Nexstar SynScan User Manual

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INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL RESULT. USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER

FIRMLY

THE

MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF

SUN.

WHEN OBSERVING THE SUN. PLACE A DUST CAP OVER YOUR

THE

TELESCOPE FOR VIEWING

FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM ACCIDENTAL

EXPOSURE. NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE

TYPE SOLAR FILTER AND NEVER

USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNLIGHT ONTO ANOTHER

SURFACE, THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD

UP WILL DAMAGE THE

TELESCOPE OPTICAL ELEMENTS.

ntroduction to the SynScan

SynScanr" precision-engineered

The is a instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as planets, nebulea, star clusters, galaxies and much more. The hand control allows you to point your telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the

SynScanTM

hand controller.

Guider

Powering

SynScanTM 11-15V

The should be powered by DC power supply (tip continuous current of minimum 2 amps. Correctly plug the power cord into the 12V DC outlet on the the mount (See

Fig.a HEQS Fig.a-I b-I

EQ6 mount). Flip the Power Switch to the "on" position to turn on the power.

the SynScan

positive) capable of producing

and b for mount, and for

The power indicator will flash the power is low. Continue to use the

this point may damage the The

.at battev.

power indicator will the power is extremely

rapidly when

flash

low.

when

batten.

Continue to

use the same battery may damage the

SynScan

ynScan

The HEQS

SynScanT"

45 connector on both ends. Plug one end into the hand control mount clicks into place. The mount has a RJ the other. Plug the RJ control clicks into place. Plug the on the mount. Tighten the screws to secure the connector in place used for communications between the

" port allows independent use of the

(Fig.b).

fig.^).

.RS-232

SynScanTM

Linking with a Computei' for details.) The DC power

control for users who wish to browse the database without connecting to the telescope

and a computer or other devices. (See

system.

Hand Control

hand control cable for the has a

(Fig.c)

and the other into the outlet on the

Push the connector into the outlet until it

SynScanTM

45 connector on one end and on

45 connector into the hand

Push the connector into the outlet until it

DB9

(Fig.a-I).

cable for the EQ6

DB9

connector into the outlet

The RJ-11 6-pin port is

SynScanTM

fig.^).

hand

to power supply

power indicator

po$er

switch

The DC power port on the hand control is for

hand control stand For telescope applicaions, use the outlet on the

mount.

To connect the

RS-232

cable provided

alone applications only.

SynScan

PC, use only the

with

the mount.

12V

SynScanTM

The Hand Control allows direct access to all the motion controls of the telescope and a database with a range of preset objects. The Hand

Control comes with a dual screen that is backlit for comfortable viewing of the telescope information and scrolling text. To explore the many functions that the there are

Control

main categories of control on the Hand

(Fig.d):

line, 16 character display

SynScanTM

has to offer,

Display screen

..........................

Mode keys

----------

Mode keys

The mode keys are located near the top, close to the LCD display. They include the

ENTER,

ESC

command or to go back a level in the menu tree.

ENTER

submenus in the menu tree, and to confirm

certain functional operations.

SETUP

the Setup submenu.

and

keys:-

key is used to escape from a certain

key is used to select the functions and

key is a quick hot key that takes you to

ESC,

Directional keys

-----------

Dual purpose keys

-------

Scrollkeys

----

Directional keys

The directional keys allow complete control of the telescope at almost any step in the operation. These controls are locked out when the telescope is slewing to an object. They are normally used to initially align, center objects in the eyepiece, and manual guiding. The left and right directional keys can also be used to move the text curserwhen entering data to the hand control.

Scoll

Keys

The up and down scroll keys allow you to scroll up and down within the menu tree or selections.

(Fig.e)

Dual Purpose keys

These keys range from the middle to the bottom of the hand control. They serve two distinct purposes

data entry and quick reference hot keys.

SynScanls

TOUR

RATE

are 10 speeds to choose from:

UTILITY USER ID NGC, IC,

13,400 objects.

key takes you on a preset tour across the sky you are currently under.

(Fig.0

key changes the speed rate of the motors when the direction keys are pressed. There

(Fig.0

(slowest) to 9 (fastest).

(Fig.0

key shows functions such as Show Position, Display Time

(Fig.0

key gives access to up to

(Fig.0

key identifies the object the telescope is currently pointing to.

PLANET,

and

OBJECT

user-defined coordinates.

