Gemini Telescope Design:- PULSAR GoTo Controllers
http://www.geminitelescope.comhttp://www.geminitelescope.comgeminitelescope.com
The natural evolution of Pulsar1 is the Pulsar2 GoTo Controller. From November 2009 Gemini Telescope Design is offering this new version that retains all the key features of its predecessor but adds a host of new valuable functions making it especially suitable for remote control.
What is new in Pulsar2 ?
Pulsar2 accepts servos or steppers
Input 12-18VDC, output 2×4 A
Independent incremental encoders can be added
Connects to the PC via USB, Serial or LAN ports, ASCOM and INDI (Linux) compatible
Allows direct access from the internet (Internal web server)
Has much more memory for databases
Steppers are driven in 2 speed dependent modes, ensuring silent and silky smooth tracking AND high goto speeds. Uses 8bit microstepping
AAG Cloud watcher compatible direct parking via the AUX port
It has a foolproof initializing menu to help setting DEC motor rotation and finding the reference star.
The C2A planetarium program offers embedded support for Pulsar2 and a precise polar alignment tool also. All solar system objects can be precisely tracked with C2A and Pulsar2.
Supports friction drives, calculates the total reduction automatically
Upgrading the firmware takes 20 seconds and all user settings in the menu are protected.
The NEW Hand Controller
Features an internal GPS, large display and graphic aid for initializing the mount. Information like the active speed (goto, guide or other), tracking mode (sideral, lunar, planet, custom, etc), low voltage are always visible. Date and time are also shown. Time and latitude and longitude are updated every time Pulsar2 is switched on. The joystick works fast and reliably. The red maplight function has migrated to button 7. This hand controller works with (hw2.2) Pulsar2 only.
You find a WIFI virtual hand controller for Android devices on Play Store (Pulsar Hand).
Price list for PULSAR2 GoTo Controllers
Complete unit (driver and hand controller w 2m cable): 990,00 EUR
Driver only (for PC use, virtual hand controller): 800,00 EUR
Hand unit (replacement): 220,00 EUR
Shipping and tax is not included. You will pay 22% sales tax (EU orders only) that you can deduct and pay the rate applicable in your country. We provide 5 years of warranty for mechanical parts and 1 year for all electronic parts.
GoTo Controllers for German and Fork mounts? Can I use PULSAR2?
Besides our mounts, Pulsar2 can drive your EQ6, GPDX, EM200, G11, and more, with the suitable (stepper)motor kits. Pulsar2’s unique feature, the 8 bit microstep allows you to use very low total gear ratios (down to 180) which result in very smooth periodic error. It will also drive your DIY mount, Fork or German.
Gemini Telescope Design:- G53F Friction Drive Mount – German Equatorial
by GTD
This German Equatorial mount tracks the stars with the highest precision in its category. Based on our Friction Drive System (without gears) is the perfect solution for amateur or professional astrophotographers working in the field and for small to medium observatory use, operated locally or remote.
What are the advantages over the gear worm based system?
Our friction based mounts have no backlash at all, guide perfectly even in DEC, enable longer autoguiding exposures (5-10 sec). Our special wear resistant design keeps its performance over time. All these characteristics and many others together with its low weight make the G53F Friction Drive German Equatorial Mount the ideal astrophotography mount in the field or in the observatory.
Video below features the G53F with a 30-cm f4 tube made from carbon, length 110cm, total weight 26 kg.
Main features of the G53F German EQ Mount
NEW 2017 model intro video
Encoder based friction drive system
All cables routed internally (from 06.2016)
USB and 12V power routed internally
PULSAR 2 based drive system
Real Time PEC function to keep the target within cca 1,5″
Absolute position reference for recovery after system breakdown
Can be separated in two parts (4 screws), the total weight is 20 kg
45 kg payload
Integrated Losmandy rail interface (exchangable)
Sidereal, Lunar, Solar and custom tracking of all Solar System objects with C2A
Up to 4,5 deg/sec GoTo speed
LX200 (most commands) and ASCOM compatible
Reference stars, M, NGC, IC, and custom programmable database
Smart meridian flips (for robotic mode and efficient goto)
Parking also via external switch (cloud detector) – when the PC breaks down
Real time refraction correction (for tracking and goto)
12-18 VDC operation, 1A consumption
Built in GPS reciever in the hand controller (from november 2012)
Free firmware updates, language versions and many other goodies
Accurate 12×30 polar finder with illumination (optional)
5 years of warranty for mechanical parts and 1 year for all electronic parts
Stable GHS CArbon tripod
The GHS CArbon tripod offers an uncompromised solid base for your G53F. The carbon fiber composit legs adjust independently which means easy setup in the most rough terrain conditions. What has not changed, is the legendary stability confirmed by many satisfied customers. The Qlock system saves you a lot of frustration in the dark! You just put the mount head on, turn a hand knob inside the pier and it’s done. Adjusts between 75-110 cm. The legs fold completely for easy transport and storage . The GHS CArbon tripod weights only 9 kg! Watch the video.
The geometry and materials of this tripod represent the highest standard in vibration suppression and torsional stiffness. Available with a variety of adaptors for other types of mounts.
Gemini polar scope HP2 – Easy polar alignment
Precise polar aligment in a few minutes? Yes, possible with the original polar scope Gemini HP2! This polar scope uses three stars for alignment for high precision and freedom from reading star charts. You just find the position when the three circles on the reticle match the stars. It is more accurate than traditional “Star Drift” methods. The large 30 mm objective lens lets you see enough stars for a precise alignment. The 12x magnification provides the accuracy needed for GoTo and astrophotography.
Gemini No-Flip pier extension – Uninterrupted astrophotography for compact telescopes
This practical pier extension allows you to take images uninterrupted, even when the object crosses the meridian. Works with refractors up to 5″ or reflectors up to about 10″. The elevation range is 35-50 degree. Adds 390 mm to the pier (241 mm more than the original base) and weights 5 kg. Robust aluminum construction that will not compromise stability. The RA head can be exchanged in 5 minutes between the original and the extended base.
Price list for the G53F and accessories
G53F with cables, cw. shaft, Pulsar2, RealTime PEC: 5350,00 EUR (this item is currently not available)
Tranport case: 170,00 EUR
GHS CArbon Qlock tripod: 1310,00 EUR
Gemini HP2 Polar scope (illuminator not supplied): 180,00 EUR
Adapter (G53f and G42) for the QHY electronic polar finder: 41 EUR
Permanent setup adapter: 80,00 EUR
No-Flip pier extension: 492,22 EUR
Counterweights d30 mm
Shipping and tax is not included. You will pay 22% sales tax (EU orders only) that you can deduct and pay the rate applicable in your country.
Gemini Telescope Design:-
A harmonic drive is a speed reducer with high ratios with very high efficiency and no backlash. At very high ratios they are non-reversing too. Harmonic Drive AG offers them in a package with bearings and sealed housing, load and torque ratings that far exceed the needs of a telescope mount. To increase the reduction (160, but in fact 161) I added a planetary gear that slides inside the hollow input shaft of the harmonic drive. This drive on the Mountegra will serve you for eternity.