iOptron SmartStar, SmartStar MiniTower Instruction Manual
SmartStar® MiniTower
TM
Instruction Manual
Table of Content
Table of Content ............................................................................................................................. 2
1. MiniTower
1.1. MiniTower
1.2. MiniTowerTM Components.................................................................................................. 7
2. MiniTowerTM Assembly ............................................................................................................. 8
2.1. MiniTower Assembly ..........................................................................................................9
2.2. OTA Mounting and Balancing........................................................................................... 11
2.3. Operate a MiniTower on Batteries..................................................................................... 12
3. GOTONOVATM 8401 Hand Controller.................................................................................... 13
3.1. Key Description................................................................................................................. 13
3.2. The LCD Screen ................................................................................................................ 14
3.3. Connection to a Computer................................................................................................. 14
4. Getting Started.......................................................................................................................... 16
4.1. Level and Align the Mount................................................................................................ 16
4.1.1. Level the Mount.......................................................................................................... 16
4.1.2. Initial Positions ........................................................................................................... 16
4.2. Setting Up the Mount......................................................................................................... 17
4.2.1. Set Up Time Zone....................................................................................................... 17
4.2.2. Set Up Daylight Saving Time..................................................................................... 18
4.2.3. Set Mount Type........................................................................................................... 19
4.2.4. Set Anti-backlash........................................................................................................ 19
4.2.5. Go to the Moon........................................................................................................... 20
4.2.6. Initial Star Alignment ................................................................................................. 20
4.3. Turn Off the Mount............................................................................................................ 21
5. Use the MiniTower................................................................................................................... 22
5.1. Manual Operation of a Telescope...................................................................................... 22
5.2. Slew to an Object............................................................................................................... 22
5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon..................................................................................................... 22
5.2.2. Deep sky objects......................................................................................................... 22
5.2.3. Comets ........................................................................................................................ 23
5.2.4. Asteroids..................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.5. Stars: ........................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.6. Constellations.............................................................................................................. 23
5.2.7. User Objects................................................................................................................ 23
5.2.8. Enter R.A. DEC .......................................................................................................... 23
5.3. Sync to Target.................................................................................................................... 23
5.4. Electric Focuser ................................................................................................................. 24
5.5. Set Up Controller............................................................................................................... 24
5.5.1. Set Up Local Time...................................................................................................... 24
5.5.2. Set Up Site .................................................................................................................. 24
5.5.3. Set N/S Hemisphere.................................................................................................... 24
5.5.4. Set Display Contrast ................................................................................................... 24
5.5.5. Set Eyepiece Light...................................................................................................... 24
5.5.6. Set Backlight............................................................................................................... 24
TM
Overview.............................................................................................................. 4
TM
Features......................................................................................................... 4
2
5.5.7. Set Anti-backlash........................................................................................................ 24
5.5.8. Set Key Beep............................................................................................................... 24
5.5.9. Set Mount Type........................................................................................................... 24
5.5.10. Reset All.................................................................................................................... 25
5.5.11. Update Firmware ...................................................................................................... 25
5.5.12. Set gear ratio............................................................................................................. 25
5.5.13. Set Language............................................................................................................. 25
5.6. Align .................................................................................................................................. 25
5.6.1. One Star Align ............................................................................................................ 25
5.6.2. Two Star Align............................................................................................................ 25
5.6.3. Three-Star Align ......................................................................................................... 26
5.6.4. Dis R.A axis error....................................................................................................... 26
5.6.5. Test Anti-backlash...................................................................................................... 26
5.6.6. Polaris Position ........................................................................................................... 26
5.7. PEC Option........................................................................................................................ 26
5.8. Set Up Tracking................................................................................................................. 26
5.9. User Objects....................................................................................................................... 26
5.10. Auto Guide....................................................................................................................... 26
5.11. Park Scope ....................................................................................................................... 27
5.12. To Park Position............................................................................................................... 27
6. Maintenance and Servicing....................................................................................................... 28
6.1. Maintenance....................................................................................................................... 28
6.2. Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 28
6.3. iOptron Customer Service.................................................................................................. 29
Appendix A. Technical Specifications ......................................................................................... 30
Appendix B. GOTONOVATM 8401 HC MENU STRUCTURE.................................................. 31
Appendix C. GOTONOVATM Star List........................................................................................ 33
Appendix D. Set Up USB-PC Connection ................................................................................... 38
Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................... 45
Appendix F. Use a PC to Control an iOptron Mount ................................................................... 48
Appendix G. RS-232 Command Set............................................................................................. 49
IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY........ 54
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.
WARNING!
