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Hobym Observatory Titan TCS User Manual

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F/W 3.5.9
2024/04/02
Titan TCS
User Manual
1 / 81

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  • Page 1 F/W 3.5.9 2024/04/02 Titan TCS User Manual 1 / 81...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    2. How to Use Navigation Button & Wheel ------------------------------ 3. Parking & Speed Volume knob ----------------------------------------- 4. System Configuration Diagram -------------------------- -------------- 5. Operation Sequence of Titan TCS ----------------------------------- 11 6. Menu List ------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 7. Explanation of Menu ----------------------------------------------------- 22 8.
  • Page 3 1. Key Features of the TiTaN Telescope Control System 1. TitanTCS operates with a specialized control processor (120MHz / 32bit) for mathematical operations and control, alongside a dedicated processor for user interface and communications. This configuration ensures readiness to accommodate a wide range of demanded functionalities. 2.
  • Page 4 times in cold temperatures, the OLED display remains instantly responsive even in extremely cold conditions, down to -20°C. (1.69" Diagonal Size, 160 x 128 Pixels, 16Bit Color) 11. The current supplied to the motor can be set separately for tracking and high- speed slewing modes.
  • Page 5 ⚫ Titan TCS V1 ⚫ Titan TCS V2 5 / 81...
  • Page 6 2. Using the Navigation Button & Wheel The navigation button and wheel operate in two distinct modes: 1. Telescope Mode The up/down/left/right navigation buttons directly control the telescope, moving it in the respective directions. The center enter key is used to stop the telescope while it's in motion. Holding down the center enter key for more than 2 seconds switches to Menu Mode.

  • Page 7: Parking & Speed Volume Knob

    3. Parking & Speed Volume Knob Speed Selection: Adjust the slewing speed by rotating the volume knob. The current speed is displayed on the OLED screen, allowing for adjustment of the telescope's driving speed from 0 to 100% to suit your needs. Parking: Rotate the volume knob fully counterclockwise until you hear a clicking sound to park the telescope.

  • Page 8: System Configuration Diagram

    Caution, Titan TCS V1 Only ➢ Although the Titan TCS V1 has both Micro USB Type B and USB Type A connectors, both are internally connected to the same USB port. NEVER CONNECT TO BOTH CONNECTORS AT THE SAME TIME! It is advisable to use the larger USB Type A connector when using a USB connection.
  • Page 9 ⚫ Motor Cable Connection (Circular Connector Type, V1) 9 / 81...
  • Page 10 ⚫ Motor Cable Connection (15 pin D-Sub type, V2) 10 / 81...

  • Page 11: Operation Sequence Of Titan Tcs

    A. Mount the telescope on the equatorial mount: Ensure that the weight is balanced as much as possible to prevent excessive leaning to one side. B. Connect the motor cable to the Titan TCS. C. Connect the power cable to the Titan TCS.
  • Page 12 B. Connect the motor cable to the Titan TCS. C. Connect the power cable to the Titan TCS. D. Turn the power switch on.

