iOptron SMARTSTAR 8507, SMARTSTAR 8506 User Manual

SmartStar® Solar 60 GOTO Telescope

Instruction Manual

For Products #8506 & #8507

www.iOptron.com

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Table of Content

Table of Content .............................................................................................................................	2
1. SmarStar® Solar 60TM Overview ................................................................................................	4
1.1. SmartStar® Solar 60TM Features ..........................................................................................	4
1.2. SmartStar® Solar 60TM Assembly Terms.............................................................................	5
2. Telescope Assembly ...................................................................................................................	6
3. GoToNova® 8405 Hand Controller ............................................................................................	8
3.1. Key Description ...................................................................................................................	8
3.2. The LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................	8
4. Getting Started ..........................................................................................................................	10
4.1. Getting Familiar with Telescope........................................................................................	10
4.1.1. Using the telescope .....................................................................................................	10
4.1.2. Moving the telescope ..................................................................................................	11
4.1.3. Display an object on a computer screen .....................................................................	11
4.2. Explore GOTO and Tracking Capability...........................................................................	12
4.2.1. Level the Mount and Set Initial Position ....................................................................	12
4.2.2. Setting Up the Hand Controller ..................................................................................	12
4.2.3. Go to the Sun ..............................................................................................................	14
4.2.4. Go to the Moon and other Celestial Objects...............................................................	15
4.3. Turn Off the Mount............................................................................................................	15
5. Complete Functions of GoToNova® Hand Controller..............................................................	16
5.1. Slew to an Object...............................................................................................................	16
5.1.1. Planets, Sun, Moon .....................................................................................................	16
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects........................................................................................................	16
5.1.3. Comets ........................................................................................................................	16
5.1.4. Asteroids .....................................................................................................................	16
5.1.5. Stars.............................................................................................................................	16
5.1.6. User RA&DEC JD2000 Objects.................................................................................	16
5.1.7. Enter Position..............................................................................................................	17
5.1.8. Watch List...................................................................................................................	17
5.1.9. Watch List Auto..........................................................................................................	17
5.2. Land Objects ......................................................................................................................	17
5.3. Sync to Target....................................................................................................................	18
5.4. Set Up Controller ...............................................................................................................	18
5.4.1. Set Display Info ..........................................................................................................	18
5.4.2. Set Key Beep...............................................................................................................	19
5.4.3. Set Azi Work Mode ....................................................................................................	19
5.4.4. Reset All......................................................................................................................	19
5.5. Align ..................................................................................................................................	19
5.5.1. Solarsys Align.............................................................................................................	19
5.5.2. One Star Align ............................................................................................................	20
5.5.3. Two Star Alignment....................................................................................................	20
5.6. Modify Star Catalog...........................................................................................................	20
5.6.1. User RA&DEC JD2000..............................................................................................	20
5.6.2. Comets ........................................................................................................................	22
5.6.3. Asteroids .....................................................................................................................	23
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5.7. Watch List..........................................................................................................................	24
5.8. Set Telescope Coord. .........................................................................................................	24
5.9. Park Scope .........................................................................................................................	24
6. Using Electronic Eyepiece to Capture Images..........................................................................	25
6.1. iE1300 Driver Installation..................................................................................................	25
6.2. Use the iE1300 to Observe an Object................................................................................	25
6.3. Example: Using Future WinJoe For Image and Video Capture ........................................	25
7. Maintenance and Servicing.......................................................................................................	30
7.1. Maintenance.......................................................................................................................	30
7.2. Storage and Transport........................................................................................................	30
7.3. Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................	31
7.4. iOptron Customer Service..................................................................................................	32
7.5. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions.........................................................................	32
7.6. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions ................................................................	32
Appendix A. Technical Specifications .........................................................................................	33
Appendix B. GoToNova® 8405 HC MENU STRUCTURE ........................................................	34
Appendix C. GoToNova® Star List ..............................................................................................	36
IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.......................................................................	49

WARNING!

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

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

Check the solar filter before each use for any possible damages, such as cracks and scratches.

Never leave a solar scope unattended!

Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

December 2011 V1.1

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

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1. SmarStar® Solar 60TM Overview

1.1. SmartStar® Solar 60TM Features

New from iOptron -- The Solar 60TM computerized telescope system! Now your family or classroom can see sun spots right on a computer screen. The computerized telescope locates and auto-tracks to keep the sun (or moon, planets, and other celestial objects) in view. This is an ideal system to capture video or still photos of the sun spots and their movements. Set it up at home or school and everyone can see the daily changes in the sun spots. The Solar 60TM comes with a threaded solar filter to switch to nightime viewing.

Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™

The SmartStar® Solar 60TM GOTO telescope comes with our patented Alt-Azimuth Mount, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is one of the most functional and flexible units on the market. Sky & Telescope magazine named it “Hot Product 2008”. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit with optical encoders that provide accurate GOTO and tracking. The mount is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dovetail connector plate. With an optional DC adaptor you can plug your telescope mount into your car if you’re camping or at any other remote location.

Easy to understand controller

The GoToNova® hand controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has a larger LCD screen with more lines of content compared to others. Using the hand controller and its large LCD screen you can quickly set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

More precise speed control for viewing objects

The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at 5 different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you wish.

GoToNova® Computerized Control System

The revolutionary GoToNova® computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a database of 5,000+ celestial objects including all of the more famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters — not to mention the planets — you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button.

High durability glass solar filters

Made with the most durable glass filter on the market, this system allows you to see the solar photosphere with outstanding detail. Watch sunspots change from day to day. Follow these magnetic giants as they rotate across the disk of the sun, it’s truly an amazing view! The threadon glass solar filter assures eye safety during the observation, yet easy to remove for terrestrial and nighttime viewing. It also serves as a lens cap.

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Electronic eyepiece to bring the video/images to you computer screen

With the 1.3 megapixel electronic eyepiece (Model #8506 only), you can experience astro-video and astrophotography for yourself! It allows you to view real-time images from your telescope on a computer screen. It transmits live video images of the Sun, Moon, planets and terrestrial objects through a USB cable to your computer. Images can be recorded for later playback or frame imaging.

Package Contents1

(1) SmartStar® CubeTM –E mount

(1) Refractor Telescope with glass solar filter (60mm)

(1) GoToNova® hand controller (Part # 8405)

(1) Controller cable

(1) 90º star diagonal

(1) Eyepiece (25mm)

(1) Tripod

(1) Soft bag

(1) 1.3M electronic eyepiece (Model #8506 only)

(1)USB cable (Model #8506 only)

1.2.SmartStar® Solar 60TM Assembly Terms

1.Telescope

2.Dovetail Lock

3.Hand Controller

4.Altitude Lock

5.Mount

6.Diagonal

7.	Eyepiece	9
8.	Tripod
9.	Thread-on solar filter	5
		7

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Warning: once the solar filter is removed from the telescope, it will no longer be a Solar Scope. Never aim the telescope at the sun if the solar filter is removed or damaged.

1 Package contents may vary without notice

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2. Telescope Assembly

Step 1. Preparing the Tripod

Unlock the tripod leg locks (#10).

Extend tripod legs.

Lock the leg locks afterwards.

			#10
#8			Step 1a.
			Stand the telescope's tripod upright by spreading the tripod's
			legs out uniformly.
			Push down slightly on the Tripod Support Bracket (#9.) Attach
			the Accessory Tray (#8) to the Tripod Support Bracket via a
#9			screw on the bottom of the tray. Turning the tray until hand tight
			– don’t over tighten the tray.
			Step 2. Attaching the mount
			Insert Azimuth Lock Screw into the hole on the tripod. (start from
Thread of		Azimuth	underneath)
	Lock		Position center of the mount base onto the threaded screw. Turn
			the Azimuth Lock Screw to secure the mount.

Step 3. Installing batteries (not included)

Pull off the battery compartment cover (see red arrow). Gently pull the battery holder (shown next) out of the compartment. Be careful not to pull out the attached wires.

Step 3a.

Insert 8 AA batteries (not included) according to the diagram on the holder.**

Place the holder back into the battery compartment and put back the cover.

Note: fit the battery holder back into the compartment with the attached wires at the bottom right corner (see arrow in the photo).

** Use only fresh batteries; do not mix fresh and old batteries; insufficient battery power may cause error messages; optional AC Adapter and Car Charger accessories are available at www.ioptron.com

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				Step 4. Attaching telescope
				Attach telescope to mount using the dovetail lock knob (#2).
			Dovetail
			lock (#2)
				Step 5. Attaching optics
				Insert 90º diagonal: Remove the round dust cover lid from the
				drawtube of the telescope. Insert diagonal (#6) into the drawtube.
				Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
				Insert the eyepiece: Slide the supplied 25mm eyepiece (#7) into
				the open end of the diagonal. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm
			90º diagonal	feel only.
			(#6)	Use the focus knob to bring objects into focus. You may need to
			Eyepiece (#7)
				turn the focus knob quite a few turns to focus your telescope for
				the first time.
			Focus knob
				Step 6. Connecting hand controller
				Plug hand controller into any one of the HBX (handbox) ports on
				the mount using supplied coiled 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 SPEED key to change the slew speed from the slowest
				(2X) to the fastest (MAX).

