iOptron SmartStar MiniTower Pro Instruction Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. iOptron Manuals
  4. Racks & Stands
  5. SmartStar MiniTower Pro
  6. Instruction manual

iOptron SmartStar MiniTower Pro Instruction Manual

Ioptron smartstar minitower pro instruction manual
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
®
TM
SmartStar
MiniTower Pro
Instruction Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for iOptron SmartStar MiniTower Pro

Summary of Contents for iOptron SmartStar MiniTower Pro

  • Page 1 ® SmartStar MiniTower Pro Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    4.2.6. Initial Star Alignment ... 17 4.3. Turn Off the Mount ... 17 5. Use the MiniTower ... 17 5.1. Manual Operation of a Telescope ... 17 5.2. Slew to an Object ... 18 5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon ... 18 5.2.2.
  • Page 3 Appendix D. Set Up USB-PC Connection ... 31 Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade ... 38 Appendix F. Use a PC to Control an iOptron Mount ... 41 Appendix G. RS-232 Command Set ... 42 IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY ... 47 NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

  • Page 4: Minitower Tm Overview

    1.1. MiniTower Pro MiniTower Pro is the perfect combination of capacity and portability. 33 lbs of Payload Born out of the popular iOptron Cube MiniTower Pro is the ultimate observing Figure 1. MiniTower Pro Mount and Tripod Extremely Portable With...
  • Page 5 Figure 2. MiniTower Pro in an aluminum case Accurate GOTO and Tracking Equipped with SmartStar technology, the MiniTower Pro the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available standard 8401 hand controller offers a superb navigation experience with an 8-line backlit display, 130,000-object database, and a USB port for easy...
  • Page 6 Additional Unique Features Equipped with additional features such as automatic over-current protection, automatic clutch protection for both axes, easy 3-point Figure 3. MiniTower Pro with dual scope setup level adjustment, dual scope setup with two dovetails and more-- The MiniTower Pro is one of the most user-friendly GOTO mounts available today.

  • Page 7: Minitower Tm Components

    1.2. MiniTower Pro Components Figure 4. MiniTower Pro Components Shown in the picture: 1. Tripod Lock 2. Tripod Support 3. Tripod Knob 4. Tripod Rod 5. Level Adjustment Lock with MiniTower Pro) 6. Level Adjustment Screw 7. Tripod 8. Mount Base 9.

  • Page 8: Minitower Tm Assembly

    2. Assemble the three prong washer and azimuth clutch lock (#11) onto the mount base 3. Carefully position telescope mount onto the tripod by aligning the three holes on the bottom of the mount base (#8) to the three level adjustment screws (#6) on the top of the tripod (#7), hold the mount with your hands.
  • Page 9 The other HBX is reserved for accessories, such as electronic focuser, laser pointer and autoguider adapter. DO NOT plug non-iOptron accessories into the unit to avoid damaging the mount or accessories. 7. This step allows you to attach the counterweight or a second scope.

  • Page 10: Ota Mounting And Balancing

    After sliding your scope into the dovetail holder—secure the scope by tightening the secondary lock (#17) dovetail plate that matches the holder. 1.75” dovetail plates are available from iOptron at www.iOptron.com (part number #8422) or visit an online or local camera store.

  • Page 11: Operate A Minitower On Batteries

    OTA. This alignment is done easier during the daytime. Point the primary telescope to a target at a remote building or flagpole and center the target in eyepiece. Loosen dovetail holder lock (#15).

  • Page 12: Gotonova Tm 8401 Hand Controller

    • Arrow (▲▼►◄): Press ▲▼ buttons to move a telescope along the DEC direction, ►◄ to move a telescope along the RA direction. Brows the menu or move the cursor in operating menu.

  • Page 13: The Lcd Screen

    The MiniTower Pro number of popular astronomy software programs. For astronomy software that does not have an embedded iOptron mount driver, an ASCOM driver and related Firmware platform are needed. Please refer to Appendix F for more information.

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    Point to Zenith. Unlock the altitude clutch lock (#13) and rotate the telescope to point up directed at the Zenith. A torpedo level may help. Once it is straight re-tighten the altitude lock to make sure OTA is secure and will not spin.

  • Page 15: Set Up Time Zone

    longitude and latitude information from satellites after the link is established. However, manual input is still needed for time zone and Daylight Saving setting. A clear sky outside is needed for GPS to communicate well with the satellites. 5.2.1. Set Up Time Zone Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set up controller”...

  • Page 16: Set Up Daylight Saving Time

    To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input number directly. To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead” and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “behind”...

