero backlash and periodic error. Machining is very straight forward as only cylindrical surfaces are needed (www.dfmengineering.com)
Large scope using a friction drive: www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3210785525/
.
The Earth's rotation relative to the stars is called a sidereal day, it has a length of 86164 seconds (a Solar day is 86400 seconds)
Coincidence of Dimensions: 0.6379 - 0.6375 = 0.0004" = Rob's calculation from my by trial speed setting vs my calculation from moter speed\gears\roller sizes
.
IMG_7940-41_Arcturus_8inF4_411-412_75.5-76.5Hzsec
Test photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/edhiker/3509743245/
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Comet Lulin over Los Angeles, Feb 3rd - will be brightest around Feb 24th
The Comet Lulin is getting brighter, and the public may soon be able to enjoy a view of the phenomenon without specialized telescopes.
Exposed for 20 minutes on February 03, 2009, 4:59 AM, 152mm f5, Canon Rebel
See also next three shots in photostream.
Comet Lulin's closest approach will be on February 24th, 2009
Mag 16 stars are easily seen in this shot, processed for "Light Pollution Reduction"
Read the news about at:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=comet+lulin&btnG=Go... and news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=comet%20lulin&um=1&a...
.
Dark sky view at antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090207.html
Exposed for 20 minutes on February 03, 2009, 4:59 AM, 152mm f5, Canon Rebel
See also next three shots in photostream.
Comet Lulin's closest approach will be on February 24th, 2009
Mag 16 stars are easily seen in this shot, processed for "Light Pollution Reduction"
Read the news about at:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=comet+lulin&btnG=Go... and news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=comet%20lulin&um=1&a...
.
Dark sky view at antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090207.html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
30 inch f/12 Refractor by John Wall
How does it work? See www.nightskies.net/zerochromat/products/index.html and patent below.
The inventors have found that, if a negative lens is interposed between the field lens and the corrective positive lenses, it becomes possible to greatly shorten the optical train,
Accordingly, the invention provides an optical train comprising: a positive objective lens; a field lens, located at or close to the focus of said objective lens; one or more lenses, together forming a positive lens array, located beyond the focus of the said objective lens; and characterised by the provision of at least one negative lens, interposed between said field lens and said positive lens array.
The positive lens array is preferably arranged to correct for chromatic aberration, as described below.
The field lens - to gather off-axis rays - may be mounted at the focal plane of the objective lens. However, in this case, any imperfections in the field lens, or dust and the like located on the surface of the field lens, will come into focus, and adversely affect the image quality. Therefore, it is preferable that the field lens is not located precisely at the focal point, but wherein the said field lens and the focal point of the said objective lens is less than 5% of the focal length of the said objective lens.
More preferably, the distance between the said field lens and the focal point of the said objective lens is less than 1% of the focal length of the said objective lens.
www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2006123124&IA=GB20060...
----------------
The Hanwell Observatory also has a 30 inch f/6 reflector
myweb.tiscali.co.uk/hanwellobservatory/30_inch.htm#30inch
ps - The Crayford Focuser was invented by English amateur John Wall
The inventors have found that, if a negative lens is interposed between the field lens and the corrective positive lenses, it becomes possible to greatly shorten the optical train,
Accordingly, the invention provides an optical train comprising: a positive objective lens; a field lens, located at or close to the focus of said objective lens; one or more lenses, together forming a positive lens array, located beyond the focus of the said objective lens; and characterised by the provision of at least one negative lens, interposed between said field lens and said positive lens array.
The positive lens array is preferably arranged to correct for chromatic aberration, as described below.
The field lens - to gather off-axis rays - may be mounted at the focal plane of the objective lens. However, in this case, any imperfections in the field lens, or dust and the like located on the surface of the field lens, will come into focus, and adversely affect the image quality. Therefore, it is preferable that the field lens is not located precisely at the focal point, but wherein the said field lens and the focal point of the said objective lens is less than 5% of the focal length of the said objective lens.
More preferably, the distance between the said field lens and the focal point of the said objective lens is less than 1% of the focal length of the said objective lens.
www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2006123124&IA=GB20060...
----------------
The Hanwell Observatory also has a 30 inch f/6 reflector
myweb.tiscali.co.uk/hanwellobservatory/30_inch.htm#30inch
ps - The Crayford Focuser was invented by English amateur John Wall
Friday, February 13, 2009
Windows 7 Beta - an education
*** Windows 7 Beta - an education ***
Attention span for Win7 ran out, driver nightmare and I don't want to mess my machine up by swapping hardware, but it was a fun two days learning 2/13/09
----- My bookmarks ---------
http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-2000/making-bootable-isos/60987.html
http://www.allbootdisks.com/iso.html
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/12/23/illustrative-guide-to-create-bootable-iso-image-from-vista-win-image-files/
.. from my email http://runwin7fromusb.blogspot.com/2009/01/windows-7-free-activation-keys.html
http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/removable-media-drives/341778-how-burn-bootable-iso-file.html
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ Win Beta 7
List of Windows 7 Secrets http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2009/01/12/the-bumper-list-of-windows-7-secrets.aspx
Windows 7 Networking http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-networking/ , http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-networking/2510-windows-networking-fixed-w7-xp.html
Is it really impossible for MS to use old WinXP drivers in the new OS ? http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-hardware/2798-drivers-general.html
Windows 7 with Hardware report, Testing 'older' parallel, USB. http://forums.scotsnewsletter.com/index.php?showtopic=21932 no go for parallel printer..
