iOptron NI63385 Instruction Manual
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iOptron NI63385 Instruction Manual

German equatorial mount
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iOptron
GEM45 German Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product GEM45 (#7600A series) and GEM45EC (#7600ECA series, as shown)

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Summary of Contents for iOptron NI63385

  • Page 1 ® iOptron GEM45 German Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual Product GEM45 (#7600A series) and GEM45EC (#7600ECA series, as shown)
  • Page 2 Any worm system damage due to improper operation will not be covered by iOptron’s limited warranty. If you have any questions please contact us at support@ioptron.com WARNING! NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents ............................3 1. GEM45 Introduction ..........................5 2. GEM45 Overview ........................... 6 2.1. Parts List ............................6 2.2. Identification of Parts ........................7 2.3. GEM45 Mount Basic Cable Connection ..................7 2.4. GEM45 Cable Management ......................8 ®...
  • Page 4 Appendix G. Go2Nova Star List ......................43 IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY ....52 Ver. 1.1 2021.1 iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this instruction manual.

  • Page 5: Gem45 Introduction

    1. GEM45 Introduction ® Innovative ideas applied to a time tested design, the iOptron GEM45 next generation German equatorial mounts. A sharp looking CNC body is the first indicator the GEM45 is a top quality mount in both form and function.

  • Page 6: Gem45 Overview

    Box 2 contains the LiteRoc tripod (#7623). Box 3 is a 11lbs (5kg) counterweight (#8027). The contents are:  ® ® iOptron GEM45 telescope mount (#7620A, with black gear switches) or iOptron GEM45EC mount (#7620ECA, high precision model with red gear switches)  ® Go2Nova 8407 Hand Controller ...

  • Page 7: Identification Of Parts

    HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to an 8407 Hand Controller  iPORT: Auxiliary port for connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as a GPS receiver, an iStarFi WiFi adapter, an electronic focuser or for observatory dome control. DO NOT plug ST-4 guiding camera cable into this port.

  • Page 8: Gem45 Cable Management

    2.4. GEM45 Cable Management The GEM45 mount has a pre-wired Cable Management Panel (CMP). As shown in Figure 3, the Cable Management Panel has the following connections: Figure 3.Cable management panel  1X USB 2.0 port with standard type A connectors for accessory connecting; ...
  • Page 9 Figure 6. Top of the dovetail saddle...

  • Page 10: Go2Nova ® 8407+ Hand Controller

    ® 2.5. Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller ® The Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 7 is the standard controller used on the GEM45 mount. It has an integrated heater that ensures the LCD display will work at the temperature as low as -10ºC.

  • Page 11: The Lcd Screen

     STOP/0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between starting and stopping tracking.  HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the GEM45 mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.  Serial port: connect the HC to a computer via a RS232 to 4P4C RJ9 cable. The pin-out of the serial port is shown in Figure 8.

  • Page 12: Bench Testing The Mount

    8. Local Date and Time: displays the local time in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. 9. Mount Status: Displays the current operational status of the mount.  Stop: mount is not moving;  Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed or a GOTO command, such as “Select and Slew”...

