1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Onstep Manuals
  4. Racks & Stands
  5. Mark III
  6. Manual

Onstep Mark III Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
GREETINGS
Thank you for purchasing Mark III equatorial mount. The Mark III is
a symbol of vitality and modern technology. Meanwhile, it is a
lightweight and portable German equatorial mount with a delicate
harmonic gear system. Its outstanding payload capacity caters to
most desires in sky observation and astrophotography. Mark III
boasts quick dynamic response, precise tracking ability, accurate
data-transmission and processing. Mark III is easy to operate and
extensively compatible with existing astronomy software or
applications. It's a great option for astronomy activities, a handy
and functional helper along your journey to the universe
exploration.
This instruction manual is designed for anyone who use Mark III
equatorial mount. The instruction manual will introduce you the
proper steps and warn you about the potential improper thus
dangerous operations or situations. Please be sure to thoroughly
read the instruction manual before you assembly and use Mark III
equatorial mount, and strictly follow these steps illustrated in it.
Also, you should keep it in a place where you can easily refer to
when you operate Mark III equatorial mount. The operator himself
should be responsible for any damage to the equipment or personal
injury caused by improper operations.
I

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Onstep Mark III

  • Page 1 GREETINGS Thank you for purchasing Mark III equatorial mount. The Mark III is a symbol of vitality and modern technology. Meanwhile, it is a lightweight and portable German equatorial mount with a delicate harmonic gear system. Its outstanding payload capacity caters to most desires in sky observation and astrophotography.
  • Page 2 We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the developers and all relevant contributors who have helped a lot to improve the Onstep software. We will also do our best to make possible improvements and modifications to Onstep based on the practical operations to make this software and thus our equatorial mount perform more smoothly.

  • Page 3: Safety Precautions

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS This instruction manual will help you operate the Mark III equatorial mount effectively and safely. Please be sure to read this manual before any operations and strictly follow the steps illustrated in it. 1. MARKIII has a automatic braking system used in accidental power-off situations.
  • Page 4 Name Symbol Actual Speed Recommended Load（with counterweight） Fastest 2× 4 deg/s ≤12kg Faster 1.5× 3 deg/s ≤22kg Default Speed 1× 2 deg/s ≤28kg If ignored, it can cause damage to your equipment or personal injury. More information about the current step.

  • Page 5: Warning

    Or it can cause permanent and irreversible damage to your eyes. Observe the sun with a dedicated solar filter. 2. Do not place Mark III in places that is wet and damp. Or it may cause erosion to the parts of equatorial mount, which may result in inaccuracy, electrical shock and even fire.
  • Page 6 Or it may cause damage to the equipment or even personal injury. 8. Please be sure to place Mark III on flat ground before you observe or astrophotograph. Or the equatorial mount may fall over which may cause damage to the equipment or personal injury.

  • Page 7: Storage And Protection

    Mark III with strong corrosive detergent. Or it may poison the surface painting of Mark III equatorial mount. 6. If Mark III is not used for a long time or for long-distance transportation, please adjust the altitude angle to 30 degree and...

  • Page 8: Basic Operation Steps

    Mark III equatorial mount (See 4.3.1); change your mount’s hotspot name (See 5.3.2) 5. N-star alignment. (See 4.3.3) 6. Polar alignment. (See 4.3.4) 7. Reset the home position of Mark III equatorial mount. (See 4.3.2) VIII...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    2.4 Power Connection and controller ..............20 3 Mechanical adjustment .................... 23 3.1 Find the North ....................23 3.2 How to Level Mark III ................... 24 3.3 How to Adjust Altitude and Azimuth ............24 3.4 How to Set up a Telescope ................28 4 Operate with Hand Controller ..................
  • Page 10 5.7 How to Connect by Web ................91 6 Operate with Computers ..................94 6.1 How to Connect with Computer ..............94 7 Operate with ASIAIR ....................96 8 FAQ ..........................100 APPENDIX ........................102 Menu of Onstep App ..................102 Menu of Hand Controller .................107...

