Related Manuals for ASTRO-PHYSICS Mach2GTO
Summary of Contents for ASTRO-PHYSICS Mach2GTO
- Page 1 Keypad Optional Astro-Physics, Inc. 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Telephone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com July 2020...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Why Polar Alignment is Important Key Points Unique to the Mach2GTO UNDERSTANDING YOUR MACH2GTO RA and Dec Clutch Knobs Hard Stops and Clutches in the Mach2GTO Gear Mesh GTOCP5 Control System Periodic Error Memory (PEM) Correction About Absolute Encoders on the Mach2GTO Never Needs Homing. - Page 3 Altitude and Azimuth Adjustments Fine Altitude Adjustment Fine Azimuth Adjustment Tweaking Your Alignment Mach2GTO Daytime Polar Alignment Method Using Software to Improve Pointing Accuracy QUICK START SUMMARY – FIRST SESSION WITH YOUR KEYPAD QUICK START SUMMARY – FIRST SESSION WITH YOUR COMPUTER...
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Page 4: About This Manual
ABOUT THIS MANUAL This version of the Mach2GTO Manual was prepared for the production run of mounts (serial # M20011 and later) that began shipping in February of 2020. Most of the information in this manual is applicable to all Mach2GTOs that have been produced. -
Page 5: Mach2Gto Parts List
See the GTOCP5 Micro-Step Servo System manual for more information. Additionally, various imaging and CCD-based guiding configurations can take advantage of the Mach2GTO’s autoguider port (RJ-11-6) which uses the industry standard SBIG ST-4 wiring setup. -
Page 6: Mechanical Features And Specifications
MECHANICAL FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS All parts CNC machined aluminum, stainless steel & brass bar stock; stain- Construction less steel fasteners Worm wheels - RA / Dec 5.9” (150 mm), 225 tooth aluminum Worm gears - RA / Dec 0.71” (17.9 mm) diameter, brass Axis shafts - RA / Dec 1.77”... -
Page 7: Introduction
Astro-Physics GTOCP5 manual. The Mach2GTO has the strength, rigidity and sophistication to tempt you to permanently place it in a state-of-the-art observatory. However, its portability and ease of setup make it the finest mount of its size for remote use in your favorite dark sky site and even for travel to exotic observing locations around the world. -
Page 8: Key Points Unique To The Mach2Gto
● You can trick the Mach2GTO, but a trip to Home will fix it. Telling the mount to recalibrate on Deneb when it is really Vega will cause incorrect orientation. However, just send it to Home and all will be perfect again...ready for the next object. -
Page 9: Understanding Your Mach2Gto
Most users will never need to use a hex key on their Mach2GTO’s clutches. However, if you are heavily loaded, if your system is out of balance, or if you are doing critical long exposure astrophotography, you may wish to have the extra clutch... -
Page 10: Hard Stops And Clutches In The Mach2Gto
Hard Stops and Clutches in the Mach2GTO The Mach2GTO has internal wiring that cannot be allowed to go more than 1 rotation of the axes. The hard stops prevent cord wrap and possible damage to the internal cables. The axis shafts have two pins that stop rotation beyond 360 degrees. -
Page 11: Gtocp5 Control System
● Each GTOCP5 control box is matched to its Mach2GTO and has been programmed specifically for that mount. It cannot be interchanged with another mount. Note that the serial numbers match so that you can ensure they remain paired. -
Page 12: About Absolute Encoders On The Mach2Gto
How to Recover from a Recalibration Error Your Mach2GTO always knows its position and can easily recover if you make a mistake by recalibrating on an incorrect object. Although your mount may not point correctly to the RA or Dec coordinate that you specified, it is not lost. The absolute encoders know exactly where they are. -
Page 13: Benefits Of Absolute Encoders Summary
The utility of absolute encoders varies from brand to brand. Some manufacturers make very limited use of encoders and use relative (not absolute) encoders to provide a potential benefit to tracking and nothing else. The benefits inherent to the Mach2GTO with its premium dual on-axis absolute encoders include: ●... -
Page 14: Separate Your Mount For Travel, Reduced Weight Or Semi-Permanent Setups
Although the Mach2GTO is a small mount and should not be a problem to setup by most users, there may be occasions or circumstances where you want to separate your mount into smaller, lighter components. These may include airline travel, permanent backyard piers, or just the desire to carry less weight. -
