Appendix A. Technical Specifications ......................................................................................... 31
Appendix B. GoToNova® 8404 HC MENU STRUCTURE ........................................................ 32
®
Appendix C. GoToNova
Star List .............................................................................................. 34
IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................................... 47
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.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
July 2011 V1.2
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design may differ from those described in
this instruction.
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1. AstroBoy®-70e Overview
1.1. AstroBoy® features
iOptron’s AstroBoy® portable telescope is easy to use and easy to carry! Just click and it
finds stars for you. Simply select a star or planet and the built-in computer moves the telescope
for you! Plus, it stays on target as the earth rotates. Functions in both celestial and land modes
for watching stars, birds, or landscapes. Take it with you camping, school, anywhere. It sits on a
desk or can be attached to a tripod.
Alt-Azimuth mount
The AstroBoy® refractor telescope comes with our Alt-Azimuth Mount. This compact
mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors
are built into a small single unit with optical encoders which provides accurate GOTO and
tracking. The proprietary GoToNova
can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon. With an optional DC adaptor, you
can plug your telescope mount into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location.
The easy to understand controller on the market
®
technology ensures there are no “dead spots” – so you
The GoToNova® hand controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The
hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories well organized. It also has a larger LCD
screen with more lines of content compared with the competition. Using the easy-to-use hand
controller and its large LCD screen, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you
want to go.
More precise speed control for viewing objects
The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at 5 different drive speeds,
keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you wish.
GoToNova® computerized control system
The revolutionary GoToNova® computerized control system is by far the most
technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a
database of more than 4,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies,
nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the
simple push of a button.
Megapixel electronic eyepiece for video and image capture
With a 1.3 megapixel camera, you can experience astro-video and astrophotography for
yourself! The iOptron electronic eyepiece allows you to view real-time images from your
telescope on a computer screen. It transmits live video images of the Moon, Sun, planets and
terrestrial objects through a USB cable to your computer. Images can be recorded for later
playback or frame imaging.
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FEATURES
• Alt-Azimuth mount with GoToNova® computer control technology
• Real-time GOTO and tracking features
• 4,000+ object database with 256 user-definable objects.
• 4 line, 20-character LCD hand controller with backlit LED buttons for easy operation
• Dual-axis servomotor with optical encoders
• Drive motor with 5-speed setting for precise tracking
• Push-to alignment
• 70mm achromatic refractor telescope for land and celestial objects observation
• 1.3 megpixel camera with USB port
• Also exchangeable to photo tripods with ¼” camera screw
1.2. AstroBoy®-70e Assembly Terms
1. Telescope
2. Dovetail Lock
3. Altitude Lock
4. Mount
5. Hand Controller
6. Focuser
7. Diagonal
8. Eyepiece
9. Tabletop
2
1
3
4
8
5
6
7
9
5
2. Telescope Assembly
Step 1. Preparing the Tripod
Unlock the tripod leg locks.
Extend tripod legs.
Lock the leg locks afterwards.
Step 1a.
Pull tripod legs apart to a fully opened position.
Tighten the center tripod lock knob to a firm feel to secure the
tripod legs.
Tapered dovetail
Caution
collapsing the tripod to store away.
: Make sure you loosen this lock knob before
Step 2. Attach the mount
Attach mount to tripod by aligning base of mount onto screw on top of
tripod and then hand tightening until secure.
Step 3. Install Batteries
Lift the battery cover. Carefully pull out the battery holder from the
compartment. Be sure not to accidentally disconnect the wires.
Step 3a.
Insert 6 AA batteries (not included) in the holder. Refer to the
diagram on the holder to orient the batteries properly. Replace
the holder back into the battery compartment and replace the lid.
Use only fresh batteries. Using old or low batteries may cause
error messages.
An optional AC adapter and 12V car plug cable are also
available for purchase at www.iOptron.com.
Step 4. Attach the telescope
Slide the telescope into the dovetail slot on mount along the
arrow direction on the slot and secure the telescope using
dovetail lock knob (#2). Note that the dovetail is tapered and
slides in one direction only (see arrow in photo). Don’t force the
telescope into the dovetail slot!
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45º diagonal (#7)
Eyepiece (#8)
Focus knob (#6)
Step 5. Attaching Optics
Insert 45º diagonal: Insert diagonal (#7) into the eyepiece side
of the telescope. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
Insert the eyepiece: Remove the supplied 25mm eyepiece (#8)
from its container and slide it into the open end of the diagonal.
Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
Remove the round dust cover lid from the end of telescope.
Use the focus knob to bring objects into focus. You may need
to turn the focus knob quite a few turns to focus your telescope
for the first time. Always start observing using a lower power
eyepiece (such as the 25mm eyepiece) to get a wider field of
view. Later on you can change to higher powers. (Eyepieces of
higher powers have narrower field of views; it’s more difficult to
locate objects using high-power eyepieces.)
