iOptron IEQ45TM User Manual

®

TM

SmartStar® iEQ45

With Go2NovaTM 8407 Hand Controller

Instruction Manual

Table of Content

Table of Content.................................................................................................................................................2

1. iEQ45TM Overview.........................................................................................................................................4

2. iEQ45TM Assembly.........................................................................................................................................5

2.1. Parts List..................................................................................................................................................5

2.2. Assembly terms.......................................................................................................................................6

2.3. iEQ45 Ports .............................................................................................................................................7

2.4. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................7

2.5. iEQ45 Assembly......................................................................................................................................8

3. Go2NovaTM 8407 Hand Controller ..............................................................................................................17

3.1. Key Description.....................................................................................................................................17

3.2. The LCD Screen....................................................................................................................................18

4. Getting Started..............................................................................................................................................20

4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment..................................................................................................20

4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount............................................................................................................20

4.3. Setting Up the Hand Controller.............................................................................................................20

4.3.1. Set Up Time and Site......................................................................................................................20

4.3.2. Initial Star Alignment.....................................................................................................................22

4.3.3. Go to the Moon and Other Stars.....................................................................................................22

4.3.4. Star Identifying Function................................................................................................................22

4.4. Turn Off the Mount...............................................................................................................................22

5. Complete Functions of Go2NovaTM Hand Controller..................................................................................24

5.1. Slew to an Object...................................................................................................................................24

5.1.1. Solar System...................................................................................................................................24

5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects...........................................................................................................................24

5.1.3. Stars:...............................................................................................................................................24

5.1.4. Constellations.................................................................................................................................24

5.1.5. Comets............................................................................................................................................24

5.1.6. Asteroids.........................................................................................................................................25

5.1.7. User Objects ...................................................................................................................................25

5.1.8. Enter R.A. DEC..............................................................................................................................25

5.2. Sync to Target........................................................................................................................................25

5.3. Electric Focuser.....................................................................................................................................25

5.4. Set Up Controller...................................................................................................................................25

5.4.1. Set Up Time & Site ........................................................................................................................25

5.4.2. Set Display and Beep......................................................................................................................25

5.4.3. Set Anti-backlash............................................................................................................................26

5.4.4. Meridian Treatment........................................................................................................................26

5.4.5. Set Eyepiece Light..........................................................................................................................27

5.4.6. Heating Controller..........................................................................................................................27

5.4.7. Upgrade RA & DEC.......................................................................................................................27

5.4.8. Firmware Information ....................................................................................................................27

5.5. Align......................................................................................................................................................27

5.5.1. One-Star Align................................................................................................................................27

5.5.2. Two-Star Align...............................................................................................................................27

5.5.3. Three Star Alignment.....................................................................................................................28

5.5.4. Dis R.A Axis Error.........................................................................................................................28

5.5.5. Test Backlash..................................................................................................................................28

5.5.6. Pole Star Position ...........................................................................................................................29

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5.6. PEC Option............................................................................................................................................29

5.6.1. PEC Playback.................................................................................................................................29

5.6.2. Record PEC....................................................................................................................................29

5.6.3. System Self-Test.............................................................................................................................30

5.7. Set Tracking Rate..................................................................................................................................30

5.8. Set User Objects....................................................................................................................................30

5.9. Guide Options........................................................................................................................................31

5.9.1. Set Guider Rate...............................................................................................................................31

5.9.2. Guide Port Direction.......................................................................................................................31

5.10. Set Slewing Rate..................................................................................................................................31

5.11. Park Scope...........................................................................................................................................31

5.12. To Zero Position..................................................................................................................................32

5.13. Balance Test ........................................................................................................................................32

6. Maintenance and Servicing ..........................................................................................................................33

6.1. Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................33

6.2. iOptron Customer Service.....................................................................................................................33

6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions ............................................................................................33

6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions....................................................................................33

Appendix A. Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................34

Appendix B. Go2NovaTM 8407 HC MENU STRUCTURE ............................................................................35

Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade ......................................................................................................................37

Appendix D. Computer Control an iEQ45 Mount ...........................................................................................38

Appendix E. Go2NovaTM Star List...................................................................................................................39

IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY............................46

WARNING!

NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER!

Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

May 2012 Rev.3.0
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design may differ from those described in this instruction.

3

1. iEQ45TM Overview

The iEQ45 is one of the new breed of premium astro-imaging equatorial mounts from iOptron. The
iEQ45 offers the next generation GOTO technology from iOptron. The mount is made of the highest quality
materials to ensure stability and durability. With a payload of 45 lb (20 kg) balanced – it comes standard
with a calibrated dark field illumination polar scope and a sturdy 2-inch stainless steel tripod. It also fits both
Vixen and Losmandy-type mounting plates. Its lighter weight (only 25 lb or 11.4 kg) makes it much easier to
carry.

Features:

• Specialized astrophotography mount ideal for entry-level and intermediate astrophotographers

• Portable, compact, and sturdy German equatorial mount with the highest Payload/Mount ratio (1.7)

in the category

• Payload: 45 lb (20 kg) (excluding counterweight)

• Mount weight: 25 lb (11.4 kg)

• Ultra-accurate tracking with temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO)

TM

• FlexiTouch

• Angular contact bearing for R.A and DEC axles, as well as worm gear shafts

• Resolution: 0.09 arc second

• Go2Nova

• Permanent periodic error correction (PEC)

• Built-in 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)

• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port capable of reverse guiding with auto-protection

• Calibrated polar scope with dark-field illumination and easy polar alignment procedure, allowing for

fast and accurate polar alignment

• iOptron port for electronic focuser, laser pointer, planetary dome control

• RS232 port for computer control via ASCOM platform

• Heated hand controller for low temperature operation (as low as -20ºC)

• Fits with both Vixen and Losmandy-type telescope mounting plates

• 2 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod

• Optional pier

• Optional counterweight extension shaft

• Optional carrying case

• Optional PowerWeight

Gap-free structure for both R.A. and DEC worm gears

TM

8407 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GoTo Technology

TM

rechargeable battery pack

4

2. iEQ45TM Assembly

2.1. Parts List

There are two shipping boxes for a regular tripod version. One box contains an EQ mount, an 8407
hand controller, a Vixen-type dovetail saddle (attached to the mount) and a Losmandy-D dovetail saddle.
One box contains a tripod, two 11lb (5kg) counterweights and accessories.

Figure 1. EQ mount box

Other parts included in the package1:

• 2 RJ11 coiled controller cables

• Dark field illuminating LED with cable

• AC adapter (100V~240V)

• 12V DC adapter cable with car lighter plug

• RJ9 to RS232 serial cable for hand controller firmware upgrade

• RS232 cable

• 4 M6 hex head screws (for mounting Losmandy-D dovetail saddle)

ONLINE CONTENTS (click under “Support” menu) www.iOptron.com

• Quick Start Guide

• This manual

• Tips for set up

• Hand controller and mount firmware upgrades (check online for latest version)

• ASCOM driver

• Reviews and feedback from other customers

1

US market only. Actual contents may vary.

5

2.2. Assembly Terms

DEC Clutch Handle

DEC Unit

Dovetail Saddle

R.A. Clutch Screw

Counterweight (CW)

CW Locking Screw

CW Safety Screw

Polar Axis Cover

DEC Axis

CW Shaft

Bubble Level Indicator

Alignment Peg

R.A. unit

Main Control Unit

Polar Scope Cover

Lat. Locking Screw

Lat. Adjust. Knob

Azi. Locking Screw

Azi. Adjust Knob

Tripod Head

Tripod Spreader

Tripod Leg

Leg Lock Screw

Tripod Lock

Figure 2. iEQ45 assembly terms (mount and tripod)

6

2.3. iEQ45 Ports

Ports on Main Control Unit

• Dec: For connecting to DEC driver unit

• iOptron port: For connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as an electronic focuser, a laser

pointer, or a planetary dome control

• HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to the 8407 Hand Controller

• Reticle: Power supply for the Polar Scope dark field illumination LED

• Power DC 12V: AC adapter power plug

• ON/OFF Switch: Power switch

• Guide: Autoguiding port for ST-4 compatible guiding cameras

• RS232: Series port for ASCOM control and main board, R.A. and DEC unit firmware upgrade

Figure 3. Ports on main control unit

LED

LED

Switch

Switch

Port on DEC Unit

The only port on the DEC unit is used to connect to the Dec port on main control unit.

2.4. Introduction

You have just purchased a telescope mount that is capable of taking you to a new level of
astronomy. No matter which telescope or optical tube assembly (OTA) you select to install on the mount,
the overall performance will be greatly enhanced. In order for you to get the optimum performance from the
mount and OTA combination, you must assemble and adjust the mount correctly. The following
fundamentals of telescope mounts are included to help you understand the big picture before you get into
the specific details of the iEQ45 mount.