  • Page 13: Menu List

    6. Menu List 6.1. User Menu Top Menu Sub Menu Option Functions Mode Telescope TCS Main Operation Screen (Telescope Mode) In Equatorial Mode: Displays RA (Right Ascension), DEC (Declination), time, and TCS status. In Alt-Az Mode: Displays Azimuth (Az), Altitude (Alt), time, and TCS status. Object Star Name Alphabet...
  • Page 14 Barnard Number 174 items Lower Object Show / Hide Shows or hides objects below the horizon. RA / DEC Max Speed Input numerical values Maximum slewing speed Acc. Rate Input numerical values Acceleration Rate Direction Normal / Reverse Specifies the rotation direction of the telescope's drive axis.
  • Page 15 3 sec ~ 120 min Repeat (Seconds) : 3 sec ~ 120 min Stop Mount when exposure: Yes or No Cut Count: 1 ~ 999 Exposure Set Count: 1 ~ 999 Sets for Cuts group Wake up: Wakeup signal for Camera (double focus commands) Stop Time-lapse:...
  • Page 16 Save Position Save the current position as the parking position of the selected bank. * This menu cannot be selected when not in sync. Parking Knob Select the location to Select bank park with the parking knob. Safety Meridian Stop Enable / Disable Enable: In tracking mode, RA tracking automatically...
  • Page 17 But, if the “Meridian Flip” is disabled, the command to slew the telescope down the horizon is ignored. Disable: The TCS ignores commands that slew the telescope below the horizon. Alt Lower Limit Altitude of the horizon When [Go below horizon] limit (Degree).
  • Page 18 Flip) executed. Skip Once Skip Once / Meridian Skip Once: Flip Bypass Meridian Flip 1 time when GOTO. Afterwards, when GOTO, Meridian Flip is performed normally. Meridian Flip: Perform Meridian Flip normally when GOTO. Enable / Disable PEC Training Start / Stop System Mount Type Mount Type...
  • Page 19 Limit) temporarily reduce the motor acceleration rate. Note: The actual current consumption is not limited. It only reduces the acceleration of the motor. CPU Overheat Input numerical values Set Celsius degree for CPU (Celsius degree) Overheat warning. Tracking Rate Select current tracking Sidereal / Solar / Lunar rate Beep Level...
  • Page 20 AP Password Enter SSID of AP Password of TCS itself operating in AP mode STA SSID Enter SSID for external SSID of WiFi service to WiFi service which TCS will connect STA Password Enter Password for Password of WiFi service to external WiFi service which TCS will connect Detail...
  • Page 21 "Observatory" / "Date / Time" does not need to be saved after changing the setting. Immediately after entering the Date & Time is reflected in the internal clock. "Safety" / "Landscape" does not need to be saved after changing the setting. It is an execute command, and this value is not stored in memory.