Step 6. Connecting hand controller
Plug hand controller into the HBX port on the mount. The hand
controller can attach magnetically to the mount arm.
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3. GoToNova® 8404 Hand Controller
Figure 1. GoToNova® 8404 Hand Controller
GoToNova® 8404 hand controller (HC) is the standard controller for an AstroBoy
telescope, as shown in Figure 1.
3.1. Key Description
• MENU: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu.
• BACK: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as
slewing.
• ENTER: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, slew the telescope to
a selected object, or stop/start tracking.
• Arrow (▲▼►◄): Press ▲▼ buttons to move a telescope along the altitude direction,
►◄ to move a telescope along the azimuth direction. Brows the menu or move the
cursor in operating menu.
• SPEED Key: To select slew speed (2X, 8X, 64X, 256X, and MAX)
• HELP Key: For help and display more information on an object.
3.2. The LCD Screen
The 8404 HC consists of a large 4-line LCD screen, which displays all the information as
shown in Figure 2. The user interface is simple and easy to learn.
Target Name
Right Ascension
Altitude
Local Date and Time
Figure 2. 8404 HC LCD Information Screen
1. Target Name: display the name of the target that telescope is currently point to.
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Mount Status
Declination
Azimuth
Slew Speed
• Park Position: A default position when the mount is turned on, i.e., the telescope is
point to zenith (altitude is 90º) and the mount is facing south (azimuth is 180º);
• An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star or
celestial object currently that is currently slewing, gotoing or tracking;
• LandMark #: The telescope is working at Land Objects mode and the telescope does
not track;
• User Position: The mount has been manually slewed to an object; or an R.A and
DEC value of an object was manually entered; or a goto or tracking process has
been interrupted.
2. Mount Status: display current status of the mount. When the mount is turned on.
• Stop (Mount Status): the telescope is at a standby position;
• Slew (Mount Status): the telescope is manually slewing to the target;
• Goto (Mount Status): the telescope is going to the target;
• Track (Mount Status): the telescope is tracking a target;
• Align (Mount Status): the telescope is in align mode;
3. R: Right Ascension of the telescope, or R.A.
4. D: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.
5. A: Altitude of the telescope (zenith is 90º).
6. Z: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east 90º, south 180º, and west 270º).
7. Local Date and Time: display local time in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
8. Slew speed: It has 5 speeds: 2X, 8X, 64X, 256X (1º/sec), MAX (~ 4º/sec). Press SPEED key
to change it.
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4. Getting Started
You may start observing 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 the desired object. Use the SPEED key to change the slewing speed.
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. Set the Telescope to PARK POSITION
Each time the mount is turned on, the
default position is Park Position, i.e., its altitude is
90º0.0’ and azimuth is 180º0.0’, which means the
“SOUTH” mark is pointing to south and the
telescope is pointing straight up at the zenith. To
set the Park Position, you can:
(1) Loosen the altitude clutch; point the
telescope tube directly up at the zenith, as shown
in Figure 3 left. Tighten the clutch.
(2) Position the mount so that the “N-S”
mark is aligned with the earth’s magnetic north and
south poles, as shown in Figure 3 right. A compass
is needed.
(3) Level the mount using the bubble on the mount base by adjusting the height of the
tripod legs.
(1)
Figure 3
4.2. Setting Up the Hand Controller
Press the I/O power switch to turn the mount on (controller will light up). This section
provides a brief setting instruction. A complete setting instruction is located in Section 5.
(2)
Set local time:
Now “Set Local Time:” is displayed at the top. A blinking cursor is on the second line.
Set Local Time:
2009-06-01 11:55:09
Daylight Saving Time Y
Use ▲/▼ keys to change the numbers. Use ◄/► keys to scroll through the fields. The
last field of this screen is for setting Daylight Saving Time. Use ▲/▼ keys to switch between “Y”
(yes) and “N” (no). Press ENTER when finished.
Now “Setup Site Info:” is displayed at the top. A blinking cursor is on the second line.
(“Longi” means longitude; “Lat” means latitude.)
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Setup Site Info:
Longi: W071d27m47s
Lati : N42d15m40s
300 Min. behind
“W/E” means west/east hemisphere; “N/S” means north/south hemisphere; “d” means
degree; “m” means minute; and “s” means second. The site info is retained in the memory and
no need to be input unless the telescope is moved to significantly different site.
Set site coordinates:
Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor, and the ▲ or ▼ button to change the numbers
or toggle between “W” and “E”, “N” and “S”.
The site coordinates information can be found from iOptron’s website
(http://www.iOptron.com
Set time zone
) under Support->>FAQ ->>Controller Set-up.
Press ◄ or ► key, move the cursor to the bottom of the screen to set the time zone
information (add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). Enter minutes “ahead of” or “behind”
UT (universal time). The minimum time difference is 15 minutes.