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3. GoToNova® 8405 Hand Controller

Figure 1. GoToNova® 8405 Hand Controller

GoToNova® 8405 hand controller (HC) is the standard controller for a SmartStar Solar 60TM GOTO telescope, as shown in Figure 1.

3.1. Key Description

•MENU: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu.

•BACK: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as slewing.

•ENTER: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, slew the telescope to a selected object, or stop/start tracking.

•Arrow (▲▼►◄): Press ▲▼ buttons to move a telescope along the altitude direction, ►◄ to move a telescope along the azimuth direction. Brows the menu or move the cursor in operating menu.

•SPEED Key: To select a manual slew speed (2X, 8X, 64X, 256X, and MAX)

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

•HELP Key: For help and display more information on an object.

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

3.2. The LCD Screen

The 8405 HC consists of a large 4-line LCD screen, which displays all the information as shown in Figure 2. The user interface is simple and easy to read.

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Target Name	Mount/GPS Status
Right Ascension	Declination
Altitude	Azimuth
Local Date and Time	Slew Speed

Figure 2. 8405 Hand Controller LCD Information Screen

1.Target Name: displays the name of the target that telescope is currently pointed to.

•Park Position: A default position when the mount is turned on, i.e., the telescope is pointed to zenith (altitude reading is 90º) and the mount is facing south (azimuth reading is 180º);

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

•LandMark #: The telescope is working in Land mode and is pointing to a land mark # (note: telescope does not track in land mode)

•User Position: The mount has been manually slewed to an object; or an R.A and DEC value of an object was manually entered; or a goto or tracking process has been interrupted.

2.Mount/GPS Status: display current status of the mount. If the mount equipped with a GPS (integrated GPS receiver or external GPS module), it also indicates GPS status, when the mount is turned on.

•Stop (Mount Status): the telescope is in a standby position;

•Slew (Mount Status): the telescope is manually slewing to the target;

•Goto (Mount Status): the telescope is going to the target;

•Track (Mount Status): the telescope is tracking a target;

•Align (Mount Status): the telescope is in align mode;

•G-ON (GPS Status): GPS is on and trying to lock on to a satellite (for mount with GPS receiver);

•G-OK (GPS Status): The connection between GPS receiver and satellites has been established (This status will be replaced by Mount Status after a few minutes).

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

4.D: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.

5.A: Altitude of the telescope (zenith is 90º).

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

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

8.Slew speed: There are 5 speeds: 2X, 8X, 64X, 256X (1º/sec), MAX(~4º/sec). Press the SPEED key to change the speed while slewing.

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4. Getting Started

4.1. Getting Familiar with Telescope

It is strongly suggested to practice how to use the telescope and mount during the daytime to get familiar with all the functionalities. Since the attached glass solar filter will block more than 99.99% of the light, you will not see anything other than the sun if the filter is not removed.

Warning: once the solar filter is removed from the telescope, it will no longer be a Solar Scope. Never aim the telescope at the sun if the solar filter is removed or damaged.

4.1.1. Using the telescope

Imaging Orientation:

The image orientation changes depending on how the eyepiece is inserted into the telescope. When using the star diagonal (the included 90º mirror diagonal), the image is right-side-up, but reversed from left-to-right (i.e., mirror image). If inserting the eyepiece directly into the visual back (i.e., without the star diagonal), the image is upside-down and reversed from left-to-right (i.e., inverted). This is normal for the refractor design.

Actual image orientation	Reversed from left to	Inverted image, as	Corrected image, as
as seen with the	right, as viewed with a	viewed with the	viewed with a Erect
unaided eye	Star Diagonal	eyepiece directly in	Lens or Erect Diagonal
		telescope

For terrestrial observation, such as land mark or bird viewing, you can buy an optional 45º Erect Diagonal to have a correct image from your eyepiece.

Selecting an Eyepiece:

The magnification of a telescope is defined by the focal lengths of the telescope and the eyepiece. A formula can be used to determine the power of each eyepiece: Telescope focal length divided by eyepiece focal length equals magnification.