  • Page 13: Gem45 Mount Assembly

    3. GEM45 Mount Assembly 3.1. GEM45 Mount Assembly NOTE: The GEM45 mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that you read this entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and function of all components before starting assembly. WARNING: DO NOT rock the counterweight shaft rigorously.
  • Page 14 STEP 3. Attach the mount Retract the 2x Azimuth (Azi) Adjustment Screws from both sides to leave ample space for the alignment peg to fit in between the 2 Azi Adjustment Screws. Remove the 2x Azi Locking Screws, with washers, from the mount base. Secure the mount head by tightening the Azi Locking Screws into the M6 holes on the tripod.
  • Page 15 Figure 14. Latitude mark window Unthread and remove the Position Bolt to its new location. Adjust the Latitude Adjustment Knob while holding the brass eyebolt until it lines up with the Position Bolt. Secure the Latitude Position Bolt. Position Bolt Figure 15.
  • Page 16 You may need more CW for heavier payloads, or a smaller CW for lighter scopes. STEP 7. Install Telescope GEM45 is equipped with a 5” iOptron Universal Saddle. It can receive either a Vixen or a Losmandy-D plate by flipping both Stationary Block and Locking Block. This unique adjustable dovetail saddle enables the scope to sit at the center of the saddle.
  • Page 17 Figure 20. Losmandy dovetail saddle After switch the Stationary and Locking Blocks, make sure that the alignment mark on the Stationary Block is aligned to one of the position marks on the saddle plate. If you have a wider dovetail plate, move the Stationary Block to an outside mark.
  • Page 18 ® Plug in a 12V DC power supply to the DC12V POWER socket. Connect the Go2Nova 8407 Hand Controller to the HBX port on the mount side panel. Figure 22. Ports for cables Plug GPS module into the iPORT with coiled cable. When powering on, GPS ON sign should be displayed at the upper right corner of the hand controller.
  • Page 19 Daylight Saving Time UTC -300 Minute(s) 2019-03-09 10:19:18 Longitude:W071d08m50s Latitude: N42d30m32s Northern Hemisphere Set Local Time The time will be updated automatically when the GPS receiver has established its link to the satellites. In the event that the GPS module is unable to establish a link, local time can be entered manually. Use the ◄...
  • Page 20 numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be changed to N47º31'48”: 47.53º = 47º +0.53º, 0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore, 47.53º=47º31'48" or 47d31m48s. Check the Hand Controller Battery The hand controller has a real time clock (RTC) which should display the correct time every time the mount is turned on.
  • Page 21 To perform the polar alignment: (1) Level the GEM45 mount and set it to the Zero Position. Make sure the telescope optical axis is parallel to the polar axis (R.A. axis) of the mount. If using a finder scope, adjust it to be parallel to the telescope optical axis.
  • Page 22 (3) The telescope will now slew back to Alignment Star A. Repeat the steps above. The iteration can be stopped when it is determined that the alignment error has been minimized. Press the BACK button to exit the alignment procedure. NOTE: It is highly recommended to use an eyepiece with an illuminated crosshair for accurate centering.

  • Page 23: Getting Started

    4. Getting Started ® In order to experience the full GOTO capability of GOTONOVA technology it is very important to set up the mount correctly before observation. 4.1. Setting the Mount and Performing Polar Alignment Assemble your GEM45 mount according to Section 3.1. Make sure the mount is leveled. Turn the mount power switch on.

  • Page 24: Power-Down Memorization

    4.6. Power-Down Memorization The GEM45 mount can memorize its R.A. and DEC positions if the mount power is lost during operation, even during high speed slewing. After the power is back, just do a Select and Slew to the same star when the power is lost. The mount will continue to track the star. 4.7.

  • Page 25: Complete Functions Of Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller

    ® 5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller 5.1. Select and Slew 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. ® 8407+ hand controller has a database of around 212,000 objects.

  • Page 26: Custom R.a. And Dec

    The mount has to be set to Zero Position before performing any alignment. 5.3.1. Position of Polaris/SigmaOct ® This function displays the position of the Pole Star for Quick Polar Alignment using the iOptron AccuAlign polar scope. In the Northern Hemisphere the position of Polaris is displayed, while in the Southern Hemisphere the position of Sigma Octantis is shown.

  • Page 27: Three Star Alignment

    5.3.4. Three Star Alignment The three-star alignment will further determine the cone error between the OTA and mount axis. The system will use these data to calculate the goto model. If the cone error is big enough, it is suggested to shim the OTA in DEC to minimize it.

  • Page 28: Display Settings

    Set Up Time and Site Beep Settings Display Settings Set Guiding Rates Set Tracking Rate Set Parking Position Meridian Treatment Set Altitude Limit Set Eyepiece Light Select one of three available modes:  "Always On” – a beep will be heard on each button operation or mount movement; ...

  • Page 29: Set Tracking Rate

    WARNING: DO NOT plug your ST-4 guiding camera cable into the iOptron port or HBX port. It may damage the mount or guiding camera electronics. 5.4.5. Set Tracking Rate You can set up the mount tracking rate by selecting “Set Tracking Rate”.