• New York City is 300 minutes “behind” UT
• Los Angeles is 480 minutes “behind” UT
• Rome is 60 minutes “ahead of” UT
• Beijing is 480 minutes “ahead of” UT
• Sydney is 600 minutes “ahead of” UT
All the time zones in North America are behind UT, as shown in the following table. So
make sure it shows “behind” instead of “ahead of” UT.
Time Zone Hawaii Alaska Pacific Mountain Central Eastern
Hour behind UT -10 -9-8-7-6 -5
Enter Minutes 600 540480420360 300
To adjust minutes, use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor, and the ▲ or ▼ button to
change the numbers. 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”. When the number is correct,
press ENTER and go back to the previous screen.
For other parts of the world, you can find out your “time zone” information from iOptron’s
website (http://www.iOptron.com
) under Support->>FAQ ->>Controller Set-up. DO NOT COUNT
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. i.e., if your local time is 5:00 pm, just enter 17:00, regardless DST.
Press ENTER when finished.
NOTE: If the time zone set is not correct, the telescope may think that the celestial object
you select is still below the horizon even though it is high in the night sky.
Every time you turn on the telescope, this initial setting up screen will be shown. You
need to enter date and local time; however, you may just press the ENTER key to skip site
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setting if everything remains unchanged. The daylight saving, time zone and site info will be
stored in the hand controller memory.
You may also get into this setup procedure by pressing MENU button from the main
menu, scrolling down and selecting “Set Up Controller,” then selecting “Set Up Time and Site”.
4.3. Using Your Telescope
4.3.1. Getting Familiar with Your Telescope
Always practice your telescope during the daytime to get familiar with the operation.
Eyepiece and diagonal:
1. Always begin viewing with the lowest power eyepiece. (Note: a 25 mm focal length
eyepiece has a lower power than a 10 mm one.) A formula can be used to determine the power
of each eyepiece: Telescope focal length divided by eyepiece focal length equals magnification.
Ex. 500mm ÷ 25mm = 20X (magnification)
2. Included with this telescope is a 45° Erecting Diagonal Prism. The Erecting Diagonal
Prism is used to erect the image you will see. Astronomical telescopes are designed in such a
way that the image you see may be UPSIDE DOWN and REVERSED. This is acceptable for
viewing celestial bodies. However, it will feel strange when observing a land object or a bird.
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 focuser.
2. While looking through selected eyepiece, slowly retract focusing tube by turning
focuser until object comes into focus.
Electronic Eyepiece:
AstroBoy-70e comes with a plug and play electronic eyepiece, iE1300 1.3 megapixel
CMOS camera. An electronic eyepiece works just as a short focal length (few mm) eyepiece.
Therefore, you need to start the observation with the longer focal length eyepiece. In most
cases, directly replace an optical eyepiece with an electronic eyepiece will not bring an image
onto the computer screen immediately. Fine focusing is needed. You should practice in daytime
to get familiar with your setup.
4.3.2. Go to the Moon
After performing these setups, the mount is ready to GOTO and track objects. The most
common object will be Moon.
Press MENU button, select “Select and Slew” by press ENTER button. Select “Planets,
Sun, Moon”, and using ▲ or ▼ button to select Moon. Press ENTER. The telescope will start
slew to the general direction where the Moon should be. After the mount stops slewing, it will
automatically begin to track.
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If the Moon is not located inside the filed of view (FOV) of the eyepiece once the
telescope stops slewing, you may push the telescope mount (not the base or tripod) in the
azimuth direction and altitude direction (by losing the altitude lock) to put the Moon in the FOV.
Retighten the altitude lock. In most cases, manual move is needed only in the azimuth.
Then press MENU button and scroll down the menu to “Sync to Target” and press
ENTER. Follow the instruction, use ◄ ► ▲ and ▼ keys to move the Moon in the center of your
eyepiece and press ENTER. You may press the SPEED button to change the adjusting speed.
If the Moon is located inside the FOV of your eyepiece but not centered, follow the
instruction above to sync it to the center of the FOV.
4.3.3. Initial Star Alignment
A simple alignment/synchronization can be performed to improve the GOTO and
tracking accuracy. To do so, press MENU button, scroll down to “Align”, select “Solarsys Align”
and press ENTER. The screen will list Moon, Sun and other planets for you to select from.
Select an object using ▲ or ▼ key. Then press ENTER. The mount will slew to the object. Use
◄►▲ or ▼ key to center the object in your eyepiece. Press SPEED button to change the
slew speed if needed. Then press ENTER to complete the alignment. Or press the BACK key to
cancel the process.
An alternate way is performing “Sync to Target” which is equally good as one-star
alignment. To do so, press MENU button, select “Select and Slew” and press ENTER. Then
select a known sky object, such as Moon from “Planets, Sun, Moon” menu and press ENTER.
The mount will slew to the Moon. When the mount stopped slewing, the Moon could be just
inside your eyepiece or way off. Press MENU button and scroll down the menu to “Sync to
Target” and press ENTER. Follow the instruction, use ◄ ► ▲ and ▼ keys to move the Moon in
the center of your eyepiece and press ENTER. Now the system is aligned and readies to go to
other stars.