For example, a Solar 60 telescope has a focal length of 360mm. It comes with a 25mm eyepiece. Therefore the magnification will be

360mm ÷ 25mm = 14.4X (magnification)

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If you want more magnification, you may order higher power eyepieces. (Note: a 25 mm focal length eyepiece has a lower power than a 10 mm one.) Always starting with the lowest power eyepiece for easy locating the objects.

Focusing Telescope on a Land Object:

1. Remove dust cap and unscrew the glass solar filter from the telescope.

Warning: once the solar filter is removed from the telescope, it will no longer be a Solar Scope. Never aim the telescope at the sun if the solar filter is removed or damaged.

2.After selecting the desired eyepiece aim the telescope tube at a land-based target at least

200yards away (e.g. A telephone pole or building). Fully retract focusing tube by turning the focus knob.

3.While looking through selected eyepiece, slowly extend focusing tube by turning focusing knob until object comes into focus.

4.1.2. Moving the telescope

Manually Moving the Telescope:

Slightly loose Altitude Lock (part #5 on the mount, as indicated in Assembly Terms) and Azimuth Lock (as shown in Assembly Step 2); push the mount to rotate left or right and push the telescope to point up or down.

When you finished observation, please re-tighten both locks to avoid accidentally drop of the mount or telescope.

Moving the Telescope using Hand Controller:

Insert 8 fresh AA batteries into the mount battery holder, or using an optional AC adapter,. Tighten all the screws and locks on tripod, mount and telescope. Flip the ON/OFF switch on the mount to turn the mount power on. After a beep and LCD displays information screen, press the SPEED button to change the Slew Speed to MAX.

Press ▲▼► or ◄ button to move the telescope UP, DOWN, RIGHT or LEFT. Aim and focus the telescope to a distant object, press the arrow button while viewing through the eyepiece. Press the SPEED button to change the slew speed, if the object is moving too fast.

4.1.3. Display an object on a computer screen

Model #8506 Solar 60TM telescope comes with a plug-N-play electronic eyepiece, iE1300 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera. An electronic eyepiece works just as a short focal length (few mm) eyepiece. Focus the telescope on an object using 25mm optical eyepiece first. Then replace the optical eyepiece with the electronic eyepiece. Re-focus the telescope to bring the clear image/video onto your computer screen.

Please refer to Section 6 for detailed information.

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4.2. Explore GOTO and Tracking Capability

In order to experience the full GOTO capability of GoToNova® technology it is important to set up the mount correctly before observation.

4.2.1. Level the Mount and Set Initial Position

Leveling is critical for good GOTO and tracking accuracy

Level the mount by observing the bubble (shown) on the base of the mount by adjusting the tripod legs. The bubble should be in the center of the circle. The leveling is very critical for a good goto and tracking accuracy. You may use an additional torpedo level to assure a precise leveling, or calibrate the existing spirit level. Turn

the mount around by pressing ► or ◄ button to make sure it is always leveled, or the bubble stays in the same position, during rotation.

Initial Position

Each time the mount is turned on the default position is Park Position, (i.e., its altitude is 90º0.0’ and azimuth is 180º0.0’. There might be a few seconds difference) which means the “SOUTH” mark is pointing to south and the telescope is pointing straight up at the zenith.

Note: You can always improve the initial position later during “One Star Align” or “Sync to Target”. To set the Park Position you can:

1. Align the mount to south by releasing the azimuth lock half a
turn and rotating the mount so that the South mark faces south.
An additional compass is needed. Unlock the altitude lock (#4)	2) Up
and rotate the telescope to point straight up at the Zenith. Put a
torpedo level on top of the optical tube may help. Make sure the
mount is leveled. Then turn the mount power on.
or
2. Turn the mount power on. Press the SPEED button to select	1) South	#4
a slew speed (MAX for fast slew and 2X for fine tuning). Turn the		Alt lock
SOUTH mark pointing to south using ► or ◄ button. An
additional compass is needed. Rotate the telescope to point to

zenith using the ▲ or ▼ buttons. Then turn the mount power off and turn it on. Or you can press MENU. Scroll down to “Set Telescope Coord.” Press ENTER. The default number is “Alt: 90º00.0’ and Azi: 180º00.0’”. Press ENTER to complete the initialization.

4.2.2. Setting Up the Hand Controller

Time and Site Set Up

This is critical to ensure the telescope pointing to the right direction.