Telescope mounts are either equatorial mounts or altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounts. Both types of
mounts rotate the OTA around two perpendicular axes to point to a desired object in the night sky. An
equatorial mount has the right ascension (R.A.) axis aligned with the celestial North Pole (CNP), or celestial
South Pole (CSP), to provide rotation matching the celestial sphere rotation around the Earth and the
declination axis (DEC) to provide elevation relative to the celestial equator. Since all celestial objects
appear to rotate around the CNP, the R.A. axis allows the OTA to rotate with the celestial sphere and
provide accurate tracking for visual observations and astrophotography. R.A. is the celestial equivalent of
longitude. Like longitude, R.A. measures an angle that increases toward the East as measured from a zero
reference point on the celestial equator. An Alt-Az mount has a horizontal axis to provide vertical (altitude)
OTA movement from the local horizon and a vertical axis to provide horizontal (azimuth) OTA movement,
similar to compass headings. An Alt-Az mount can provide tracking that is good enough for visual
observing 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

7

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 mode in order to align
the R.A. axis, also known as the mount’s Polar Axis, with the CNP. These Polar Axis adjustments do not
involve any rotations of the OTA about the R.A. or DEC axes and can be performed without the OTA
installed. The first step is to make an approximate azimuth alignment of the Polar Axis by aligning the
specified tripod leg or reference point toward True North using a compass for reference (you must allow for
the variation between True and Magnetic North at your location). Precise horizontal alignment of the Polar
Axis is accomplished with azimuth adjustments on the mount. The second step is to adjust the Polar Axis
vertically (altitude) above the North horizon by setting the observer’s latitude on the provided latitude scale.
This procedure is based on the fundamental geometry of the Earth’s coordinate system in conjunction with
the concept of the celestial sphere. You can verify this by visualizing yourself at the North Pole (latitude
N90°) and Polaris will be 90° from the horizon, or directly overhead. These steps will place the Polar Axis
very close to the CNP. Both of the above adjustments can be enhanced by the use of an opening along the
R.A. axis that allows direct viewing of the North Star and the use of a polar scope to view through this
opening. If you are going to get the most out of your equatorial mount it is essential to understand the
concept of the Polar Axis and how the equatorial mount helps you establish and maintain a true Polar Axis
alignment. Now, you are ready to perform star alignments using the equatorial mount’s electronic controller
and enjoy the night sky.

The iEQ45 is a next-generation equatorial mount that provides the precision alignment capabilities
required for today’s complete astronomy solution. The following sections of this manual provide the detailed
steps required to successfully set up and operate the iEQ45.

2.5. iEQ45 Assembly

NOTE: The iEQ45 is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that you read
the entire manual and become familiar with the
nomenclature and function of all components before
starting the assembly.

STEP 1. Setup Tripod

Expand the tripod legs and install the Tripod Support
using the Tripod Lock as shown in Figure 4. Tightening the
Tripod Lock will expand the tripod legs fully and provide
maximum support for the mount and the Optical Tube
Assembly (OTA). Adjust the tripod height by unlocking the
tripod Leg Lock Screws, sliding the lower tripod leg to the
desired length, and relocking the tripod Leg Lock Screws. It
is recommended that you extend the legs fully during the first
assembly and modify the length as required in subsequent
adjustments. After the legs are adjusted and locked, stand
the tripod with the Alignment Peg facing True North. If you
are located in the southern hemisphere, face the Alignment

Peg True South.

CAUTION: If the latitude of your location is below 20º,
you may move the Alignment Peg to the opposite
position to prevent the counterweights from hitting the tripod legs. If the latitude is below 10º, a pier
is recommended in place of a tripod. The mount can also be specially modified for the application
near the equator.

Alignment Peg

Tripod Spreader

Tripod Lock

Figure 4

8

STEP 2. Set Latitude Adjustment Knob

Carefully remove the mount from the shipping box and familiarize yourself with the components
shown in Figure 2. Unlock the four (4) R.A. Clutch Screws and rotate the mount 180º around the R.A. axis
to move the dovetail saddle face topside to the highest vertical position as shown in Figure 5. Tighten the
R.A. Clutch Screws.

Dovetail Saddle

R.A. Axis
Polar Axis

R.A. Clutch Screw (4)

(a) Rotating the mount (b) Upright position

Figure 5

The iEQ45 mount is equipped with two positions for the Latitude Adjustment Knob as shown in
Figure 6, an upper position and a lower position. If the latitude of your location is between 5º and 40º, set
the Latitude Adjustment Knob to the lower position (factory default position) as shown in Figure 6. Install
the Latitude Safety Block, as shown in Figure 7, using the included hex key to release and tighten the
attachment screw. If the latitude of your location is between 35º and 70º, remove the Latitude Safety Block
and set the Latitude Adjustment Knob to the upper position.

Latitude Adjustment Knob

Lat. Adjust. Lever

Upper Position

Lat. Safety LockLocking Screw

Lower Position

Figure 6

Figure 7

CAUTION: If your location latitude requires changing the Latitude Adjustment Knob position,
change the knob position before attaching the mount to the tripod.

9

STEP 3. Attach the iEQ45 Mount

Locate the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs (next to the Bubble Level Indicator) and retract them to allow
enough clearance for the mount to fit on the tripod head. Unscrew the three (3) Azimuth Locking Screws
shown in Figure 8 and be careful not to lose the plastic washers; they will be needed to secure the mount.
Place the mount onto the Tripod Head with the Bubble Level Indicator on top of the Alignment Peg as
shown in Figure 9. Place the Teflon washers and the three (3) Azimuth Locking Screws back and tighten
the screws. Level the tripod base by adjusting the individual legs. You may use the built-in Bubble Level
Indicator or an external torpedo level to check leveling.

Lat. Locking Screw (4)

Bubble Level Indicator

Lat. Mark Window

Azi. Adjust. Knob

Azi. Locking Screw (3)

Plastic Washer

Figure 8

Alignment Peg

Figure 9

STEP 4. Set the Location Latitude

This step requires you to know the latitude of your current location. This can be found from your
8407 hand controller after the embedded GPS receives the signal from the satellites. It also can be easily
found on the Internet, with your GPS navigator or a GPS capable cell phone. You will have to change this
latitude setting every time you significantly change your night sky viewing location. This setting directly
affects the mount’s tracking and GOTO accuracy.

Unscrew the Latitude Adjustment Lever from the Latitude Adjustment Knob as shown in Figure 6.
Turn the Latitude Adjustment Knob to set your current latitude in the Latitude Mark Window, 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.
This alignment accuracy will be sufficient for visual tracking and short duration piggy-back (camera mounted
on top of the OTA) astrophotography.

CAUTION: For safety reasons, always adjust the latitude without an OTA and/or counterweights
installed. Also, it is much easier to make this precise adjustment without a load on the axis being
adjusted.

STEP 5. Attach Counterweight (CW) Shaft

Unscrew the CW shaft from the top of the mount as shown in Figure 10(a) and thread it into the
opening of the DEC axis as shown in Figure 10(b).

10

(a) (b)

Figure 10

STEP 6. Attach Dovetail Adapter

Both Vixen and Losmandy-D dovetail saddles are included for your convenience. Two (2) M6x20
hex head screws are used for the Vixen dovetail saddle. Additionally, four (4) M6x20 screws are provided
for the Losmandy-D saddle installation. A customer-made large adapter can also be installed. The
mounting-hole distribution on the mount is shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11

STEP 7. Connect Cables

Attach one end of an RJ11 cable into the socket on the side of the DEC unit and the other end into
the DEC socket located on the main control unit. Using another RJ11 cable, connect the hand controller
and the HBX socket located on the main control unit. Plug the 12V DC power supply into the Power socket
on the main control unit. The red LED will illuminate when the power switch is turned on.

STEP 8. Polar Alignment
CAUTION: It is recommended that whenever possible you perform this procedure before loading the

OTA.

11

NOTE: You may need to re-check the polar alignment after loading the OTA.

As explained in the introduction, an equatorial mount must have an accurate polar axis alignment in
order to track properly. With the iOptron innovative Polar Scope and Quick Polar Alignment procedure, you
can do a fast and accurate polar axis alignment.

Figure 12. Polar Scope Dial

As indicated in Figure 12, the Polar Scope Dial has been divided into 12 hours along the angular
direction with half-hour tics. There are 2 groups, 6 concentric circles marked from 36’ to 44’ and 60’ to 70’,
respectively. The 36’ to 44’ concentric circles are used for polar alignment in northern hemisphere using
Polaris. While the 60’ to 70’ circles are used for polar alignment in southern hemisphere using Sigma
Octantis.

You have already pointed the tripod to True North in Step 1 and set your current latitude in Step 4.

Now, you are ready to perform the Quick Polar Axis Alignment procedure.

Polar axis adjustments

Whenever polar axis adjustments are required, loosen the three Azimuth Locking Screws and adjust

the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs to do a fine adjustment of the mount in the azimuth direction. Tighten

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

NOTE: Do not disassemble the Polar Scope to rotate it. It is adjusted at the factory and can

be misaligned if you disassemble it. A good Polar alignment is the basis for good GOTO and

tracking performance.

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 may not be set at

the normal clock position with 12 located at the top, as shown in Figure 12. Before doing the Quick

Polar Axis Alignment, complete the following steps:

(1) Take off both the Polar Axis Cover and the Polar Scope Cover from the mount.

(2) Remove the protection tape on the threaded hole located on the Polar Scope. First, thread the

dark field illuminating LED end into the threaded hole and then plug the other end into the Reticle
socket located on the R.A. unit. The illumination intensity can be adjusted using the hand

controller (HC) via the “Set Eyepiece Light” function under the “Set Up Controller” menu.

12

(3) Use the ▲ or ▼ button to turn the DEC axle to unblock the Polar Scope view.

(4) Adjust polar scope eyepiece shown in Figure 13 to bring the polar scope dial in focus.

(5) To rotate the Polar Scope to align the 12 position of the dial on the top, as shown in Figure 12,

release the four R.A. clutch screws while holding the OTA, then turn the R.A. drive using HC’s ◄
or ► button (press 9 button to change the rotation speed to MAX). PLEASE remember to hold
onto the OTA or it could swing. If your Polar Scope is equipped with a bubble level indicator, as
shown in Figure 13, simply make sure the bubble is in the middle.

Figure 13. Polar scope with bubble level indicator

CAUTION: It is recommended that whenever possible you perform this procedure before

loading the OTA.