3
1. MiniTowerTM Overview
1.1. MiniTowerTM Features
MiniTowerTM is the perfect combination of capacity and portability.
¾ 25 lbs of Payload
Born out of the popular iOptron CubeTM, The MiniTowerTM is the ultimate observing
solution for people who are searching for a capable and portable GOTO telescope mount to
counter light pollution in their backyards and for travel convenience. With a standard payload of
25 lbs, a rock solid 1.5” stainless steel tripod, metal worm and gear and two dovetail adaptors,
The MiniTower
counter weight and a secondary dovetail holder are provided for balancing an OTA weights
more than 10 lbs, or for a secondary OTA.
TM
is capable of handling various optical tube assemblies (OTAs). A 10-lbs
Figure 1. MiniTower Mount and Tripod
4
¾ Extremely Portable
With all the standard components (excluding the tripod) fitted in an aluminum alloy metal
case, The MiniTower
TM
can easily travel in a car or taken as airline luggage. The system takes
about 10 minutes to assemble. This unlimited portability combined with the internal GPS gives
amateur astronomers real flexibility in selecting an observing site.
¾ Accurate GOTO and Tracking
Equipped with our SmartStar® GOTO technology, the MiniTowerTM is one of the most
powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available on the market. The standard 8401 hand
controller offers a superb navigation experience with an 8-line LCD backlit display, a 130,000object database, and a USB port for easy connection with ASCOM compliant PC planetarium
programs. With a typical GOTO accuracy of 1 arc minute and the SmartStar
tracking, The MiniTower
TM
will consistently bring the celestial object of your choice to the center
of the eyepiece and keep tracking for hours.
Figure 2. MiniTower in a aluminum case
5
®
precision auto-
¾ Additional Unique Features
Equipped with additional features such as automatic over-current protection, automatic
clutch protection for both axes, easy 3-point level adjustment, dual scope setup with two
dovetails and more-- The MiniTower
today.
TM
is one of the most user-friendly GOTO mounts available
Figure 3. MiniTower with dual scope setup
6
1.2. MiniTowerTM Components1
Figure 4. MiniTower Components
Shown in the picture:
1. Tripod Lock
2. Tripod Support
3. Tripod Knob
4. Tripod Rod
5. Level Adjustment Lock (not
available on later version)
6. Level Adjustment Knob
7. Tripod
8. Mount Base
9. Primary Dovetail Lock
Not shown in the picture:
8401 Hand Controller
Controller Cable
AC Adapter
12V DC Adapter with Car Lighter Plug
USB Cable
Counter Weight
Counter Weight Lock Pin
Counter Weight Lock
Hard Travel Case
10. Primary Dovetail Holder
11. Azimuth Clutch Lock
12. South Alignment Mark
13. Altitude Clutch Lock
14. Counter Balance Shaft Lock
15. Secondary Dovetail Holder Lock
16. Secondary Dovetail Holder
17. Secondary Dovetail Lock
18. Counter Balance Shaft
19. Bubble Level Indicator
1
The contents may vary slightly by generation.
7
2. MiniTowerTM Assembly
There are two shipping boxes. One box contains the hard case and mount components.
The other box contains the tripod and counterweight.
You may find that your tripod differs from the one shown here. Later models have star
shaped Level Adjustment Screws (#6) without Level Adjustment Lock (#5) (based on customer
feedback).
Figure 5. MiniTower packages
8
2.1. MiniTower Assembly
1. Setup tripod. Extend tripod legs to full extension. Then lock
legs using the lock knobs on sides.
Next expand the legs out to their maximum position.
Figure 6
2. Assemble the three prong washer and azimuth clutch lock
(#11) onto the mount base
Washer
#11
#4 Rod
#3 Knob
Figure 7
#1
#2
#6
#5
Figure 8
4. Secure the mount to the tripod by using the long tripod rod
(#4). Hand tighten the rod into the bottom of the mount by
turning the tripod knob (#3).
Next, slide tripod support (#2) onto bottom of rod (#4). Position
the three edges to fit against the three tripod legs. Then hand
tighten tripod lock knob (#1) to secure the tripod support in
place.
3. Adjust level adjustment screws
(#6) upward 5 mm. Carefully position
telescope mount onto the tripod by
aligning the three holes on the
bottom of the mount base (#8) to the
three level adjustment screws (#6)
on the top of the tripod (#7), hold the
mount with your hands.
Note: later models have the black
star knobs (right photo)
Figure 9
9
#10
5. Attach an OTA to the primary dovetail holder (#10) using the
primary dovetail lock (#9).
