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Summary of Contents for ASTRO-PHYSICS 1600GTO
- Page 1 1600GTO German Equatorial Mount with GTOCP4 Servo Motor Drive Mounts Shipped Starting in November 2016 Keypad Optional Astro-Physics, Inc. 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Telephone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 support@astro-physics.com www.astro-physics.com August, 2018...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Quick Start Summary – New Installations AT YOUR OBSERVING SITE Assemble Pier (purchased separately) Attach Polar Axis Assembly to Pier Latitude Adjustment for 1600GTO German Equatorial Mounts Special 90 Degree Alt-Azimuth Position ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assembly of R.A. and Dec. Axes... -
Page 3: Dec Backlash Test
Routine Mount Maintenance Worm Wheel Maintenance TROUBLESHOOTING, TIPS AND SUPPORT Troubleshooting and Tips Additional Support APPENDIX A: 1600GTO ABSOLUTE ENCODERS Part numbers and description What’s Included in the Kit Absolute Encoder Cable Connections APAE Utility APPENDIX B: DECLINATION AXIS BACKLASH TESTS PulseGuide™... -
Page 4: About This Manual
ABOUT THIS MANUAL This version of the 1600GTO Manual was prepared for the production run of mounts that began shipping in November of 2016. Most of the information in this manual is applicable to all 1600GTO mounts that have been produced. -
Page 5: 1600Gto Parts List
Bi-Level (TRAYSB) or Single Level (TRAYSB1) Support Bars. Keep things close at hand. ● 1600 Flat Surface Adapter (1612FSA): For attaching the 1600GTO to your own custom pier or tripod. ● 1600 Flat Surface Adapter with Flat Pier Plate (1612FSA-FP): For attaching the 1600GTO to the Advanced Telescope System (ATS) pier, or to your own custom pier or tripod when a flat pier plate is needed. -
Page 6: Mechanical Specifications
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS Construction All CNC machined aluminum bar stock, stainless steel, brass; stainless steel fasteners Every part is hand-finished and inspected. All assembly is done by hand, by highly skilled Finishing and Assembly mount assembly staff. Worm wheel - R.A. & DEC. 10.3” (262 mm), 225 tooth aluminum Worm gear - R.A. -
Page 7: Introduction
As an added bonus, all 1600GTO mounts will come pre-loaded with the custom-fitted PEMPro™ corrections from our extensive individual testing that is performed on each and every mount. While the native periodic error of your 1600GTO will be 5 arcseconds or less, you can reduce it even further to maximize performance without auto-guiding. These software control products are detailed later in the manual. -
Page 8: Assembly Diagram
Declination axis = Dec. axis = Dec. housing Please read all instructions before attempting to set up your 1600GTO mount. The model 1600GTO is very rugged; however, like any precision instrument, it can be damaged by improper handling. Please refer to the diagram below for an illustration of the mount. -
Page 9: Plan Ahead At Home
● Astro-Physics Polar Alignment app – The longitude and latitude of your current site will display. Apps are available for iOS, Android and Windows. Quick Start Summary – New Installations This summary gives an outline of the workflow to have a successful first observing session. -
Page 10: At Your Observing Site
(underside view) 3. Set the R.A. Axis in place. Carefully set the 1600GTO Right Ascension Axis / Polar Fork assembly into the open top of your pier, or into the 1600 Flat Surface Adapter (1612FSA), if you are using one. Unless you are quite strong, it is ideal to have two people involved in the operation of lifting and stabilizing the assembly as it is positioned into the pier or 1612FSA. -
Page 11: Latitude Adjustment For 1600Gto German Equatorial Mounts
Latitude Adjustment for 1600GTO German Equatorial Mounts The 1600 mount accommodates a latitude range from 0 to 78 degrees and 90 degrees. The Altitude Adjuster Bar allows for gross latitude ranges, while the Adjustment Knob is used to provide the precision adjustments when polar aligning. The Altitude Adjuster Bar is positioned into one of nine slots which provide an overlapping latitude range. -
Page 12: Special 90 Degree Alt-Azimuth Position
Special 90 Degree Alt-Azimuth Position One of the unique design features of the 1600GTO mount is its ability to be placed into a 90° Alt-Azimuth position. This allows specialized functionality for research applications, as well as terrestrial viewing. In order to achieve maximum stability, it is important to maintain the center of gravity directly above the pier. -