Quick polar axis alignment

Level indicator

Polar scope
eyepiece

(1) Turn on the mount power by pressing the On/Off switch on the R.A. unit. After “GPS OK” is

shown in the upper right corner of the HC, the LCD will display the Polaris Position as shown in
Figure 14 (a). If you are practicing inside or when there is no GPS signal, you can view this

chart by pressing the MENU button, then select “Align” and “Polaris Position”. For example,

on May 30, 2010, 20:00:00 in Boston, US (Lat N42º30’32” and Long W71º08’50”), 300 min
behind UT, the Polaris Position is 1hr 26.8m and r= 41.5m, as shown in Figure 14 (a).

(2) Look through the polar scope; make sure the polar scope is not blocked by the DEC axle. The

12 o’clock indicator of the Polar Scope Dial must be positioned on top.

(3) Follow the Polar axis adjustment procedure (not the hand controller) to adjust the mount in

altitude (latitude) and azimuth (heading) direction and place Polaris in the same position on the
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 14 (b).

(a) (b)

Figure 14

13

NOTE: Thread the polar scope eyepiece all the way in after polar alignment, before put the Polar
Scope Cover back on. Otherwise, the polar scope eyepiece could be stuck inside the Polar Scope
Cover to cause R.A. axis jamming.

NOTE: If you are located in southern hemisphere, Sigma Octantis will be chosen for Polar Alignment.
For example, on May 20, 2010, 20:00:00 in Sydney, Australia (Lat S33º51’36” and Long E151º12’40”),
600 min ahead of UT, the Sigma Octantis Position is 1hr21.8m and 64.4m.

STEP 9. Install Counterweight(s)

iEQ45 comes with two 11lb (5kg) counterweights (CWs). Use one or both CWs as required for your
particular OTA. Additional CW(s) or shaft extension bar may be needed to balance a heavier OTA.

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 as shown in Figure 13(a). 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.

When the OTA load is over 22lb (10kg), an optional CW shaft extension, as shown in Figure 15(b) or
extra counterweight(s) may be needed. They are available from iOptron.

(a) (b)

Figure 15

STEP 10. Attach and Balance an OTA on the Mount

After attaching an OTA and accessories to the mount, the mount must be balanced to ensure
minimum stress on the mount’s gears and motors. There are four (4) Clutch Screws on R.A. axis and one
Clutch Handle on DEC axis. Each axis will rotate freely after the related clutch screws are released. The
balancing procedure should be performed after the CWs, OTA, and any accessories are installed.

CAUTION: The telescope may swing when the R.A. and DEC clutch screws or handle are released.
Always hold on to the OTA before you release the clutch screws or handle to prevent it from
swinging. It can cause personal injury or damage to the equipment.

14

Balance the mount in DEC axis

Release the four (4) R.A. Clutch Screws and rotate the R.A. axis to place the DEC axis in the
horizontal position, as shown in Figure 16(a), and then tighten the R. A. Clutch Screws. The OTA can be on
either side. Then release the DEC Clutch Handle and rotate the OTA to a horizontal position as shown in
Figure 16(b). If the OTA has a tendency to rotate about the DEC axis, you will have to slide the OTA
forward or backward to balance it in the horizontal position about the DEC axis. When the OTA is balanced
horizontally, tighten the DEC Handle.

Balance the mount in R.A. axis

Release the four (4) R.A. Clutch Screws. If the DEC axis stays in the horizontal position, as shown
in Figure 16(a), it means the R.A. axis is balanced. Otherwise, release the CW Locking Screw and move
the CW as required to balance the R.A. axis. Tighten the CW Locking Screw.

(a) (b)

Figure 16

Adjust the mount to Zero Position

After polar alignment, adjust the mount at Zero Position. The Zero Position is the position with the
CW shaft pointing toward the ground, OTA at the highest position with its axis parallel to the polar axis and
the OTA pointing to the NCP, as shown in Figure 17. Loosen the DEC Clutch Handle on the DEC axis and
the four (4) R.A. Clutch Screws on the R.A. axis to adjust the mount to the Zero Position. Tighten the

screws after each adjustment. Remember, the hand controller needs to be at the Zero Position as well!

The simplest way is turn the mount power OFF and ON again to reset the hand controller.

15

Figure 17. Zero position

You can also use the electronic Balance Test function to check the R.A. and DEC balance (please
refer to Section 5.13 for more details).

16

3. Go2NovaTM 8407 Hand Controller

(

DEC+

RA+

RA-

DEC-

HBX
Port

Serial
Port

RJ9)

Figure 18. Go2Nova 8407 hand controller

The Go2NovaTM 8407 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 18 is one of the controllers that used for
the iEQ45 mount. It has an integrated temperature controller that ensures it can be operated below 20ºC
(-4ºF). It has a large LCD screen, function keys, direction keys and number keys on the front; a red LED
reading light on the back; and a HBX port (6-pin) and a serial port (4-pin) at the bottom.

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.

• ENTER Key: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, or slew the telescope to a

selected object.

• Arrow (▲▼◄►) Keys: The arrow keys are used to control the movement of DEC and R.A. axes.
Press and hold ▲(DEC+),▼(DEC-) buttons to move a telescope along the DEC direction,
◄(R.A.+), ►(R.A.-) to move a telescope along the RA direction. They are also used to browse the
menu or move the cursor while in the menu. Hold an arrow key for a fast scrolling.

• Number Keys: Input numerical values. Also used to adjust manually slewing speeds (1: 1X; 2: 2X;
3: 8X; 4: 16X; 5: 64X; 6: 128X; 7: 256X; 8: 512X; 9: MAX)

• Light Key(☼): Turns on/off the red LED reading light on the back of the controller.

• ? Key: Identify and display bright stars or objects where the telescope points to.

• STOP/0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between start and stop tracking.

• HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the iEQ45 mount using a 6-wire RJ11 cable.

17

• Serial port: connect the HC to a Computer via a RS232 to 4-wire RJ9 cable. The pin out of the

GPS S

p

Slew S

peed

ount Status

serial port is shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19. Serial port pin out on an 8407 hand controller

3.2. The LCD Screen

The 8407 HC has a large 8-line, 21-character per line LCD screen, which displays all the information

as shown in Figure 20. The user interface is simple and easy to learn.

Target Name

M

Target Right Ascension

Target Declination

Right Ascension

Declination

Altitude

Azimuth

Local Date and Time

º

PEC

º

º

º

tatus

PEC Status
Tracking Speed

N/S Hemis

here

Figure 20. 8407 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.

• Zero Position: The position when the mount is turned on. Or the mount is moved to Zero Position

using “To Zero Position” command;

• User Position: The mount is point to a user defined position, which could be a real sky object or
just simply due to press an arrow key.

• An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star or celestial object
that the mount is currently slewing to, GOTO or tracking;

• Park Position: One of two position that you park the scope using “Park Scope” command.

2. Target R.A.: Right Ascension of the target object.

3. Target Declination: Declination of the target object.

4. Right Ascension: Right Ascension of the telescope, or R.A.

5. Declination: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.

6. Altitude: Altitude of the telescope (degrees vertical from the local horizon - zenith is 90º).

7. Azimuth: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east 90º, south 180º, and west 270º).

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8. Local Date and Time: display local time in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.

9. Mount Status: Display current operation status of the mount.

• Stop: mount is not moving;

• Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed;

• GoTo: mount is slewing to a celestial object using “Select and Slew”;

• Busy: mount is busy slewing to some predefined position, such as Zero Position.

10. GPS status: When the power is turned on, it shows “GPS ON”, which means a GPS receiver is
properly connected. When the GPS receiver finds the satellites and receives the GPS signal, it shows
“GPS OK”. The “GPS OK” may turn off after few minutes to save power.

11. PEC status: Display of “PEC” here Indicates the PEC playback is turned on. Default is off.

12. Tracking speed: Display current tracking status of the mount

• SDRL: mount is tracking at a sidereal speed;

• Solar: mount is tracking at a solar speed;

• Lunar: mount is tracking at a lunar speed;

• King: mount is tracking at a king speed;

• CSTM: mount us tracking at a customer defined speed.

13. Slew speed: It has 9 speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, MAX (~4º/sec, depends on
power source).

19

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

Assemble your iEQ45 mount according to Section 2.5, steps 1 ~ 7. Mount an OTA and accessories,
and carefully balance the mount around the polar axis, as indicated in 2.5, step 8. Connect all cables. Turn
the mount power switch on. After the GPS status change to GPS OK when the GPS receiver is connected
to satellites, the LCD will display the Pole Star Position chart. Follow Section 2.5, step 10 to do the Polar
Alignment. If this has already been done or the mount has not been moved from the previous location,

press the BACK button to go to the main menu.

The default position for the mount is the Zero Position, as shown in Figure 17, when the mount is
powered on: the counterweight shaft is pointing to ground, telescope is at the highest position with its axis
parallel to the polar axis and the telescope is pointing to the North Celestial Pole, if you are located in
northern hemisphere.

4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount

You may observe astronomical objects using the arrow keys of a Go2NovaTM hand controller.

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 number keys to change the slewing speed. Then press STOP/0

button to start tracking.

4.3. Setting Up the Hand Controller

The iEQ45 is equipped with a GPS receiver, which will receive the local time, longitude and latitude
information from satellites after the link is established. A clear sky outside is needed for the GPS to
establish its link with the satellites.