  • Page 30: Set Ra Guiding

    The power on default setting is “Allow RA Guiding”. 5.4.12. Language Select one of supported menu languages. Currently it has English and Chinese. 5.5. Electric Focuser This function controls an iOptron electric focuser. 5.6. PEC Option This function only works for the standard GEM45 mount. 5.6.1. PEC Playback You can turn “PEC Playback On”...

  • Page 31: Park Telescope

    5.7. Park Telescope This function parks the scope to one of four preset park positions. 5.8. Edit User Objects Besides various star lists available in the hand controller, you can add, edit or delete your own user- defined objects. This is especially useful for newly found comets. You can also add your favorite observation object into the user object list for easy sky surfing.

  • Page 32: Firmware Information

    Add a New Object Browse Objects Delete One Object Delete All Objects Select “Add a New Object”. A screen will be displayed asking you to Enter R.A. and DEC coordinates: Enter R.A. and DEC R.A.: 00h00m00s DEC: +00d00m00s You may enter the R.A. and DEC coordinates of the object you want to store, and press ENTER to confirm.

  • Page 33: Maintenance And Servicing

    Please provide details as to the nature of the problem as well as your name, address, e-mail address, purchase information and daytime telephone number. We have found that most problems can be resolved by e-mails or telephone calls, so please contact iOptron first to avoid returning the mount for repair.

  • Page 34: Appendix A. Technical Specifications

    AC adapter 100V ~ 240V (included) Polar Scope Internal iPolar electronic polar scope Level indicator Level bubble Dovetail saddle iOptron Universal Saddle, 5" ® Hand Controller Go2Nova 8407+,212,000 objects database, star recognition Meridian treatment Stop (0-20° pass), auto flip Yes (external)

  • Page 35: Appendix B. Go2Nova

    ® Appendix B. Go2Nova 8407+ HC MENU STRUCTURE MENU Select and Slew Solar System Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon Deep Sky Objects Named Object Messier Catalog Caldwell Catalog Abell Catalog Herschel Catalog Stars Named Stars Double/Multi Stars Hipparcors Catalog Comets Asteroids...
  • Page 36 Alignment Position of Pole Star One Star Alignment Two Star Alignment Three Star Alignment Solar System Align Polar Interate Align View Model Error Clear Alignment Data Settings Set Time and Site Beep Settings Display Settings Set Guiding Rate Set Tracking Rate Sidereal Rate Lunar Rate SolarRate...
  • Page 37 Electric Focuser PEC Options PEC Playback Record PEC PEC Data Integrity Park Telescope Edit User Objects User Def ined Comet Add a New Comet Browse Comets Delete a Comet Clear All Comets Other Objects Add a New Object Browse Objects Delete an Object Clear All Objects Firmware Inf ormation...

  • Page 38: Appendix C. Polar Alignment Using Ipolar Electronic Polarscope

    (1) Connect the iPolar Electronic Polar Scope to your PC USB port; (2) The iPolar driver will be automatically installed if it is the first time connecting to the computer; (3) You should see “iOptron iPolar” under Camera catalog in computer Device Manager; (4) Goto www.ioptron.com...

  • Page 39: Appendix D. Gear Meshing Adjustment

    Appendix D. Gear Meshing Adjustment GEM45 gear is designed adjustable by customer although in most cases not necessary. If you experienced DEC/RA motor stall occasionally, or there is free play between the worm and gear, follow this instruction to adjust the gear meshing. Tool needed: 2mm and 3mm hex keys.
  • Page 40 If you feel there is free play between the worm and gear, you may tighten the gear screw to eliminate it. To Adjust RA Gear: The RA gear meshing adjustment screw is located next to the RA Gear Switch. The adjustment is same as that for DEC gear/worm. Please contact support@ioptron.com if you need more information.

  • Page 41: Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade

    Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade The firmware in the 8407+ Hand Controller and control boards can be upgraded by the customer. Please check iOptron’s website, www.iOptron.com, under Support Documents of the GEM45 product page. The mount firmware is upgraded via USB port on the mount. The hand controller firmware is upgraded...