  • Page 11: Components And Specifications

    R.A. axis is pointing directly to the Polaris which is near the Northern Celestial Pole or NCP. Mark III will turn around its R.A. axis, tracking an object at a set and constant rate. Thus the object will be kept at the center of our filed of view, achieving long-time exposure.

  • Page 12: Specification Of Mark Iii

    1.2 Specification of Mark III ITEMS SPECIFICATION Weight main body (without 7.65KG counterweight and counterweight bar ) Weight of special carbon fiber tripod (with 4.95KG extension tube) Total weight (without counterweight and 12.6KG counterweight bar) A standard 5KG counterweight and a counterweight bar...
  • Page 13 Guiding Port Through USB connection Hand Controller CNC-machined controller with build-in celestial database MARK III is perfectly compatible with ASCOM & INDI platforms, various commonly-used astronomy software, Compatibility mobile phone apps, star atlas software, etc., the mount can be controlled via smartphones/laptops/tablets etc. through...
  • Page 14 Home sensor style Electrical zero position Working temperature -25℃-40℃ Built-in electronic polar alignment scope port with Polar alignment scope port quick-release system PHD2 guiding test ±0.5” Note: the specifications are subject to change without notice and all rights are reserved.

  • Page 15: Package Contents

    1.3 Package Contents NUMBER ITEM NOTE Hand controller to control and operate Mark III equatorial mount Boost converter 12-24V boost converter×1 Thumb screw for fixing the mount on the tripod×2; M1.3 Allen Tool package wrench×1; altitude adjustment bar×1; M5 Allen wrench×1;...

  • Page 16: Components Of Main Body

    1.4 Components of Main Body NUMBER ITEM NOTE Dovetail saddle to accommodate a dovetail plate Safety screw to tighten and secure dovetail plate slid into the dovetail saddle Platform for polar for installing QHY polar scope scope...
  • Page 17 NUMBER ITEM NOTE Declination axis body R.A. axis body “Home”position When arrows are aligned, here is the home position symbol Altitude coarse-tune shuttle Bubble level Installing hole to install counterweight bar and counterweight Connecting cable to connect R.A. and Declination axis body Altitude fine-tune screw...
  • Page 18 NUMBER ITEM NOTE Altitude fixing loosen before adjusting the altitude angle screw Azimuth adjustment screw Azimuth adjustment post Altitude adjustment to fix the altitude adjustment shuttle grub screw Connecting cable to connect R.A. and Declination axis body Fixing thumb screw to fix the main body on the platform of the tripod...

  • Page 19: Ports And Lights

    1.5 Ports and lights NUMBER ITEM NOTE Connection port to connect the Mark III and the hand controller...

  • Page 20: Components Of Tripod

    1.6 Components of Tripod NUMBER ITEM NOTE Tripod head for installing Mark III main body Leg brace support tripod; Stainless ferrule adjust the height of tripod Central column Tripod leg...

  • Page 21: Basic Information Of Hand Controller

    1.7 Basic Information of Hand Controller NUMBER ITEM screen direction, page up direction, confirm, enter the next menu long-press or double press to bring up different menus...
  • Page 22 direction, cancel, return to the previous menu direction, page down slower guide speed faster guide speed built-in battery port WIFI hotspot transmitter Connecting line between the hand controller and the mount body...

  • Page 23: Diagram Of The Hand Controller Connection Hole

    1.8 Diagram of the hand controller connection hole NUMBER ITEM NOTE USB port to connect Mark III and computer with a USB cable Power supply port to connect the power cable and Mark III Power switch Signal emitter to emit hotspot signal...
  • Page 24 Power light Power on when the red light is continuously lighting flashing when the mount is tracking, continuously lighting when Data light untracking...

