Orion SkyQuest XX12g Instruction Manual page 21

during Initial setup should be based on the same source
as last time. For example, if you enter the time from your
watch for this observing session, the time you enter next
session should also be read from your watch.
Other Functions
The GoTo hand controller is equipped with a variety of addi-
tional functions that allow you to optimize performance and
access other features of the system. Some functions allow
you to re-enter portions of data to improve or correct opera-
tional flaws. Other functions give users the chance to identify
unknown objects, interface the mount with a computer, and to
use other equipment in conjunction with the SkyQuest XXg.
You can even customize your own catalog of celestial objects.
Utility Functions
To access the utility functions, press the UTILITY (3) button
on the hand controller or scroll to Utility Func. on the Choose
Menu screen using the scroll keys.
Show Position: This displays the coordinates of the location
where the telescope is currently pointed. Use the scroll keys to
toggle between Right Ascension/Declination, Altitude/Azimuth
and Ax1/Ax2, where Ax1 and Ax2 stand for the +/- angular
readings of the elevation and azimuth axes, respectively.
Show Information: This function displays setup information
input by the user:
Time: Displays the current time and local sidereal time
(LST).
Version: Displays the hardware, firmware, and database
version of the GoTo hand controller. If the hand controller
is connected to the mount, this will also display the firm-
ware version of the motor control board. Use the scroll but-
tons to view the version numbers.
Temperature: Displays the temperature detected from the
thermal sensor in the hand control in both Celsius and
Fahrenheit degrees.
Power Voltage: Displays the input voltage to the hand con-
troller. This can be used to check the status of your power
supply.
Park Scope: Moves the telescope to the Home position or
parks the telescope at the current or previously stored park
position. Allows user to use GoTo star alignment from previ-
ous viewing session. (NOTE: If the scope is moved after It has
been parked, the alignment procedure must be performed
again.) There are three possible parking positions:
HOME position – The HOME position is the initial position of
the scope when it is powered on. Typically, the HOME position
is defined as the position at which the telescope altitude and
azimuth angles are both 0 degrees; that is, the telescope tube
is positioned horizontally and north.
Current position – The Current position is where the telescope
is currently pointed.
Custom position – The Custom position is the previously set
parking position. The hand controller will remember the coor-
dinates of a park position that you have specified.
PAE: Allows user to fine-tune star alignment based on region
of the sky used during setup. Please see the information in
previous Pointing Acccuracy Enhancement (PAE) section.
Clear PAE data – This function clears all PAE data stored in
the hand controller. Doing the star alignment will also clear
the PAE data.
GPS – This allows you to obtain information from the optional
GPS receiver for Orion GoTo Mounts, if the GPS receiver is
connected.
PC Direct Mode – This allows you to send commands to the
GoTo base's motor control board from your PC via the hand
controller. This is different from a PC link to the hand control-
ler to control the base, because all the communication com-
mands and data are sent to and received from the motor con-
trol board in the base directly. The PC Direct Mode is useful
for doing motor control board firmware updates and for some
applications that need to communicate with the motor control
board directly.
Setup Functions
The Setup functions allow you to change any system variable
or information regarding location, time, date, and alignment
configurations. To access the Setup Functions, either press
the SETUP button on the hand controller or browse to SETUP
on the Choose Menu screen using the mode and scroll keys.
The different types of functions available to you are listed
below, along with their respective purposes.
Date: Allows you to change the date entered at the initial
setup.
Time: Allows you to change the current time.
Observ. site: Allows you to change the current location
setting.
Daylight Saving: Allows you to change the Daylight Saving
option.
Alignment: Allows you to re-perform the star alignment.
Alignment Stars: Allows you to choose how alignment stars
are displayed.
Auto Select: When selected the hand controller will filter
out stars not available for selection.
Sort By: Generates a list of alignment stars sorted alpha-
betically or by magnitude.
Backlash: This function allows you to insert a value for each
axis to compensate for slewing backlash experienced on that
axis. Backlash is a delay in motorized motion of the mount due
to slack between gears. Backlash is experienced when the
slewing direction is reversed on one or both axes of motion.
For improved pointing accuracy, it is important that the back-
lash value is set to be equal or greater than the actual amount
of backlash between the gears. The default setting is 0° 00'
00" (degree, arcminute, arcsecond). Use the numeric keys to
set the values and press the RIGHT directional key to pro-
ceed to the next digit. First set the value for R.A. backlash,
then press ENTER to set the value for DEC.
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