Losmandy G11 Mount Review - Perfect Blend of Craftsmanship and Modern Technology?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 เม.ย. 2024
- This is my overview and experience with using the Losmandy G11 for last month and a half or so. Below are some of the recommended accessories I would look at in addition to the link for the mount configuration tool! Mention the Channel in the comments at check to support and keep more reviews coming!
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-Power Supply
- Altitude Knob
-Clutch Knobs if you have "bad hands"
-GPS if you're not using an EAGLE for your mini PC
- RA Extension Kit
- Included 21lb weight will be good up to ~ 30-35lb scope or so
Losmandy 18 part TH-cam series:
• YOUR NEW LOSMANDY MOUNT
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Website: www.darkrangersinc.com
Social Media
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Gear: please use these links!
Main Rig:
Stellarvue 140SVXT
Losmandy G11
Primaluce Eagle 5s - bit.ly/3S9ehdT
PLL Sesto Senso 2 - bit.ly/3Ofx1qM
PLL Alto Flatpanel and motor - bit.ly/3vQGzT2
Second Rig:
SCA 260
Pegasus NYX-101 - bit.ly/3TXN1kM
QHY 600M kit - bit.ly/3SwvuiH
Third Rig:
William Optic Pleiades 111
AM5
2600 MM bit.ly/3KubXes
2600 MC bit.ly/47o8dEY
AM5 Mount bit.ly/44OwDpD
ASIAIR Plus bit.ly/3KwNV2i
ZWO EFW bit.ly/3YoB1cw
ZWO EAF bit.ly/3Oo3cns
ZWO 220MM bit.ly/43ZPflo
Antlia SHO Filters bit.ly/3DLOu4M
Antlia Triband bit.ly/45eFVuX
Antlia ALPT bit.ly/3OsfQlm
ZWO Power Supply bit.ly/43X5ZcW - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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I've had my G11 since 2005.. it was originally non go to, I since upgraded it to Gemini, then Gemini 2.. added spring loaded precision worms and a few other of the newest advancements... the mount just keeps performing.. 0.4 to 0.5" guiding, it's carried everything from a 2.5" APO to a 12" newtonian and even a 16" sct for planetary imaging. It's an incredible piece of engineering, but the most amazing part is that Losmandy hasn't changed the base design since day one... so if you get a late 90's G11, you can upgrade it to be exactly as the new ones are.. it really is that "last mount you'll ever need"
G11T owner here. Great mount, great customer service. Wholly agree Losmandy products being "Life-time Mounts".
A like 👍🏼 for the puppy that is still waiting to get his ball thrown.
Also cool video, love mounts
Thank you! She always gets plenty of tosses haha!
Another fantastic review - I like that it works with both the ASI Air and NINA - very solid. Great video!
Not in my budget today - but this whole community thing is very luring and Ryan, I think you have something great going here. I look forward to the episodes to come.
The G8-11 is a lower cost option that still has a solid Payload. The Pegasus NYX lineup is getting an 88 model vs the 101 and it’ll have a payload in the 30-40lb range with better quality than we’re seeing from other options near the $1900 mark.
I think if you look at the 60 pound capacity class you’ll see this is a really well priced amount especially for what you get… But not everybody needs that carrying capacity. It would be hard to call something with less than 50-60 points a “forever” type mount because most folks eventually want a bigger scope.
I am trying to keep my ears and eyes out for budget options I think we have one for the camera which will be the lowest cost Monochrome and color setup you can get at the 26mp level.
At the end of the day it’s just not an inexpensive hobby especially for stuff that will ultimately save you money in the long term because you won’t have to replace it. I think my message would be for folks to wait longer to upgrade and save for some of the options I’m trying to find that will last.
@@darkrangersinc Totally concede your points, I'm not at all objecting to the price and particularly not the capacity/cost ratio. I totally see myself using this information to form my budget and purchasing decisions going forward. I think the point of your partnerships is showing the common lower cost option perceived "cost savings" is costing us users in other ways.
Like a kid in a candy store you actually sound so excited when unboxing it.
Honestly, the tripod was the cool factor for me when unboxing. There are people that own Mounts, double and triple the cost of this one that use that tripod. it doesn’t look big on camera in person it’s a monster.
After seeing the difference between two really good Mounts NYX-101 and G11 that both perform the same with no wind vs when wind blows I won’t get a carbon tripod again unless it’s a travel heavy rig.
I purchased a Losmandy G8-11 two years ago and agree with everything you say about Losmandy products. It's so well made and beautiful that my wife even lets me store it in a corner of the living room... as long as I dust it when needed!
I bought a well-used but upgraded G-11 then took it to their facility in Burbank to have it serviced and upgraded to latest factory spec. So now I have a fully optioned out Lifetime mount, just got back to So-Cal fro Missouri to watch the eclipse with it and my TV NP-127. Love the mount.
