iOptron SmartStar G-R80, SmartStar G-MC90, SmartStar G-N114 User Manual

SmartStar®-G Series Mount and Telescopes

(For 8800, 8802, 8803 and 8804)

Instruction Manual

Table of Content
Table of Content..............................................................................................................	2
1. SmarStar®-G Series Overview ....................................................................................	4
1.1. SmartStar®-G Series Features..............................................................................	4
1.2. Assembly Terms ...................................................................................................	6
2. Telescope Assembly ...................................................................................................	7
3. GOTONOVATM 8402G Hand Controller ....................................................................	10
3.1. Key Description...................................................................................................	10
3.2. The LCD Screen .................................................................................................	11
4. Getting Started ..........................................................................................................	12
4.1. Level and Align the Mount ..................................................................................	12
4.1.1. Level the Mount............................................................................................	12
4.1.2. Initial Positions .............................................................................................	12
4.2. Setting Up the Mount ..........................................................................................	12
4.2.1. Set Up Time and Site ...................................................................................	12
4.2.2. Using your telescope....................................................................................	14
4.2.3. Go to the Moon ............................................................................................	14
4.2.4. Initial Star Alignment ....................................................................................	14
4.3. Turn Off the Mount..............................................................................................	15
5. Use SmartStar®-G Telescopes..................................................................................	15
5.1. Manual Operation of a Telescope.......................................................................	15
5.2. Slew to an Object................................................................................................	15
5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon......................................................................................	15
5.2.2. Deep Sky Objects ........................................................................................	15
5.2.3. Comets.........................................................................................................	16
5.2.4. Asteroids ......................................................................................................	16
5.2.5. Stars.............................................................................................................	16
5.2.6. User Objects ................................................................................................	16
5.2.7. Enter Position...............................................................................................	16
5.2.8. Watch List ....................................................................................................	16
5.2.9. Watch List Auto ............................................................................................	16
5.3. Land Objects.......................................................................................................	16
5.4. Sync to Target ....................................................................................................	17
5.5. Electric Focuser ..................................................................................................	18
5.6. Set Up Controller ................................................................................................	18
5.6.1. Set Up Time and Site ...................................................................................	18
5.6.2. Set Display Info ............................................................................................	18
5.6.3. Set Key Beep ...............................................................................................	18
5.6.4. Reset All.......................................................................................................	18
5.6.5. Update Firmware..........................................................................................	18
5.7. Align....................................................................................................................	18
5.7.1. Easy One Star Align.....................................................................................	18
5.7.2. One Star Align..............................................................................................	19
5.7.3. Two Star Alignment......................................................................................	19
5.8. User Object List ..................................................................................................	19
5.8.1. R.A. and DEC...............................................................................................	19
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5.8.2. Comets.........................................................................................................	20
5.8.3. Asteroids ......................................................................................................	21
5.9. Watch List...........................................................................................................	21
5.10. Set Telescope Coord. .......................................................................................	22
5.11. Park Scope .......................................................................................................	22
6. Maintenance and Servicing .......................................................................................	22
6.1. Maintenance .......................................................................................................	22
6.2. Storage and Transport........................................................................................	22
6.3. Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................	23
6.4. iOptron Customer Service ..................................................................................	24
Appendix A. Technical Specifications............................................................................	25
Appendix B. GOTONOVATM 8402G HC MENU STRUCTURE .....................................	26
Appendix C. GOTONOVATM Star List ...........................................................................	28
Appendix D. Set Up USB-PC Connection .....................................................................	34
Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade ....................................................................................	38
Appendix F. Use a PC to Control an iOptron Mount......................................................	41
IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY..............................................................	42

WARNING!

NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN!

Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

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1. SmarStar®-G Series

Overview

1.1. SmartStar®-G Series

Features

Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™

The SmartStar®-G series come with our patented Alt-Azimuth (AltAzi) mount, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. It was named “Hot Product 2008” by Sky and Telescope. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit with optical encoders which provides accurate GOTO and tracking. The mount is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. In addition, there are no “dead spots” – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your telescope mount into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location.

32-Channel GPS Module

All G-series telescopes come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully automated operation. Simply turn on the GOTONOVATM Hand Controller and the GPS module will automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the GOTONOVATM computerized control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time, latitude or longitude.

GOTONOVATM Computerized Control

System

The revolutionary GOTONOVATM computerized control system is by far the

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most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a database over 50,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button.

The easy to understand controller on the market

The GOTONOVATM 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 with the competition. Using the easy-to-use hand controller and its large LCD screen, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

More precise speed control for viewing objects

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

Compatible with many OTAs

Most Optical Tube Assembles (OTAs) with dovetail connection should be compatible with the SmartStar®-G GOTO AltAzi mount. The payload of a SmartStar®-G mount is between 7 to 11 lbs, depending on OTAs and observing condition. (If you do not have a dovetail connection -- attach your OTA using mounting rings and dovetail available at your local telescope store or the OTA manufacturer). Contact iOptron for expert’s advice on compatibility issues.