4.4. Turn Off the Mount
Press the ON/OFF button to turn off the mount.
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5. More Functions of GoToNova® Hand Controller
5.1. Manual Operation of the 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
ON/OFF switch on the telescope mount to the ON position. Use ►,◄,▼ or ▲ buttons to point
the telescope to desired object. You may need using SPEED key to change the slewing speed.
5.2. Slew to an Object
Press MENU button, from the main menu, select “Select and Slew.” Select an object you
would like to observe and press ENTER key.
The GoToNova
or ◄ button to move the cursor and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number. “
object is above the horizon, and “
the horizon can be observed. In some catalogs, those stars below the horizon may not display.
®
hand controller has a database consists of over 4,000 objects. Use ►
”indicates the
” means it is below the horizon. Only those objects above
5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon
There are 9 objects in Solar system.
5.2.2. Deep Sky Objects
• Named Deepsky Object: It consists of 137 deep sky objects with their common
names. More information will be available by pressing HELP key. A list of named
deep sky objects is also attached in Appendix C.
• Messier Catalog: It consists of all 110 objects in Messier catalog. More information
will be available by pressing HELP key.
• NGC Catalog: It consists a few thousand objects in NGC catalog. Use ► or ◄ button
to move the cursor and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number.
5.2.3. Comets
It contains up to 64 comets. This database is customer editable.
5.2.4. Asteroids
It contains up to 64 asteroids. This database is customer editable.
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.
• Constellations: It consists of 88 modern constellations with their names. They are
listed alphabetically. A list is attached in Appendix C.
• Double Stars: It consists of 211 double stars. A list is attached in Appendix C.
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• SAO Bright Stars: It consists of the bright SAO catalog objects with their magnitudes
greater than 6. A reference table is available on iOptron’s website.
5.2.6. User RA&DEC JD2000 Objects
It can consist up to 256 user predefined objects. These objects need to be entered
before they can be selected for slewing (Refer to 5.7.1 User RA&DEC JD2000).
5.2.7. Enter Position
Go to a target by entering its R.A. and DEC numbers.
5.2.8. Watch List
A watch list is a list of your favorite celestial objects in the database. It can be selected
for slewing. User can add, delete and browse the watch list. (Refer to 5.8 Watch List).
5.2.9. Watch List Auto
This function will set the mount automatically slew to all the objects listed in Watch List
at a preset time interval. The time interval can be set to from 10 seconds to 1200 seconds by
using ▼ or ▲ button.
5.3. Land Objects
Up to 4 your favorite land objects can be stored in the hand controller. Press MENU,
select “Land Objects” and press ENTER, the Land Objects screen will show.
Goto saved 1 2 3 4
Save new 1 2 3 4
Input Coord. 1 2 3 4
A 10º 0.0’ Z 10º 0.0’
Goto saved (land object):
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Goto saved” line, use ► or ◄ button to a
saved land object and press ENTER. The mount will automatically slew to the target.
This function only works if a land object has been stored in database.
Save new (land objects)
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Save new” line, use ► or ◄ button to select
the object number you want to store, and press ENTER. A landmark screen will show:
LandMark 1 Stop
A 13º 0.0’ Z 25º58.8’
09-05-04 15:43:27 2X
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Use ◄ ► ▲ and ▼ keys to slew the telescope to the target you want to observe, press
ENTER to save the target. Press SPEED button to change the slew speed if needed.
Input coordinates (of a land object)
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Input coord.” line, use ► or ◄ button to
object number you want to store, and press ENTER. A coordinate setting screen will show:
Enter Alt. Azi.
Alt: 13º 0.0’
Azi: 25º58.8’
Use ► or ◄ button to move the cursor, and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number. Press
ENTER to finish land object coordinates setting.
Press BACK to back to main menu.
5.4. Sync to Target
This operation will match the telescope's current coordinates to Target Right Ascension
and Declination. After slew to an object, move the cursor to “Sync to Target” and press ENTER.
Follow the screen to do the sync. Using this function can improve the GOTO accuracy in nearby
sky. Multiple syncs can be performed if needed.
“Sync to Target” will only work properly after “Select and Slew” was performed. You may
need using SPEED key to change the slewing speed to make the centering procedure easier. A
default slew speed is 2X.
5.5. Set Up Controller
5.5.1. Set Up Time and Site
Please refer to 4.2 for detailed procedures.
5.5.2. Set Display Info
• Adjust LCD Contrast
Use arrow keys to adjust LCD display contrast. Press ENTER.
Adjust LCD Contrast
• LCD Back Light.
Use arrow keys to adjust LCD screen back light intensity. Press ENTER.
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LCD Back Light
• Keypad Backlight.
Use arrow keys to adjust keypad backlight. Press ENTER.
LCD Back Light
5.5.3. Set Key Beep
Turn the key beep on/off.