4.3.1. Set Up Time and Site

Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set Up Controller”

Select and Slew
Sync. to Target
Electric Focuser
Set Up Controller
Align
PEC Option
Set Tracking Rate
Set User Objects

Press ENTER and select “Set Up Time and Site”

Set Up Time and Site
Set Display and Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Set Eyepiece Light
Heating Controller
Upgrade R.A. and DEC
Firmware Information

Press ENTER. A time and site information screen will be displayed:

20

2011-11-10 12:01:36
Daylight Saving Time N
300 Min. behind UT

Longitude:W071d08m50s
Latitude: N42d30m32s

Northern Hemisphere

Local Time Set

The time will be updated automatically when the GPS has picked up a signal. You also can manually
input the time information in case GPS does not function. Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor _ and use
number keys to change the numbers. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to toggle between “Y” and “N” for Daylight
Saving Time. Hold on the arrow key to fast forward or rewind the cursor.

In order to make hand control reflect your correct local time, time zone information has to be entered.
Press ◄ or ► key, move the cursor to the third line “300 Min. behind UT” to set the time zone information
(add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). Enter minutes “ahead of” or “behind” UT (universal time). For
Example,

• Boston 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 600 540 480 420 360 300

To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input number directly.
To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead” 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 your “time zone” information from iOptron website
(http://www.ioptron.com/support.cfm?module=faq#). DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Fraction
time zone can be entered as well.

Observation Site Coordinate Set

The longitude and latitude coordinates will be automatically updated when the GPS picks up satellite
signals. “W/E” means western/eastern hemisphere; “N/S” means northern/southern hemisphere; “d” means
degree; “m” means minute; and “s” means second.

If for any reason your GPS can’t pick up a signal, you can manually enter the GPS coordinates.
Press ◄ or ► key to move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “W” and “E”, “N” and “S”,
using number key to change the numbers. It is always a good idea to do your home work to get the GPS
coordinates before traveling to a new observation site.

The site coordinates information can be found from Support section in iOptron website, under
Controller Set-up (http://www.ioptron.com/support.cfm?module=faq#). By entering the city name or address,

you can find its latitude and longitude. In case you only find the site information in decimal format you can

21

convert them into d:m:s format by multiplying the decimal numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be
changed to N47º31'48”: 47.53º = 47º +0.53º, 0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore,

47.53º=47º31'48" or 47d31m48s.

N/S Hemisphere Selection

If the polar axis is aligned to North Celestial Pole, then set the mount to Northern Hemisphere. If the
polar axis is pointing to South Celestial Pole, set the mount to Southern Hemisphere. Press ◄ or ► key to
move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “Northern Hemisphere” and “Southern
Hemisphere”.

Select Northern Hemisphere if you are located in US and press ENTER to go back to the main menu.

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.

4.3.2. Initial Star Alignment

A simple star alignment/synchronization can be performed to improve the GOTO accuracy.

To perform “One Star Align,” press MENU button, scroll down to “Align”, select “One Star Align”

and press ENTER. The screen will display a list of bright objects for you to select from. Select an object
using ▲ or ▼ key. Then press ENTER. After the mount slews to the target, use the arrow keys to center it
in your eyepiece. Then press ENTER. (More align details in 5.6)

An alternate way is to perform “Sync to Target.” Press the MENU button, select “Select and Slew”
and press ENTER. Browse over the catalogs and select an object, such as “Stars” Æ“Named stars” Æ140
(Polaris), and press ENTER. After the mount slews to Polaris, press the MENU button, scroll down to
“Sync. To Target”, follow the on-screen instruction to center Polaris and press ENTER. You may need to

use the number keys to change the slewing speed to make the centering procedure easier.

4.3.3. Go to the Moon and Other Stars

After performing these set-ups the mount is ready to GOTO and track objects. One of the most
common objects is the Moon.

To slew to the Moon press the MENU button. Select “Select and Slew” by pressing the ENTER
button. Select “Solar System”, and use the ▲ or ▼ buttons to select Moon. Press ENTER. The telescope

will automatically slew to the Moon and lock on it. It will automatically begin to track once it locks on. If the
Moon is not centered in your eyepiece, use the arrow keys to center the Moon. Or for better performance

use “Sync to Target.”

You may also select other bright celestial objects to start with, such as Jupiter or Saturn.

4.3.4. Star Identifying Function

The 8407 hand controller has a star identifying function. After Set Up Time and Site, slew the
telescope to an bright star, manually or using GOTO. Press ? (Help) button to identify the star name

telescope is pointing to, as well as nearby bright stars if there are any.

4.4. Turn Off the Mount

When you have finished your observation, just simply turn the mount power off and disassemble the
mount and tripod. If the mount is set up on a pier or inside an observatory, it is recommended that you
return the mount to Zero Position, or Park Position before powering down. This will ensure that there is no
need for you to perform the initial setup again when you power up the mount subsequently, if the mount is

22

not moved. To return the mount to its Zero Position, press the MENU button, scroll down to “To Zero
Position” and press ENTER. Once the telescope returns to Zero Position turn the power off.

23

5. Complete Functions of Go2NovaTM Hand Controller

5.1. Slew to an Object

Press the MENU button. From the main menu select “Select and Slew.” Select an object that you

would like to observe and press the ENTER key.

TM

The Go2Nova
buttons to move the cursor. Use the number buttons to enter the number, or the ▼ or ▲ buttons to change
the individual number. Hold on a button to fast scroll through the list. The “

the horizon, and a cross mark “
horizon will not display on the hand controller.

5.1.1. Solar System

There are 9 objects in the Solar system catalog.

5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects

This menu includes objects outside our Solar system such as galaxies, star clusters, quasars, and
nebulae.

• Named Objects: consists of 60 deep sky objects with their common names. A list of named deep
sky objects is included in Appendix E.

• Messier Catalog: consists of all 110 Messier objects.

8407 hand controller has a database of about 358,000 objects. Use the ► or ◄

” indicates the object is above

” means it is below the horizon. In some catalogs those stars below the

• NGC IC Catalog: consists of 7,840 objects in NGC catalog and 5,386 objects in IC catalog. To
select an object from NGC or IC catalog, move the cursor to NGC, using▲ or ▼ button to toggle
between NGC and IC. Then move the cursor to a numerical position and use the number button
to select the object.

• UGC Catalog: consists of 12,921 objects.

• MCG Catalog: consists of 30,642 objects.

• Caldwell Catalog: consists of 109 objects.

• Abell Catalog: consists of 4,076 objects.

• Herschel Catalog: consists of 400 objects.

5.1.3. Stars:

• Named Stars: consists of 195 stars with their common names. They are listed alphabetically. A
list is included in Appendix E.

• Binary Stars: consists of 210 binary stars. A list is attached in Appendix E.

• GCVS Variable Stars: consists of 38,528 GCVS variable stars. They are listed numerically.

• SAO Catalog: consists of 258,997 SAO catalog objects. They are listed numerically.

5.1.4. Constellations

This catalog consists of 88 modern constellations with their names. They are listed alphabetically. A

list is attached in Appendix E.

5.1.5. Comets

This catalog contains 15 comets.

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5.1.6. Asteroids

This catalog contains 116 asteroids.

5.1.7. User Objects

It can store up to 60 used entered objects.

5.1.8. Enter R.A. DEC

Here you can go to a target by entering its R.A. and DEC numbers.

5.2. Sync to Target

This operation will match the telescope's current coordinates to Target Right Ascension and

Declination. After slewing to an object, press MENU—then scroll to “Sync to Target” and press ENTER.

Follow the screen to do the sync. Using this function will re-calibrate the computer to the selected object.
Multiple syncs can be performed if needed. This operation is most useful to find a faint star or nebula near a
bright star.

“Sync to Target” will only work after “Select and Slew” is performed. You can change the slewing

speed to make the centering procedure easier. Simply press a number (1 through 9) to change the speed.
The default slew speed is 64X.

“Sync to Target” does the same thing as one star alignment except that you choose the object to

“sync” to. “One star align” chooses the star/object for you.

5.3. Electric Focuser

Reserved for future development.

5.4. Set Up Controller

5.4.1. Set Up Time & Site

Refer to 4.3.1.

5.4.2. Set Display and Beep

Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set Up Controller”. Press

ENTER and select “Set Display and Beep”:

Set Up Time and Site
Set Display and Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Set Eyepiece Light
Heating Controller
Upgrade R.A. and DEC
Firmware Information

Use arrow keys to adjust LCD display contrast, LCD backlight intensity, keypads backlight Intensity

and turn the keep beep ON/OFF

25

5.4.3. Set Anti-backlash

All mechanical gears have a certain amount of backlash or play between the gears. This play is
evident by how long it takes for a star to move in the eyepiece when the hand control arrow buttons are
pressed (especially when changing directions). The Go2Nova anti-backlash feature allows user to
compensate for backlash by inputting a value which quickly rewinds the motors just enough to eliminate the
play between gears.

To set the anti-backlash value, scroll down and select “Set Anti-backlash”

Set Up Time and Site
Set Display and Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Set Eyepiece Light
Heating Controller
Upgrade R.A. and DEC
Firmware Information

Press ENTER. A R.A. anti-backlash screen will display:

R.A. anti-backlash:

0000 steps

One step equals to

0.09 arc second.

To adjust steps move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input number directly.
Press ENTER – “DEC anti-backlash” will display:

DEC anti-backlash:

0000 steps

One step equals to

0.10 arc second.

Move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to set the anti-backlash. Press ENTER to go
back the previous screen. Press BACK button to go back to main menu.

While viewing an object in the eyepiece, observe the responsiveness of each of the four arrow
buttons. Note which directions you see a pause in the star movement after the button has been pressed.
Working one axis at a time, adjust the backlash settings high enough to cause immediate movement without
resulting in a pronounced jump when pressing or releasing the button. The hand controller will remember
these values and use them each time it is turned on until they are changed.

The 8407 hand controller has a function to test the mount backlash number and can store the anti­backlash steps here. The maximum steps are 9999.

