iOptron SmartStar Cube 8800G Instruction Manual
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iOptron SmartStar Cube 8800G Instruction Manual

Smartstar cube -g series mount and telescopes
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®
TM
SmartStar
Cube
-G Series
Mount and Telescopes
(For 8800, 8802, 8803 and 8804)
Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for iOptron SmartStar Cube 8800G

  • Page 1 ® ® SmartStar Cube -G Series Mount and Telescopes (For 8800, 8802, 8803 and 8804) Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Content Table of Content......................2 ® 1. SmarStar Cube -G Series Overview ............... 4 ® 1.1. SmartStar Cube -G Series Features..............4 1.2. Assembly Terms ....................6 2. Telescope Assembly ....................7 ® 3. GoToNova 8402G Hand Controller ................. 10 3.1.
  • Page 3 Star List................. 34 Appendix D. Set Up USB-PC Connection ..............40 Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade ..................44 Appendix F. Use a PC to Control an iOptron Mount............47 IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.............. 48 WARNING! NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

  • Page 4: Smarstar ® Cube Tm -G Series Overview

    ® 1. SmarStar Cube -G Series Overview ® 1.1. SmartStar Cube -G Series Features Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™ ® The SmartStar Cube -G series come with our patented Alt-Azimuth (AltAzi) mount, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market.
  • Page 5 -G GOTO AltAzi mount. If you do not have a dovetail connection -- attach your OTA using mounting rings and dovetail available at your local telescope store or the OTA manufacturer. Contact iOptron for expert’s advice on compatibility issues. USB Port The 8402 hand controller comes with a USB port that tremendously expands the functionalities of the already powerful system.

  • Page 6: Assembly Terms

    1.2. Assembly Terms 1. Telescope tube 2. Dovetail lock 3. Hand controller 4. Altitude lock 5. Mount 6. Tripod 7. Tripod bolt 8. Tray 9. Tray lock...

  • Page 7: Telescope Assembly

    (See arrow in photo). Use only fresh batteries. Using/mixing old or low batteries may cause error messages. Optional AC Adapter and Car Charger accessories are available www.ioptron.com Step 4. Attaching Telescope Attach telescope to mount using the dovetail lock knob (#2).
  • Page 8 Plug in AC module, electronic focuser or laser pointer. DO NOT plug non- adaptor here iOptron accessories into the unit to avoid damaging the mount or accessories. For 80mm Refractor (#8802)……............. Insert 45º diagonal: Insert the diagonal into the eyepiece side of the telescope.
  • Page 9 Install the Finderscope by sliding the dovetail plate onto the Eyepiece sleeve (see arrow) and tightening the side screw. The eyepiece can be placed on the end of the scope or on the side (see next step). Secure the eyepiece using the side screw. Use the focus knob to adjust the focus.

  • Page 10: Gotonova ® 8402G Hand Controller

    ® 3. GoToNova 8402G Hand Controller Port Port Figure 1. GoToNova 8402 Hand Controller ® ® GoToNova 8402G hand controller (HC) is the standard controller for a SmartStar Cube-G series mount and telescope, as shown in Figure 1. 3.1. Key Description •...

  • Page 11: The Lcd Screen

    3.2. The LCD Screen The 8402G HC consists of a large 8-line LCD screen, which displays all the information as shown in Figure 2. The user interface is simple and easy to learn. Target Name GPS Status Target R.A. Target DEC. Slew Speed Right Ascension Declination...

  • Page 12: 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. Level and Align the Mount 4.1.1. Level the Mount. Leveling is critical for a good GOTO and tracking accuracy. Level the mount by observing the bubble (shown) on the base of the mount by adjusting tripod legs.

  • Page 13: Set Up Time And Site

    4.2.1. Set Up Time and Site Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set up controller” Select and slew Land Objects Sync. to target Electronic focuser Set up controller Align User Object List Watch List Press ENTER. Select “Set Up Time and Site” Set Up Time and Site Set Display Info Set Key Beep...

  • Page 14: Using Your Telescope

    To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the n▲ or ▼ key to change the number. To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead of” and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “behind” and “ahead of”. For other parts of the world, you can find out your “time zone”...

  • Page 15: Go To The Moon

    Focusing Telescope: 1. After selecting the desired eyepiece aim the telescope tube at a land-based target at least 200 yards away (e.g. A telephone pole or building). Fully extend focusing tube by turning the focus knob. 2. While looking through selected eyepiece, slowly retract focusing tube by turning focusing knob until object comes into focus.

  • Page 16: Turn Off The Mount

    4.3. Turn Off the Mount When finishing observing, always move the mount to Park Position. If the mount is not moved, no initial set up is needed when powered on the next time. To do so, press the MENU button, scroll down to “Park Telescope” and press ENTER. Turn the power off.