USB Port

The 8402 hand controller comes with a USB port that tremendously expands the functionalities of the already powerful system. With the USB2COM driver installed, the USB port works as an RS232 serial port. It supports firmware upgrades and computer

control. With ASCOM protocol, you can control your telescope with most ASCOM compatible software. This enables you to utilize the CPU, large screen, and disk space of your PC/laptop. With a wide selection of software, your star gazing experience will never be the same again.

Package Contents1

(1) SmartStar®-G Mount with built-in GPS receiver (Models 8800, 8802, 8803 and 8804)

(1) GOTONOVATM Hand Controller (Part No. 8402G)

(1) Controller Cable

(1) USB Cable

(1) Tripod

(1) Tripod bolt and Tray Lock

(1) Tripod Tray

(1) AC adapter with cord

For Model 8802 (SmartStar®-G-R80)

(1)80mm Refractor Telescope

(2)Eyepieces (PL 10mm & PL 25mm)

(1)3X Barlow Lens

(1)45º Diagonal

For Model 8803 (SmartStar®-G-N114)

(1)114mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope

(2)Eyepieces (PL 10mm & PL 25mm)

(1) Red Dot Finderscope

For Model 8804 (SmartStar®-G-MC90)

(1)90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Reflector Telescope

(2)Eyepieces (PL 10mm & PL 25mm)

(1) Red Dot Finderscope

(1) 45º Diagonal

1 The contents may vary from batch to batch.

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1.2.Assembly Terms

1.Telescope tube

2.Dovetail lock

3.Hand controller

4.Altitude lock

5.Mount

6.Tripod

7.Tripod bolt

8.Tray

9.Tray lock

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2. Telescope Assembly

Step 1. Preparing the Tripod

Extend tripod legs to full extension.

Step 2. Attaching the Mount

Attach mount to tripod using the long bolt (#7). Slide tray on bottom of shaft. Then screw on round black knob (#9).

Step 3a. Installing Batteries (not included)

Note: you may use 8 AA batteries (Step 3) or the AC adaptor (Step 5) to operate the mount.

Pull the batteries compartment cover (shown) open. Gently pull the batteries holder (shown next) out of the compartment to avoid breaking the attached wires.

Step 3b.

Insert 8 AA batteries (not included) according to the diagrams on the holder. Refer to the diagram on the holder to orient the batteries properly. Replace the holder back into the batteries compartment and replace the cover.

For reference: the battery pack fits in with wires on the bottom right (See arrow in photo). Use only fresh batteries. Using/mixing old or low batteries may cause error messages.

Optional AC Adapter and Car Charger accessories are available at www.ioptron.com

Step 4. Attaching Telescope

Dovetail Attach telescope to mount using the dovetail lock knob (#2).

lock (#2) (Picture shows 80mm refractor. However all scopes will attach in the same manner.)

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				Step 5. Plug in hand controller and AC adaptor.
				Plug hand controller into either one of the two HBX ports on the
				mount. Next plug in AC adaptor. (Or use batteries—see step 3).
				Turn on power (the red light should go on).
				At this point you can begin observing manually. Use the 4 Arrow
				keys (▲▼◄►) to rotate the scope Up, Down, Left, and Right.
				Use the SPEED key to change the slew rate from the slowest
				(2X) to the fastest (MAX).
	Plug in AC			The other HBX is reserved for accessories, such as external GPS
			adaptor	module, electronic focuser or laser pointer. DO NOT plug non-
			here	iOptron accessories into the unit to avoid damaging the
				mount or accessories.
			For 80mm Refractor (#8502)…….....................................................
				Insert 45º diagonal: Insert the diagonal into the eyepiece side of
				the telescope. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
				Insert the eyepiece: Slide the eyepiece into the open end of the
				diagonal. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only. Remove
45º		diagonal		the dust cover from the other end of optical tube assembly.
			eyepiece	Use the focus knob to bring objects into focus. You may need to
				turn the focus knob quite a few turns to focus your telescope for
				the first time. Always start observing using a low power eyepiece
				(such as a 25mm eyepiece) to get a nice wide field of view. Later
				you can change to high power if so desired. Higher powered
		Focus knob		eyepieces have a much narrower field of view. So it’s more
				difficult to initially locate objects using higher powered eyepieces.
		For 114mm Newtonian (#8503) …….................................................
	Point toward open			Attach the red dot finder scope to the telescope tube		(#1):
	end of telescope			First remove the two washers on the tube. Then place the finder
				scope onto the two bolts and re-attach the washers securely. The
			Bolts	finder scope should face towards the open end of the tube (see
				arrow in diagram).
				Turn on the beam using the switch on the side. (note: you may
				need to remove the plastic insulation placed next to the battery
			Switch	underneath)
		For 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain (#8504)………………………………….
	Diagonal			Install Diagonal by screwing it onto the back end of the scope.
				You can adjust the position of the diagonal by loosening the free-
				spinning threader on the diagonal.