Page 13: Assembly Instructions
Channel (2) Clutch Knob (3) Assembly of R.A. and Dec. Axes Dec. Servo One of the many features of the 1600GTO mount is internal Cable wiring. Internal wiring adds protection and convenience. It Cable eliminates many of the concerns, such as cable-snags and... -
Page 14: Disassembly Procedure
was inserted into the center of the R.A. axis Cable Router. Connect Cable Dec. Servo the cable to the connector box as shown in the illustration and tighten Clips Cable the retaining ring. 10. Replace the Dec. Counterweight Adapter. 11. Thread the counterweight shaft into the Dec. axis. Ensure that the plastic washer is in place on the threads of the shaft so that the shaft will be easier to remove later. -
Page 15: Cable Management
The Basics The 1600GTO mount has some very unique features that assist you with your cable management. Starting at the top of the mount, you notice that there is a removable Dec. Top Plate. This plate allows you to attach various dovetail saddles and specialty plates for the many, varied telescope systems to be found today. -
Page 16: Routing Cables If You Plan To Use The Cable Router Insert When Using The Polar Scope
There are two options for running cables through the 1600GTO. If you have the mount set up permanently in an observatory and have no plans for the use of a polar scope, then you can choose to not use the cable router insert and can run your cables through the mount while the two axes are joined. -
Page 17: Routing Cables If You Don't Plan To Use The Cable Router Insert
10. Decide which direction the cables should go (most will likely be towards the back of the scope, while some may best be towards the front) and direct them accordingly through either of the two cable channels found on the Dec. Axis Hub. This is a good time to further adjust the cable lengths as needed. -
Page 18: Attach Mounting Plate
1600GTO Dec. Top Plate Mounting Hole Pattern Take note of the hole-patterns available on the Declination Cap of the 1600GTO. Most of you will use either the outer six-hole Two 1/4-20 tapped bolt pattern or else the inner four-hole bolt pattern to attach holes @ 0º... -
Page 19: Losmandy D-Style Compatible Saddle Plates
1” socket head cap screws and possibly one or two 1/4-20 x 3/4” flat head socket cap screws. Astro-Physics Dovetail Option 15” Astro-Physics Dovetail Saddle Plate (DOVE15) for 15” Sliding Bar (SB1500) The 15” version of our dovetail plate is suited for the 130 StarFire scopes, ARO Maksutovs, Takahashi scopes and other instruments of similar size. -
Page 20: Side-By-Side And Vixen Style Plate Options
This robust plate allows attachment of instruments like the PlaneWave CDK17 or CDK20 that use their 7.652” wide dovetail plate. The plate was originally designed for the 3600GTO mount, but it works extremely well on the 1600GTO with the PlaneWave CDK17 and CDK20. We do not recommend their larger scopes for the 1600GTO. -
Page 21: Attach Counterweight Shaft And Counterweights
ATTACH COUNTERWEIGHT SHAFT AND COUNTERWEIGHTS IMPORTANT: ● Always attach the counterweights before mounting the telescope to the saddle plate to prevent sudden movement of an unbalanced tube assembly, which may cause damage or injury. ● Remember counterweights are heavy and will hurt if they fall on your foot. 1. -
Page 22: Understanding The R.a. And Dec. Clutch Knobs
The 1600GTO uses a different clutch system, and it also uses a different bearing system for the free rotation of the axes. It will feel stiffer than the 900 or 1200 series mounts. -
Page 23: Balancing The Telescope
BALANCING THE TELESCOPE To achieve the best performance from your mount, your telescope should be well-balanced. This is more important for imaging setups than for visual setups since greater precision is required for guiding. Those who are setting up for visual use or casual imaging need only be “adequately”... - Page 24 Remove Lever Assembly Cover 1. Grip the lever assembly cover and pull it free to expose the lever inside. There are grooves on either side of the cover to assist with your grip. 2. Rotate the lever 180º to disengage the worm (never force it past its limits). When you rotate the lever, the motor gear- box will tilt and disengage the worm from the worm wheel.