5.5.4. Set Azi Work Mode
This function will set the mount azimuth mode while performing GOTO. There are two
modes for selection:
AZI +/- 200 degree
AZI free running mode
The “AZI +/- 200 degree” will rotate the mount between -200º and +200º in azimuth
direction to avoid AC/DC power line wrapping. However, the mount may take a longer path to
slew to an object. The “AZI free running mode” will take a shortest path while rotating along the
azimuth direction, which is best for battery operation. The default setting is “AZI +/- 200 degree”
mode.
5.5.5. Reset All
Reset all settings to factory default data.
5.6. Align
This function is used for align the telescope. Before star alignment, please make sure
the mount is well leveled. In addition to “Solarsys Align,” the system also provides “One Star
Align” and “Two Star Align”. Either one can be selected for telescope alignment.
5.6.1. Solarsys Align
Press “MENU”, scroll down the menu and select “Align”. Press ENTER and select
“Solarsys Align”. Select any one of the listed solar system object as your alignment target, such
as Moon. Press ENTER. If the Moon is above the horizon, the telescope will auto slew to it. If
the Moon is not in the center of you eyepiece, use ◄ ► ▲ or ▼ key to center the object in your
17
eyepiece. Press SPEED button to change the slew speed if needed. Then press ENTER to
complete the alignment.
5.6.2. One Star Align
From the main menu, select “Align”. Select “One Star Align” and press ENTER. A list of
bright align stars that are above the horizon is computed based on your local time and location.
These stars are listed alphabetically. Use ▲ or ▼ button to select a star and press ENTER.
The mount will slew to it automatically. Use ◄ ► ▲ or ▼ key to center the object in your
eyepiece. Press SPEED button to change the slew speed if needed. Then press ENTER to
complete the alignment. Or press the BACK key to cancel the process.
If you have a very good initial setup, one star alignment should be sufficient for good
GOTO accuracy. To increase the accuracy you may choose to do two star alignment.
5.6.3. Two Star Alignment
Two star alignment will increase the GOTO accuracy of the mount. It is suggested to do
two star alignment after one star alignment. Select “Two Star Align” in the Align menu. Use ▲ or
▼ button to select a star and press ENTER. The mount will slew to it automatically. Use ◄ ►
▲ or ▼ key to center the object in your eyepiece. Press SPEED button to change the slew
speed if needed. Then press ENTER to complete the alignment. After you finish the first star,
the system will prompt you to choose the second star. Repeat the process to finish the second
star alignment. An “Align OK!” screen will show briefly. To obtain a better alignment effect, it is
suggested to choose two align stars far apart.
“Two Star Align” result will be overridden if “Solarsys Align” ,“One Star Align” or “Sync. to
Target” is performed after “Two Star Align.”
5.7. Modify Star Catalog
Besides various star lists available in the hand controller, users can add, edit or delete
their own defined objects. The comets and asteroids list also can be edited. Up to 256 user
objects can be added or modified. For comets and asteroids, the maximum number is 64, which
includes the preloaded objects.
To modify a star catalog, press MENU, use ▲ or ▼ button move the cursor to “Modify
star catalog” and press ENTER. A following screen will show:
User RA&DEC JD2000
Comets
Asteroids
Use ▲ or ▼ button to select user objects, comets or asteroids.
5.7.1. User RA&DEC JD2000
Select “User RA&DEC JD2000” and press ENTER, a menu like following will show:
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Add a new object
Edit one data
Delete one data
Delete all
Add a new object:
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Add a new object” line, and press ENTER.
Enter the name of your object by using ▲ or ▼ key to change the display from 1 to 9, space, and A to Z, and ◄ or ► key to move the cursor. Press ENTER when you are done. A screen
will display to ask you to enter R.A. and DEC. numbers:
Enetr R.A. DEC
RA: 00h00.0m
DEC: +00d00.0m
Use◄ or ► key to move the cursor and ▲ or ▼ key to change the numbers of your
object. RA ranges from 0 hour to 24 hour and DEC from -90 degree to +90 degree. Press
ENTER when it is done. A confirmation screen will show:
Save to No. 1 ?
Press “ENTER” to
Confirm
Press, “BACK” cancel
Press ENTER to confirm. The user object will be stored in the hand controller in
sequence. Up to 256 objects can be added. Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog menu.
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. 001
BX
R: 4h38.7m D:19º56.8’
A -31º10.2’ Z303º44.1’
The first line shows the number of the user object and if it is above the horizon. The
second line shows the name of the user object, here is “BX”. The third line shows target’s
current RA and DEC coordinates. The bottom line shows object’s altitude and azimuth position.
Use ◄ or ► move the cursor position and ▲ or ▼ key change the number to adjust the object
you want to edit. Press ENTER when it is right.
Follow the same procedure as “Add a new object” to edit it. Press BACK to back to
Modify Star Catalog menu.
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Delete one data
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Delete one data” line, and press ENTER. A
user object screen will show:
No. 001
BX
R: 4h38.7m D:19º56.8’
A -31º10.2’ Z303º44.1’
Use ► or ◄ button to move the cursor, and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number. Press
ENTER to delete selected object.
Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog menu.
Delete all
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Delete all” line, and press ENTER to delete all
User RA&DEC JD2000 data.
5.7.2. Comets
Select “Comets” and press ENTER, a menu like following will show:
Add a new comet
Edit one comet
Delete one comet
Reset all comets
Add a new comet:
The hand controller has 64 preloaded comets. Before a new user comet can be added, a
existing comet record has to be deleted. (See Delete one comet)
Select “Add a new comet” and press ENTER. Enter the name of your object by using ▲
or ▼ key to change the display from 1 to 9, space, - and A to Z, and ◄ or ► key to move the
cursor. It will then ask the following information: Year, Month, Day, e, q, w, Omega and i. After
entering all these parameters, A confirmation screen will show:
Save to No. 1 ?
Press “ENTER” to
Confirm
Press, “BACK” cancel
Press ENTER to confirm. The user object will be stored in previous deleted comet
position. It can be selected and slewed from Comets menu. Press BACK to back to Modify Star
Catalog menu.
Edit one comet
20
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Edit one comet” line, and press ENTER. A
user object screen will show:
No. 01
6P d’Arrest
R: 5h31.2m D:10º20.8’
A 31º49.5’ Z253º39.9’
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 “6P d’Arrest”. 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 ▲ or ▼ key change the number to adjust the object you want to
edit. Press ENTER when it is right.
Follow the same procedure as “Add a new comet” to edit it. Press BACK to back to
Modify Star Catalog menu.
Delete one comet
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Delete one comet” line, and press ENTER. A
screen consists comet information will show:
No. 01
6P d’Arrest
R: 5h31.2m D:10º20.8’
A 31º49.5’ Z253º39.9’
Use ► or ◄ button to move the cursor, and ▼ or ▲ button to change the number. Press
ENTER to delete selected object.
Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog menu.
Reset all comets
Use ▼ or ▲ button to move the cursor to “Reset all comets” line, and press ENTER to
restore all deleted or modified comets data to factory default setting.
5.7.3. Asteroids
Select “Asteroids” and press ENTER, a menu like following will show:
Add a new asteroid
Edit one asteroid
Delete one asteroid
Reset asteroids data
Refer to 5.7.2 Comets to set the Asteroids.
21
5.8. Watch List
A watch list is a list of your favorite celestial objects in the database. User can add,
delete and browse the watch list. All celestial objects, include User Defined object, can be
compiled into the list. Up to 20 objects can be added to the watch list.
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. Follow the screen prompt to confirm the selection.
After you are done, press BACK to back to Watch List menu.
You also can delete one or all objects in your watching list. After the watch list is set, it
can be observed through “Select and Slew” operation, either w
5.9. Set Telescope Coord.
Set the current Altitude and Azimuth of your telescope.
5.10. Park Scope
Park your telescope. Return the telescope to its initial position, i.e.,its altitude is 90º0.0’
and azimuth is 180º0.0’.
22
6. Using Electronic Eyepiece to Capture Images
With the iE1300 Electronic Eyepiece now you can experience astro-video and
astrophotography for yourself! The iOptron Electronic Eyepiece allows you to view real-time
images from your telescope on a computer screen. The iOptron iE Electronic Eyepiece
transmits live video images of the Moon, Sun, planets and terrestrial objects through a USB
cable to your computer. Images can be recorded for later playback or frame imaging.
6.1. iE1300 Driver Installation
The iE1300 is a Plug-N-Play device. Plug each end of the USB cable into the iE1300
and your computer. Your computer will detect the electronic eyepiece as new hardware and
start to install the driver. Follow the instructions on your computer for any driver installation.
The camera is ready for use after the driver is installed.
6.2. Use the iE1300 to Observe an Object
In order to bring an object to your computer monitor, an image/video capture program is
needed. Most PCs come with preinstalled programs, such as Window Movie Maker, Arcsoft
Webcam Companion, or other webcam program. If your PC does not have one installed, you
may download one from the following website: VirtualDub 32-bit or 64-bit from
www.VirtualDub.org
or Future Winjoe at www.ioptron.com/future.rar.
Aim and focus your telescope to an observing target using a regular eyepiece. Always
start with a large number eyepiece, such as a 25mm one. Remove the eyepiece and insert the
iE1300 camera into the telescope focuser. Slowly adjust the focuser knob to bring the image to
focus. Use the capture function of the program to capture the image or movie. Practice your
system during the daytime first.
6.3. Example: Using Future WinJoe For Image and Video Capture
Install software of Future WinJoe
1. Download Future WinJoe from www.ioptron.com/future.rar and save on your desktop
2. Double click on “future.rar” to open the compressed file package and double click on
“setup.exe” to start install the software
3. Select your language, then click “OK” to confirm
23
4. Click on Next when an InstallShield Wizard window displayed.
5. Click on “Yes” to accept the License Agreement.
6. Select the destination folder to install Future WinJoe. The default location is "C:\Program
Files\Future\WinJoe". Click on “Next”. You may change it to the destination folder you want by
click on “Browse”.
