cfm2004 Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 Two days ago I discovered that the version 5116 also has the "Balance" feature. Since I have never used this feature and I have not found mention in the manual, what is the best way to use it? Best regards, Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertp Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Hi Cristina, I tried to find the description in the old autoslew manuals but did not find them. So here's how I use the balance feature: I start with putting the telescope horizontal as well as the counterweight shaft horizontal. Then I start the balance feature for the dec-axis. The dec-axis swings back and forth (about 15 degrees if I remember correctly) and the two bar-graphs indicate the amount of current required to swing the axis. One graph indicates the forward motion, the other one the backward motion. While the axis swings, I try to remember the maximum position of both graphs. The idea is that once both graphs show the same maxima, balance is perfect as it takes the same current to swing the axis in both directions. If the maximums are not identical, move the telescope forward or back until the graphs are symmetrical. With a heavy scope, you will see quite a difference if you move the scope by few millimeters. For an optimum balance, it's important that the scope is in the configuration that you intend to use (including CCD and filterwheel, dew cap, dew heater) and that the focuser is in the focus position. Once the telescope is balanced in the dec-axis, you do the same thing with the RA-axis. This usually is easier as you can easily move one of the counterwheights until you achieve optimum balance. If you want, you can check the balance in other positions as well. It might be difficult to achieve optimum balance in all positions if you e.g. have a heavy finder scope off-axis or if your filterwheel is asymetrical ... Hope this helps, Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted August 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Thank you Robert, One question. Should I turn on the motors before to do the balance or it should be done with motors turn off? Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeCarey Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Motors on, after homefind, magnetic angle etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted August 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thank you George. Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanite Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 DDM85 product manual has balancing instructions on page 10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Thank you very much! I have not had time to try it, I intended to do so in the coming days Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 I have just download the DDM85 product manual, but I found no reference to the function balance. I remember seeing something about it in an old manual, you happen to have one available? You can send it to me in private? Best regards, Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanite Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 Download from here. https://app.box.com/s/95i64enaucelka2ecub7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeCarey Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 (edited) Note that the instructions say 'move the counterweights along the counterweight shaft back and forth until both the top and bottom red bars are perpendicular to each other'. Perhaps, 'in line with each other' or 'level with each other' would be better. (Sorry, being pedantic, I know). Edited September 2, 2013 by GeorgeCarey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted September 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 Thank you very much for the manual! I had already solved a couple of days ago. I got there through the logic of looking at the two bars. Yes George, I agree with you. The word "perpendicular" is not very explanatory. I saved the manual... you never know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanite Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 No prob There is more about balance in P.Kellers post here: http://forum.astrosysteme.com/index.php?/topic/96-cant-move-more-than-a-few-degs-in-dec-position-error-clear-servoerror/&do=findComment&comment=388 You can easily have balance in one position but have problems in another position, especially with heavy CCD or filterwheel you need to add a counterweight opposite to the CCD on the tube. http://www.astrooptik.com/asa/Balance.pdf This is something new that is not mentioned in the manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm2004 Posted September 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 Thank you very much Nanite! I knew the last link, Dr Keller sent it to me in a private e-mail. I tried to balance the best I can in different positions. Cristina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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