Page 15: Now It's Time To Set Up
(smart phone Apps generally offer the option of magnetic offset). ● Astro-Physics Polar Alignment App – The latitude and longitude of your current site will display. Apps are available for iOS, Android... -
Page 16: Berlebach Wood Tripod (Awtber2)
5. Attach the optional 4” or 8” Extension (EAGLE6E4 or EAGLE6E8), if used. Losmandy Light-Weight Tripod (LMLWT-AP) This tripod is the perfect choice when traveling light with your Mach2GTO. The adjustable legs give the tripod a height range from 26” to 44” (low for imaging and tall enough for a refractor). -
Page 17: Attach The Mount To The Pier Or Tripod
Attach the Mount to the Pier or Tripod The pier adapter is integral to the base of your Mach2GTO. There are six 1/4”-20 threaded holes in the pier adapter base for positioning flexibility. You will use three of them (one every 120°) with the provided machined locking knobs. -
Page 18: Attach Gtocp5 Control Box
Attach GTOCP5 Control Box In order to mount the GTOCP5 control box to the Mach2GTO, it is necessary to use the Control Box Adapter (CBAPT), which was included with your mount. This adapter is designed to attach in two different ways to our Eagle pier. -
Page 19: Attach Counterweight Shaft
Attach Counterweight Shaft Thread the counterweight shaft onto the Dec axis. The shaft’s lead-in will help to align the threads. Be careful to not cross-thread the shaft in the adapter! We provide a Delrin washer to use at the base of the shaft’s threads to help prevent the shaft from getting stuck to the mount’s counterweight shaft adapter. -
Page 20: Attach Mounting Plate
(Purchased separately, refer to “Appendix E: Mounting Plate Fastener Chart” on page 43) Several mounting plates (also called saddle plates) are available for the Mach2GTO mount. If you own more than one instrument, you may need more than one plate, or you may wish to use one of... -
Page 21: Cable Connection
Connecting Accessories to Internal Cabling Input to Mount The Mach2GTO offers pre-installed internal cabling for communication and power to your scope-mounted devices. This is a major step forward in cable management. It eliminates the problem of dangling cables that cause guiding jumps while imaging and solves the problem of how to add an internal cable once you’re fully set up with... -
Page 22: Let's Talk Cables
Computer to Internal Cable Link We supply the Mach2GTO mount with pre-installed power and USB 3.0 cables. All one needs to do is to connect your power and communication sources to the auxiliary connector inputs at the rear of the RA axis. Your telescope equipment can then draw power and communications from the auxiliary output connectors at the Dec top plate. -
Page 23: Connecting Computer To Mount Internal Input
Connecting Computer to Mount Internal Input These connections are made to the Mach2GTO Back Plate on the RA axis. Using USB 3.0 Active Cable and Gender Changer ● USB 3.0 Active Cable (male A-to-female A) Example: Tripp Lite USB 3.0 Active Extension Repeater Cable (USB-A M/F) ●... -
Page 24: Balancing The Telescope
Be sure to read these sections before you balance: ● “Attach Counterweight Shaft” on page 18 ● “Hard Stops and Clutches in the Mach2GTO” on page 9 ● “Counterweight and Inertial Moment Arm Considerations” on page 18 Cable Considerations Remember that dangling cables will dramatically change balance and create guiding problems, so you’ll want to be sure that all cables are carefully secured and not dragging before balancing. -
Page 25: Polar Alignment - The Fundamentals
This is why we have included the bubble level on the Mach2GTO. However, don’t waste time obsessing about having the pier perfectly level. This is, after all, NOT an Alt / Az mount! Devote the time to the actual polar alignment instead. -
Page 26: Altitude Adjustments
In the northern hemisphere, the right knob rotates the mount to the west, and the left to the east. Altitude Adjustments 1. The altitude adjustment mechanism on the Mach2GTO has two components. There is a large Altitude Adjustment Knob on the front (north) side of the mount for making the adjustments. This knob... - Page 27 Azimuth Adjustment Range The illustration below shows the azimuth adjuster’s 13-degree range. If you need more adjustability, you can loosen the three machined locking knobs that secure the mount to the pier. This will allow you an additional 30 degrees (+/- 15 degrees).