  • Page 42: Appendix F. Computer Control A Gem45 Mount

    (Windows OS), or directly by some software, such as Sky Safari (Mac OS).  Connect wirelessly with iOptron iStarFi adapter for GEM45 (#7434). The mount can be controlled via ASCOM protocol (Windows OS), SmartPhone/Pad and Mac OS wirelessly. See iStarFi Instruction Manual for detailed information.

  • Page 43: Appendix G. Go2Nova Star List

    ® Appendix G. Go2Nova Star List Named Deep Sky Object 47 Tucanae 47 Integral Sign Galaxy Andromeda Galaxy 48 Iris Nebula Antennae Galaxies 49 Jellyfish Nebula Barnard's Galaxy 50 Jewel Box Cluster Bear-Paw Galaxy 51 Lagoon Nebula Beehive Cluster 52 Lambda Centauri Nebula Black Eye Galaxy 53 Large Magellanic Cloud Blinking Planetary...
  • Page 44 Messier Catalog This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of Messier objects...
  • Page 45 Named Stars Acamar Alrescha Deneb el Okab Lalande 21185 Achernar Alshain Deneb Kaitos Lesath Achird Altair Denebakrab Mahasim Acrab Altais Denebola Maia Acrux A Alterf Dschubba Marfik Acrux B Aludra Dubhe Marfikent Acubens Alula Australis Edasich Markab Adhafera Alula Borealis El Rehla Markeb Adhara...
  • Page 46 Proxima Centauri Sadalbari Sulafat Vindemiatrix Rasalas Sadalmelik Syrma Vrischika Rasalgethi Sadalsuud Talitha Wasat Rasalhague Sadr Tania Australis Wazn Rastaban Saiph Tania Borealis Regor Sargas Tarazed Wezen Regulus Scheat Taygeta Yed Posterior Rigel Schedar Tejat Posterior Yed Prior Rigel Kentaurus A Seginus Thuban Zaniah...
  • Page 47 Modern Constellations Constellation Abbreviation Constellation Abbreviation Andromeda Lacerta Antlia Apus Leo Minor Aquarius Lepus Aquila Libra Lupus Aries Lynx Auriga Lyra Boötes Mensa Caelum Microscopium Camelopardalis Monoceros Cancer Musca Canes Venatici Norma Canis Major Octans Canis Minor Ophiuchus Capricornus Orion Carina Pavo Cassiopeia...
  • Page 48 Double/Multi Stars HC Item Constellation Name Rigel Kentaurus A Alpha Centauri Centaurus 71683 14396-6050 252838 Rigel Beta Orionis Orion 24436 05145-0812 131907 Gacrux Gamma Crucis Crux 61084 12312-5707 240019 Sargas Theta Scorpii Scorpius 86228 17373-4300 228201 Castor A Alpha Geminorum Gemini 36850 07346+3153 60198...
  • Page 49 HC Item Constellation Name 53 HIP 95771 Alpha Vulpeculae Vulpecula Anser 19287+2440 87261 54 HIP 30867 Beta Monocerotis Monoceros 06288-0702 133316 55 HIP 35363 NV Puppis Puppis 07183-3644 197824 56 HIP 94761 Gliese 752 Aquila Wolf 1055, Ross 652 19169+0510 57 HIP 21683 Sigma2 Tauri Taurus...
  • Page 50 HC Item Constellation Name 105 HIP 40167 Zeta1 Cancri Cancer Tegmen 08122+1739 97645 106 HIP 40817 Kappa Volantis Volans 08198-7131 256497 107 HIP 81292 17 Draconis Draco 16362+5255 30013 108 HIP 80197 Nu1 Coronae Borealis Corona Borealis 16224+3348 65257 109 HIP 88060 HD 163756 Sagittarius 17591-3015...
  • Page 51 HC Item Constellation Name 157 HIP 28790 HD 41742 Puppis 06047-4505 217706 158 HIP 4675 HD 5788 Andromeda 01001+4443 36832 159 HIP 31676 8 Lyncis Lynx 06377+6129 13897 160 HIP 10176 59 Andromedae Andromeda 02109+3902 55330 161 HIP 25950 HD 36408 Taurus 05322+1703 94630...

  • Page 52: 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.

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