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® TM
SmartStar iEQ75-GT
Instruction Manual
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Table of Content Table of Content.................................................................................................................................................2 TM 1. iEQ75-GT Overview ..................................................................................................................................4 TM 2. iEQ75-GT Assembly..................................................................................................................................5 2.1
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5.5. Align......................................................................................................................................................25 5.5.1. One-Star Align................................................................................................................................25 5.5.2. Two-Star Align...............................................................................................................................25 5.5.3. Dis R.A axis error......
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TM 1. iEQ75-GT Overview The iEQ75-GT™ is a one-of-a-kind premium CNC-machined astro-imaging mount from iOptron. The iEQ75-GT™ offers the next generation GoTo technology from iOptron. With a Renishaw high resolution encoder-enabled double closed-loop tracking, the system is able to tracking the target with a tracking error less that ±1 arcsec. The iEQ75-GT™ has a payload of 75 lb (34 kg) and includes a calibrated dark field illumination polar scope. Its unique base design makes it easy for
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TM 2. iEQ75-GT Assembly 1 2.1. Parts List TM The parts comes with the iEQ75-GT order include an EQ mount (Figure 1), one mounting plate (Figure 2), 2 counterweights and an CW shaft (Figure 1). Other parts are, as shown in Figure 4, an 8406 hand controller, coiled hand controller cable, a Vixen dovetail saddle, R.A. and DEC cables, a dark field illuminating LED with cable, a 12V DC adapter cable with car lighter plug, a USB Cable, a RS232 cable, GPS antenna, a hex key set, 4 base mounting s
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Figure 3. Counterweights and CW shaft Figure 4. Included accessories 6
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2.2. Assembly terms DEC Unit Mounting plate DEC DIN cable Polar Axis Cover Main control box R.A. Unit Polar Scope Cover CW Shaft Lat. Locking Screw Counterweight (CW) Azi. Adjust. Knob 8406 Hand Controller CW Safety Screw Azi. Locking Screw Tripod Head Alignment Peg Tripod Spreader Tripod Lock Tripod Leg Leg Lock Screw Figure 5. iEQ75-GT assembly terms (mount and optional tripod) 7
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TM 2.3. iEQ75-GT Ports TM Figure 6. Ports on iEQ75-GT control box • R.A. and DEC motor: For connecting to R.A. and DEC driver unit • Power: Power switch • DC 12V: 12 volts DC power plug (center positive) • HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to the 8406 Hand Controller • iOptron port: For connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as an electronic focuser, a laser pointer, or a planetary dome control • RS232: Series port for ASCOM control and main board firmware upgrade • Autoguide:
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and short exposure photos, but not good enough for serious astrophotography. Alt-Az mounts require star alignments for the OTA to track stars and they do not have adjustment components on the mount. Equatorial mounts require alignment of the mount components as well as star alignments for accurate OTA tracking. In order to provide the required Polar Axis alignment, equatorial mounts use a combination of both mount types described above. The adjustable part of the mount moves in the Alt-Az
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Figure 7. Tripod Figure 8. Attaching the mount STEP 3. Connect Cables Figure 9. Cable connections There are two DIN 6 cables that have C091 connectors on both ends of the cable. Insert one end of the DIN 6 cable into the R.A. socket on the control box, and the other end into the socket located on R.A. driver unit, as shown in Figure 9. Secure both ends of the DIN 6 cable. Connect another DIN 6 cable between the DEC socket on the control box and the DEC socket on DEC driver unit. A
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Lat. Adjust. Lever Azi. Adjust. Knob Latitude Adjustment Knob Figure 10. Adjust latitude Unscrew the Latitude Adjustment Lever from the Latitude Adjustment Knob as shown in Figure 10. Turn the Latitude Adjustment Knob to set your current latitude, using the Latitude Adjustment Lever for a fine adjustment, if needed. At this point, with the mount level and pointed North, and the latitude set, the Polar Axis (R.A. axis) should be pointing very close to the NCP and Polaris. CAUTION: Fo