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Page 28: Polar Alignment - The Refinement
● QHY PoleMaster Polar Alignment Camera – The Mach2GTO is designed to attach a PoleMaster camera to the front of the Dec axis using a QHY-supplied adapter. The camera images a sweep of the polar region and calculates the location of the celestial pole. -
Page 29: Altitude And Azimuth Adjustments
The mechanics of altitude and azimuth adjustment are relatively straightforward. In the discussion below, we will provide some information and tips that will give you the greatest success with your Mach2GTO regardless of the method you choose for determining the amount and direction of each adjustment. We’ll leave the choice of method up to you. We list the fine altitude adjustment first because our GTO Quick Star Drift Method and RA Corrective Method begin with altitude. -
Page 30: Fine Azimuth Adjustment
Fine Azimuth Adjustment The Mach2GTO’s Precision-Adjust Rotating Base and Hi-Res Azimuth Adjuster assembly makes for easy and accurate polar alignment in your observatory or in the field; and they combine to eliminate issues of adjustment backlash and lock- down shifting. -
Page 31: Tweaking Your Alignment
Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC PRO), Pro version with pointing and dual-axis tracking model. This software was provided with your Mach2GTO, www.astro-physics.com/apcc-pro ● Astro-Physics Keypad, version 5.xx firmware allows the creation of an orthogonality routine as well as pointing model and tracking models. www.astro-physics.com/keyvfk2 ●... -
Page 32: Quick Start Summary - First Session With Your Keypad
This summary gives an outline of the workflow to have a successful first observing session. Enjoy! IMPORTANT: Your Keypad must be using v5.xx firmware with Mach2GTO. 1. Set up your Keypad settings. This can be done in the convenience of your home before going into the field for observ- ing. -
Page 33: Quick Start Summary - First Session With Your Computer
Adjust software settings - follow the appropriate workflow documentation that is found in the GTOCP5 manual. d) If using the Keypad along with a computer, set the Keypad to AutoConnect=EXT and power cycle the mount in IMPORTANT: Your Keypad must be using v5.xx firmware with Mach2GTO. order to lock in the change. -
Page 34: At The End Of Your Session
AT THE END OF YOUR SESSION During shutdown, the mount can be parked in one of 5 preset positions or simply left wherever it is pointed and the power can be shut off. Tighten all of the clutches so that you can safely remove the equipment. Telescope load must always be removed first, followed by the counterweights and finally the counterweight shaft. -
Page 35: Remember These Tips
Please feel free to contribute hints and tricks of your own for future editions of this manual. At Astro-Physics, we know that our customers come up with some clever solutions! E-mail your suggestions to support@astro- physics.com. -
Page 36: Mount Care, Cleaning And Maintenance
Care Although we build it to be rugged enough for field use, your Mach2GTO is a precision instrument with very accurate worm and wheel adjustments. Please be careful if you place the mount on a flat surface, i.e. the ground or trunk of your car. -
Page 37: Troubleshooting And Support
No. Your mount’s GTOCP5 control box has been programed for your specific mount and no other. It cannot be switched to other mounts, not even to other Mach2GTO mounts. Doing so will require that you send your mount back to us for re-... -
Page 38: Additional Support
Additional Support Remember that additional information on the micro-step servo system is found in the separate “Astro-Physics GTO Micro- Step Servo System” manual. For additional information regarding the Mach2GTO, refer to the Support section of our website. We also encourage you to participate in the ap-gto.groups.io/g/mail... -
Page 39: Appendix A: Pre-Defined Park Positions
PRE-DEFINED PARK POSITIONS The Mach2GTO does not require starting from pre-defined park positions, but it is often helpful to finish the evening in one. Recommended: Park 3 is a safe and balanced position. Park 2 is a convenient position for loading and unloading your scope. - Page 40 Southern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere HOME POSITION (Mach2GTO / GTOCP5) Northern Hemisphere & Southern Hemisphere This is a very special position that is established by Astro-Physics when programming the Absolute Encoders. It is highly precise.
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Page 41: Appendix B: Drift Alignment - Ra Correction Method
APPENDIX B: DRIFT ALIGNMENT – RA CORRECTION METHOD What you need: CCD guide camera, computer with program that will give you a guiding graph. Classic Drift Align minimizes only Dec drift over most of the sky. However, that results in significant RA drift at the zenith. Drift in RA increases the closer you are to the Earth’s equator. -
Page 42: Appendix C: Roland's Gto Quick Star Drift Method - 2020 Version
APPENDIX C: ROLAND’S GTO QUICK STAR DRIFT METHOD - 2020 VERSION What you need: Keypad or APCC to provide Meridian Delay function and a cross hair from either a finder or computer program (like Maxim DL). Azimuth Alignment This first section will describe a precise way to polar align the mount’s azimuth. Once that is done, it will not require any further adjustment. -
Page 43: Appendix D: Position For Shipping And Compact Storage
APPENDIX D: POSITION FOR SHIPPING AND COMPACT STORAGE (RA axis turned fully counterweight up) Note: You may wish to save this shipping box for use when transporting the mount or in the unlikely event that the mount would need repair. The foam can also be used in commercial cases. -
Page 44: Appendix E: Mounting Plate Fastener Chart
(1) 1/4-20 x 1/4" low profile SHCS [to replace Safety Stop on V plate] SBD2V Adapter / Sliding Bar (1) 1/4-20 x 1/4" SHCS [Safety Stop for SBD2V] (3) 5/16-18 x 5/8" SHCS Losmandy Tripod to Astro-Physics Mount Adapter (4) 1/4-20 x 5/8" SHCS LT2APM Plate (4) 1/4-20 x 1" SHCS (3) 3/8-16 x 3/4 SHCS (1) 1/4-20 x 3/4"... -
Page 45: Appendix F: Mounting Plate Options
In addition to D-style plates, it matches well with the Astro-Physics 15” V-style Plate (SBV15). 16” Easy-Balance Dovetail Saddle Plate for Losmandy D-style Plates (DOVELM162) The DOVELM162 provides a multitude of mount attachment options, and was specifically designed to meet the balancing demands of “back-end-heavy”... - Page 46 This 15” long Vixen V-style dovetail plate is designed to add maximum strength and rigidity to your scope setup. It uses a wide attachment surface with the 2.362” (60 mm) side-to-side hole pattern of Astro-Physics and many other scope rings, along with the universality of center slots.
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