iOptron iEQ30 Pro Instruction Manual
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iOptron iEQ30 Pro Instruction Manual

Equatorial mount
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iOptron
iEQ30 Pro
Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product #3000E

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Summary of Contents for iOptron iEQ30 Pro

  • Page 1 ® ® iOptron iEQ30 Pro Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual Product #3000E...
  • Page 2 This product is a precision instrument. Please read the included QSG before assembling the mount. Please read the entire Instruction Manual before operating the mount. If you have any questions please contact us at support@ioptron.com WARNING! NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Mount Assembly ....................... 6   2.1. Parts List ............................6   2.2. Identification of Parts ........................7   2.3. iEQ30 Pro Mount Ports ........................8   ® 2.4. Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller ....................9   2.4.1. Key Description ........................9  ...
  • Page 4 Appendix E. Go2Nova Star List ......................38   IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY ....45   Rev. 1.0 2015.04 iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design may differ from those described in this instruction.

  • Page 5: Ieq30 Pro Tm German Equatorial Mount Overview

    GOTO German equatorial mount is one of the next generation premium astro- imaging mounts from iOptron. Based on the success of iEQ30 mount, the iEQ30 Pro mount uses high resolution, low noise stepper motor to offer better GOTO and tracking accuracy. The mount is made of the highest quality materials to ensure stability and durability.

  • Page 6: Ieq30 Pro Tm Mount Assembly

    Mount Assembly 2.1. Parts List There are two shipping boxes for an iEQ30 Pro mount (#3000E). One box contains an EQ mount, with counterweight shaft and Polar scope, and an 8407+ hand controller. One box for 1.5” tripod, one 5kg counterweight and accessories. The contents are: ...

  • Page 7: Identification Of Parts

    Lat. Locking Screw (4) CW Safety Screw Azi. Adj. Knob Azi. Locking Screw (2) Lat. Adj. Knob & Lever Counterweight (CW) Alignment Peg Tripod Head Tripod Support Tripod Leg Tripod Lock Leg Locking Lever Figure 1. iEQ30 Pro mount assembly...

  • Page 8: Ieq30 Pro Mount Ports

    Dec: For connecting to DEC driver unit  Port: Auxiliary port for connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as an electronic focuser or for observatory dome control. DO NOT plug your ST-4 guiding camera cable into this port as it may damage the mount or guide camera electronics.

  • Page 9: Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller

    8407+ hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 5 is the standard controllers that used for the iEQ30 Pro mount. It has an integrated temperature controller that ensures it can be operated as low as -20ºC (-4ºF). It has a large LCD screen, function, direction and number keys on the front;...

  • Page 10: The Lcd Screen

     Serial port (i.e., RS232 port): connect the HC to a Computer for HC firmware upgrade via a RS232-RJ9 cable. The pin out of the serial port is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6. Serial port pin out on an 8407 hand controller 2.4.2.
  • Page 11 9. Mount Status: Display current operation status of the mount.  Stop: mount is not moving;  Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed or a GOTO command, such as “Select and Slew” or “Goto Zero Position”; ...

  • Page 12: Ieq30 Pro Tm Mount Assembly

    In order to get the most out of your equatorial mount it is essential to understand the concept of polar alignment and how the equatorial mount helps you establish and maintain a true Polar Axis alignment. Now you are ready to set up the GOTO functionality of the iEQ30 Pro mount – which...

  • Page 13: Ieq30 Pro Mount Assembly

    The iEQ30 Pro mount is a next-generation equatorial mount that provides the precision alignment capabilities required for today’s complete astronomy solution. The following sections of this manual provide the detailed steps required to successfully set up and operate the iEQ30 Pro mount. 3.2. iEQ30 Pro Mount Assembly NOTE: The iEQ30 Pro is a precision astronomical instrument.

  • Page 14: Step 4. Installing The Counterweight (Cw) Shaft

    Figure 11 The iEQ30 Pro mount has two latitude setting positions: a High Latitude Position (25º ~ 65º) and a Low Latitude Position (0º ~ 35º). It can be set by change the Position Safety Pin. If the latitude of your location is between 25º...

  • Page 15: Step 6. Balancing The Payload

    Make sure the mount is at the zero position (i.e. counterweight shaft is pointing to the ground) when installing the counterweight. Release the R.A. Clutch to set the R.A. axis free before loading the CW. Remove the CW Safety Screw on the end of the CW shaft. Guide the CW over the shaft and tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place.