About 20 years ago I picked up a GM8 (no Gemini) for a very good price. I have used is since then as my AP mount. About a year ago, I found a second hand G11 RA axis, so I jumped on that. Shortly after that, I converted it to OnStep (the 492 drive was still going strong). It currently holds and 8" Meade SCT, an 80mm doublet, a 66mm doublet, and my Canon 70-200 f/2.8. The point is that the longevity and accuracy is amazing. Forever mount is a very true statement.
Lastly, I am glad I stumbled upon this channel a few months ago, it has been great to watch and helped me decide if there was still a place for Photoshop in my workflow.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad it’s working well for you. I think Photoshop is more important now than ever. Even guys like Adam Block will openly admit they do most of their color work and final touches in Photoshop. I’ve spoken to him on the phone and several people who you would think only work in Pix do in fact using Photoshop and other programs. Adobe has so many developers and millions of dollars to throw at their product that other companies simply don’t and can develop tools that are unbeatable the remove tool. They just came out with destroys the clone stamp. It’s absolutely amazing and getting rid of unwanted artifact and that just came out. They’re constantly making improvements to the tool
I have been using the Asiair and my Skywatcher EQ6-r since I started AP. The two worked together perfectly right out of the box. My first experience with my G11 and the Asiair was a disaster. I sent the Gemini 2 to Losmandy for the version 6 upgrade. Currently the USPS is giving the upgraded Gemini 2 a world tour. I really want the G11 to work with the Asiair.
I think version 6 will be the game changer you’re looking for!
I hope so. The mount is a beautiful piece of work.
My G11G was brand new in August. Worked fine with the Asi Air. There are a couple of non idealities based in Zwos programming, but nothing that really affects the usability.
I hope so Brian.
Tom
I love my G11. Track wonderfully. Sometimes even as low as .2 RMS! The build quality is excellent and they look beautiful!
I’m seeing better results with NINA now that I just made the switch that’s when I started seeing .3 so I’m sure I’ll see .2 here in the near future. I also have a big heavy scope on there so it’s doing a great job!
Do you guys think you get better guiding using NINA over ASI air??
@@Si-fp2ij I have used both, for me, I got really good guiding with the asiair but the full phd2 with NINA has had the best guiding to date. Not sure if the they really contribute to any difference but I got .39 with asiair and high .2s with NINA.
@@Si-fp2ij I am getting better results in NINa because of all the further customization you have in PHD2 that aren’t available in the ASIAIR. You can adjust so many more settings
@@darkrangersinc So so tempted to convert. I’m gonna wait for part two to drop and have a good look first but I’ve been tempted for about a year now.
Cheers Simon
Picked up a “used” G11, looks as beautiful as the day 25-years ago when it came with a Celestron 11. Added used Gemini 2. Guides below 0.5 RMS, usually around 0.35. Only issue is weight, but previous owner installed RA extension, so the head breaks down into two manageable pieces. Luv it and it’s not for sale in my lifetime.
Looking forward to seeing the performance with the SCA260 on it
I’m testing the NYX-101 with the SCA260. Since it essentially got stuck with its primary alternative the AM5. The current set up after adding the Eagle, Flat Panel and motor, 3 total gigantic dovetails and the camera rotator weighs more than the SCA260 and is more surface area to catch wind.
I’m going to pretty much leave that rig alone. I don’t want to take the 140 on and off a bunch of times like to just leave it as is for the time being.
@@darkrangersinc wow, I’m looking forward to that even more! I hadn’t heard about the NYX yet
I have a GM811G, which is a combination of G8 and G11. More portable than the G11 and I get great guiding on it with both my C11Edge and Askar 130PHQ. My one (very small) complaint is that the Losmandy and ASIAIR sometimes disagree on the timing of the meridian, so I sometimes end up doing a manual meridian flip.
I had a similar problem until I finally hooked it up to a computer and went in and set the different settings, some of which I showed in the episode. Usually it’s a difference in an hour or two in the time between the ASIAIR and the Gemini. With N.I.N.A. it’s a lot easier to just go in and sync everything because you’re actually communicating with the Gemini driver. But it can be done with the ASIAIR. I would install the Gemini drivers on your computer. You don’t need Nina, go in and set the date and time and some of the other parameters and it should fix the issue you’re having. That’s why I mentioned to go in and set some limits and other things before you get started on either platform.
It was weird because the first time I used it literally everything else went perfect but the Meridian flipped and then I reached out to the I/O group and they told me just to plug it in and set it all up
I own a G11G it is an exceptional mount. I love the sturdiness. I would highly recommend the carrying cases for the mount head, It makes for easier travel and storage.
That’s a great idea I do have a Pelican Vault V600 which I used for the battery/tripod/AM5 head I’m sure it could easily fit the mount head and eco flow battery
Great video. I have an SVX102T, Eagle 5 Pro and a G11. Great combo.
Good choice!