  • Page 17: Use Smartstar Cube Tm -G Telescopes

    ® 5. Use SmartStar Cube -G Telescopes 5.1. Manual Operation of a Telescope You may observe land and astronomical objects using GoToNova’s arrow keys. After the telescope was assembled (referring to Section 2. Telescope Assembly), flip the I/O switch on the telescope mount to turn on the mount. Use ►,◄,▼ or ▲ buttons to point the telescope to desired object.

  • Page 18: Asteroids

    5.2.4. Asteroids It contains up to 64 asteroids, with 16 pre-loaded asteroids. This database is customer upgradeable. 5.2.5. Stars • Named Stars: It consists of 191 stars with their common names. They are listed alphabetically. A list is attached in Appendix C. •...
  • Page 19 Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Goto Landmark” line, press ENTER. The first saved landmark will display: No: 01 Name: Z0 Alt. 23d33.1m Azi. 225d58.8m Use ► or ◄ button to move the cursor and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number, then press ENTER.

  • Page 20: Sync To Target

    Edit One Data Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Edit One Data” line, and press ENTER. The first saved landmark will display: No: 01 Name: Z0 Alt. 23º33.1’ Azi. 225º58.8’ Use ► or ◄ button to move the cursor and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number, then press ENTER.

  • Page 21: Electric Focuser

    5.5. Electric Focuser 5.6. Set Up Controller 5.6.1. Set Up Time and Site • Please refer to section 4.2. 5.6.2. Set Display Info • Adjust LCD Contrast Use arrow keys to adjust LCD display contrast. Press ENTER. Adjust LCD Contrast •...

  • Page 22: Update Firmware

    5.6.5. Update Firmware Firmware updating using iOptron Downloader through USB port on hand controller. (Refer to Appendix E.) 5.7. Align This function is used for align the telescope. Before star alignment, please make sure the mount is well leveled. The system also provides “Easy One Star Align”, “One Star Align” and “Two Star Align”.

  • Page 23: And Dec

    objects can be added or modified. For comets or asteroids, the maximum number is 64, which includes the preloaded objects. To edit a user object, press MENU, use ▲ or ▼ button move the cursor to “User Object List” and press ENTER. A following screen will show: R.A.
  • Page 24 Save to No. 003 ? Press “ENTER” to Confirm Press, “BACK” to Cancel Press ENTER to confirm. The user object will be stored in the hand controller in sequence. Up to 256 objects can be added. Edit one data Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Edit one data” line, and press ENTER. A user object screen will show: No: 003 Name: SAO2940...

  • Page 25: Comets

    Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Delete all” line, and press ENTER to delete all user R.A. and DEC. data. 5.8.2. Comets Select “Comets” and press ENTER, a menu like following will show: Add a new comet Edit one data Delete one data Reset comet data...

  • Page 26: Asteroids

    The first line shows the number of this comet and if it is above the horizon. The second line shows the name of the comet, here is “2P”. The third line shows comet’s current RA and DEC coordinates. The bottom line shows its altitude and azimuth position. Use ◄ or ► move the cursor position and ▲...

  • Page 27: Set Telescope Coord

    To setup/modify a Watch List, press MENU, use ▲ or ▼ button move the cursor to “Watch List” and press ENTER. A following screen will show: Add a watch object Delete one data Delete all Browse the list Select “Add a watch object” and press ENTER. Browse the celestial object list and select the one you want to watch by press ENTER.

  • Page 28: Maintenance And Servicing

    6. Maintenance and Servicing 6.1. Maintenance ® The SmartStar Cube-G mount or telescope is a precision instrument designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding applications. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, your telescope will rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Maintenance guidelines include: 1.

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting

    6.3. Troubleshooting ® The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the SmartStar E mount or telescope. The power indicator light on the mount does not come on or there is no response when pressing hand controller’s arrow keys: (1) Verify that the power switch on the mount is in the ON position.

  • Page 30: Ioptron Customer Service

    6.4. iOptron Customer Service If you have a question concerning your telescope, contact the iOptron Customer Service Department. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Easter Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that the telescope requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call...

  • Page 31: Appendix A. Technical Specifications

    Appendix A. Technical Specifications ® SmartStar GOTO Mount Mount AltAzimuth Mount Body Materials Die-cast Aluminum Motor Dual-Axis DC Servo motor with encoders Gear Acetal worm wheel/Nylon 6 worm gear Bearing 4 steel ball bearings Dual-Axis, 5-Gear, Electronic Speed (2×,8×,64×,256×,MAX) ® GOTO System GoToNova 8402G...