  • Page 17: Go To The Moon

    GOTONOVA’s arrow keys. After telescope (referring Assembly), flip the I/O switch on the telescope mount to turn on the mount. Use ►,◄,▼ or ▲ buttons to point the telescope to the desired object. You may need to use assembled Section...

  • Page 18: Slew To An Object

    the number keys to change the slewing speed. Simply press a number while slewing to change the slew speed. 6.2. 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.

  • Page 19: Enter R.a. Dec

    6.2.8. Enter R.A. DEC Here you can go to a target by entering its R.A. and DEC numbers. 6.3. Sync to Target This operation will match the telescope's current coordinates Target Ascension and Declination. After slew to an object, press MENU—then scroll to “Sync to Target”...

  • Page 20: Update Firmware

    Use arrow buttons to move the telescope and center the star in your eyepiece. You can use the number buttons to change the slew speed.

  • Page 21: Set Up Tracking

    6.11. Park Scope This procedure only needs to be done if you do not move your telescope mount after you power off the GOTONOVA. Celestial pole pointing error will be stored to flash memory and recalled when you power on again.

  • Page 22: Ioptron Customer Service

    Power drop along the extension cord was known to cause the problem. Also check all the plugs and connections. 7.3. iOptron Customer Service If you have a question concerning your MiniTower contact Customer Service Department. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

  • Page 23: Appendix A. Technical Specifications

    Appendix A. Technical Specifications Mount Body Materials Motor Gear Bearing Speed (1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX） GOTO System GOTO accuracy Resolution Tracking Payload Second Payload Tripod Battery Power Requirement USB Port Protocol Firmware Upgrade PC Computer Control Weight with tripod AltAzimuth Mount Die-cast Aluminum Dual-Axis DC Servomotor, DC12V Aluminum worm wheel/brass worm gear 4 high precision bearings...

  • Page 24: Appendix B. Gotonova

    Appendix B. GOTONOVA MENU Select and Slew Select and Slew Sync. To Target Sync. To Target Electric Focuser Electric Focuser Electric Focuser 8401 HC MENU STRUCTURE Planets, Sun, Moon Planets, Sun, Moon Deep Sky Objects Deep Sky Objects Named Deepsky Object Named Deepsky Object Comets Comets...
  • Page 25 Set Up Controller Set Up Controller Set Up Local Time Set Up Local Time Set Up Site Set Up Site Set N/S Hemisphere Set N/S Hemisphere Set Display Contrast Set Display Contrast Set Eyepiece Light Set Eyepiece Light Set Backlight Set Backlight Set Anti-backslash Set Anti-backslash...

  • Page 26: Appendix C. Gotonova Tm Star List

    Appendix C. GOTONOVA GOTONOVA Deep Sky Object List ID No. OBJECT Andromeda Galaxy Barnards Galaxy Beehive Cluster Blackeye Galaxy Blinking Planetary Nebula Blue Flash Nebula Blue Planetary Blue Snowball Nebula Box Nebula Bubble Nebula Bipolar Nebula Butterfly Cluster California Nebula Cat's Eye Nebula Cocoon Nebula Cone Nebula...
  • Page 27 Keyhole Nebula Lagoon Nebula Little Gem Little Gem Nebula Little Ghost Nebula North American Nebula Omega Nebula Orion Nebula Owl Nebula Pelican Nebula Phantom Streak Nebula Pinwheel Galaxy Pleiades Ring Nebula Ring Tail Galaxy Rosette Nebula Saturn Nebula Sextans B Dwarf Small Magellanic Cloud Sombrero Galaxy Spindle Galaxy...
  • Page 28 Constellation Abbreviation Andromeda Antlia Apus Aquarius Aquila Aries Auriga Boötes Caelum Camelopardalis Cancer Canes Venatici Canis Major Canis Minor Capricornus Carina Cassiopeia Centaurus Cepheus Cetus Chamaeleon Circinus Columba Coma Berenices Corona Australis Corona Borealis Corvus Crater Crux Cygnus Delphinus Dorado Draco Equuleus Eridanus...
  • Page 29 GOTONOVA Named Star List 001 Acamar 049 Ascella 002 Achernar 050 Asellus Australis 003 Acrux 051 Asellus Borealis 004 Acubens 052 Aspidiske 005 Adhafera 053 Atik 006 Adhara 054 Atlas 007 Al Na’ir 055 Atria 008 Albali 056 Avoir 009 Alberio 057 Azha 010 Alchibar 058 Baten Kaitos...
  • Page 30 GOTONOVA Double Star List Object Alpha Theta Alpha Alpha Sigma Alpha Delta Alpha Alpha Epsilon HR 3579 Kapa Gamma HR 4167 Alpha Zeta Iota Gamma Gamma Beta HR 5089 Alpha Zeta Gamma Gamma Alpha Lambda Zeta Zeta Delta Beta Epsilon for 8401 Const 21732...