  • Page 22: Explanation Of Menu

    7. Explanation of Menu 1. How to enter menu mode To enter the menu operation mode, press the enter key in the center of the navigation button for more than 2 seconds. When you enter menu mode, the top menu is displayed on the screen. To return to telescope mode, select the telescope menu and press the enter key.
  • Page 23 PEC : If the PEC data is valid but the PEC has not been started, dimmed gray color "PEC" will be displayed at the top. If the PEC has been started, red color "PEC" will be displayed at the top. ⚫...
  • Page 24 2. Solar tracking rate => Status : “Solar” 3. Lunar tracking rate => Status : “Lunar” The tracking rate can also be changed using the “Object/Solar System/Goto” or “Object/Solar System/Sync” menus. Speed Volume knob: The speed of the motor operated by the navigation button is displayed as a dimmed red bar at the bottom.
  • Page 25 Speed about 0% Speed about 40% Speed about 100% Parking Use the parking knob to enter the parking mode. TCS stores the last harmonic and mount position in nonvolatile memory. => => The parking procedure is complete. You can turn off the power. Later, when you turn on the power, you can see that the previously saved information has been restored.
  • Page 26 ⚫ Top menu screen 26 / 81...
  • Page 27 3. Object It is possible to slew or synchronize to the desired object by directly choosing it from TCS menu ⚫ Select celestial list type First, select the type of celestial list. ⚫ Search Screen: Provides three methods based on the selected celestial list type.
  • Page 28 ⚫ Search screens. ⚫ Star Name : 240 stars ⚫ Solar System : Solar system objects including the Sun and Moon. ⚫ Messier : 110 objects ⚫ NGC : 7840 objects ⚫ IC : 5386 objects 28 / 81...
  • Page 29 ⚫ Caldwell : 109 objects ⚫ SH-2 : 341 list of Sharpless ⚫ LBN : Lynds' Catalogue of Bright Nebulae ⚫ LDN : Lynds’ Catalog of Dark Nebulae ⚫ GCW : Rodgers, Campbell & Whiteoak ⚫ GUM : An astronomical catalog of 84 emission nebulae in the southern sky. It was made by the Australian astronomer Colin Stanley Gum.
  • Page 30 The list is white if the altitude of the celestial body is above the horizon and gray if it is below the horizon. ex) “Nekkar” is above the horizon, “Alcyone, Arneb” are below the horizon. In the displayed list, select the target using the up / down arrow keys and press the Enter key to display the Goto / Sync screen When a low-altitude object is selected, the following Warning screen is displayed so that it cannot be goto / sync.
  • Page 31 Selecting the "Sync" function will synchronize the position of the selected object with the telescope. => By selecting 'Adj', you can adjust the position of the telescope using the directional keys. Press the Enter key to finish the “Adjust position” operation. •...
  • Page 32 2. South: Telescopes should be to the west, and piers to the east. 3. East: The telescope should be to the south and the pier to the north. 4. West: The telescope should be to the north and the pier to the south. 5.
  • Page 33 acceleration reduces the load on the mount and motor. An excessively high Acc. Rate requires a large current instantaneously at the moment of acceleration and relatively high torque from the drive system, which may cause the stepper motor to stall. ⚫...
  • Page 34 ⚫ Fast Current (Slewing Speed Current): Specifies the current required for high- speed operation. The torque needed for acceleration and the voltage boost for high-speed operation consume a significant amount of current in a short time. In this setting, the motor automatically operates in the 'Fast Microstep' mode calculated by the system ⚫...
  • Page 35 5. DEC : Sets DEC speed and other variables. Same as RA settings. => 35 / 81...
  • Page 36 6. Time Lapse 6.1. Az, Alt Speed ⚫ Az : Moving speed of azimuth axis (=RA axis) ⚫ Alt : Moving speed of altitude axis (=DEC axis) ⚫ Minute : Duration of time lapse operation, At the end of the time, the mount stops. ⚫...
  • Page 37 Motor stopping is about 4 seconds before exposure, and restarting is after exposure. ⚫ Cut Count Number of exposure in single set ⚫ Set Count Count of set, Total exposure count is [Cut Count] x [Set Count] ⚫ Wake up Camera wake-up function.
  • Page 38 7. Observatory Current Date/Time and location setting => ⚫ Date/Time : Set current date and time. Current date and time will always retained by internal Real Time Clock(RTC.) If the current date and time are cleared each time the power is turned off, try moving the battery tray back and forth several times.
  • Page 39 “Location”, “Time zone”, and “Site Name” are information corresponding to the selected site. ⚫ Site Name : Enter the name of the site selected in the “Site” menu. Up to 12 characters can be entered, and blank characters cannot be entered consecutively.
  • Page 40 8. Safety ⚫ Meridian Stop : Enable : In tracking mode, RA tracking automatically stops when the RA axis(=Telescope Direction) passes near the meridian. The auto stop position can be specified in the "RA Limit" menu. 40 / 81...
  • Page 41 In case RA auto stopped, “RA Auto Stop!” message is displayed at the bottom of the OLED. => ⚫ Meridian Limit : Adjust the "Meridian Stop" position in degrees. If it is negative, it will stop before passing the meridian. In case it is positive, it will stop after passing.
  • Page 42 ⚫ Alt Limit (Altitude Limit Action) Stop tracking : Stops tracking when the specified altitude is exceeded. Cancel Goto : Ignores the Goto command if the specified altitude is exceeded. Warning Only : Only displays a warning when the specified altitude is exceeded. Ignore : Ignores if the specified altitude is exceeded.
  • Page 43 ⚫ Alt Lower Limit : Altitude of the horizon limit (Degree). This limit is affect only slewing final target position. 43 / 81...
  • Page 44 ⚫ Alt Upper Limit Altitude limit for slewing target position. This limit is affect only slewing final target position. ⚫ Idle Timer Stop mount for long operation without any action. 44 / 81...
  • Page 45 ⚫ Sleep Timer When the timer expires, the mount is stopped. A value of 0 disables idle timer. 1 ~ 999 minutes : Enable idle timer 45 / 81...
  • Page 46 ⚫ Timeout Action Specifies the action when a timeout occurs. In case of "Park ASCOM", park as specified in the ASCOM control window. ⚫ Safe Power Off When the TCS is synchronized, it prevents the user from turning off the power using the power switch before parking.
  • Page 47 9. Meridian Set the operation related to the meridian. => ⚫ Meridian Flip: Disable or enable automatic meridian flipping by choosing this option. By limiting the movement of the RA, the collision between the telescope and the tripod or pier can be prevented. 47 / 81...
  • Page 48 ⚫ Skip once :| Skip Once: You can select [Skip one] to ignore the Meridian Flip triggered by a GoTo command just once. This feature automatically clears after one GoTo command is executed, regardless of whether the Meridian Flip occurs. While this feature is active, the message 'Meridian Flip is disabled.' is displayed on the TCS screen.
  • Page 49 ⚫ PEC : Select whether to enable Periodic Error Correction through Disable / Enable option. The PEC function can only be activated when stored PEC data is valid. ⚫ PEC Training : It performs measurement of periodic error and calculation of correction data by using internal microprocessor.
  • Page 50 Ex) PEC Training progress examples 50 / 81...
  • Page 51 11. System Guide Speed, power-related and communication speed settings. => ⚫ Mount Type If you change the mount type, you must save and reboot. The mount type must match the mechanical type of the mount. For Equatorial Mount, the coordinates are based on RA and DEC. For Alt-Az Type, the coordinates are based on Az and Alt.
  • Page 52 German Equatorial Mode Alt-Az Mode ⚫ Meridian Free WARNING: The Meridian Free function is a special function created for uninterrupted photography without using Meridian Flip. When GOTO or tracking, there is a possibility that the eyepiece or telescope collides with the pier, so you must sufficiently check the movement of the telescope before use.
  • Page 53 ◼ German EQ : This is a traditional German Equatorial mode that does not use the Meridian Free feature. “GEq” appears on the screen. ◼ Meridian Free : Use the Meridian Free feature. “M/F” appears on the screen. ⚫ Max Bright Maximum OLED Brightness(20~100 %) 53 / 81...
  • Page 54 ⚫ Min Bright Minimum OLED Brightness (20~50%) ⚫ Guide Speed : The guide speed can be set from 0.1 to 0.9 and it is the setting to maintain the optimum guide condition. For example, when the guide speed is set to 0.5, the right ascension (RA) motor is driven at a speed of 0.5~1.5 times, and the deceleration (DEC) motor is driven at a speed of -0.5 ~ +0.5 times.
  • Page 55 => Ex) Under voltage condition ⚫ Batt Over V : Set Battery over voltage warning You can set the maximum battery voltage value for warning. When an overvoltage situation occurs, a over voltage message will be displayed on the screen with the beep sound. =>...
  • Page 56 ⚫ Tracking Rate : Select RA tracking rate Sidereal / Solar / Lunar ⚫ Beep Level : Select message beep level ⚫ Serial A : RS-232 A You can set the communication speed with the astronomical simulation software and Serial port A. The factory default setting is 115,200 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.
  • Page 57 ⚫ Serial B : RS-232 B You can set the communication speed with the astronomical simulation software and Serial port B. The factory default setting is 115,200 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. User can select from 9,600 ~ 115,200 bps. ⚫...
  • Page 58 => Ex) Beginner Mode Menu ⚫ Power Monitor In Telescope Mode, switch the display to a screen for monitoring voltage and current. ⚫ Deceleration Deceleration rate is proportional to [Acc. Rate] If greater than 1, deceleration is faster than acceleration. If this value is 1, acceleration and deceleration are the same.
  • Page 59 Since the deceleration load is usually small, the deceleration ratio may be higher than the acceleration ratio. 59 / 81...