(Fig.g)

keys allow direct access to SynScanT"

...

etc.

database of over

This section provides a step-by-step procedure on how to operate your hand control.

SynScanrM

tial Setup

1. Perform the Polar alignment using the polarscope.

2. Point the telescope roughly to the North Celestial Pole (or Polaris) if you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Point to the South Celestial Pole if in Southern Hemisphere. Make sure the counterweight rod is pointed down as seen in home position of the telescope.

3. Flip the Power Switch on the mount

to the "ON" position to turn on the power.

4. The initial screen displayed on the hand control is the Version Screen. Press

The hand control will display a warning concerning pointing the telescope at the sun without proper equipment. If you have read the message already, pressing bypass the message and skip to the next step.

Fig.h.

ENTER

This will be the

to proceed.

ESC

will

aID

Plane of local

(Northern Hemisphere)

Zenith

Decl~natlon

hor~zon

Plane of Equator

Celest~al

Celestial

North Pole

The hand control's red light will and the key pads will off if idle

seconds.

for

Enter the telescope's current latitudinal and longitudinal position using the numeric keypad. First enter the longitudinal coordinate, followed by the latitudinal coordinate. Use the scroll keys to choose between W or E, and N or S. Pressing the left or right directional keys will move the cursor to the previous or next number. Press enter should look like this: 123 04' W 49

Enter your current time zone in hours (see Appendix C), using the scroll keys and numeric key pad like this if you are in Pacific Standard Time (PST):

Enter the date in the following format using the numeric keypad. Press to confirm.

9. Enter your current local time using the 24 hr time mode to view the time you just entered. If it is incorrect, press

screen. If correct, press

10. If the date entered in step 8 falls between March and November, the will prompt "DAYLIGHT SAVING? confirm. If the date is out of the range between March and November, the

the daylight saving setting and proceed to the next step.

11. After setting the daylight saving, will display "Begin alignment?". Press "1" or

ENTER

the Main Menu.

to start the alignment procedure. Press "2" or

Pressing any key turns it back on.

for East, -for West). Press

ENTER

. Use the scroll keys to make the selection and press

If a mistake was entered into the to the previous menu. and press

become diin~ner

ENTER

09'N.

ENTER

mmlddlyyyy

again to proceed to the daylight saving setting.

SynScanTM

SynScan

ENTER

to confirm. The format you enter should look

08.

(e.g. 2:00PM=14:00).

ESC

hand control, press the

to start again.

to confirm. The format you

ESC

to go back to the previous

to skip the alignment and exit to

turn

Press

SynScanTM

SynScan

ESC

key to go back

ENTER ENTER

ENTER

will'" skip

Star

~li~nrnent

In order for the to correctly point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to one to three known positions (stars) in the sky. As the Earth rotates on its axis every appear to move through the sky following an arc. replicate a model of the sky and the movements of astronomical objects. Star alignment can be done anytime during the observing session by choosing Alignment under SETUP MODE, in the Main Menu.

There are three ways to align the depending on your demand for accuracy. If you are using the

SynScanTM

this produces the most accurate alignment among the three methods. Before performing any of the alignment methods, be sure that your finderscope is well aligned with the telescope tube. See the next page for tips on how to choose the alignment stars. Below describes a step perform the Three Star Alignment:

SynScanT"

hours, astronomical objects

the supplied information, the telescope can

W~th

SynScanTM

for the first time, we recommend that you begin with the Three Star Alignment. In most cases,

-by-

step procedure on how to

Three-Star Alignment

3-StarAlign

ENTER

to confirm.

RATE

ENTER

to confirm.

button. Then choose

In the alignment screen, select using the scroll keys. Press

The SynScan alignment star. Using the scroll keys, choose an appropriate star from the list provided and press

ENTER.

position with the directional keys until the star is centered on the crosshairs in the finder scope. Now look through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the object is centered in the field of view of the eyepiece. Press

will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for you to choose as the first

The telescope will start slewing towards it. When the telescope stops slewing, adjust its

The slewing speed can be adjusted by pressing on the number between (slowest) -(fastest).

SynScan"

adjust the telescope before you hear the beep.

becp slening

will once when it has finished to an object. Do not try to

SynScan'"

will only respond

the

ESC

key while slewing.

SynScanT"

3. keys and press confirm.