5.4.4. Meridian Treatment

This function tells mount what to do when it tracks across the meridian. There are three options.
Stop Tracking will stop the mount when it passes the meridian. Telescope Flip will flip the telescope and
continuous to track the object. The third option is Continue to Track. In this case, the mount will keep
tracking and the OTA could hit the tripod leg if the mount is not monitored.

26

5.4.5. Set Eyepiece Light

Use this function to adjust the light intensity of iEQ45 illuminated polar scope. If you have an
illuminated-reticule eyepiece and it is supported by Go2Nova hand controller, use this option to adjust its
light intensity.

5.4.6. Heating Controller

Turn on/off the controller internal heater.

5.4.7. Upgrade RA & DEC

Use this operation to upgrade 8407 hand controller R.A. and DEC motor controller firmware. It only
needed under a very rare circumstance. Please refer to iOptron online announcement when the event
happens.

Please refer to iOptron online documents for iEQ45 main control board and 8407 hand controller
firmware upgrade details.

5.4.8. Firmware Information

This option will display firmware version information of hand controller, main board, R.A. control
board and DEC control board.

5.5. Align

This function is used for aligning the telescope. The system provides three alignment methods: “One
Star Align”, “Two Star Align” and “Three Star Align”. The mount has to be at Zero Position before perform
any star alignment.

5.5.1. One Star Alignment

Press MENU button and select “Align”. Select “One Star Align” and press ENTER. A list of

alignment stars that are above the horizon is computed based on your local time and location. With the
mount at the “Zero Position,” use ▲ and ▼ buttons to select a star and press ENTER. Center the target in
your eyepiece using arrow key. Press ENTER when finished. If your mount is well set up and polar aligned,
one star alignment should be sufficient for good GOTO accuracy. To increase the accuracy you may
choose to do two star alignment.

5.5.2. Two Star Alignment

Two star alignment will increase the GOTO accuracy of the mount. Two star alignment requires a

wider view of the sky, since the two align stars need to be far apart. Press MENU button and select “Align”.
Select “Two Star Align” in the align menu. A list of alignment stars that are above the horizon is computed

based on your local time and location. With the mount is at the “Zero Position,” use ▲ and ▼ buttons to
select first alignment star and press ENTER. Center the target in your eyepiece using arrow key. Press
ENTER when finished. The hand controller will prompt you to choose the second star. If the star you choose
is too close to the first one, the system will let you choose another one. When you are aligned with the
second star, the two star alignment is finished. You can reject the suggested star if it is blocked by a tree or
other obstruction.

After the two-star alignment, a pointing error between the R.A. axis and the polar axis will be
recorded. This number can be used to fine tune the R.A. axis.

27

5.5.3. Three Star Alignment

Three-star alignment procedure will reduce the so-called “corn error” of an EQ mount. Every mount’s
accuracy of construction varies somewhat, so the optical axis of the telescope may not be perpendicular to
the declination axis or, more rarely, the polar axis may not be at right angles to the declination axis. These
small errors (known collectively as the cone error) can make a big difference to the GOTO performance of
your mount, so it pays to understand the implications.

From the main menu select “Align”. Select “Three Star Align”. Hand controller will then present you
with the name of a suggested alignment star. If this star is blocked by a tree or building, press the down
arrow to advance through the list in alphabetical order until you find a star that is visible. Press ENTER and
the mount will slew to where it thinks the star you have selected lies, beeping once it has finished moving.
Most likely, the scope won’t be pointing exactly at the star, so use the up, down, left or right arrows to centre
the star — first in the finder, then in the eyepiece. Once you are done, press ENTER and the next alignment
star will be selected. Repeat this process until you have selected all three stars. For a better result, select
three stars located in the different part of the sky.

5.5.4. Disp R.A Axis Error

This displays the celestial pole pointing error after two star alignment. When the HC shows for
example:

Altitude: 02º30" lower

Azimuth: 01º13" east,

It means the polar axis of the mount is pointing lower and to the east.

5.5.5. Test Backlash

This function is used to test the R.A. and DEC backlash value. The saved numbers will show in “Set
Anti-backlash” menu. To get better results, perform this function on a land object during daytime and use a

cross-hair eyepiece.

Lower the mount altitude to its lowest position. Release the R.A. clutch to move the telescope to
east or west side of the mount. Tighten the R.A. Clutch Screws. Release DEC clutch and put the telescope
in horizontal postion.

To test the backlash, point the telescope to a tip of a distant object, such as a telephone pole. Select

“Test Backlash” under “Align” menu and press ENTER:

R.A. axis test

Press “►” or “◄” to
target then press
“ENTER”

Using “►” or “◄” to move the object to center, press the ENTER button. Do not move over the
center. You may use a slow speed when the object is close to the center. The LCD screen will change to

R.A. axis test

Press “►” return to
target then press
“ENTER”

28

Follow the on-screen instruction to bring the object back to center again and press ENTER. The
screen will show

R.A. anti-backlash

0250 steps

Save test value?

If you want to save this anti-backlash number, press ENTER. Otherwise press BACK. This will bring
the hand controller to DEC backlash testing screen. Follow the on-screen instruction to test the DEC
backlash.

5.5.6. Pole Star Position

This shows Polaris position in northern hemisphere or Sigma Octantis position in southern
hemisphere, which is used for Quick Polar Alignment.

5.6. PEC Option

5.6.1. PEC Playback

You can turn “PEC Playback On” while you do the tracking, especially for long time astro-

photography. A “PEC” indicator will displayed on the LCD main screen when it is turned on. The default

status is PEC Playback Off when the mount is turned on. It is not recommended to use PEC Playback while
autoguiding.

5.6.2. Record PEC

All Equatorial mounts have a small variation in the worm gears which can be corrected by using
Period Error Correction or PEC. PEC is a system which improves the tracking accuracy of the mount by
compensating for variations in the worm gear and is especially useful when doing astrophotography without
autoguiding. Because the variations are regular, it is possible to record the corrections required to cancel
out the worm gear variations and to play them back.

In order to use the PEC function, the Go2Nova hand controller needs to record the PE first. The
periodic error of the worm gear drive will be stored and used to correct periodic error. There is no need to
record the PE value again unless it is necessary, such as wearing of worm gear after extended use.

Here’s how to use the PEC function.

1. Setup the mount with a telescope in autoguiding condition by connecting a guiding camera to a

computer via ST-4 autoguiding port or ASCOM protocol;

2. Press MENU, select “Auto Guide” and press ENTER. Select a guiding speed from 0.20X to

1.00X;

3. Then press the BACK button and select “PEC Option” from the menu. Use the ▲ and ▼ scroll

buttons to display the “Record PEC” option and press ENTER to start record the PE.

4. It takes the worm gear 400 seconds to make one complete revolution. After 400 seconds PEC will
automatically stop recording. The PEC value will permanently stored inside PEC chip on R.A. motor drive
until a new data are recorded.

5. If you want to re-record the periodic error, select “Record PEC” and repeat the recording

processes again. The previously recorded information will be replaced with the current information.

29

5.6.3. System Self-Test

If system self-test function is turned on, the mount will swing back and forth about 2 seconds to

check the PEC encoder condition.

5.7. Set Tracking Rate

You can set up tracking in the main menu by selecting “Set Ttracking Rate”. Then the user can

select “Sidereal speed”, “Solar speed”, “Lunar speed”, “King speed” and “User defined speed”. For

“User defined speed,” it can be adjusted from 0.9900X to 1.0100X of sidereal speed by pressing the ▲or ▼
button or number buttons.

5.8. Set User Objects

Besides various star lists available in the hand controller --you can add, edit or delete your own user­defined objects. You can also add your favorite observation object into the user object list for easy sky
surfing. Up to 60 user objects can be stored here.

To set user objects, press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set User
Objects”

Select and Slew
Sync. to Target
Electric Focuser
Set Up Controller
Align
PEC Option
Set Tracking Rate
Set User Objects

Press ENTER to bring up Set User Objects screen.

Add a New Record
Browse Records
Delete One Record
Delete All Records

Select “Add a New Record” from Set User Objects screen. A screen will display asking to Enter
R.A. DEC:

Enter R.A. DEC

R.A.: 00h00m00s
DEC: +00d00m00s

You may enter the R.A. and DEC coordinates of the star you want to watch, and press ENTER. A
confirmation screen will show. Press ENTER to confirm storing your object under assigned user object
number, or press BACK button to cancel it.

30

A more useful application of this function is to store your favorite viewing objects before heading to

the filed. When “Add a New Record” screen shows, press the MENU button, it brings up the star catalogs

that you can select the star from. Follow the screen to add your favorite objects. Press BACK button to go
back one level.

Press BACK button few times to go back to Set User Objects. You may review the records or

delete the ones you don’t want it anymore. Press BACK button to finish the operation. Now you can slew to

your favorite stars from User Objects catalog using “Select and Slew.”

5.9. Guide Options

5.9.1. Set Guider Rate

This is an advanced function for autoguiding when a guiding camera is equipped either via an ST-4
guiding port or an ASCOM protocol. Before autoguiding, align the polar axis carefully. Select a proper
guiding speed. The suppositional guiding speed can be selected from ±0.20X to ±1.00X. Follow the
autoguiding software for detailed operation.

5.9.2. Guide Port Direction

The Guide Port iEQ45 equipped is capable to handle an ST-4 autoguiding camera with both straight

and a reverse wired RJ11 guiding cable. Select “Reverse” option in the “Auto Guide” function for an ST-4

camera with a reversed RJ11 guiding cable, as shown in Figure 21.

5.10. Set Slewing Rate

You can select the maximum GOTO speed to be 128X, 256X, 512X, or MAX. The slower the speed,
the quieter the motors run.

Figure 21. ST-4 guiding port wiring direction

5.11. Park Scope

There are two parking positions: east side or west side. The mount my move to either position

depends on which one is closer, when “Park Scope” is selected. The mount will remember the Zero Position
if the power is turned off after “Park Scope”.