Tighten both the azimuth clutch lock (#11) and the altitude
clutch lock (#13)
#9
Figure 10
#18
6. Plug one end of supplied 6pin RJ-11 cable into either one of
the two HBX (Handbox) sockets on the mount; plug the other
end into the GOTONOVA 8401 hand controller. Plug in 12V
power cable.
Turn on power. Now you are ready to observe. Use the 4 Arrow
keys (▲▼◄►) to rotate the scope Up, Down, Left, and Right.
Use the number key to change the slew speed from the slowest
(1:1X) to the fastest (9:MAX).
The other HBX is reserved for accessories, such as electronic
focuser, laser pointer and autoguider adapter. DO NOT plug
non-iOptron accessories into the unit to avoid damaging
the mount or accessories.
Figure 11
#14
7. This step allows you to attach the counterweight or a second
scope. (note: if you have a light scope less than 10 lbs. on the
primary side, then attaching a counterweight is optional).
First, make sure the altitude clutch lock (#13) is tight. Screw the
counter balance shaft (#18) into the threaded hole inside the
#13
altitude clutch lock (#13) and tighten the counter balance shaft
lock (#14).
Figure 12
groove
Figure 13
If you are attaching a second scope, do not add the
counterweight. Instead, skip to Step 10 to add a second
scope.
8. Slide the counterweight onto the counterbalance shaft (#18).
Next, insert the brass pin into the hole on the counterweight.
10
#17
Lock
Figure 14
#16
9. Secure the counterweight by tightening the lock knob.
Counter weight is heavy. Please handle with care
to avoid injury!
This step is for attaching a second scope.
10. Attach Secondary Dovetail Holder (#16) by tightening the
holder lock (#15) onto the counterweight shaft (#18).
After sliding your scope into the dovetail holder—secure the
scope by tightening the secondary lock (#17)
#15
Figure 15
2.2. OTA Mounting and Balancing
The iOptron MiniTower™ can handle various OTAs. A dovetail plate is needed to mount
an OTA onto the MiniTower mount. The width of the MiniTower
Most telescopes come with a dovetail plate installed on the bottom of the telescope. If
the size of dovetail plate does not match un-screw the plate and install an appropriate dovetail
plate that matches the holder. 1.75” dovetail plates are available from iOptron at
www.iOptron.com (part number #8422) or visit an online or local camera store.
Some telescopes may not have screw holes on the bottom. In this case you may need
compatible mounting rings to attach the dovetail plate. The size of the mounting rings should
match the aperture of your OTA.
The counter weight (CW) is always helpful to balance the OTA in order to have smooth
and accurate GOTO and tracking. The heavier the OTA, the more necessary it is to use a CW.
For lightweight OTAs, i.e. 5-6 lbs, however, the CW may not be necessary.
TM
dovetail holder is 1.75”.
If you have a secondary OTA on the secondary dovetail holder, make sure you align it
with the primary OTA. This alignment is done easier during the daytime. Point the primary
telescope to a target at a remote building or flagpole and center the target in the eyepiece.
Loosen the secondary dovetail holder lock (#15). Rotate the secondary OTA around the counter
balance shaft (#18). Center the object in the eyepiece of the secondary OTA. If the secondary
OTA is tilted, it can be adjusted by two tilting adjustment screws as shown in Figure 16 (M6 x
12mm Allen set screws, not supplied).
11
M6 set screws
Figure 16. Secondary Dovetail and set screws
A combination of a light OTA and a CW can be used to balance a heavier primary OTA.
2.3. Operate a MiniTower on Batteries
To install batteries open the battery compartment door. Pull the battery holder out from
the mount carefully making sure not to pull the wires loose. Insert 8 AA batteries (not included)
according to the diagram on the holder. Replace the battery holder back to the battery
compartment and replace the cover. (See Figure 17)
Figure 17. Battery compartment for MiniTower™
The mount will draw a significant amount of current when performing GOTO and slew
operations. The battery operation time varies depending on the battery quality and how often
the mount slews or GOTOs. It could last from couple of hours to tens of hours. Use only fresh
batteries and do not mix fresh and old batteries. Insufficient battery power may cause error
messages.
12
3. GOTONOVATM 8401 Hand Controller
HBX
Port
USB
Port
Figure 18. GOTONOVA 8401 Hand Controller
GOTONOVATM 8401 hand controller (HC) is the standard controller for a MiniTower, as
shown in Figure 18.
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, or slew the telescope
to a selected object.
• Arrow (▲▼►◄): Press ▲▼ buttons to move a telescope along the DEC direction,
►◄ to move a telescope along the RA direction. Brows the menu or move the cursor
in operating menu.
13
• Number Keys: Input numerical values. Also used to adjust 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: For help or extra information.
• STOP/0 Key: Stop/Start tracking.
• HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to MiniTower mount using a 6-wire RJ11 cable.
• USB port: connect the HC to a Computer via a USB cable.
3.2. The LCD Screen
The 8401 HC is designed to use for both iOptron’s equatorial (EQ) mount, such as the
SmartStar
AltAzimuth (A/A) mount, which includes all SmartStar
consists of a large 8-line LCD screen, which displays all the information as shown in Figure 19.
The user interface is simple and easy to learn.
®
-PR GOTO German Equatorial Mount and the GOTONOVATM Equatorial Kit, and
®
GOTO mounts and telescopes. It
Figure 19. 8401 HC LCD Information Screen
• GPS status: When the power is turned on, it shows “GPS ON”, which means a GPS
receiver is connected. When the GPS receiver finds the satellite and receives GPS
signal, it shows “GPS OK”. The “GPS OK” may turn off after few minutes.
• Slew speed: It has 9 speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X(1º/sec),
512X(2º/sec), MAX(4º/sec).
• Tracking speed: It has 4 speeds: Cel (celestial), Sol (Solar), Lun (Lunar), Def (user
defined)
• Mount Type: EQ is equatorial and A/A altazimuth.
3.3. Connection to a Computer
The GOTONOVA hand controller has a USB port which can be connected to a
computer. This will allow Firmware Upgrading, Database Updating, or Planetarium application.
A USB2COM driver is needed to simulate the USB port to a RS-232 serial port. (see Appendix
D)
14
The MiniTowerTM can be controlled by a number of popular astronomy software
programs. For astronomy software that does not have an embedded iOptron mount driver, an
ASCOM driver and related platform are needed. Please refer to Appendix F for more
information.
15
4. Getting Started
In order to experience the full GOTO capability of GOTONOVA technology it is very
important to set up the mount correctly before observation.
4.1. Level and Align the Mount
4.1.1. Level the Mount.
Leveling is critical for a good GOTO and tracking accuracy.
First, loosen tripod rod (#4) and tripod lock (#1) a little. Then
loosen azimuth clutch lock (#11) half turn. Check the bubble level
indicator (#19), adjust the level adjustment screws (#6), and center the
bubble in the indicator. Turn the mount by a hand and make sure that
the mount is leveled on all sides while turning. Adjust the level
adjustment screws again if the bubble is not centered while turning.
If your mount is equipped with level adjustment locks (#5 in
Figure 8), after the bubble is centered, hold the level adjustment screws
(#6) with one hand, and tighten the level adjustment lock (#5) with
another hand. If the mount level needs to be re-adjusted, loose the level
adjustment lock (#5) first.
Tighten the azimuth clutch lock (#11). Tighten the tripod knob
(#3). Tighten the tripod lock (#1). Make sure the mount is always
leveled.
Figure 20
4.1.2. Initial Positions
Each time the Mount is turned on, the default position is Parking Position, i.e., 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:
Face the South. Align the Mount to south by
turning the South mark facing south. An additional
compass is needed. There are two ways to do so. One
is loosen the azimuth clutch lock (#11) a little and
manually turn the Mount to face south. Then tighten the
azimuth clutch lock again. The other is turn on the
mount. Turn the mount facing south using hand control.
Then turn off the power. Note: Do not put the compass
directly on top of the mount. The motor parts of the
mount could affect the pointing accuracy of the
compass.
2) Up
#13
1) South
Point to Zenith. Unlock the altitude clutch lock
(#13) and rotate the telescope to point up directed at the
Zenith. A torpedo level may help.
Figure 21
16
Once it is straight re-tighten the altitude lock to make sure OTA is secure and will not
spin.
4.2. Setting Up the Mount
A MiniTower is equipped with a GPS receiver, which will receive the local time, longitude
and latitude information from satellites after the link is established. However, manual input is still
needed for time zone and Daylight Saving setting.
A clear sky outside is needed for GPS to communicate well with the satellites.
4.2.1. Set Up Time Zone
Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set up controller”
Select and slew
Sync. to target
Electronic focuser
Set up controller
Align
PEC option
Set up Tracking
User objects
Press ENTER. Scroll down and select “Set up site”
Set up Local Time
Set up site
Set N/S hemisphere
Set display contrast
Set Eyepiece light
Set Backlight
Set anti-backlash
Set Key Beep
Press ENTER. The longitude and latitude coordinates will be updated when the GPS
picks up satellite signals. “W/E” means west/east hemisphere; “N/S” means north/south
hemisphere; “d” means degree; “m” means minute; and “s” means second.
Set up site info:
Longitude:
W071d27m47s
Latitude:
N42d15m40s
300 Min. behind UT
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.
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