  • Page 25: Assembly Steps

    2 Assembly Steps 2.1 How to set up the Tripod The tripod of Mark III is made of high-quality carbon fiber material, so it’s durable and pretty-looking, with amazing supporting performance. Before you start observation or astrophotography, please be sure the ground is firm and level, in order to prevent the equatorial mount from falling over.
  • Page 26 STEP 3 Every tripod leg is supported by a stainless ferrule and they are also used to adjust the height of the tripod within a range of 25mm. STEP 4 There is a high-precision bubble level on the base of the main body. Observe the bubble in the bubble level to help you level your tripod.

  • Page 27: How To Assemble The Main Body

    STEP 2 Gently put the main body of Mark III onto the tripod head. The central metal protrusion on the tripod head should fit into the hollow on the bottom of the mount and the azimuth adjustment post should fit into the space between two azimuth adjustment knobs.
  • Page 28 STEP 3 Take out two fixing thumb screws (with plastic washers) from the tool package. Thread these two screws to fix the main body on the tripod head. There are holes tapped on the sides of the screws, users can further tighten these screws with the altitude adjustment bar (also in the tool package).

  • Page 29: How To Assemble Counterweight

    Declination Axis of the mount body. STEP 2 Take out the counterweight, screw it onto the thread of the Mark III counterweight bar,tightening it to prevent the counterweight from falling off. The counterweight and counterweight bar are heavy, please be careful when assembling.

  • Page 30: Power Connection And Controller

    Please don’t plug off the R.A. and Dec connecting cable when the mount is working, or it may cause the mount to break down STEP 2 The standard Mark III configuration has a hand controller. Take out the hand controller, connect one end to the interface on the rear side of the Mark III body.
  • Page 31 If your mount is in a tracking state, the green light is constantly flashing. If your mount is not in a tracking state, the green light is continuously lighting. When you successfully connect your hand controller to Mark III equatorial mount, the screen will display [Connection OK!], then enter into the home screen.
  • Page 32 East of the Meridian (top right) West of the Meridian (top right) At the Home position and stop tracking (top right) R.A. coordinate (Home screen) Declination coordinate (Home screen) Azimuth coordinate (press [M] key once) Altitude coordinate (press [M] key once) Universal time (press [M] key twice) Local standard time (press [M] key twice) Ambient temperature (press [M] three times)

  • Page 33: Mechanical Adjustment

    3 Mechanical adjustment 3.1 Find the North Before using Mark III equatorial mount, place the mount on the ground that is firm and level. Point one of the tripod leg to the north (to south if in the southern hemisphere). The dovetail saddle on the mount head will be up and directly point to the north.

  • Page 34: How To Level Mark Iii

    3.3 How to Adjust Altitude and Azimuth When you first use Mark III or change your routine observing site, you should readjust its altitude and azimuth angle to ensure that you can carry out accurate polar alignment.
  • Page 35 N50 degree, you must adjust your mount’s altitude angle to 50 degree and so on. Mark III is designed with both coarse-tuning and fine-tuning systems. And before conduct altitude adjustment, you should first loosen the altitude lock screws on the side of the main body.
  • Page 36 Adjust until the pointer points at the number which exactly equals to your current latitude. STEP 3 Tighten two altitude lock screws. 3.3.2 How to Adjust Azimuth If the target deviates to left or right, you have to adjust azimuth of Mark III equatorial mount.
  • Page 37 STEP 1 Loosen two fixing screws on the platform of the tripod. STEP 2 Slightly adjust two azimuth adjustment knobs until the Polaris comes to the center of the field. STEP 3 Tighten two fixing screws to fix the main body on the platform of the tripod.

  • Page 38: How To Set Up A Telescope

    3.4 How to Set up a Telescope STEP 1 Attach the dovetail plate at the bottom of the tube rings. STEP 2 Assemble the tube ring and dovetail plate together with your telescope. Make sure that your telescope is secured by the tube ring.
  • Page 39 Telescope is heavy, please be careful when assembling When you don’t use Mark III equatorial mount, please do not leave the telescope leaning to one side for a long time. Or the equatorial mount may fall over due to shift of gravity...

