Related Manuals for ASTRO-PHYSICS 400GTO
Summary of Contents for ASTRO-PHYSICS 400GTO
- Page 1 ASTRO-PHYSICS 400GTO GERMAN EQUATORIAL WITH SERVO MOTOR DRIVE 400GTO with 130mm f6 StarFire EDFS and Hardwood Tripod March 30, 2000...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS MODEL 400GTO PARTS LIST FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS INTRODUCTION Why Polar Alignment is Important Compensation for the Earth’s rotation ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assemble Pier or Tripod Assemble Mount to Pier or Tripod Altitude and Azimuth Adjustments - Rough Polar Alignment... -
Page 3: Model 400Gto Parts List
ASTRO-PHYSICS 400GTO GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT WITH SERVO MOTOR DRIVE MODEL 400GTO PARTS LIST 400 Equatorial Head with Servo Drive Motors Stainless counterweight shaft with washer stop and black plastic knob (5/16-18 threaded rod) GTO Control Box (Model GTOCP2) and Carrying Bag GTO Keypad Controller with 15’... -
Page 4: Introduction
INTRODUCTION The 400GTO German equatorial mount offers many fine features to provide superb performance in a compact, portable package. The DC servo motor drive with GTO computer system, including the keypad controller with its digital display screen and DigitalSky Voice software offer extraordinary sophistication for today’s observer. Whether you enjoy visual astronomy exclusively or plan an aggressive astrophotography or CCD imaging program, this mount will allow you to maximize your night out under the stars. -
Page 5: Assembly Instructions
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Please read all instructions before attempting to set up your 400 mount. The Model 400 is very rugged, however like any precision instrument, it can be damaged by improper use and handling. Please refer to the following illustrations. The parts are labeled so that we can establish common terminology. -
Page 6: Assemble Pier Or Tripod
Assemble Pier or Tripod Begin by assembling the pier or tripod at the desired observing location. ADJUSTABLE ALUMINUM TRIPOD: Extend the legs to the desired height; secure with the locking levers. Adjust the distance between the legs. Place the legs far enough apart to provide a solid base of support. ADJUSTABLE HARDWOOD TRIPOD: Remove the tripod from its carrying case and attach the shelf to each of the three legs with the knobs provided. -
Page 7: Assemble Cradle Plate (Purchased Separately)
weight and require more hand effort. Later, you will do your final polar alignment with the telescope and counterweights attached, but the adjustments will be small. If the R.A. encoder housing and encoder adapter are installed (part # ENC400 - Mounted Encoders to use with Digital Setting Circles - are available as an optional purchase), you may remove them to complete these steps. -
Page 8: Attach Mounting Rings (Purchased Separately)
A firm tightening of the counterweight knob will not damage the surface of the counterweight shaft. The pin that tightens against the stainless counterweight shaft is constructed of brass. Likewise, the bronze sleeve that has been press fit into the center of the counterweight will prevent marring of the shaft as you move the counterweights. Attach Mounting Rings (purchased separately Our flat plates are constructed with keyhole slots at the location where your mounting rings attach. -
Page 9: Servo Motor Drive
SERVO MOTOR DRIVE GTO Control Box - GTOCP2 The GTO control box contains all of the circuitry to drive the two servo motors and the logic required to circumnavigate the sky. It will be operational and track at the sidereal rate when connected to both motors of the mount and a power source. In order to control the movement of the mount, you will need to connect at least one of these: •... -
Page 10: Rs-232 Connectors
RS-232 Connectors These serial port connections are used to connect your mount to your PC computer. You must provide your own cables with a 9 pin (DB9) male connector to interface with the GTO panel. We have provided the locking posts to secure the cable firmly. -
Page 11: Gto Keypad Controller Operation
MOUNT MAINTENANCE AND ALIGNMENT: Under normal operating conditions, no maintenance is required. Your 400GTO 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 12: Installation Of Encoders And Encoder Housings -400 Mount
INSTALLATION OF ENCODERS AND ENCODER HOUSINGS –400 MOUNT 400NC (purchased separately) Parts List: Right Ascension (R.A.) Encoder housing (black anodized) Declination (Dec.) Encoder housing (black anodized) R.A. Axis Adapter (clear anodized - silver colored), labeled R.A. Dec. Axis Adapter (clear anodized - silver colored), labeled Dec. To install your encoders, first remove the telescope from your mount. -
Page 13: Periodic Maintenance
If you look into the black encoder housing, you will see the encoder itself mounted at the rear of the housing. When the installation procedure is complete, the encoder shaft will insert into the center hole of the R.A. axis adapter. This allows the encoder to read the motion of the R.A.
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