31

5.12. To Zero Position

This moves your telescope to its Zero Position (refer to Figure 17). When the power is turned on, the
mount assumes the Zero Position. This is its reference point for all other objects being tracked.

5.13. Balance Test

This function provides a visual indication and assistance balancing both the R.A. and DEC axes.
Before performing the balance test, make sure the correct latitude is set according to the instructions in
Section 2.5, Step 4. Turn the mount on and make sure the telescope is in the Zero Position.

Press the MENU button, scroll down to “Balance Test”, and press ENTER. The mount will start to
slew and stop at the balance position. You can select either “DEC Balance Test” or “RA. Balance Test.”

Select “RA Balance Test” and press ENTER to start the test. After few swings, a test results will be

displayed on the hand controller LCD screen (Figure 22 (a)):

<==

Follow the arrow indicator to move the CW left or right. There are six balance test indicators in each
direction:

< Balance OK! >: The R.A. is balanced;

< . Balance OK! > or < Balance OK! . >: The R.A. is almost balanced; a minor adjustment

may be done;

< .. Balance OK! > or < Balance OK! .. >: The mount balance is OK for observation; a small

adjustment may be done;

<= or =>: Move counterweight left or right;

<== or ==>: Move counterweight left or right more;

<=== or ===>: The R.A. axis is off balance. Move counterweight according to the arrow left or right.

Press the ENTER key to test it again, until the < Balance OK!> indicator is displayed.

< . Balance OK! >

(a) (b)

Figure 22. (a) R.A. and (b) DEC Balance Test

Press BACK button and select “DEC Balance Test”. Move the telescope back and forth to balance
the OTA around the DEC axis until < Balance OK! > is displayed.

32

6. Maintenance and Servicing

6.1. Maintenance

The iEQ45 is designed to be maintenance free. Do not overload the mount. Do not drop the mount,
this will damage the mount or degrade the GOTO tracking accuracy permanently. Use a wet cloth to clean
the mount and hand controller. Do not use solvent.

If your mount is not to be used for an extended period, dismount the OTAs and counterweight(s).

6.2. iOptron Customer Service

If you have any question concerning your iEQ45 contact iOptron Customer Service Department.
Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely
event that the iEQ45 requires factory servicing or repairing, write or call iOptron Customer Service
Department first to receive an RMA# before returning the mount to the factory. Please provide details as to
the nature of the problem as well as your name, address, e-mail address, purchase info and daytime
telephone number. We have found that most problems can be resolved by e-mails or telephone calls. So
please contact iOptron first to avoid returning the mount for repair.

It is strongly suggested that to send technical questions to [e-mail]

1.781.569.0200.

6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions

This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by
country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your local
environmental laws and regulations to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects
human health and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment
for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle/disposal service or the product
representative.

6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions

Battery Disposal- Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the
environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling, and
recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local
government regulations. To find out where you can drop off your waste battery for recycling,
please contact your local waste disposal service or the product representative.

. Call in the U.S.

33

Appendix A. Technical Specifications

Mount German Equatorial Mount

Payload 45 lb (20kg)

Mount weight 20 lb (11.4kg)

Payload/Mount weight 1.75

Right Ascension worm wheel Φ130mm, 216 teeth aluminum

Declination worm wheel Φ115mm, 192 teeth aluminum

Right Ascension axis shaft Φ50mm steel

Declination axis shaft Φ40mm steel

Right Ascension bearing Φ80mm angular contact bearing

Declination bearing Φ68mm angular contact bearing

Worm gears Brass

Motor drive Planetary Gear Reducer DC servo with encoder

Resolution 0.09 arc seconds

Transmission Synchronous belt/Gear

Latitude adjustment range 5º ~ 70º

Azimuth adjustment range ± 6º

GPS Internal 32-channel GPS

Polar Scope Yes. (with dark field illumination)

Level indicator Precision bubble

Hand Controller Go2NovaTM 8407 with 358,000 objects database

PEC Permanent PEC

Tracking Automatic

Speed

Counterweight bar Φ28mm

Counterweight 11 lb (5kg) X 2 (included)

Tripod 2” Stainless Steel (16.5lb or 7.5kg)

Dovetail 3.5"VIXEN and 8"LOSMANDY-D Saddles included

Power consumption 0.25A(Tracking), 1.2A(GOTO)

Power requirement 12V DC(11 ~ 15V), 2Amp

AC adapter 100V ~ 240V (included)

Serial port Yes (on hand controller)

RS232 port Yes (on mount)

Autoguide port Yes

Firmware upgrade Yes

PC computer control Yes (ASCOM)

Operation temperature -20ºC ~ 40ºC

1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(~4º/sec)

34

Appendix B. Go2NovaTM 8407 HC MENU STRUCTURE

35

36

Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade

The firmware in the 8407 hand controller and/or control boards can be upgraded by the customer.
Please check iOptron’s website, www.iOptron.com
Controller, for detail.

, under Support Directory/iEQ45 with 8407 Hand

37

Appendix D. Computer Control an iEQ45 Mount

The iEQ45 mount can be connected to a computer using supplied RS232 cable. A RS232 to USB
adapter (not supplied) is needed if your computer does not have a serial port, like most of the laptops on the
market today. Follow the adapter instructions to install the adapter driver.

When the communication between the mount and computer has been established, the mount can be
controlled via ASCOM protocol.

To control the mount via ASCOM protocol, you need:

1. Download and install ASCOM Platform from http://www.ascom-standards.org/
PC meet the software requirement. Refer to the ascom-standards website for details.

2. Download and install latest iOptron Telescope ASCOM.NET drive from iOptron website.

3. Planetarium software that supports ASCOM protocol. Follow software instructions to select the
iOptron Telescope.

. Make sure you

Please refer to iOptron website, www.iOptron.com

Controller, for more detail.

iEQ45 mount can also be directly controlled by other third party software and accessories, such as
iPhone, iPad, Android operated smart phone and iMac. Please contact the software developer companies
for more information.

, under Support Directory/iEQ45 with 8407 Hand

38

Appendix E. Go2NovaTM Star List

Messier Catalog

This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia

article List of Messier objects

Named Star List

001 Acamar 050 Asellus Australis 099 Kaus Media 148 Rastaba
002 Achernar 051 Asellus Borealis 100 Keid 149 Regulus
003 Acrux 052 Aspidiske 101 Kitalpha 150 Rigel
004 Acubens 053 Atik 102 Kochab 151 Rigel Kentaurus
005 Adhafera 054 Atlas 103 Kornephoros 152 Ruchbah
006 Adhara 055 Atria 104 Kurhah 153 Rukbat
007 Al Na’ir 056 Avoir 105 Lesath 154 Sabik
008 Albali 057 Azha 106 Maia 155 Sadachbia
009 Alberio 058 Baten Kaitos 107 Marfik 156 Sadalbari
010 Alchibar 059 Beid 108 Markab 157 Sadalmelik
011 Alcor 060 Bellatrix 109 Matar 158 Sadalsuud
012 Alcyone 061 Betelgeuse 110 Mebsuta 159 Sadr
013 Aldebaran 062 Biham 111 Megrez 160 Saiph
014 Alderamin 063 Canopus 112 Meissa 161 Scheat
015 Alfirk 064 Capella 113 Mekbuda 162 Schedar
016 Algedi 065 Caph 114 Menkalinan 163 Seginus
017 Algenib 066 Castor 115 Menkar 164 Shaula
018 Algiebra 067 Celabrai 116 Menkent 165 Sheiak
019 Algol 068 Celaeno 117 Menkib 166 Sheratan
020 Algorab 069 Chara 118 Merak 167 Sirius
021 Alhena 070 Chertan 119 Merope 168 Skat
022 Alioth 071 Cor Caroli 120 Mesartim 169 Spica
023 Alkaid 072 Cursa 121 Miaplacidus 170 Sterope
024 Alkalurops 073 Dabih 122 Mintaka 171 Sulafat
025 Alkes 074 Deneb 123 Mira 172 Syrma
026 Almach 075 Deneb Algedi 124 Mirach 173 Talitha
027 Alnasl 076 Deneb Kaitos 125 Mirfak 174 Tania Australis
028 Alnilam 077 Denebola 126 Mirzam 175 Tania Borealis
029 Alnitak 078 Dubhe 127 Mizar 176 Tarazed
030 Alphard 079 Edasich 128 Muphrid 177 Taygeta
031 Alphecca 080 Electra 129 Muscida 178 Thuban
032 Alpheratz 081 Elnath 130 Nashira 179 Unukalhai
033 Alrakis 082 Eltanin 131 Nekkar 180 Vega
034 Alrescha 083 Enif 132 Nihal 181 Vindemiatrix
035 Alshain 084 Errai 133 Nunki 182 Wasat
036 Altair 085 Fomalhaut 134 Nusakan 183 Wazn
037 Altais 086 Furud 135 Peacock 184 Yed Posterior
038 Alterf 087 Gacrux 136 Phact 185 Yed Prior
039 Aludra 088 Giausar 137 Phecda 186 Zaniah
040 Alula Australis 089 Gienah 138 Pherkad 187 Zaurak
041 Alula Borealis 090 Gomeisa 139 Pleione 188 Zavijava
042 Alya 091 Graffias 140 Polaris 189 Zosma
043 Ancha 092 Groombridge 1830 141 Pollux 190 Zubenelgenubi
044 Ankaa 093 Grumium 142 Porrima 191 Zubeneschamali
045 Antares 094 Hamal 143 Procyon 192 Barnard's Star
046 Arcturus 095 Homan 144 Propus 193 Kapteyn's Star
047 Arkab 096 Izar 145 Rassalas 194 Kruger 60
048 Arneb 097 Kaus Australis 146 Rasagethi 195 Luyten's Star
049 Ascella 098 Kaus Borealis 147 Rasalhague

40

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

AraA

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

Modern Constellations

No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

Constellation Abbreviation

ndromeda

ntlia

pus

quarius

quila

ries

uriga

Boötes Boo

Caelum Cae

Camelopardalis Cam

Cancer Cnc

Canes Venatici CVn

Canis Major CMa
Canis Minor CMi
Capricornus Cap

Carina Car

Cassiopeia Cas

Centaurus Cen

Cepheus Cep

Cetus Cet

Chamaeleon Cha

Circinus Cir

Columba Col
Coma Berenices Com
Corona Australis Cr

Corona Borealis CrB

Corvus Crv

Crater Crt

Crux Cru

Cygnus Cyg

Delphinus Del

Dorado Dor

Draco Dra

Equuleus Equ

Eridanus Eri

Fornax For

Gemini Gem

Grus Gru

Hercules Her

Horologium Hor

Hydra Hya

Hydrus Hyi

Indus Ind

nd

nt

ps

qr

ql

ra

ri

ur

No.