  • Page 40: Operate With Hand Controller

    4.1 Basic Operation of Hand Controller 4.1.1 How to Upload Time, Longitude and Latitude Before using Mark III for any observation or astrophotography, please be sure to upload your current time, longitude and latitude to your mount. It’s critical for the equatorial mount to well behave.
  • Page 41 STEP 3 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Date/Time]. Press [▶ ] to change the date/time information. STEP 4 Press [▲] and [▼] to change the local date. Press and hold [▲] and [▼] to change the numerals in a quicker way. After adjust the date to match your current date, press [▶...
  • Page 42 STEP 6 In the submenu of [Settings], press [▼] to move the cursor to [Site] and press [▶ ] to enter [Menu Site]. Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Latitude] and press [▶ ] to enter the latitude adjustment menu. Press [▲] and [▼] to change the latitude.
  • Page 43 R.A. axis is directly pointing to the NCP (or SCP) and the telescope sitting on the dovetail saddle is parallel to the R.A. axis. Mark III is defaulted to be at its Home position.
  • Page 44 STEP 3 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Align], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Alignment]. STEP 4 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Reset Home], and press [▶ ] to confirm. The screen displays [Reset Move to Home], and press [▶...
  • Page 45 STEP 2 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Goto], press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Goto]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Home], press [▶ ] to confirm. The screen displays [Goto Home will clear the Model, Goto Home?].
  • Page 46 N-star alignment can greatly enhance Mark III equatorial mount’s accuracy. Mark III supports 9-star alignment. Generally, the more star you choose to align, the more accurate the mount will be. Besides, it’s a good habit to choose stars that are little drifted apart with each other.
  • Page 47 Declination coordinates or its azimuth and altitude angles. Press [▶ ] to choose the current star. The screen displays [Slew to Target?]. Press [▶ ] to confirm and Mark III will automatically slew to the star that you choose. And the screen shows [Slewing to Star 1].
  • Page 48 adjustment, press and hold [M] until the screen displays [Add Star Success!]. Now move to choose the second star. STEP 6 Press [▲] and [▼] to choose the desired stars. Repeat STEP 4 and STEP 5 until you finish all the procedures of 3-star alignment. The screen displays [Alignment Success!].
  • Page 49 4.1.4 Polar Alignment After N-star alignment, you can polar-align your mount to further improve its accuracy. There are two basic methods of polar alignment. The first one is using the built-in Refine Polar Alignment function and the other is asking a electronic polar scope for help. This instruction of manual will introduce you how to polar align with Refine Polar Alignment function.
  • Page 50 [▶ ] to confirm. STEP 5 Find a bright star near NCP (or SCP) and make sure that its Declination coordinate is between 50 and 80 degree. The Mark III equatorial mount will slew to the this chosen target. STEP 6 Make the bright star move to the center of your field of view by manually adjusting the mount’s azimuth and altitude angle.
  • Page 51 Mark III is equipped with a quick-release system for attaching a QHY polar scope. It’s easy for users to install a QHY polar scope on the platform and polar align your mount.
  • Page 52 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Goto] and press [▶ ] to confirm. STEP 3 Press [▲] and [▼] to choose a desired target from the built-in star catalogues. Mark III comes with many useful star catalogues: FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU Bright Stars...
  • Page 53 Caldwell Herschel400 Collinder Mercury Venus Mars Solar System Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon User For example, move the cursor to [Stars] and press [▶ ] to confirm. Move the cursor again to choose [STF**] and press [▶ ] to enter the STF star catalogue.
  • Page 54 When Mark III is in the tracking state, the equatorial mount will follow and track a target at a set rate. Besides, you cannot manually adjust Mark III with 4 arrow keys unless it’s in the tracking state. STEP 1 Press and hold [M] to bring up the [Main Menu].
  • Page 55 [▶ ] to confirm. The screen will display [Tracking OFF]. The green light will be continuously lighting. STEP 5 You can alter the tracking rate of Mark III under different observing situations. Mark III offers three types of tracking rate: [Sidereal], [Solar] and [Lunar].
  • Page 56 Users can adjust the Goto speed of Mark III. Generally speaking, if your telescope is large and bulky, you should slower your Goto speed and your telescope is quite lightweight and compact, you can increase your Goto speed. And as a rule of thumb, if the total weight of your telescope and other accessories is not more than 12kg, the Goto speed can be 4 deg/s;...
  • Page 57 STEP 4 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Goto Speed] and press [▶ ] to adjust your mount’s Goto speed. There are 5 types of available speed: NAME SYMBOL ACTUAL SPEED Fastest 2× 4 deg/s Faster 1.5× 3 deg/s Default Speed 1×...
  • Page 58 not the same as Goto speed. It’s the speed at which your mount moves when you manually direct it with 4 arrow keys. Press [F1] and [F2] to alter the guide speed. Press [F1] and the screen displays [Guide Slower] which indicates that the guide speed has been slowed.
  • Page 59 4.1.9 Display Adjustment STEP 1 Press and hold [M] to bring up the [Main Menu]. STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Display] and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Display].
  • Page 60 4.1.10 Contrast Adjustment STEP 1 Press and hold [M] to bring up the [Main Menu]. STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Display] and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Display].
  • Page 61 High High Maximum STEP 5 Move the cursor to choose a desired contract and press [▶ ] to confirm. 4.1.11 Screen Dimming Setting STEP 1 Press and hold [M] to bring up the [Main Menu]. STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings].
  • Page 62 STEP 3 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Display] and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Display]. STEP 4 Move the cursor to [Dim Timeout] and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Dim Timeout]. There are 3 types of dimming settings: SYMBOL MEANING Disable...
  • Page 63 STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Display] and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Display]. STEP 4 Move the cursor to [Blank Timout] and press [▶...
  • Page 64 So an equatorial mount should be capable of meridian flip. And Mark III is designed with 3 meridian flip mode:...
  • Page 65 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Meridian Flip], press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Meridian Flip]. Move the cursor to [Now!], for example, and press [▶ ] to confirm, Mark III will immediately perform a meridian flip if the target has already passed the meridian line.
  • Page 66 STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Buzzer] and press [▶ ] to confirm. The screen displays [Buzzer On?], you can press [▲] and [▼] to choose [Yes] or [No].
  • Page 67 STEP 2 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Settings], and press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Settings]. STEP 3 Press [▼] to page down and move the cursor to [Configuration], press [▶ ] to enter the submenu of [Configuration]. STEP 4 Press [▼] to move the cursor to [Limits], and press [▶...
  • Page 68 The limit of meridian E and meridian W is 3 degree will affect your practical meridian flip. For example, if you set your limit of meridian east and west as 3 degree, Mark III will perform meridian flip only when the target passes 3 degrees away from the meridian line.