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the locking screws to secure the mount. Loosen four Latitude Locking Screws on the side of the mount, turning the Latitude Adjustment Knob to adjust the latitude (altitude). Use the Lever for a fine latitude adjustment. Re-tighten the lock screws. Initializing the polar scope During initial setup of the iEQ mount, it is likely that the viewing hole on the DEC axis of the polar scope may be blocked by the DEC axle. The Polar Scope Dial in the polar scope should be set at the normal clock
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Polar Scope Dial as indicated on the HC LCD. In this case, the Polaris will be located at a radius of 41.5’ and an angle of 1 hour 26.8 minute, as shown in Figure 13 (b). (a) (b) Figure 13. Polaris displayed on 8406 hand controller (a) and Polaris located on Polar scope dial STEP 4. Attach Dovetail Adapter Install the Mounting Plate onto the iEQ75-GT mount. Both Vixen (included) and Losmandy-D dovetail saddles can be used. The mounting-hole distribution on the Mount Plate is sho
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Figure 15. Zero position Remove the CW Safety Screw on the end of the CW shaft. Loosen the CW Locking Screw on the side of the CW (there is a CW pin inside) and slide the CW into the shaft. Tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place. Tighten the CW Safety Screw. CAUTION: For safety reasons, the CW Safety Screw must be installed and tightened to prevent the CW from dropping off the end of the CW shaft. This can cause serious personal injury. STEP 8. Attach and Balance an O
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A “Testing R.A. Balance” screen will be displayed. Press the ENTER key to start the test. After few swings, a test results will be displayed on the hand controller LCD screen: Figure 17. R.A. Balance Test Follow the arrow indicator to move the CW left or right. The more the arrow is shaded, the more the CW needs to be moved. Press the ENTER key to test it again, until the OK sign is displayed or ¼ or less of the arrow key is shaded. Press ◄ ► ▲ or ▼ button on the hand controller to togg
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® 3. GoToNova 8406 Hand Controller USB HBX Port Port Figure 19. GoToNova 8406 hand controller ® The GoToNova 8406 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 19 is the standard controller for the iEQ75-GT mount. It has an integrated temperature controller that ensures it can be operated below 20ºC (- 4ºF). 3.1. Key Description • MENU Key: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu. • BACK Key: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as slewing.
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3.2. The LCD Screen The 8406 HC has a large 8-line, 21 character LCD screen, which displays all the information as shown in Figure 20. The user interface is simple and easy to learn. Figure 20. 8406 HC LCD Information Screen 1. Target Name/Mount Position: displays the name of the target that telescope is currently pointed to or the current mount position. • User Position: When the mount is turned on. • An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star or celest
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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. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment Setup and polar alignment your iEQ75-GT mount according to Section 2.5. The default position for the mount is the Zero Position, as shown in Figure 15, when the mount is powered on: the counterweight shaft is pointing to ground, telescope is at the highest position with its axis parallel to
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number keys to change the numbers. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to toggle between “Y” and “N” for Daylight Saving Time. Press ENTER to go back the previous screen. 4.3.2. Set Up Observation Site Scroll down and select “Set up Observ. site” Set up Local Time Set up Observ. site Set N/S hemisphere Set display contrast Set Eyepiece light Set Backlight Set anti-backlash Set Key Beep Press ENTER. The longitude and latitude coordinates will be updated when the GPS picks up satellite signa
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between “behind” and “ahead”. When the number is correct, press ENTER and go back to the previous screen. For other parts of the world you can find your “time zone” information from iOptron website (http://www.ioptron.com/support.cfm?module=faq#). DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. The time and site information will be stored inside the HC memory chip. If you are not traveling to another observation site, they do not need to be changed. 4.3.3. Set N/S Hemisphere If the polar axis is alig