45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88

Constellation Abbreviation

Lacerta Lac

Leo Leo

Leo Minor LMi

Lepus Lep

Libra Lib

Lupus Lup

Lynx Lyn

Lyra Lyr

Mensa Men

Microscopium Mic

Monoceros Mon

Musca Mus
Norma Nor

Octans Oct

Ophiuchus Oph

Orion Ori

Pavo Pav

Pegasus Peg

Perseus Per
Phoenix Phe

Pictor Pic

Pisces Psc

Piscis Austrinus Ps

Puppis Pup

Pyxis Pyx

Reticulum Ret

Sagitta Sge

Sagittarius Sgr

Scorpius Sco

Sculptor Scl

Scutum Sct

Serpens Ser

Sextans Sex

Taurus Tau

Telescopium Tel

Triangulum Tri

Triangulum Australe Tr

Tucana Tuc
Ursa Major UMa
Ursa Minor UMi

Vela Vel

Virgo Vir

Volans Vol

Vulpecula Vul

A

Deep Sky Object List

ID No. OBJECT NGC # Messier# IC#A(Abell) U(UGC) ID No. OBJECT NGC # Messier# IC#

1 Andromeda Galaxy 224 31 31 Hind's Variable Nebula 1555
2 Barnards Galaxy 6822 32 Hubble's Variable Nebula 2261

3 Beehive Cluster 2632 44 33 Integral Sign Galaxy 3697
4 Blackeye Galaxy 4926 64 34 Jewel Box Cluster 4755
5 Blinking Planetary Nebula 6826 35 Keyhole Nebula 3372
6 Blue Flash Nebula 6905 36 Lagoon Nebula 6523 8
7 Blue Planetary 3918 37 Little Gem 6445
8 Blue Snowball Nebula 7662 38 Little Gem Nebula 6818

9 Box Nebula 6309 39 Little Ghost Nebula 6369
10 Bubble Nebula 7635 40 North American Nebula 7000
11 Bipolar Nebula 6302 41 Omega Nebula 6618 17
12 Butterfly Cluster 6405 6 42 Orion Nebula 1976 42
13 California Nebula 1499 43 Owl Nebula 3587 97
14 Cat's Eye Nebula 6543 44 Pelican Nebula 5070
15 Cocoon Nebula 5146 45 Phantom Streak Nebula 6741
16 Cone Nebula 2264 46 Pinwheel Galaxy 598 33
17 Cork Nebula 650-51 76 47 Pleiades 45
18 Crab Nebula 1952 1 48 Ring Nebula 6720 57
19 Crescent Nebula 6888 49 Ring Tail Galaxy 4038
20 Draco Dwarf 10822
21 Duck Nebula 2359
22 Dumbbell Nebula 6853 27
23 Eagle Nebula 16
24 Eight-Burst Nebula 3132
25 Eskimo Nebula 2392
26 Flaming Star Nebula 405
27 Ghost of Jupiter 3242
28 Great Cluster 6205 13
29 Helix Nebula 7293
30 Hercules Galaxy Cluster 2151

50 Rosette Nebula 2237
51 Saturn Nebula 7009
52 Sextans B Dwarf
53 Small Magellanic Cloud 292
54 Sombrero Galaxy 4594
55 Spindle Galaxy 3115
56 Tank Track Nebula 2024
57 Trifid Nebula 6514
58 Ursa Minor Dwarf
59 Whirlpool Galaxy 5194
60 Wild Duck Cluster 6705

104

20

51
11

(Abell) U(UGC)

5373

9749

j

A

A

A

Double Star List

No.

1 Gam And 9.8 2.3 / 5.1 37734 Almaak 36 Eta Cas 12.9 3.5 / 7.5 21732 Achird
2 Pi And 35.9 4.4 / 8.6 54033 37 Iot Cas 2.3 4.7/7.0/8.2 12298
3 Bet Aql 12.8 3.7 / 11 125235 Alshain 38 Psi Cas 25 4.7 / 8.9 11751
4 11 Aql 17.5 5.2 / 8.7 104308 39 Sig Cas 3.1 5.0 / 7.1 35947
5 15 Aql 34 5.5 / 7.2 142996 40 E3053 Cas 15.2 5.9 / 7.3 10937
6 E2489
757
8 Zet Aqr 2.1 4.3 / 4.5 146108 43 Del Cep 41 3.5 / 7.5 34508

9 94 Aqr 12.7 5.3 / 7.3 165625 44 Xi Cep 7.6 4.3 / 6.2 19827 Al kurhah
10 41 Aqr 5.1 5.6 / 7.1 190986 45 Kap Cep 7.4 4.4 / 8.4 9665
11 107 Aqr 6.6 5.7 / 6.7 165867 46 Omi Cep 2.8 4.9 / 7.1 20554
12 12 Aqr 2.5 5.8 / 7.3 145065 47 E2840 Cep 18.3 5.5 / 7.3 33819
13 Tau Aqr 23.7 5.8 / 9.0 165321 48 E2883 Cep 14.6 5.6 / 7.6 19922
14 Gam Ari 7.8 4.8 / 4.8 92681 Mesartim 49 Gam Cet 2.8 5.0 / 7.7 110707 Kaffaljidhma
15 Lam Ari 37.8 4.8 / 6.7 75051 50 37 Cet 50 5.2 / 8.7 129193
16 The Aur 3.6 2.6 / 7.1 58636 51 66 Cet 16.5 5.7 / 7.5 129752
17 Nu Aur 55 4.0 / 9.5 58502 52 Eps CMa 7.5 1.5 / 7.4 172676 Adhara
18 Ome Aur 5.4 5.0 / 8.0 57548 53 Tau CMa 8.2 4.4/10/11 173446
19 Eps Boo 2.8 2.5 / 4.9 83500 Izar 54 145 CMa 25.8 4.8 / 6.8 173349
20 Del Boo 105 3.5 / 7.5 64589 55 Mu CMa 2.8 5.0 / 7.0 152123
21 Mu 1 Boo 108 4.3 / 6.5 64686 Alkalurops 56 Nu 1 CMa 17.5 5.8 / 8.5 151694
22 Tau Boo 4.8 4.5 / 11 100706 57 Iot Cnc 30.5 4.2 / 6.6 80416
23 Kap Boo 13.4 4.6 / 6.6 29046 58 Alp Cnc 11 4.3 / 12 98267 Acubens
24 Xi Boo 6.6 4.7 / 6.9 101250 59 Zet Cnc 6 5.1 / 6.2 97646
25 Pi Boo 5.6 4.9 / 5.8 101139 60 24 Com 20.6 5.0 / 6.6 100160
26 Iot Boo 38 4.9/7.5/13 29071 61 35 Com 1.2 5.1/7.2/9.1 82550
27 E1835 Boo 6.2 5.1 / 6.9 120426 62 2 Com 3.7 5.9 / 7.4 82123
28 44 Boo 2.2 5.3 / 6.2 45357 63 Zet CrB 6.1 5.0 / 6.0 64833
29 Cam 2.4 4.2 / 8.5 24054 64 Gam Crt 5.2 4.1 / 9.6 156661
30 32 Cam 21.6 5.3 / 5.8 2102 65 Del Crv 24.2 3.0 / 9.2 157323 Algorab
31 Alp 2 Cap 6.6 3.6 / 10 163427 Secunda giedi 66 Alp CVn 19.4 2.9 / 5.5 63257 Cor caroli
32 Alp 1 Cap 45 4.2 / 9.2 163422 Prima giedi 67 25 CVn 1.8 5.0 / 6.9 63648
33 Pi Cap 3.4 5.2 / 8.8 163592 68 2 CVn 11.4 5.8 / 8.1 44097
34 Omi Cap 21 5.9 / 6.7 163625 69 Gam Cyg 41 2.2 / 9.5 49528 Sadr
35 Alp Cas 64.4 2.2 / 8.9 21609 Shedir 70 Del Cyg 2.5 2.9 / 6.3 48796

ect Const Sep. Magitude

Ob

ql 8.2 5.6 / 8.6 104668 41 3 Cen 7.9 4.5 / 6.0 204916
ql 36 5.8 / 6.5 143898 42 Bet Cep 13.6 3.2 / 7.9 10057

SAO

Comm. Name

No.

