The Atlas Eq-G Hand Controller - Orion Atlas EQ-G Instruction Manual

7. the atlas EQ‑G Hand
controller
The Atlas EQ-G mount provides easy, computerized location
of thousands of night sky objects such as planets, nebulae,
star clusters, galaxies, and more for viewing through your tele-
scope. The hand controller and internal dual-axis motors allow
you to automatically point your telescope at a specific object,
or tour the skies with push-button simplicity. The user-friendly
menu allows auto-slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even inex-
perienced astronomers will find themselves quickly mastering
the variety of features the Atlas EQ-G offers in just a few
observing sessions.
attaching the Hand controller
The Atlas EQ-G hand controller cable has a large, serial con-
nector (DB-9) on one end and a smaller, modular connector
(RJ-45) on the other. Plug the modular connector of the hand
controller cable into the hand controller (Figure 11). Push the
connector into the jack until it clicks into place. Plug the serial
connector into the mount (Figure 10). Use the captive screws
to secure the serial connector in place. The smaller modular
jack on the hand controller is used for RS-232 communica-
tions between the Atlas EQ-G and a computer equipped with
astronomy software like Starry Night Pro (see "Linking with a
Computer). The 12V power port on the hand controller allows
independent use of the Atlas EQ-G hand controller for users
Power indicator light
12V DC
power jack
Figure 10.
Atlas EQ-G mount faceplate.
Hand controller Computer interface
modular jack modular jack
Figure 11.
Hand controller jacks.
8
Power
switch
Autoguider
modular
jack
Hand controller serial jack
12V DC power jack
who wish to browse the object database without connecting to
the telescope mount.
The Atlas EQ-G hand controller allows direct access to all of
the motion controls of the mount and a database with a wide
range of preset objects. The hand controller display is backlit
for comfortable viewing at night.
The hand controller bracket included with the Atlas EQ-G
attaches to the built-in notch in the tripod center support tray.
To install the hand controller bracket, simply line up the tab on
the back of the hand controller bracket with the notch in the
tripod center support tray and slide the bracket forward until it
clicks into place (Figure 12). You now have a spot to store the
hand controller while you are viewing.
You can reduce the chances of getting your hand controller,
power supply, or other wires tangled during use of the Atlas
EQ-G by using the included wire-clip. The wire clip is adhesive
backed for easy attachment to any convenient location on the
mount.
Notch
Figure 12.
Installing the hand controller bracket.
Powering the atlas EQ‑G Mount
The Atlas EQ-G should be powered by a 12V DC power sup-
ply (tip positive) capable of producing continuous current
with a minimum of 2 amps. We recommend using a portable
rechargeable battery, like the Dynamo or Dynamo Pro avail-
able from Orion.
If you are using a portable battery like the Orion Dynamo, use
the supplied 12V DC power cable (male cigarette lighter plug
on one end, standard 12V DC power plug on other end) to
connect the battery to the 12V DC power jack on the face-
plate of the mount (Figure 10). Make sure the Dynamo's power
switch is in the "on" position after connecting.
Tripod center
support tray
Hand controller
bracket