  • Page 32: Appendix B. Gotonova ® 8402G Hc Menu Structure

    ® Appendix B. GoToNova 8402G HC MENU STRUCTURE MENU Select and Slew Select and Slew Planets, Sun, Moon Planets, Sun, Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon Deep Sky Objects Deep Sky Objects Named Deepsky Object Messier Catalog NGC IC Catalog UGC Catalog Comets...
  • Page 33 Sync. To Target Sync. To Target Electric Focuser Electric Focuser Set Up Controller Set Up Controller Set Up Time and Site Set Up Time and Site Set Display Info Set Display Info Set Key Beep Set Key Beep Reset All Reset All Upgrade Firmware Upgrade Firmware...

  • Page 34: Appendix C. Gotonova Star List

    ® Appendix C. GoToNova Star List GoToNova Deep Sky Object List for 8402G ID No. OBJECT NGC # Messier # A(Abell) U(UGC) Andromeda Galaxy Barnards Galaxy 6822 Beehive Cluster 2632 Blackeye Galaxy 4926 Blinking Planetary Nebula 6826 Blue Flash Nebula 6905 Blue Planetary 3918...
  • Page 35 Lagoon Nebula 6523 Little Gem 6445 Little Gem Nebula 6818 Little Ghost Nebula 6369 North American Nebula 7000 Omega Nebula 6618 Orion Nebula 1976 Owl Nebula 3587 Pelican Nebula 5070 Phantom Streak Nebula 6741 Pinwheel Galaxy Pleiades Ring Nebula 6720 Ring Tail Galaxy 4038 Rosette Nebula...
  • Page 36 Messier This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of Messier objects...
  • Page 37 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 38 GoToNova Named Star List for 8402G 001 Acamar 049 Ascella 097 Kaus Australis 145 Rassalas 002 Achernar 050 Asellus Australis 098 Kaus Borealis 146 Rasagethi 003 Acrux 051 Asellus Borealis 099 Kaus Media 147 Rasalhague 004 Acubens 052 Aspidiske 100 Keid 148 Rastaba 005 Adhafera 053 Atik...
  • Page 39 GoToNova Double Star List for 8402G Object Const Name 21732 Achird Alpha 110291 Alrisha Theta 38288 Alpha 168373 Fornacis Alpha 40186 Capella Sigma 132406 113389 Alpha 151881 Sirius Delta 79294 Wasat Castor Alpha 60198 Alpha 115756 Epsilon 117112 HR 3579 42642 Kapa 42661...

  • Page 40: Appendix D. Set Up Usb-Pc Connection

    For an 8402G Hand Controller, the initial LCD screen shows following when it is turned GoToNova ® 8402G V071022W www.iOptron.com 1. Install PL-2303 (usb2com) driver Download USB to COM driver for 8402G hand controller from iOptron website and double click on the compressed file: Double click on it, and you will see:...
  • Page 41 Click “Next”. When finished installation, click “Finish” 2. Plug the USB cable into a USB port on your PC, plug the other end of the USB cable to hand controller. Turn the mount power on.
  • Page 42 3. Install the Hardware The computer will find a new hardware and install the driver automatically. Now you computer should be ready for Firmware Upgrading, computer communication with the mount via ASCOM platform and planetarium software applications. However, you need to find assigned COM port number for the USB connection.
  • Page 43 Double click on “Ports (COM & LPT)”, find out the COM number and write it down (in the following figure, it is COM4)

  • Page 44: Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade

    Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade 1. Download and install Firmware Downloader from iOptron Website 2. Double click and open “iOptron Downloader” On the interface, select appropriate port using pull-down menu (in this case, COM4):...
  • Page 45 Click “Open Data File”, and select appropriate “.bin” file that matches your hand controller. and click “Open”. Select “Main Program” ONLY in Update Type. Click “Start Download” It shows “Please reset GoToNova[GOTOSTAR], waiting for connection…” On the hand controller, press “MENU”, and using ▼▲ scroll to select “Set up controller”, press “ENTER”, then select “Upgrade firmware”, press “ENTER”...
  • Page 46 2. Wrong “.bin” file: make sure you have the correct “.bin” file for firmware upgrade. 3. Wrong downloader, you should use iOptron Downloader instead of the Flash Downloader. 4. Use PL-2303 driver provided by iOptron. The newest version from Prolific may not work properly for iOptron’s hand controller.

  • Page 47: Appendix F. Use A Pc To Control An Ioptron Mount

    4. iOptron ASCOM drive (download it from iOptron website; and 5. Planetarium software. Some company has integrated iOptron’s products into their planetarium software, such as Voyage and The Sky X Pro. Therefore, an ASCOM plug-in will not be needed. Most planetarium software can be used to control iOptron’s product via ASCOM.

  • Page 48: Ioptron One Year Limited 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.

This manual is also suitable for:

Smartstar cube 8802gSmartstar cube 8803gSmartstar cube 8804g

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