  • Page 16: Step 7. Connecting Cables

    3.2.8. STEP 8. Setting Controller The iEQ30 Pro mount is equipped with a GPS receiver which will receive the time, longitude and latitude information for your current location from satellites after a link is established. However, there are still some parameters which need to be entered to reflect your location, such as time zone information and whether daylight saving time is currently in effect.
  • Page 17 To set up the controller, press MENU =>“Settings” Select and Slew Sync. to Target Alignment Settings Electric Focuser PEC Options Park Telescope Edit User Objects Press ENTER and select “Set Time and Site” Set Time & Site Set Display and Beep Set Guiding Rate Set Tracking Rate Set Parking Position...

  • Page 18: Step 9. Polar Alignment

    3.2.9. STEP 9. Polar Alignment In order for an equatorial mount to track properly, it has to be accurately polar aligned. With iOptron innovative Polar Scope and Quick Polar Alignment procedure, you can do a fast and accurate polar axis alignment.
  • Page 19 Quick Polar Alignment (1) Level the iEQ30 Pro mount. Make sure the telescope optical axis is parallel to the polar axis (R.A. axis) of the mount. If using a finder scope, adjust it to be parallel to the telescope optical axis.

  • Page 20: Step 10. Returning The Mount To Zero Position

    (5) Use the ◄ or ► key to adjust polar scope dial to ensure that 12 o’clock is at the top. If the polar scope is equipped with a bubble level indicator, you may use the bubble as the reference. (6) Use the Hand Controller (MENU =>...

  • Page 21: Getting Started

    4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment Assemble your iEQ30 Pro mount according to Section 3.2. Make sure the mount is leveled. Turn the mount power switch on. When the GPS receiver is connected to satellites, the hand controller LCD will display GPS OK and the mount will have the correct time and site information (this can also be entered manually as previously described).

  • Page 22: Star Identifying Function

    4.5. Star Identifying Function The 8407+ hand controller has a star identification function. After setting the correct local time and location and completing polar alignment, slew the telescope to a bright star manually or using the GOTO function. Press the ? key to identify the star that the telescope is pointing to, as well as nearby bright stars if there is any.

  • Page 23: Complete Functions Of Go2Nova ® Hand Controller

    ® 5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova Hand Controller 5.1. Slew to an Object Press the MENU button. From the main menu select “Select and Slew.” Select an object that you would like to observe and press the ENTER key. ® The Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller has a database of around 358,000 objects.

  • Page 24: Custom Objects

    5.3.1. Pole Star Position This function displays the position of the Pole Star for Quick Polar Alignment using the ® iOptron AccuAlign polar scope. In the Northern Hemisphere the position of Polaris is displayed, while in the Southern Hemisphere the position of Sigma Octantis is shown.

  • Page 25: Three Star Align

    arrow keys after the mount slews to it. Press ENTER when finished. The hand controller will prompt you to choose a second star. After centering the second star, the two-star alignment is finished. After the two-star alignment, the altitude and azimuth errors will be displayed. This number can be used to fine tune the Quick Polar Alignment.

  • Page 26: Settings

    5.4. Settings 5.4.1. Set Time and Site Refer to 3.2.8. 5.4.2. Set Beep The Hand Controller allows a user to turn off the beep partially, or even go to a silent mode. To change this setting press “MENU =>Settings =>Set Beep”, Set Up Time and Site Set Beep Set Display...

  • Page 27: Set Tracking Rate

    Forbidden. One can turn it on when needed. 5.4.9. Set Eyepiece Light Use this function to adjust the light intensity of iEQ30 Pro illuminated polar scope. If you have an illuminated-reticule eyepiece and has the same socket, you may use this option to adjust its light intensity.

  • Page 28: Language

    5.4.11. Language Select one of supported language. 5.4.12. Enter Alt-Azi Mode (or Enter EQ Mode) Switch the iEQ30 Pro operation between EQ and AA modes. 5.5. Electric Focuser This function controls an iOptron electric focuser. 5.6. PEC Option You can turn “PEC Playback On” to improve tracking accuracy which is especially useful for long exposure astrophotography.

  • Page 29: Edit User Objects

    5.8. Edit User Objects Besides various star lists available in the hand controller, you can add, edit or delete your own user-defined objects. This is especially useful for newly found comets. You can also add your favorite observation object into the user object list for easy sky surfing. Up to 60 comets and other user objects can be stored.

  • Page 30: Firmware Information

    Select “Add a New Object”. A screen will be displayed asking you to Enter R.A. and DEC coordinates: Enter R.A. and DEC R.A.: 00h00m00s DEC: +00d00m00s You may enter the R.A. and DEC coordinates of the object you want to store, and press ENTER to confirm.

  • Page 31: Maintenance And Servicing

    6. Maintenance and Servicing 6.1. Maintenance The iEQ30 Pro mount is designed to be maintenance free. Do not overload the mount. Do not drop the mount as this will damage the mount and / or permanently degrade GOTO performance and tracking accuracy.