SynScanTM

the list and press

If appropriate stars have been chosen and aligned to, the hand control will display

Alignment Successful". Otherwise, the warning "Alignment Failed" will show and the alignment

will have to be done again.

will provide a list of objects for the second alignment star. Choose a star using the scoll

ENTER.

will once again provide a list of objects for the third alignment star. Choose a star from

ENTER.

Repeat the centering procedure for the second star and press

Once again, repeat the centering procedure for the third alignment star.

SynScanTM

ENTER

Two-Star Alignment

Two-Star Alignment requires only two alignment stars but, without Cone Error Calibration (see Appendix A), it may produce lesser pointing accuracy than the Three step procedure on how to perform the Two-Star Alignment:

In the alignment screen, select

The will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for you to choose as the first

SynScanrM

alignment star. Using the scroll keys, choose a star you are most familiar with and press The telescope will start slewing towards it. When the telescope stops slewing, adjust its position with the directional keys until the star is centered on the crosshairs in the finder scope. Now look

through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the object is centered in the field of view of

the eyepiece. Press

SynScanTM

keys and press confirm.

If appropriate stars have been chosen and aligned to, the hand control will display "

Alignment Successful". Otherwise, the warning "Alignment Failed" will show and the alignment

will have to be done again.

will provide a list of objects for the second alignment star. Choose a star using the scoll

ENTER

ENTER.

2-Star Align

to confirm.

Repeat the centering procedure for the second star and press

using the scroll keys. Press

Star Alignment. Below describes a step-by

ENTER

SynScanTM

to confirm.

ENTER.

ENTER

One-Star Alignment

It requires only one alignment star but, without accurate polar alignment and cone error calibration (see Appendix A), it may produce lesser pointing accuracy than the other alignment methods. Refer to the

HEQIEQG

by-step procedure on how to perform the One-Star Alignment:

manual for information on how to perform accurate polar alignment. Below describes a step

Make sure the telescope has been polar aligned.

In the alignment screen, select using the scroll keys. Press ENTER to confirm.

3. The

SynScanTM

scroll keys, choose a star you are most familiar with and press ENTER. When the telescope stops slewing, adjust its position with the directional keys until the star is centered on the crosshairs in the finderscope. Now look through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the object is centred in the field of view of the eyepiece. Press ENTER to confirm. Once completed, will display "Alignment

will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for alignment. Using the

SynScanTM

I-StarAlign

Successfui".

Following is some pointers on how to choose appropriate alignment stars:

One

Star:

Choose a star closer to the Celstrial Equator (smaller declination absolute value).

Two Star: Choose two stars that are on the same side of the meridian. and at least

and apart

two stars that are well more than 3

Dec.

If ou suspect that the polar alignment is off by

but less than apart in

60" Dec.

hours apart in

and above, choose

Three Star For the first two alignment stars, follow the same guideline as choosing for the

Alignment. For the third alignment star, choose a star that is on the opposite side of the meridian of the first two stars. Both first alignment star and third alignment

"to

"in Dec. Dec (<30°).

have an absolute value of 30 the of the third star should be at least The following formula can be used as a

Dec 50".

70 If the first chosen star has a small

stcv

guideline when determining the correlation between the first and third stars in

>Abs(Dec 1)+Abs(Dec2)>6O0

Tmo

Star

should

Dec. 140'

Pointing

The

three star alignment methods provide alignment adequate for any visual observing purpose. For applications that require extra high precision in a particular part of the sky, the Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE) function to further improve the accuracy. performed in up to should be already mapped out accurately by the Further accuracy enhancement is not necessary. The following provides a step

3. Adjust the telescope so that the reference object is in the center of the eyepiece or CCD view.

Accuracy Enhancement (PAE)

SynScanT"

The

zones to cover the whole sky. The where the chosen alignment is located

SynScanTM.

-by-

step procedure on how to perform PAE: Choose a star as reference object from a star chart or planetarium software. This star should be a known, bright object that is currently located in the same part of the sky with the object of your interest.

Find the reference object in the hand control database and go-to the object. If the mount is under the control of the planetarium software, click on the object to slew to it.