  • Page 31: Appendix D. Set Up Usb-Pc Connection

    Appendix D. Set Up USB-PC Connection 1. Download USB2COM driver (cp2102.zip file for 8401) from iOptron Website 2. Install cp2101(usb2com) driver Choose the appropriate driver for your OS. In this case is a Windows XP operation system. Double click on it, and you will see:...
  • Page 32 Select “I accept the terms of license agreement”, and click “Next” Using the default installation path, c:\SiLabs\MCU\CP210x, or specify your own path by click “Change”. Click “Next”. Then click “Install”.
  • Page 33 When finished installation, click “Finish” 3. Plug the USB cable to the USB port on your PC, plug the other end of the USB cable to hand controller. Turn on the power on the mount. 4. Install the Hardware The computer will find a new hardware and show the following screen Select “No, not this time”...
  • Page 34 Select “Install from a list or specific location” and click “Next”. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations,” and check “Include this location in the search.” Click on “Browse” and select the cp210x driver from directory c:\SiLabs\MCU\CP210x\Win2K_XP, click OK.
  • Page 35 Click “Next”. The computer will start to install the driver for the USB2COM. When the installation is done, click “Finish”. If the computer shows “find a new hardware” screen again, just repeat the steps in this section again.
  • Page 36 Now your computer should be ready for Firmware Upgrading; computer communication with the mount via ASCOM platform; and planetarium software applications. However, you need to find assigned COM port number for the USB connection. To do so, right click “My Computer”, and click “Properties”...
  • Page 37 Double click on “Ports (COM & LPT)”. Find the COM number and write it down (in the following figure, it is COM4)

  • Page 38: Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade

    Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade 1. Download and install Firmware Downloader from iOptron Website 2. Double click and open “iOptron Downloader” On the interface, select appropriate port using pull-down menu (in this case, COM4):...
  • Page 39 Click “Open Data File” and select the appropriate “.bin” file that matches your hand controller. Then click “Open”. Select “Main Program” in Update Type. Click “Start Download” It shows “Please reset GOTONOVA[GOTOSTAR], waiting for connection…” On the hand controller, press “MENU”, and using ▼▲ scroll to select “Set u controller”, press “ENTER”, then select “Upgrade firmware”, press “ENTER”...
  • Page 40 2. Screen is now blank: Wrong “.bin” file: make sure you have the correct “.bin” file for firmware upgrade. 3. Wrong downloader: you should use iOptron Downloader instead of the Flash Downloader. 4. Use cp210x driver provided by iOptron. The newest version from SiLab may not work properly for iOptron’s hand controller.

  • Page 41: Appendix F. Use A Pc To Control An Ioptron Mount

    5. Planetarium software. Some company integrated iOptron’s products into their planetarium software, such as Voyage and The Sky X Pro. Therefore, an ASCOM plug-in will not be needed. Most planetarium software can be used to control iOptron’s product via ASCOM.

  • Page 42: Appendix G. Rs-232 Command Set

    + or – sign, assumed to be + if omitted SS seconds SS.S seconds and tenths of seconds YY last two digits of the year General Telescope Information: Command: :SG sHH# Response: “1” Set the offset from Greenwich mean time. The offset can be entered in signed format (- 12 to +12) hours.
  • Page 43 Get the current Azimuth. Command: :GC# Response: MM:DD:YY# Get the current calendar day. Telescope Motion Command: :MS# Response: “0” if command accepted, "1Object is below horizon #" the desired object is below 0 degrees altitude. (8 trailing spaces before “#”, 32 total characters plus “#”)
  • Page 44 :RC2 # Set moving speed by N-S-E-W Keys to 256x :RC3 # Set moving speed by N-S-E-W Keys to 512x Command: :pS# Response: “East#” or “West#” This command returns the side of the pier on which the telescope is currently positioned. Position Command: :CM# Response: “Coordinates matched.
  • Page 45 Calibrate mount. Current Right Ascension and Declination become the commanded Right Ascension and Declination. This command synchronizes HC coordinate to commanded coordinate. No GOTO needs to be done first. Command: :Sr HH:MM:SS.S# Response: “1” Define the commanded Right Ascension, RA. Command: :Sd sDD*MM:SS# Response: “1”...
  • Page 46 1 – fork mount 2 – Germany equator mount Command: :PK#" Response: ’1’ This command parks the telescope . Command: : STPKP0#, :STPKP1#, :STPKP2#, :STPKP3#, :STPKP4#, Response: ’1’ These command sets the mount park position. 0 – original to north pole...

  • Page 47: 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.

Table of Contents