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Flip switch

Eyepiece	Install the Finderscope by sliding the dovetail plate onto the
	sleeve (see arrow) and tightening the side screw.
	The eyepiece can be placed on the end of the scope or on the
	side (see next step). Secure the eyepiece using the side screw.
	Use the focus knob to adjust the focus.
	This picture shows the eyepiece on the side. Remove the
	protective cap to insert the eyepiece. The diagonal is not used for
	side viewing.
	Use the flip switch to flip the internal mirror to view from the side
	or the end of the scope.

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3. GOTONOVATM 8402G Hand Controller

HBX USB

Port Port

Figure 1. GOTONOVA 8402 Hand Controller

GOTONOVATM 8402G hand controller (HC) is the standard controller for a SmartStar®-G series mount and telescope, as shown in Figure 1.

3.1. Key Description

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

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

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

stop/start

tracking.

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

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

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

•HELP Key: Display the definition of some terms.

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

•USB port: connect the HC to a Computer via a USB cable.

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3.2. The LCD Screen

The 8402 HC consists of a large 4-line LCD screen, which displays all the information as shown in Figure 2. The user interface is simple and easy to learn.

Target Name	GPS Status
Target R.A.
Target DEC.	Slew Speed
Right Ascension
Declination	Tracking Speed
Altitude
Azimuth
Local Date and Time	N/S Hemisphere
	Figure 2. 8402G HC LCD Information Screen

1.Target Name: display the name of the target that telescope is currently point to.

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

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

2.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.

3.Slew speed: It has 5 speeds: 2X, 8X, 64X, 256X(1º/sec), MAX(4º/sec). Press SPEED key to change it.

4.Tracking speed: display current operation mode of the mount

•Land: the mount is operating at a land mode.

•Cel., Sol. or Lun.: the mount is tracking an celestial object at Sidereal, Solar or Lunar speed.

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

6.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 YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.

8.N/S Hemisphere: display the observation hemisphere.

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4. Getting Started

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

4.1. Level and Align the Mount

4.1.1. Level the Mount.

Leveling is critical for a good GOTO and tracking accuracy.

Level the mount by observing the bubble (shown) on the base of the mount by adjusting tripod legs. The bubble should be in the center of the circle. It is also recommended to use additional levelers (such as a torpedo leveler) to assure precise leveling. Turn the mount around by pressing ► or ◄ button to make sure it is always leveled.

4.1.2. Initial Positions

Each time the mount is turned on, the default position is Park Position, i.e.,its altitude is 90º0.0’ and azimuth is 180º0.0’, which means the “SOUTH” mark is pointing to south and the telescope is pointing straight up at the zenith. To set the Park Position, you can do one of the following:

2) Up

sure the mount is leveled. Then turn the mount power on.

or

2.Turn the mount power on. Press the SPEED button to select a slew speed (MAX for fast slew and 2X for fine tuning). Turn the SOUTH mark pointing to south using ► or ◄ button. An additional compass may be needed. Rotate the telescope point to the zenith using ▲ or ▼ button. A torpedo level may help. 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. Setting Up the Mount

A SmartStar-G is equipped with a GPS receiver, which will receive the local time, longitude and latitude information from

a satellite 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.

1) South	lock (#4)

1.Align the mount to south by turning the mount so that the South mark facing south. An additional compass is needed. Unlock the altitude lock (#4) and rotate the telescope to point straight up at the Zenith. A torpedo level may help. Make

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4.2.1. Set Up Time and Site

Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set up controller”

Select and slew

Land Objects

Sync. to target

Electronic focuser

Set up controller

Align

User Object List

Watch List

Press ENTER. Select “Set Up Time and

Site”

Set Up Time and Site

Set Display Info

Set Key Beep

Reset All

Upgrade Firmware

Press ENTER. The “Set Local Time” screen will show:

Set Local Time: 2009-06-01 11:55:09

300 Min. behind UT Daylight Time Saving √

The local time will be updated when the GPS picks up satellite signals. If for any reason your GPS can’t pick up a signal you can manually enter the time. Press ◄ or ► key to move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to change the number.

Press ◄ or ► key, move the cursor to the line below time info to set the time zone information (add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). Enter minutes “ahead of” or “behind” UT (universal time).

•New York City is 300 minutes “behind” UT

•Los Angeles is 480 minutes “behind” UT

•Rome is 60 minutes “ahead of” UT

•Beijing is 480 minutes “ahead of” UT

•Sydney is 600 minutes “ahead of” UT

All the time zones in North America are behind UT (universal time), as shown in the following table. So make sure it shows “behind” instead of “ahead of” UT.

Time Zone	Hours	Enter
	behind UT	Minutes
Hawaii	-10	600
Alaska	-9	540
Pacific	-8	480
Mountain	-7	420
Central	-6	360
Eastern	-5	300

To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the n▲ or ▼ key to change the number. To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead of” and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “behind” and “ahead of”. For other parts of the world, you can find out your “time zone” information from internet, such as http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.

DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.

To set daylight saving time, use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor to the bottom of the screen, use ▲ or ▼ button to toggle the Daylight Time Saving between X, which means “No” and √, which means (Yes).

When the number is correct, press ENTER and go to “Setup Site Info” screen:

Set up site info:

Longitude:

W071d27m47s

Latitude:

N42d15m40s

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.

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