  • Page 60: Bluetooth

    12. Bluetooth & WiFi Users can choose to install one of the firmwares for either Bluetooth or WiFi. Since the firmwares are separate, the two functions cannot be used simultaneously. 1. Bluetooth There are no mandatory settings that users must input for Bluetooth. However, users can specify their own TCS name to use as the Bluetooth device name.
  • Page 61 A. AP Mode : In this mode, TitanTCS functions as a WiFi Access Point. Users’ PCs or mobile devices connect to the TitanTCS as clients, forming a local wireless network without internet access. Users can specify an SSID and password for AP Mode on the TitanTCS. If not specifically set by the user, the default SSID for AP Mode is 'TitanTCS,' and the password is an empty string.
  • Page 62 B. Station Mode : Unlike AP Mode, in Station Mode, the TitanTCS operates as a client that can connect to an external WiFi router. External devices could be a mobile device supporting WiFi tethering, a PC with a HotSpot feature, or a WiFi router.
  • Page 63 13. Save The manipulated setting values can be stored in the nonvolatile memory of the TCS. Once saved, the settings will not be erased even after the power is turned off and can be used when the power is turned on again. ⚫...
  • Page 64 ⚫ Restore Restore settings from backup memory ⚫ Reboot TCS will reboot itself. If you use parking, please park first. 64 / 81...
  • Page 65 14. Help The connector assignment of Titan TCS and current communication speed can be checked. ⚫ Serial BPS : Display the speed of serial port A/B (Display only) ⚫ Version Display firmware information. ⚫ Firmware Update : Enter firmware update mode To terminate this function, turn the power off and on.
  • Page 66 8. Bluetooth 8.1. How to connect Titan TCS to your PC via Bluetooth (Standard: Win10) 1. Select "Devices" in Windows Settings. 2. Select “Bluetooth & other devices” of the left menu bar. 66 / 81...
  • Page 67 67 / 81...
  • Page 68 3. Make sure Bluetooth is on and select "Add BT". When the "add device" screen appears, select bluetooth. 68 / 81...
  • Page 69 4. If the Titan TCS is powered on, it will take a moment and display "Titan TCS". If you entered a different name in the [Bluetooth] menu in TCS, the name will be displayed. It may take several tens of seconds to display the device.
  • Page 70 6. When the connection is successfully completed, the message "Paired" will be displayed. 7. There will be two "Standard Serial over Bluetooth link" generated, but only the top one can be used. In the example of the figure, only COM4 can communicate. After connection, use as the same way as normal serial communication.
  • Page 71 TCS Bluetooth from device. Remove it with the [Remove Device] button in the "Bluetooth Device Management" window. Wait for a moment after removing the device. The "Titan TCS" device will be displayed again. Click [Connect] button to install again.
  • Page 72 1. Select "Open Bluetooth Preferences..." in status menu. 2. If the Titan TCS is powered on, it will take a moment and display "Titan TCS". If you entered a different name in the [Bluetooth] menu in TCS, the name will be displayed.