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Page 25: Altitude And Azimuth Adjustments - Rough Polar Alignment
With a pier that is not level, each adjustment in azimuth also causes a minor shift in altitude and vice versa. This is why we have included the bubble level on the 1600GTO. However, don’t waste time obsessing about having the pier perfectly level. -
Page 26: Polar Alignment Options - Fine Polar Alignment
Note, however, that this motion will not be accurate enough to qualify as “tracking” without accurate polar alignment. In short, if you will depend on the GoTo functions of the 1600GTO, or if you intend to do astrophotography, you must perform a more accurate polar alignment. -
Page 27: Making Precise 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 1600GTO regardless of the polar alignment method you choose for determining the amount and direction of each adjustment. We’ll leave the choice of method up to you. -
Page 28: Fine Azimuth Adjustment
These programs analyze and compensate for these problems, resulting in improved telescope pointing performance. ● Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC), Pro version with pointing and tracking model, www.astro-physics.com ● MaxPoint™ Modeling Software from Diffraction Limited, www.cyanogen.com ●... -
Page 29: Miscellaneous Items
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Bubble Level and Lanyard Post Lanyard Post We have added a Lanyard Post on each side of the 1600GTO mount. Its purpose is to provide a convenient place to hang the Bubble Level Keypad lanyard during an observing session. Additionally, there is a Bubble Level for your convenience. -
Page 30: Slewing Your Mount In Below Freezing Temperatures
SLEWING YOUR MOUNT IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES There are several potential problems when slewing your mount in below freezing temperatures. The symptoms are a wavering or chattering sound from the motors, a slowing down of the slewing with a sudden jolting stop at the end of the slew, and in the worst case, a continuous running of the motors and loss of control. -
Page 31: Auto-Adjusting Gearbox - No More Worm Meshing
AUTO-ADJUSTING GEARBOX - NO MORE WORM MESHING! The good news is that your mount is always in mesh, thanks to the Auto-Adjusting Motor Gearboxes! The 1600GTO mount represents a new era in the ease of gearbox adjustment. Our new design eliminates the need for gear mesh adjusting. It has become automatic. -
Page 32: What To Do If You Believe That There Is A Backlash In The Gearbox
There should be a slight amount of movement so that the gears do not bind up; however, it should be slight. If there seems to be too much looseness, contact Astro-Physics for further help. -
Page 33: Some Important Notes
This is especially true when imaging. ● Reference the Astro-Physics Technical Support page of the website. There is a wealth of information on the Technical Support page that can often answer the questions that you have, as well as provide in-depth understanding and fixes. -
Page 34: Mount Care, Cleaning And Maintenance
MOUNT CARE, CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Like any fine piece of equipment, your mount’s longevity and performance are directly correlated with the quality of the care that you give it. Handle it with respect, keep it as clean and dry as is practical, and perform a few minor maintenance tasks, and your 1100GTO will give you many years of trouble free service. -
Page 35: Troubleshooting, Tips And Support
Consequently, the axes will never spin freely. Back the clutch knobs off by at least two or three full turns to more fully disengage the clutches. There will always be some friction. The 1600GTO clutches can be fully tightened without worry. - Page 36 Backlash adjustment is very easy to accomplish on the 1600GTO that has the Auto Adjusting Motor Gearboxes. Please refer to the section in this manual entitled: “Gear Mesh in the 1600GTO”.
- Page 37 CCD camera will pick it up to give you oval stars - that is a given. What you need to find out is whether this periodic error is within limits (± 3.5 arcseconds for the 900GTO and 1100GTO and ± 2.5 arcseconds for the 1200GTO and 1600GTO) and whether it is smoothly varying.
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Page 38: Additional Support
Yahoo user group. The members of this group are very knowledgeable about the operation of their mounts, CCD imaging and other related issues. The staff of Astro-Physics also participates and you will find a wealth of information in the archives. To find the group, link from User Groups in our website’s sidebar. -
Page 39: Appendix A: 1600Gto Absolute Encoders
APPENDIX A: 1600GTO ABSOLUTE ENCODERS The Absolute Encoder option for the 1600GTO mount can be installed at the factory before shipping or installed later by the user. It provides absolute positioning information, eliminates periodic error and eliminates Dec. backlash. The encoders provide the ultimate in mount perfection. -
Page 40: Apae Utility
APAE Utility The APAE Utility is the stand-alone utility which is used to turn on/off the Absolute Encoders and to adjust the Home and Limits settings. This utility was provided to you when we shipped the mount. You must have the newest version to recognize the GTOCP4. -
Page 41: Appendix B: Declination Axis Backlash Tests
APPENDIX B: DECLINATION AXIS BACKLASH TESTS PulseGuide™ PulseGuide™ is a free software program, developed by Ray Gralak, to provide keypad-like functionality using a computer. It offers the additional feature of a Dec. axis backlash test. You can download it through a link from the AP website. Once you have started the PulseGuide™... -
Page 42: After Running Tests 1 And 2
Once all pulses have been sent in one direction, an equal number of pulses are sent in the reverse direction. It is normal on reversal of direction that there is a slight delay in movement because of backlash. If this happens you may wish to increase the pulse count. If you see erratic movement please contact Astro-Physics for instructions. MaxImDL™... -
Page 43: Appendix C: Mounting Plate Fastener Chart
(2) 1/4-20x5/8" FHSCS [for mounting to 1200] ** Plates for 400, 600E, Mach1, 900 and 1100 Mounts (4) 1/4-20 x 3/4" SHCS [for mounting to 900, 1100GTO, 1200 or 1600GTO] ** [or to attach to SBD13SS or SBD16SS] (4) 1/4-20 x 5/8" SHCS [for mounting 400, Mach1GTO, 900GTO or 1100GTO] 10"...
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