24
7. Click on "finish" to exit when InstallShield wizard has been completed.
Operation of Future WinJoe
1. Connect the iE1300 to the USB port,
2. Double click on the Future WinJoe icon on desktop “
Or go to startÆall programsÆFuture WinJoe. A preview window of Future WinJoe will be
shown, with a large live image in the middle and captured image thumbnails at the bottom.
25
”.
3. Click on “
equipped more than one. In this case, select “MDA1300”. You can select where to store the
captured videos and images. You may also change other settings in this menu. Click “OK” when
done.
” to bring up the “Capture Settings” menu to select a camera, if your computer
4. Click on "" to connect the camera. An image (probably an unfocused one in most time)
will be displayed. Adjust the focusing-knob to bring the image to focus.
26
5. Click on "" to set the attributes of images shown, such as brightness and contrast.
6. Click on “
7. Click on the image thumbnails to view the quality of the image. Click on “
adjust the settings if needed. Click on “
pictures if desired.
8. Click on “
9. For more detailed software functions, please click on “
” to capture a photo.
” to connect the camera again and take more
” to start video capturing, and click it again to stop.
" or "F1"
” or “” to
27
7. Maintenance and Servicing
7.1. Maintenance
The AstroBoy® telescope is a precision optical 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. Using wet cloth to clean the mount and hand controller. Do not use any solvent.
2. Leave the dust cap on while not operating the telescope. Avoid cleaning the
telescope’s optics. A little dust on the front surface of the telescope’s correcting lens
causes virtually no degradation of image quality and should not be considered a
reason to clean the lens.
3. When absolutely necessary, dust on the front lens should be removed with gentle
strokes of a camel hair brush, a soft glass clean cloth or blown off with an ear syringe
(available at any pharmacy). Do not use a commercial photographic lens cleaner.
4. Organic materials (e.g., fingerprints) on the front lens may be removed with a
solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol. Use soft, white facial
tissues or cotton balls and make short, gentle strokes. Change tissues often. Do not
use scented, colored, or lotioned tissues as damage could result to the optics.
5. If your telescope is used outdoors on a humid night, telescope surfaces may
accumulate water condensation. While such condensation does not normally cause
any damage to the telescope, it is recommended that wait the entire telescope be
dried before being packed away. Do not wipe any of the optical surfaces. In addition,
the dust cap should not be placed back on to the optical tube until the telescope is
thoroughly dry.
6. If your telescope is not to be used for an extended period, perhaps for one month or
more, it is advisable to remove the batteries from battery holder, if they are installed.
Batteries left installed for prolonged periods may leak, causing damage to the
telescope’s electronic circuitry.
7. Do not leave your telescope outdoors on a warm day or inside a sealed car for an
extended period of time. Excessive ambient temperatures can damage the
telescope’s internal lubrication and electronic circuitry.
7.2. Storage and Transport
When not in use, store the telescope in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instrument
to excessive heat or moisture. It is best to store the telescope in its original box with the altitude
lock knob unlocked. If shipping the telescope, use the original box and packing material to
protect the telescope during shipment.
When transporting the telescope, take care not to bump or drop the instrument; this type
of abuse can damage the optics or affect the GOTO tracking accuracy.
28
7.3. Troubleshooting
The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the AstroBoy 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.
(2) Verify that the hand controller cord is firmly connected to the HBX port on the mount.
(3) Press the SPEED button to change the slew speed to MAX.
(4) Check the power source, which include:
• Using the battery? Are the batteries installed correctly? Are the batteries fresh?
How long have they been used? (frequent slew and GOTO will deplete battery
power very quickly)
• Using AC or DC adapter? Check the plugs to the mount and to the power outlet.
• Using extension cord? Make sure the cord is in good condition. Power drop along
the extension cord was known to cause the problem. Also check all the plugs and
connections.
(5) If the telescope does not respond to commands, set the power switch to OFF and
then back to ON.
(6) If the telescope does not slew after power is applied or if the motor quits or stalls,
verify that there are no physical obstructions that would impede telescope
movement.
The Moon (or Star) is high on the sky, why the hand controller says it will rise in certain
hours?
The site information setting, such as minutes behind UT (if you locate in North America),
or DST setting is wrong. Please go to “Set Up Controller” submenu to double check
them.
Cannot seem to focus (No image appears in the eyepiece):
(1) Confirm that the dust cap has been removed from the telescope.
(2) Fully extending the telescope tube by tuning the focuser clockwise first. Then turn
the focuser slowly counterclockwise to bring the object to focus.
Images through the eyepiece appear unfocused or distorted:
(1) The magnification used may be too high for the seeing conditions. Back off to a lower
power eyepiece.