alot (if not all) of these driver/hardware/software issues will be fixed by final release
Windows 7 Beta (7022 and 7032) http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4712592/Microsoft_Windows_7_Beta(Build_7032.0.x86fre.winmain.090115-1850 Comments
Windows 7 - impressions https://geekswithblogs.net/lvega/archive/2009/01/09/128507.aspx
Ubuntu 9.04 Alpha4 vs. Windows 7 Beta http://blog.ibeentoubuntu.com/2009/02/ubuntu-904-alpha4-vs-windows-7-beta.html (Linux)
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Files and Settings http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457074.aspx
Attention span for Win7 ran out, driver nightmare and I don't want to mess my machine up by swapping hardware, but it was a fun two days learning 2/13/09
----- My bookmarks ---------
http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-2000/making-bootable-isos/60987.html
http://www.allbootdisks.com/iso.html
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/12/23/illustrative-guide-to-create-bootable-iso-image-from-vista-win-image-files/
.. from my email http://runwin7fromusb.blogspot.com/2009/01/windows-7-free-activation-keys.html
http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/removable-media-drives/341778-how-burn-bootable-iso-file.html
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ Win Beta 7
List of Windows 7 Secrets http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2009/01/12/the-bumper-list-of-windows-7-secrets.aspx
Windows 7 Networking http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-networking/ , http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-networking/2510-windows-networking-fixed-w7-xp.html
Is it really impossible for MS to use old WinXP drivers in the new OS ? http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-hardware/2798-drivers-general.html
Windows 7 with Hardware report, Testing 'older' parallel, USB. http://forums.scotsnewsletter.com/index.php?showtopic=21932 no go for parallel printer..
alot (if not all) of these driver/hardware/software issues will be fixed by final release
Windows 7 Beta (7022 and 7032) http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4712592/Microsoft_Windows_7_Beta(Build_7032.0.x86fre.winmain.090115-1850 Comments
Windows 7 - impressions https://geekswithblogs.net/lvega/archive/2009/01/09/128507.aspx
Ubuntu 9.04 Alpha4 vs. Windows 7 Beta http://blog.ibeentoubuntu.com/2009/02/ubuntu-904-alpha4-vs-windows-7-beta.html (Linux)
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Files and Settings http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457074.aspx
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Comet Lulin over Los Angeles, Feb 3rd
Exposed for 20 minutes on February 03, 2009, 4:59 AM, 152mm f5, Canon Rebel
See also next three shots in photostream.
Comet Lulin's closest approach will be on February 24th, 2009
Mag 16 stars are easily seen in this shot, processed for "Light Pollution Reduction"
Read the news about at:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=comet+lulin&btnG=Go... and news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=comet%20lulin&um=1&a...
.
keywords:
Comet Lulin edhiker
See also next three shots in photostream.
Comet Lulin's closest approach will be on February 24th, 2009
Mag 16 stars are easily seen in this shot, processed for "Light Pollution Reduction"
Read the news about at:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=comet+lulin&btnG=Go... and news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=comet%20lulin&um=1&a...
.
keywords:
Comet Lulin edhiker
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New Comet Lulin over Los Angeles 1/28/09
Comet Lulin will make its closest approach to Earth on February 24, and while it will probably be hard to see with the naked eye, astronomers think the "fresh" new comet has the potential to brighten rapidly. The icy body has the potential to do something unexpected. Comet Lulin is arriving from the far reaches of the solar system on a nearly parabolic orbit, as if it come from infinity.
The comet's orbit is in nearly the same plane as Earth's but is traveling in the opposite direction. This causes Lulin to appear to move unusually fast and display a rare anti-tail—an optical effect that creates a secondary "tail" pointing toward the sun.
Pictures from non light polluted sites already showing Lulin's rare anti-tail.
www.ruppel.darkhorizons.org/IMAGES/N3_false_color_012409.jpg
As seen from Griffith Observatory tomsastroblog.com/?p=2760#
More can be found on Google www.google.com/search?sa=N&tab=nw&q=Comet%20Lulin
This image is a stack (using Deep Sky Stacker ( DSS )) of nine 47 second exposures, ISO 800. My location is light polluted Los Angeles city.
exposures using a Canon 75-300mm lens at 300mm.
The comet's orbit is in nearly the same plane as Earth's but is traveling in the opposite direction. This causes Lulin to appear to move unusually fast and display a rare anti-tail—an optical effect that creates a secondary "tail" pointing toward the sun.
Pictures from non light polluted sites already showing Lulin's rare anti-tail.
www.ruppel.darkhorizons.org/IMAGES/N3_false_color_012409.jpg
As seen from Griffith Observatory tomsastroblog.com/?p=2760#
More can be found on Google www.google.com/search?sa=N&tab=nw&q=Comet%20Lulin
This image is a stack (using Deep Sky Stacker ( DSS )) of nine 47 second exposures, ISO 800. My location is light polluted Los Angeles city.
exposures using a Canon 75-300mm lens at 300mm.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Comet Kushida over Los Angeles, closeup view
Comet Kushida over Los Angeles, closeup view
also at http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2866027/Main/2866027
Taken with 530mm lens at f7 on 1/16/09
also at http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2866027/Main/2866027
Taken with 530mm lens at f7 on 1/16/09
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