Press and hold down the ESC key for 2 seconds. The hand control will display "Re-center" and the name of the reference object will appear in a blinking mode (3 times). If the go from the

goto

Make sure that the reference object is still in the center of the view and press ENTER. If you do not wish to record the result, press ESC to abort the operation. After pressing ENTER, the will record the amount of pointing inaccuracy and recalculate the model of the sky. Now the pointing

accuracy of this particular part of the sky should be greatly improved.

planetal-ium

object".

software, instead of the name of the object, the hand control will display "Last

SynScanTM

area(s) star(s)

to command is sent

provides a

PAE can be

SynScanT"

The result for the star alignments and PAE is stored in the hand control even after the power has been shut off. You will only need to perform the star alignment once as long as these two criteria

(Park

are met: 1 The telescope is moved to its home position

the telescope) before turning off the power. 2. The telescope setup. including the mount, has not been moved. Accessory change is acceptable as long as it is done with great caution. When hand control is turned on for the

thc ncxt

time. make sure that the time entered during initial setup is based on the same source as last time. For example, if you enter the time on your watch during this observing session, the time you enter next time should also be read from your watch.

bject data base in the Sy nScan

SynScanrM

The all available in the palm of your hand. The database contains the following catalogs:

Solar System Named Star

*NGC

Messier Caldwell Complete list of 109 Caldwell objects. Double Stars Includes 55 well Variable Stars Includes 20 will

Selecting

Once the telescope has been aligned. You can now access and view the 13,400 different objects in the

SynScanTM

TOUR -Takes you on a preset tour across your current sky. It

will automatically choose from the database the brightest and

most beautiful deep the down scroll key to view through the deep sky objects. Choose the desired object by pressing coordinate of the chosen object. Pressing cause the telescope to slew to the object.

popular celestial catalogues to date. Each Catalog has a set number of objects to choose from. Use the numeric keys to select an object by entering its number. Pressing display its Primary information such as size, magnitude, and constellation are obtained by pressing the scroll keys. Pressing slew to the object.

PLANET -This shortcut key takes you straight to the Planets

sub menu in the database. Use the scroll keys to scroll through the list of planets in our solar system. Press coordinates, and

USER -This will take you to the database that you have defined

for yourself. You can enter a new location or recall the objects that have been previously saved (see Using the User Defined Database).

comes with a vast database with over 13,400 objects coordinates and information

The other 8 planets of our solar system, plus the Moon.

list of 21 2 best known stars from the database.

7,840 of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog.

5,386 of standard stars and deep sky objects from the Indexed Catalog.

Complete list of 11 0 Messier objects.

SynScanTM

known double stars.

known variable stars.

an Object

database. There are three methods of selecting a celestial object to view:

sky objects for your viewing pleasure. Use

NGC,

ENTER.

ENTER

These shortcut keys give you access to the most

coord~nate.

ENTER

once more will cause the telescope to

It will show the

once more will

ENTER

will

B@@

ENTER

once more to slew to the planet.

to view its

Be@

OBJECT

The you have complete access to over 13,400 celestial objects in the database. (See Object database in the tree.)

In the Main Menu, scroll down to

ENTER.

access to all 13,400 celestial objects in the database. (See

Object database in the

*NGC Sinnott,

2000.0

database, edited by Roger

key takes you to the Objects Catalogue, where

OBJECT CATALOG

Similar to the

OBJECT

SynScanTM

key, this gives you the complete

and the menu tree.)

SynScanTM

and the menu

and press

Utility

Functions

Utility Functions are useful tools that provide simple, one-step processes to your

Show Position -This displays the coordinates of the location where the telescope is currently pointed. Display Time Park Scope Inquire Version

SynScanTM If

the firmware version of motor control board. Use the scroll keys to view the version numbers. PEC Training

LCDlLED

LCD backlit, the darkness of the LCD lettering, and the brightness of the LED backlit of the

keys. Use the scroll keys to select the desired tunning. Press the RIGHT or LEFT directional

key to increase or decrease value.

Setup

The Setup functions allow you to change any system variable or information regarding location, time, date, and alignment configurations. To access the Setup Functions, either press on the key pad or scroll to different types of functions available to you, and their purposes.

Functions

Date

Allows you to change the date entered at the initial setup.

Time

Allows you to change the current time.

Observing site Daylight Savings

Alignment Set Backlash backlash. For better pointing accuracy, it is important that the backlash value is set to be equal or greater than the real amount of backlash between the gears. The default setting of the backlash is 10' 00 desired value and press the RIGHT directional key to move the cursor to the next digit. First set the value for R.A. Press

Set

Tracking

Auto Guide Speed

0.5X, 0.25X,

This displays the local time and local Sidereal time.