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

Select and slew

Land Objects

Sync. to Target

Set Up Controller

Press ENTER. Select “Set Up Time and Site”

Set Up Time and Site

Set Display Info

Set Key Beep

Set Azi Work Mode

Press ENTER. The Set Local Time screen will show:

Set Local Time:

2009-06-01 11:55:09

DaylightTime Saving Y

Set local time:

Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor, and the ▲ or ▼ button to change the numbers.

Set daylight saving time:

Use ▲ or ▼ button to toggle the DaylightTime Saving between Y and N. Press ENTER to go to Setup Site Info screen.

Set site coordinates:

Setup Site Info: Longi: W071d27m47s Lati : N42d15m40s 300 Min. behind UT

“W/E” means western/eastern hemisphere; “N/S” means northern/southern hemisphere; “d” means degree; “m” means minute; and “s” means second.

Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor, and the ▲ or ▼ button to change the numbers or toggle between “W” and “E”, “N” and “S”.

The site coordinates information may be found from your cell phone, GPS navigator, Google map or other online website, such as GPSVisualizer http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/geocode). Simply enter a city name or address.

Set time zone

Press ◄ or ► key. Move the cursor to the bottom of the screen to set the time zone information (add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). Enter minutes “ahead” or “behind” of UT (universal time). The minimum time difference is 15 minutes.

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•New York City is 300 minutes “behind” UT

•Los Angeles is 480 minutes “behind” UT

•Rome is 60 minutes “ahead” of UT

•Beijing is 480 minutes “ahead” of UT

•Sydney is 600 minutes “ahead” of UT

All time zones in North America are behind UT as shown in the following table (Be 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, use the ◄ or ► keys to move the cursor and the ▲ or ▼ keys to change the numbers. To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead of” and using ▲ or ▼ keys 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, time zone information can be found online, such as http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/. DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.

If your mount is equipped with a GPS receiver, only Daylight Time Saving and Time Zone settings are needed. However, the local time and site info can still be manually entered (in case the GPS signal is too weak to be picked up). It is always recommended to get the GPS coordinates before traveling to a new observation site.

4.2.3. Go to the Sun

After performing these setups, the mount is ready to GOTO and track the Sun.

Warning: Make sure the glass solar filter is secured in front of the telescope tube.

Warning: Check the solar filer for any damages or scratches on the coating.

1.Press MENU button, select “Select and Slew” by press ENTER button. Select “Planets, Sun, Moon”, and using ▲ or ▼ button to select Sun. Press ENTER. The telescope will automatically slew to the direction of the Sun and start to track.

2.Look through the 25mm optical eyepiece. If the Sun is in the field of view (FOV) of the eyepiece, turn the focus knob to bring the Sun in focus. If the Sun sits in the center of the eyepiece, you’ve done a great job in terms of the initial setups. Just leave the mount on and it should track the Sun by itself.

3.If the Sun is in the FOV but not centered, press MENU button and select “Sync to Target”. Use ◄ ► ▲ or ▼ keys to center the Sun then press ENTER. You may press the SPEED

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button to change the adjustment speed during centering. You may do Select and Slew again to double check if the Sun in centered.

4.If the Sun in NOT in the FOV after “Select and Slew”, in most case it shouldn’t it should be too far away either. You have to ways to bring the Sun inside the FOV: loosen altitude and azimuth lock and manually move the mount, as described in 4.1.2, to bring the Sun in; or using “Sync to Target”, as described in previous paragraph to bring in and center the Sun in FOV.

5.If the telescope points to way off the general direction of the Sun, please make sure that

•All the screws are tightened;

•Hand controller settings are correct;

•Telescope is at the Park Position before the mount is turned on;

•Fresh batteries are used or the AC adapter and extension cable are plugged in firmly

6.You may press BACK key to stop the mount during the goto.

4.2.4. Go to the Moon and other Celestial Objects

The Solar 60 telescope can be also used during the nighttime. Please remove the glass solar filter from the telescope. Keep it in a safe place and avoid touch the inside of the glass filter.

To observe the Moon, follow Section 4.2.1 to set up your mount and telescope. Select “Select and Slew” to go to the Moon. Use “Sync to Target” to center the Moon, if needed. Just sit back and enjoy the details of the Moon. Starting from here, you now can surf the nightly sky using your hand controller. Use “Sync to Target” to bring a target to the center when it is not at the center of FOV.

4.3. Turn Off the Mount

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

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