Object Const Sep. Magitude

SAO

Comm. Name

lfirk

No.

j

71 Bet Cyg 34.4 3.1 / 5.1 87301 Albireo 106 Del Her 8.9 3.1 / 8.2 84951 Sarin
72 Omi 1 Cyg 107 3.8 / 6.7 49337 107 Mu Her 34 3.4 / 9.8 85397
73 52 Cyg 6.1 4.2 / 9.4 70467 108 Alp Her 4.6 3.5 / 5.4 102680 Rasalgethi
74 Ups Cyg 15.1 4.4 / 10 71173 109 Gam Her 42 3.8 / 9.8 102107
75 Mu Cyg 1.9 4.7 / 6.1 89940 110 Rho Her 4.1 4.6 / 5.6 66001
76 Psi Cyg 3.2 4.9 / 7.4 32114 111 95 Her 6.3 5.0 / 5.2 85647
77 17 Cyg 26 5.0 / 9.2 68827 112 Kap Her 27 5.0 / 6.2 101951
78 61 Cyg 30.3 5.2 / 6.0 70919 113 E2063 Her 16.4 5.7 / 8.2 46147
79 49 Cyg 2.7 5.7 / 7.8 70362 114 100 Her 14.3 5.9 / 5.9 85753
80 E2762 Cyg 3.4 5.8 / 7.8 70968 115 54 Hya 8.6 5.1 / 7.1 182855
81 E2741 Cyg 1.9 5.9 / 7.2 33034 116 HN69 Hya 10.1 5.9 / 6.8 181790
82 Gam Del 9.6 4.5 / 5.5 106476 117 Eps Hyd 2.7 3.4 / 6.8 117112
83 Eta Dra 5.3 2.7 / 8.7 17074 118 The Hyd 29.4 3.9 / 10 117527
84 Eps Dra 3.1 3.8 / 7.4 9540 Tyl 119 N Hyd 9.4 5.6 / 5.8 179968
85 47 Dra 34 4.8 / 7.8 31219 120 Lac 28.4 4.5 / 10 72155
86 Nu Dra 61.9 4.9 / 4.9 30450 121 8 Lac 22 5.7/6.5/10 72509
87 Psi Dra 30.3 4.9 / 6.1 8890 122 Gam 1 Leo 4.4 2.2 / 3.5 81298 Algieba
88 26 Dra 1.7 5.3 / 8.0 17546 123 Iot Leo 1.7 4.0 / 6.7 99587
89 16&17 Dra 90 5.4/5.5/6.4 30012 124 54 Leo 6.6 4.3 / 6.3 81583
90 Mu Dra 1.9 5.7 / 5.7 30239 125 Gam Lep 96 3.7 / 6.3 170757
91 40/41 Dra 19.3 5.7 / 6.1 8994 126 Iot Lep 12.8 4.4 / 10 150223
92 1 Equ 10.7 5.2 / 7.3 126428 127 Kap Lep 2.6 4.5 / 7.4 150239
93 The Eri 4.5 3.4 / 4.5 216114 Acamar 128 h3752 Lep 3.2 5.4 / 6.6 170352
94 Tau 4 Eri 5.7 3.7 / 10 168460 129 Iot Lib 57.8 4.5 / 9.4 159090
95 Omi 2 Eri 8.3 4.4/9.5/11 131063 Keid 130 Lib 23 5.7 / 8.0 183040
96 32 Eri 6.8 4.8 / 6.1 130806 131 Mu Lib 1.8 5.8 / 6.7 158821
97 39 Eri 6.4 5.0 / 8.0 149478 132 Eta Lup 15 3.6 / 7.8 207208
98 Alp For 5.1 4.0 / 6.6 168373 Fornacis 133 Xi Lup 10.4 5.3 / 5.8 207144
99 Ome For 10.8 5.0 / 7.7 167882 134 38 Lyn 2.7 3.9 / 6.6 61391

100 Alp Gem 3.9 1.9 / 2.9 60198 Castor 135 12 Lyn 1.7 5.4/6.0/7.3 25939
101 Del Gem 5.8 3.5 / 8.2 79294 Wasat 136 19 Lyn 14.8 5.8 / 6.9 26312
102 Lam Gem 9.6 3.6 / 11 96746 137 Bet Lyr 46 3.4 / 8.6 67451 Sheliak
103 Kap Gem 7.1 3.6 / 8.1 79653 138 Zet Lyr 44 4.3 / 5.9 67321
104 Zet Gem 87 3.8/10/8.0 79031 Mekbuda 139 Eta Lyr 28.1 4.4 / 9.1 68010 Aldafar
105 38 Gem 7.1 4.7 / 7.7 96265 140 Eps 1 Lyr 2.6 5.0 / 6.1 67309 Double dbl1

ect Const Sep. Magitude

Ob

SAO

Comm. Name

No.

Object Const Sep. Magitude

SAO

Comm. Name

No.

j

141 Eps 2 Lyr 2.3 5.2 / 5.5 67315 Double dbl2 176 Zet Psc 23 5.6 / 6.5 109739
142 Alp Mic 20.5 5.0 / 10 212472 177 Kap Pup 9.9 4.5 / 4.7 174199
143 Zet Mon 32 4.3 / 10 135551 178 Eta Pup 9.6 5.8 / 5.9 174019
144 Eps Mon 13.4 4.5 / 6.5 113810 179 Eps Scl 4.7 5.4 / 8.6 167275
145 Bet Mon 7.3 4.7/4.8/6.1 133316 180 Bet Sco 13.6 2.6 / 4.9 159682 Graffias
146 15 Mon 2.8 4.7 / 7.5 114258 181 Sig Sco 20 2.9 / 8.5 184336 Alniyat
147 70 Oph 4.5 4.0 / 5.9 123107 182 Nu Sco 41 4.2 / 6.1 159764 Jabbah
148 67 Oph 55 4.0 / 8.6 123013 183 2 Sco 2.5 4.7 / 7.4 183896
149 Lam Oph 1.5 4.2 / 5.2 121658 Marfic 184 Sco 23 5.4 / 6.9 207558
150 Xi Oph 3.7 4.4 / 9.0 185296 185 Hn39 Sco 5.4 5.9 / 6.9 184369
151 36 Oph 4.9 5.1 / 5.1 185198 186 12 Sco 3.9 5.9 / 7.9 184217
152 Tau Oph 1.7 5.2 / 5.9 142050 187 Bet Ser 31 3.7 / 9.0 101725
153 Rho Oph 3.1 5.3 / 6.0 184382 188 Del Ser 4.4 4.2 / 5.2 101624
154 39 Oph 10.3 5.4 / 6.9 185238 189 Nu Ser 46 4.3 / 8.5 160479
155 Bet Ori 9.5 0.1 / 6.8 131907 Rigel 190 The Ser 22.3 4.5 / 5.4 124070 Alya
156 Del Ori 53 2.2 / 6.3 132220 Mintaka 191 59 Ser 3.8 5.3 / 7.6 123497
157 Iot Ori 11.3 2.8 / 6.9 132323 Nair al saif 192 Zet Sge 8.5 5.0 / 8.8 105298
158 Lam Ori 4.4 3.6 / 5.5 112921 Meissa 193 Eta Sgr 3.6 3.2 / 7.8 209957
159 Sig Ori 13 3.8/7.2/6.5 132406 194 Sgr 5.5 5.2 / 6.9 209553
160 Rho Ori 7.1 4.5 / 8.3 112528 195 Phi Tau 52 5.0 / 8.4 76558
161 E747 Ori 36 4.8 / 5.7 132298 196 Chi Tau 19.4 5.7 / 7.6 76573
162 1 Peg 36.3 4.1 / 8.2 107073 197 118 Tau 4.8 5.8 / 6.6 77201
163 Eps Per 8.8 2.9 / 8.1 56840 198 6 Tri 3.9 5.3 / 6.9 55347
164 Zet Per 12.9 2.9 / 9.5 56799 Atik 199 Zet UMa 14 2.4 / 4.0 28737 Mizar
165 Eta Per 28.3 3.3 / 8.5 23655 Miram in becvar 200 Nu UMa 7.2 3.5 / 9.9 62486 Alula borealis
166 The Per 18.3 4.1 / 10 38288 201 23 UMa 23 3.6 / 8.9 14908
167 E331 Per 12.1 5.3 / 6.7 23765 202 Ups UMa 11.6 3.8 / 11 27401
168 Del PsA 5.1 4.2 / 9.2 214189 203 Xi UMa 1.8 4.3 / 4.8 62484 Alula australia
169 Iot PsA 20 4.3 / 11 213258 204 Sig 2 UMa 3.9 4.8 / 8.2 14788
170 Bet PsA 30.3 4.4 / 7.9 213883 205 57 UMa 5.4 5.4 / 5.4 62572
171 Gam PsA 4.2 4.5 / 8.0 214153 206 Alp UMi 18.4 2.0 / 9.0 308 Polaris
172 Eta PsA 1.7 5.8 / 6.8 190822 207 Gam Vir 1.4 3.5 / 3.5 138917 Porrima
173 Alp Psc 1.8 4.2 / 5.2 110291 Alrisha 208 The Vir 7.1 4.4 / 9.4 139189
174 55 Psc 6.5 5.4 / 8.7 74182 209 Phi Vir 4.8 4.8 / 9.3 139951
175 Psi Psc 30 5.6 / 5.8 74483 210 84 Vir 2.9 5.7 / 7.9 120082

ect Const Sep. Magitude

Ob

SAO

Comm. Name

No.

Object Const Sep. Magitude

SAO

Comm. Name

IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY

A. iOptron warrants your telescope, mount, or controller to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years. 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 Number must be obtained from iOptron in advance of return. Call iOptron at

1.781.569.0200 to receive the RMA 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 TWO 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:

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.

iOptron Corporation

Customer Service Department

6E Gill Street

Woburn, MA 01801

www.ioptron.com

[e-mail]

Tel. [phone]

Fax. [phone]

Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM EST