This moves the telescope to the Home position.

This submenu displays the hardware, firmware, and database version of the

hand control.

See section Periodic Error Correction for information.

Tuning -This submenu allows adjustments of the following: the brightness of the

Allows you to change the current location.

Allows you to perform the star alignment.

This feature allows you to insert a value for each axis to compensate for its

0.125X

or sidereal rate.

the hand control is connected to the mount, this menu will also display

SETUP under menu option using the scroll keys. Below lists the

Allows you to change the Daylight Savings option.

(10 arcmin. and arcsec.). Use the numeric keys to enter the

ENTER to proceed to

Sid. Rate: This activates tracking in Sidereal rate (R.A. Tracking). Lunar Rate: This activates tracking in Lunar rate (R.A. Tracking). Solar Rate: This activates tracking in Solar rate (R.A. Tracking). PEC

+ Sidereal Rate: Sidereal rate with Periodic Error Compensation.

Stop Tracking: This stops the tracking instantly.

When using an autoguider, this sets the guiding speed to

Dec.

SynScanTM:

SETUP key

IX, 0.75X,

sing the User Defined Database

SynScanl"

Saving an object to the database

1. In the Main Menu, use the scroll keys to scroll down the list until you

2. Select User Defined in the Object Catalog scroll list and press

allows you to save up to 25 objects in the user defined database.

find Object Catalog. Press

ENTER.

The User Defined menu can also be accessed pressing the quick reference hot key

ENTER.

USER" (number

Fig

4. The first available selection in the Object Catalog is Recall Object.

This is where you select previously scroll keys to scroll down to

The stores the user-defined objects in two

SynScanTM

R.A/Dec AltIAz. R.A/Dec.

Alt-Azimuth format.

6. By default the will display the or coordinates where the telescope is currently pointed. In the case

of format, the coordinate readout will be similar to this:

(Fig.m)

the coordinates using the numeric keypad and scroll keys. Use the RIGHT or LEFT directional keys to move the cursor to the next or previous digit. Press ENTER

If the coordinate entered does not exist, the SynScanM hand control will not

respond when the

and

R.A/Dec "22h46.lm +90~00"'

which means 22 hours and 46.1 minutes in R.A. and in Change

Press 1 for the format and 2 for the

SynScanTM R.A./Dec AltIAz

R.A./Dec

ENTER

key is pressed. Check the entry for and re-enter the

saved objects to view. Use the

Coordi.>"

Input and press ENTER.

formats-

"+90"00"' Dec.

inistake

Enter

22h46.lm

save.

correct coordinatc.

+90°00

To store an format, first point the telescope to the desired location to obtain the press ENTER to save.

After the coordinates have been saved, the will display

an User Object number as shown in

change to the number you wish to represent the coordinates and

press ENTER.

9. The

SynScanrM

number you just entered. Press ENTER to go to the object or ESC to return to the lnput Coordinate menu.

object/location AltIAz

will display "View Object?" and the User Object

The User Object number displayed not be a vacant one. If you are unsure which

numbers are vacant, it is recommended that you first check for the available numbers by recalling the saved user objects.

Recalling an user defined object

See Step 1-4 of "Saving an object to the database" for details on how to access to the User Defined menu. Select Recall Object and press ENTER.

Use the scroll keys to browse through the User Object number until the number representing the object you wish to view is present. Press ENTER to show its coordinate. Press ENTER again to slew to the object. The hand control will not respond if a vacant User Object number is selected. Use the scroll keys to choose another number and try again.

Fig.n.

may

AltIAz

SynScan'"

Use the scroll keys to

value, then

If the recalled object is below horizon, the hand control will display

Horizon

Try

another obj and automatically return to the Recall Object menu.

Identifying an Unknown Object

SynScanrM

currently pointing at. To do so, simply:

has the ability to identify the unknown object the telescope is

1. (Fig.0)

Press the ID key or scroll down to IDENTIFY in the main menu and press ENTER to identify the object.

The hand control will display a list containing the closest known

object in each distance to the exact location where the telescope is pointed. Use the scroll keys to view these objects.

Press ESC to exit from this function.

IC, NGC, and Named Star catalogs and its

SynScanr" "Belo\w

Linking

with A Computer

Another feature of is the ability to connect to a computer via a serial communication cable. Many commercially available planetarium softwares can be used to control

SynScanT" 5i/8i

protocol.