You can improve you guiding by almost .1 by adding more counter weights and bringing them all the way up the shaft. Yours are all the way in the bottom which creates more,
“Moment of inertia”
👊🏼
Astro physics has a great explanation in their website.
Another 22lber came today actually! So they’re both up near the top now. I may get a 3rd 11lb to future proof it as well. I wasn’t super worried as I was getting the performance I was seeking but more is better.
AP struggles at times with the ASIAIR. I work with a processing client who has an 1100 and it does some pretty crazy things some times and she’s been in communication with them and nothing really can be solved she has to be out there at set up to ensure it doesn’t just keep spinning and spinning and crash her Tak 130 into the pier 😬.
We are moving her over to the Eagle. I’ve already loaded all the software on it and I’m going go out and install it for her. That was basically the final conclusion went out to.
Well, I added the counterweight and didn’t really see much of an improvement but the good news is it already was performing how I was hoping so who knows maybe over the long-term it will get a little bit better, but either way, at least the counterweights are up near the top
Great looking solid mount!
Maybe my “forever mount” Love the fact you can use ASI air too!
Available to ship to Australia 🇦🇺????
Cheers Si
Yes they will! They’re really flexible for shipping 💪🏼👌🏼
@@darkrangersinc Fantastic news Ryan!
The knob on the end of the counterweight knob should be solid metal and have a large fender washer on top to stop the weights from sliding off. The black plastic knob shown may have belonged elsewhere. Good luck with the mount :).
I did give that feedback I don’t disagree the bolt that holds it in is pretty beefy, but I may grab a big washer for it.
Pretty sure mine came with a big washer when I purchased 2 years ago. Plastic knob (and no machined metal upgrade available from Losmandy) but large washer included.
I did purchased all the knob upgrades and very happy with those changes.
I also purchased higher voltage (17V) power supply with built-in Amp reading from Michael Hermann. Mount is rated for 12-18V and I believe Losmandy sourced power supply is 15V) The higher voltage of Michael Hermann's power supply helps the performance of the high torque motors and the built-in Amp reading can be used to confirm good balance of the load.
Heavy duty folding tripod is a TANK. Heavy, but manageable and provides rock solid performance.
Level 6 upgrade was easy to perform and among other things give mount ability to track objects like ISS using SkyTrack software.
Wow, brilliant guiding numbers, I’ve never gotten better then 2.5 with my EQ6r pro, don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Zenith star 61 is my payload with the ASIAIR pro..🤷🏻♂️
You should be getting much better results than that with that set up. Shoot me an email if you want to set up a 30-60 min session so we can solve that for you. That set up should be sub 1” all day and getting down to .5” regularly
THE ABSOLUTELY BEST MOUNT!!!!!!!!!!!! Losmandy mounts are amazing!
Excellent video and a great mount….one thing, why do you use Pixels as your guiding metric, as most people use arc seconds, as it’s more critical when Imaging, than using the pixel as the metric….?
I’m not using pixels the results I’m quoting are on arc seconds with N.I.N.A. it shows both side by side. I’ve never been a fan of using pixels because it changes with focal length/image scale.
@@darkrangersinc ah, ok, I missed the side by side comparison….excellent video all the same..👍🏻
Stellarvue and G11 owner here. So far just visual. Love the scope, love the mount; hate the gemini. Probably something I'm doing, but can't get a good model into it, it will work for a goto or two but then is completely confused. I've watched all the videos repeatedly, it just isn't as easy as they try to make it. I'm thinking I'll have to put it on a pier with a camera on the finder and rely on plate solving before I'm happy with it. Instructions and support for it are just by other users. Maybe when it warms up I can have more patience putzing with it I will figure it out, for now I think I made a mistake in buying it.
I am basically just bypassing the Gemini, and using its capability to easily pair with N.I.N.A. or ASIAIR which is what I prefer because I’m doing photography and need to have a system that runs my camera/focus/guiding etc. So I won’t pretend to be an expert on Gemini outside of its ease of use with the platforms that I am running. What you are saying could very well be true. I would check out their I/O Gemeni 2 group. I’ll find the link and leave it below. Lot of great help there!
groups.io/g/Gemini-II/
Just create an account and you can post any questions you want and there are over 1000 members most of which are pretty knowledgeable
@@darkrangersinc Thanks. I am familiar, but haven't asked any questions. There seems to be a lot of people there who have quirky issues, and then there are people who know it inside and out and love it.
I have been running the G11G in my observatory for about 2 years. I have NEVER, NEVER created a modeling run. I boot up and using Gemini and NINA the scope ALWAYS slews to my target. NINA does its plate solving and then boom, target is centered. Of course I do a polar alignment with NINA but since I am in an observatory, I only PA once every few months. I use PHD2 for guiding and I'm always getting fantastic tracking.
@@RJ-cu4cj Thanks. I think that's direction I'm headed when the budget allows.
I think if you are outside the US this mount is a tough sell
They will send them anywhere. They’re actually really good about that just call them and ask if they don’t immediately offer it during checkout.