(2) If inside a warm house or building, move outside. Interior air conditions may distort
terrestrial (land) or celestial images, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a
sharp focus. For optimal viewing, use the telescope outside in the open air instead of
observing through an open or closed window or screen.
(3) If viewing a land object on a warm day, heat waves distort the image.
(4) The optics within the telescope need time to adjust to the outside ambient
temperature to provide the sharpest image. To "cool down" the optics, set the
telescope outside for 10 to 15 minutes before observing begins.
(5) A land object is too close.
The telescope does not GOTO the right object, or the alignment is always wrong:
(1) Check the mount leveling (very important).
(2) Site information setting may be wrong (minutes ahead of or behind UT, DST).
(3) Check the power source or change the batteries.
29
Error Message “Warning! Motor driver overloaded.”
(1) Check the hand controller cord. Unplug it and re-plug into, or plug it into another HBX
port.
(2) Check the power source.
7.4. 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
the iOptron Customer Service Department first, before returning the telescope to the factory,
giving full particulars as to the nature of the problem, as well as your name, address, and
daytime telephone number. The great majority of servicing issues can be resolved by telephone
or email, avoiding return of the telescope to the factory.
It is strongly suggested that to send your technical questions to support@ioptron.com.
30
Appendix A. Technical Specifications
AstroBoy®-70e GOTO Telescope:
Optical Design Achromatic Refractor
Clear Aperture 70 mm
Focal Length 500mm
Focal Ratio f/7.1
Resolution Power 1.66 arc sec
Limited Magnitude 11
Highest Useful Magnification 140
Focuser 1.25” rack-and-pinion
Eyepiece adapter 1.25”
Eyepiece 1 25mm (20X)
Eyepiece 2 10mm (50X)
Diagonal 45º erect
Mount AltAzimuth Mount
GOTO System GOTONOVA
Tracking controller Automatic
Tracking rate celestial, solar, lunar
Motor Dual-Axis DC Servo motor with encoders
Resolution 1 arc second
Slew Speed 2×,8×,64×,256×,MAX( ~4º/sec)
Hand controller GoToNova® 8404
LCD display 4 line, 21 character with LED backlit
Processor 32bit ARM
Object in Database 5,000+
Level indicator Yes
Battery
AC/DC adapter Optional
Power Requirement 9V DC(9 ~ 14V), 1.2A
Tripod Aluminum
Electronic Eyepiece Sensor 1/3" 1.3MP CMOS
Resolution 1280x1024
Pixel size 3.6μm x 3.6μm
Frame Rate 16 fps @ 1280x1024
USB Port USB 2.0
Operation System Win2k,WinXP,Vista, Win7 (plug-N-play)
GoToNova® 8404 hand controller consists of SAO bright stars with their magnitudes greater
than 6. A reference table is available on iOptron’s website.
46
IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
A. iOptron warrants your telescope, mount, or controller to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year. iOptron
will repair or replace such product or part which, upon inspection by iOptron, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
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.
B. The proper Return Merchant Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from iOptron in advance of return. Call iOptron at
1.781.569.0200 to receive the number to be displayed on the outside of your shipping container.
All returns must be accompanied by a written statement stating the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the owner,
together with a brief description of any claimed defects. Parts or product for which replacement is made shall become the property
of iOptron.
The customer shall be responsible for all costs of transportation and insurance, both to and from the factory of iOptron, and shall be
required to prepay such costs.
iOptron shall use reasonable efforts to repair or replace any telescope, mount, or controller covered by this warranty within thirty
days of receipt. In the event repair or replacement shall require more than thirty days, iOptron shall notify the customer accordingly.
iOptron reserves the right to replace any product which has been discontinued from its product line with a new product of
comparable value and function.
This warranty shall be void and of no force of effect in the event a covered product has been modified in design or function, or
subjected to abuse, misuse, mishandling or unauthorized repair. Further, product malfunction or deterioration due to normal wear is
not covered by this warranty.
IOPTRON DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR USE, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HERE. THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF IOPTRON UNDER THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS
SET FORTH HERE. IOPTRON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OR INABILITY TO USE ANY IOPTRON PRODUCT. ANY WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED AND WHICH CANNOT BE
DISCLAIMED SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO A TERM OF ONE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL
PURCHASE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
iOptron reserves the right to modify or discontinue, without prior notice to you, any model or style telescope.
If warranty problems arise, or if you need assistance in using your telescope, mount, or controller contact:
Email: support@iOptron.com
iOptron Corporation
Customer Service Department
Woburn, MA 01801
support@ioptron.com
www.ioptron.com
Tel. (781)569-0200
Fax. (781)935-2860
Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM EST
6F Gill Street
NOTE: This warranty is valid to U.S.A. and Canadian customers who have purchased this product from an authorized iOptron
dealer in the U.S.A. or Canada or directly from iOptron. Warranty outside the U.S.A. and Canada is valid only to customers who
purchased from an iOptron Distributor or Authorized iOptron Dealer in the specific country. Please contact them for any warranty
47
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