  • Page 69: The Battery Installation Steps For The Hand Controller

    The battery installation steps for the hand controll NUMBER ITEM NOTE battery switch...
  • Page 70 The hand controller has a built-in battery compartment for the CR2302 battery, which can be put in, and the battery can maintain the self-running of the internal time of the mount. Use a 1.5mm Allen Key to open the battery cover, pull out the battery drawer, open the lid,contain the battery compartment, and put the CR2302 battery（self-purchase）into it.

  • Page 71: Operate With Smartphone

    And its a good choice for those who want to control an outdoor equatorial mount while staying at home or in a tent. The functions of Onstep App is not that different than that of a hand controller. And in this instruction manual, we will introduce how to operate a Onstep App in an Android environment.
  • Page 72 STEP 2 Power up Mark III, turn on its power switch. The Red light is continuously lighting and the green light is flashing. STEP 3 Search hotspot signal of [ONSTEP] in your phone’s wireless and networks and connect it. The default password is [password].
  • Page 73 And the home screen will display specific information about the mount if successfully connected.

  • Page 74: Information Bar

    5.3 Information Bar The home screen looks like this if successfully connected：...
  • Page 75 You can press the icon of [i] on the right of the information bar to browse different information about your Mark III equatorial mount:...

  • Page 76: Initial Settings Of Time And Location

    5.4 Initial Settings of Time and Location...
  • Page 77 Like operating with a hand controller, you must first upload your time and geographic coordinates to Mark III equatorial mount. It’s a critical setting step before any observation or astrophotography activities. Or the mount will use the factory-set data and its practical performance may not live up to your expectation.
  • Page 78 STEP 3 Go back to the home screen, press [more options] and press [Observing Sites]. STEP 4 If the geographic information of Site 1 doesn’t match your current situation, press [Use Current Location] to demand the app to acquire your current geographic information from your phone’s GPS system.

  • Page 79: Home Position

    III equatorial mount is an initial position where its counterweight bar is directly down pointing to the ground, its R.A. axis is directly pointing to the NCP (or SCP) and the telescope sitting on the dovetail saddle is parallel to the R.A. axis. Mark III is defaulted to be...
  • Page 80 at its Home position. STEP 2 Go back to the home screen and press [Initialize/Park]. STEP 3 Press [At Home (Reset)] and it will remind you “If you proceed the telescope should be manually moved to the home position. Are you sure?”...
  • Page 81 STEP 1 Press [Initialize/Park]. STEP 2 Press [Return Home] and it will remind you “If you proceed the telescope will be moved to the home position and reset. Are you sure?” Choose [OK] to demand your mount to return to its Home position.

  • Page 82: Other Functions

    The purpose of N-star alignment is to pick out a reference point, telling your mount about what’s exactly the direction it’s pointing. N-star alignment can greatly enhance Mark III equatorial mount’s accuracy. Mark III supports 9-star alignment. Generally, the more star you choose to align, the more accurate the mount will be.
  • Page 83 STEP 1 Press [Initialize/Park]. STEP 2 Choose the number of stars that you want to align with. Choose [3], for example. STEP 3 Press [Start Align] and it will remind you “If you proceed the telescope should be manually moved to the home position. Are you sure?].
  • Page 84 STEP 4 After choosing [OK], you move on to select the first star to align with. For example, select [γ Leo-Algieba ， 2.6Mv] and you can see the detailed information about the star you have selected. Press [GOTO] to confirm and demand your mount to point to this star. When your mount stops, observe through your telescope or the camera screen to see whether the target is staying at the center of your field of view.