  • Page 32: Appendix A. Technical Specifications

    Appendix A. Technical Specifications Mount German Equatorial Mount Payload 30 lb (13.5kg), exclude counterweight Mount weight 15 lb (6.8kg) Payload/Mount weight Right Ascension worm wheel Φ110mm, 180 teeth aluminum Declination worm wheel Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum Right Ascension axis shaft Φ40mm steel Declination axis shaft Φ30mm steel...

  • Page 33: 8407+ Hc Menu Structure

    ® Appendix B. iEQ30 Pro Go2Nova 8407+ HC MENU STRUCTURE MENU Select and Slew Solar System Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon Deep Sky Objects Named Object Messier Catalog NGC Catalog IC Catalog UGC Catalog MCG Catalog Caldwell Catalog...
  • Page 34 Alignment Pole Star Position One Star Align Two Star Polar Align Three Star Align Solar System Align Align Polar Interate Align Display Model Error Settings Set Time and Site Set Beep Set Display Set Guiding Rate Set Tracking Rate Sidereal Rate Lunar Rate SolarRate King Rate...
  • Page 35 PEC Options PEC Playback Record PEC PEC Data Integrity Park Telescope Edit User Objects User Def ined Comet Add a New Comet Browse Comets Delete a Comet Clear All Comets Other Objects Add a New Object Browse Objects Delete an Object Clear All Objects Firmware Inf ormation Zero Position...

  • Page 36: Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade

    Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade The firmware in the 8407+ Hand Controller and control boards can be upgraded by the customer. Please check iOptron’s website, www.iOptron.com, under Support, select iEQ Pro Mount for details.

  • Page 37: Appendix D. Computer Control An Ieq30 Pro Mount

    Appendix D. Computer Control an iEQ30 Pro Mount The iEQ30 Pro mount can be controlled by a SmartPhone, a Tablet or a computer, without the hand controller attached. It is supported by two types of computer connections:  Connect to a computer via RS232 serial port. An optional RS232 to USB adapter (iOptron part #8435) is needed if your computer does not have a serial port, like most of the laptops on the market today.

  • Page 38: Appendix E. Go2Nova ® Star List

    ® Appendix E. Go2Nova Star List Messier Catalog This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of Messier objects...
  • Page 39 Named Star List 001 Acamar 050 Asellus Australis 099 Kaus Media 148 Rastaba 002 Achernar 051 Asellus Borealis 100 Keid 149 Regulus 003 Acrux 052 Aspidiske 101 Kitalpha 150 Rigel 004 Acubens 053 Atik 102 Kochab 151 Rigel Kentaurus 005 Adhafera 054 Atlas 103 Kornephoros 152 Ruchbah...
  • Page 40 Modern Constellations Constellation Abbreviation Constellation Abbreviation Andromeda Lacerta Antlia Apus Leo Minor Aquarius Lepus Aquila Libra Lupus Aries Lynx Auriga Lyra Boötes Mensa Caelum Microscopium Camelopardalis Monoceros Cancer Musca Canes Venatici Norma Canis Major Octans Canis Minor Ophiuchus Capricornus Orion Carina Pavo Cassiopeia...
  • Page 41 Deep Sky Object List ID No. OBJECT NGC # Messier# A(Abell) U(UGC) ID No. OBJECT NGC # Messier# A(Abell) U(UGC) Andromeda Galaxy Hind's Variable Nebula 1555 Barnards Galaxy 6822 Hubble's Variable Nebula 2261 Beehive Cluster 2632 Integral Sign Galaxy 3697 Blackeye Galaxy 4926 Jewel Box Cluster...
  • Page 42 Double Star List No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name 2.3 / 5.1 37734 Almaak 36 Eta 12.9 3.5 / 7.5 21732 Achird 35.9 4.4 / 8.6 54033 37 Iot 4.7/7.0/8.2 12298 12.8 3.7 / 11 125235 Alshain...
  • Page 43 No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name 71 Bet 34.4 3.1 / 5.1 87301 Albireo 106 Del 3.1 / 8.2 84951 Sarin 72 Omi 1 3.8 / 6.7 49337 107 Mu 3.4 / 9.8 85397 73 52 4.2 / 9.4...
  • Page 44 No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name No. Object Const Sep. Magitude Comm. Name 141 Eps 2 5.2 / 5.5 67315 Double dbl2 176 Zet 5.6 / 6.5 109739 142 Alp 20.5 5.0 / 10 212472 177 Kap 4.5 / 4.7 174199 143 Zet 4.3 / 10...

  • Page 45: Ioptron Two Year Telescope, Mount, And Controller Warranty

    As a condition to the obligation of iOptron to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to iOptron together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to iOptron.

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