  • Page 73: Technical Specifications

    9. Technical Specifications Power supply 12V, 4A Built-in reverse voltage protection circuit, built-in 2.6A Polyswitch for overcurrent protection. Current consumption About 250mA to 700mA when tracking 0.7 ~ 2.5A when high-speed slewing, depending on operational status Microprocessor Main Control : 32bit 120MHz U/I : 32 Bit 240MHz dual-core Internal power 3.3V, 5V, Motor power(~30V)
  • Page 74 3.5mm Streo Jack for camera focus & shutter signal * TitanTCS V2 only CAUTION: If AC power is supplied to the Titan TCS, it will be damaged. Make sure to use only at a limited voltage of DC 12V. User is responsible for the damage of the controller due to user’s incautiousness.

  • Page 75: Lx200 Commands Supported

    10. LX200 Commands supported Command Explanation :CM# Synchronizes the telescope's position :MS# Slew to target object :SdsDD*MM:SS# Set object target :SrHH:MM.T# :SrHH:MM:SS# :GD#, :GR# Get telescope position :SdsDD*MM:SS# Set target object :SrHH:MM.T# :SrHH:MM:SS# :GS# Get the Sidereal Time :GC#, :GL# Get local Date, Time :SCMM/DD/YY# Set local Date, Time...

  • Page 76: Replacing The Battery

    11. Replacing the battery For some information and internal clock, the TCS has a built-in CR2032 battery. The battery tray is on the left. The battery tray can be removed using a small slot head screwdriver. If the battery tray does not draw easily, you can slightly loosen the bolt on the back of the case within 3 turns to make drawing easier.

  • Page 77: Faq

    13. FAQ a. GOTO is not precisely done. ➢ The synced star has to be exactly at the center of the eyepiece. ➢ Check the polar alignment. ➢ Check whether there is error message displayed on TCS. ➢ If previous two are not the case, contact the manufacturer or the seller. Such problem may occur due to the incorrect factory default setting such as gear ratio.
  • Page 78 Bad connection with the simulation programs. ➢ When connecting with serial port. Make sure to use an RS-232 cable dedicated to Titan TCS. The RS-232 cable used by TCS is not a standard cable, and the pin connections are different for each manufacturer. Be extremely careful.
  • Page 79 f. The time and location of the simulation program does not match with the ones of TCS. ➢ Check the settings of the simulation software: Some simulation software supports a function to download the data such as time and location of PC to TCS.
  • Page 80 ➢ When replacing the battery, please refer to the above explanation i. When automatic meridian flip function is undesired for photographing. ➢ Select Disable from [Meridian]-[Meridian Flip] Menu ➢ When disabling the meridian reversal function, always be careful of moving the telescope.
  • Page 81 ➢ In previous three cases, arrange properly according to the presence / absence of the home sensor. If there is no home sensor (CRUX 170, etc.): Refresh the PEC Training. The PEC function uses newly trained PEC data. If there is home sensor (Early CRUX 200, etc.): Turn the power off and reboot.

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