  • Page 85 “Accept alignment point?” Choose [OK] to align you mount to this star. You’ve done one third of the operation. STEP 5 Go on to select the second star. Press [GOTO] to demand your mount to move and point to the star that you have selected. When your mount stops, observe through your telescope or the camera screen to see whether the target is staying at the center of your field of view.
  • Page 87 STEP 6 Go on to select the third star. Press [GOTO] to demand your mount to move and point to the star that you have selected. When your mount stops, observe through your telescope or the camera screen to see whether the target is staying at the center of your field of view.
  • Page 88 Optionally align the mount again.” So find a bright star near NCP (or SCP) and make sure that its Declination coordinate is between 50 and 80 degree. The Mark III equatorial mount will slew to the this chosen target.
  • Page 89 Make the bright star move to the center of your field of view by manually adjusting the mount’s azimuth and altitude angle. STEP 4 You can repeat the above steps until Mark III can perfectly goto a bright star and the star stays exactly at the center of you field of view.
  • Page 90 Mark III is equipped with a quick-release system for attaching a QHY polar scope. It’s easy for users to install a QHY polar scope on the platform and polar align your mount. 5.6.3 How to Goto STEP 1 Go back to the home screen.
  • Page 91 STEP 4 Press [GOTO] and the screen will display [Goto started]. Mark III equatorial mount will automatically move and point to this star.
  • Page 92 STEP 5 You can enter coordinates and directly demand your mount to the desired target. Press [Enter Coordinates]. Select epoch first and the default epoch is J2000. Enter your target’s coordinates in the blanks of RA and Dec. Press [Accept] and then press [GOTO] to confirm. Your mount will automatically point to the exact object.
  • Page 93 The number you enter should be integers. The format of RA axis is hhmm[ss] and the format of Declination axis is [-]ddmm[ss]. For example, if the RA and Declination coordinates of a target is 13h43.2m and +28°16’, you should enter 1343 and 2816 respectively.
  • Page 94 STEP 3 In tracking setting, you can select desired tracking rate for Mark III equatorial mount. Lunar rate is used to track the moon, solar rate is used to track the sun and the...
  • Page 95 5.6.5 Set Goto Speed STEP 1 Enter the home screen. STEP 2 Press [more options] and press [Goto Speed]. There are five types of Goto speed: NAME MEANING Fastest 4 deg/s Faster 3 deg/s Default 2 deg/s Slower 1.3 deg/s Slowest 1 deg/s...
  • Page 96 If the telescope weighs more than 22kg, it is necessary to assemble a counterweight to prevent overturning. 5.6.6 Set Guide Speed You can set the guide speed of Mark III equatorial mount. It’s the speed at which your mount moves when you manually direct it with the direction keys.
  • Page 97 STEP 2 Press [more options] and choose the proper guide speed. There are 6 guide speed for you to choose: SYMBOL MEANING 1/2×- VSlow half of the tracking rate 1×- Slow equals to the tracking rate 8×- Center 8 times of the tracking rate 20×- Find 20 times of the tracking rate 48×- Fast...
  • Page 98 5.6.7 Meridian Flip STEP 1 Enter the home screen and press [Initialize/Park]. STEP 2 Press [On] in [Automatic Meridian Flip], and turn on the automatic meridian flip function. When your mount follows and tracks an target that passes the meridian line, your mount will carry out an automatic meridian flip and keeps on tracking your target.
  • Page 99 E and meridian W is 3 degree. The limit of meridian E and meridian W is 3 degree will affect your practical meridian flip. For example, if you set your limit of meridian east and west as 3 degree, Mark III will...
  • Page 100 perform meridian flip only when the target passes 3 degrees away from the meridian line. STEP 4 Press [Upload] to set your desired limits. 5.6.9 Buzzer Setting STEP 1 Enter the home screen and press [Initialize/Park]. STEP 2 Press [On] in [Alert Buzzer] to turn the buzzer on and press [Off] to turn it off.

  • Page 101: How To Connect By Web

    5.7 How to Connect by Web 5.7.1 Connect by Web STEP 1 Power up Mark III, turn on its power switch. The Red light is continuously lighting and the green light is flashing. STEP 2 Search hotspot signal of [ONSTEP] in your phone’s wireless and networks and connect it.
  • Page 102 5.7.2 Some Icons ICON MEANING Refresh Return to Home position Reset Home position Parking settings Stop moving Tracking on and tracking off Sidereal tracking rate Lunar tracking rate Solar tracking rate...
  • Page 103 ICON MEANING N-star alignment Refine polar alignment Direction keys Guide speed settings...

  • Page 104: Operate With Computers

    When your first use OnStep software, it’s a good habit to change your mount’s hotspot ID in the menu of WiFi. In case that you connect with other OnStep software and cannot properly control your mount. 6 Operate with Computers Getting good sky pictures involves lots of long-distance expeditions, field observation and real-time astrophotography.
  • Page 105 Power up you mount and turn on the power switch. STEP 3 Connect Mark III equatorial mount and your computer by using a USB cable. If your computer is running in Win7 operation system, you have to install an extra driver [MARK III USB DRIVER] (available on Sharpstar’s official website).

  • Page 106: Operate With Asiair

    7 Operate with ASIAIR As Electronically-Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is becoming more and more popular, ZWO’s high quality ASIAIR is more applied than ever before. You can also connect your mount with this sought-after compact controller, and control your mount together with your astronomy camera, guiding camrea, filter wheel and other related astronomy accessories to coordinate with each other.
  • Page 107 STEP 3 Connect Mark III equatorial mount and ASIAIR with a USB cable. Power up ASIAIR and turn on its power switch. Wait until the PWR and WIFI indication light are continuously lighting. STEP 4 Search the hotspot that ASIAIR is sending.
  • Page 108 STEP 7 Enter you longitude and latitude of your current observing site.
  • Page 109 STEP 8 Set other parameters and press [Enter], to control and operate your mount.

  • Page 110: Faq

    Q2 ： Sometimes the [N] and [S] direction keys behave in an unexpected and reversed way. A：It doesn’t stem from Mark III and it’s not even a problem per se. The mount behaves normally when it’s pointing to a target near the NCP.
  • Page 111 A: You have to strictly follow the steps detailed in this instruction manual. If you forget to upload your current time and geographic information to Mark III and skip the N-star alignment, it makes the mount to use the irrelevant data. Mark III cannot carry out a...

  • Page 112: Appendix

    APPENDIX Menu of Onstep App FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FORTH LEVEL MENU Observing sites Goto Speed Limits More options Backlash Connection Lock Rotation Keep Screen On...
  • Page 113 FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FORTH LEVEL MENU Set Date/Time Start Align Refine PA At Home (Reset) Return Home Park Un-Park Set-Park Initialize/Park Dimmer Reticule Brighter Alert Buzzer Meridian Flip Pause Automatic...
  • Page 114 FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FORTH LEVEL MENU Start Tracking Control Stop Sidereal Rate Tracking Rate Lunar Rate Solar Rate Full Tracking Refr. Compensated Tracking Dual Axis Single Axis Slower Adjust Rate by Faster Reset Base Rate Play Stop PEC Idle...
  • Page 115 FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FORTH LEVEL MENU Direction keys Sync Lock 1/2×-VSlow 1×-Slow 8×-Center Guide/Focus 20×-Find More Options 48×-Fast 1/2Max-VFast Swap East/West Swap North/South Spiral Search Enter Coordination Sort by Name Sort by Constellation Solar System More Options Sort by Magnitude Sort by Class...
  • Page 116 FIRST LEVEL MENU SECOND LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FORTH LEVEL MENU Sort by Name Sort by Constellation Messier More Options Sort by Magnitude Sort by Class Sort by Name Sort by Constellation NGC/IC More Options Sort by Magnitude Sort by Class Sort by Name Sort by Constellation Herschel...

  • Page 117: Menu Of Hand Controller

    Menu of Hand Controller SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Bright Stars STF** Stars STT** GCVS~* Main Menu Messier Goto (Press and Hold Caldwell [M]) Herschel400 Deep Sky Collinder...
  • Page 118 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Mercury Venus Mars Main Menu Goto Solar System Jupiter (Press and Hold [M]) Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon...
  • Page 119 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Users Filters ￥ Goto Coordinates Home Bright Stars STF** Stars Main Menu STT** (Press and Hold GCVS~* [M]) Messier Sync Caldwell Herschel400 Deep Sky Collinder...
  • Page 120 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Mercury Venus Mars Solar System Jupiter Sync Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon Main Menu Here (Press and Hold [M]) 1-Star Align 2-Star Align 3-Star Align 4-Star Align Align 5-Star Align 6-Star Align...
  • Page 121 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Show Model Clear Model Align Reset Home Refine PA Park Parking Un-Park Set-Park Stop/Start Sidereal Main Menu Solar (Press and Hold [M]) Lunar Comp Full Comp Refr Tracking Comp Off...
  • Page 122 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Date/Time Select Site Latitude Site Longitude UTC Offset Turn Off Main Menu Settings Contrast (Press and Hold Display [M]) Dim Timeout Blank Timeout Buzzer Now! Meridian Flip Automatic Pause at Home...
  • Page 123 SECOND LEVEL FORTH LEVEL FIRST LEVEL MENU THIRD LEVEL MENU FIFTH LEVEL MENU MENU MENU Fastest Faster Goto Speed Default Speed Slower Slowest Axis 1 RA/AZ Backlash Axis 2 Dec/Alt Main Menu Configuration Settings Horizon (Press and Hold [M]) Overhead Limits Meridian E Meridian W...

Table of Contents