Version 3.00 and later is compatible with Celestron

1. Make sure that the telescope has been aligned. Connect the RS-232 cable to the RJ-11 connector on the

2. hand control and to the COM

SynScanTM

port of your computer

(Fig.p)

SynScanTM.

and NexStar GPS command

Hand Control

Cb53

not use RS-232 cable other than the one provided to

connect between the hand control and your computer. It may damage your computer or the hand control. If you are making your own cable based

in Appendix

com

to the connector on your computer.

3. In the planetarium software of your choice, choose "Celestron NexStar driver setup menu and follow the instructions provided by

your program to establish the connection to the telescope.

The should be under the full control of your

SynScan'"

computer once the connection is successfully established.

4. When you are finished, follow the instructions provided by

your software to close the connection to the telescope.

make sure that only pin 2, 3 and 5 connect

5i"

the

information provided

or "Celestron 8/9/11 GPS" in the

RJ-11 Pin-outs

654321

See Appendix B for

RS-232 connection.

I= EXPD+ 2= -rD 3= 4= 5=

6= +12v

information

GND EXPD RD

Auto Guiding

SynScanrM

The has a designated autoguider interface on the mount for use with

a-I). The pin-outs on the 6 pin modular connector is

an auto guider (see ST-4 compatible and can be used for most autoguiders on the market. Refer to

Fig.q connectirlg

when autoguider. Relay box can be added for extra protection. Note that the four inputs are active Auto Guide Speed function in the Setup Menu.

low, with internal pull-ups. Guiding speed can be adjusted using the

Fig.a,

the autoguider cable to the SynScan

and calibrating the

654321

Ground

3= +RA 4= +DEC 5= -DEC 6=

(left)

RA (right)

(up)

(down)

Periodic Error Correction

Periodic Errors are found in almost all worm gears due to slight eccentricities and misalignments. The PEC (Periodic Error Correction) function provides a manual correcting method to reduce the amplitude of the worm errors. By recording a full cycle of guiding actions versus motor shaft angle, work to compensate for the drifting in the RA sidereal tracking caused by the periodic errors. Below describes a step

-by-

step procedure on how to perform the PEC:

PEC

Training function is recommended for advanced users interested in long-exposure astrophotograhy only. Careful guiding is required. Regular sidereal tracking is adequate for all casual visual use of the

Required Illuminated reticle eycpiccc

producing at least 300X magnification in combination with your telescope. The true field of view should not exceed 10 arc min. See

HEQ5lEQ6

acccssory: with

manual for more information on calculating the field of view.

SynScan"

and

PEC

Training is not required.

double crossline pattern capable of

Choosing the appropriate eyepiece" in the

SynScanTM

can

PEC Training

Perform the accurate method (see the manual).

Slew or manually point the telescope to a star with smaller DEC coordinate. This object will be used as the guide star.

Activate Sidereal Tracking from the Setup Menu (see Setup Functions). Once the tracking has started, press ESC to go back to the Setup Menu.

Rotate the reticle eyepiece until one set of the lines becomes parallel to (or matches) the R.A. movement of the telescope (see step how this is done.)

5. Move the guide star back at the center of the eyepiece view using the direction keys.

On the hand control, select PEC Training in the Utility Functions and press ENTER.

Utility Functions can be easily accessed by pressing the UTILITY quick reference on

PolarAlignment HEQ5lEQ6

to 4 of the Cone Error Calibration for more information on

hotkej

the keypad.

Select the R.A. guide speed for the PEC training.

SynScan'"

The hand control will display the current time once the guide speed is selected,

indicating that the recording has begun. Using the LEFT or RIGHT direction key only, move the telescope so the guide star remains at

the center of the eyepiece view

(Fig.r,

s). Repeat whenever necessary.

The Guide star drifts

away from the center

For 8 minutes (10 minutes and 30 seconds for the EQ6 hand control

10. HEQ5), SynScanr"

records the manual guiding actions in order to characterize the periodic errors. Pressing ESC

will stop the recording immediately and exit from the PEC training function.

Guiding actions are recorded the PEC training is stopped midway. this case, the

PEC+Sidereal

11.

Play back the PEC record PEC tracking can be activated under the Setup Menu or pressing the SETUP quick reference

keypad when needed. In the Setup Menu, choose Set Tracking, then SynScan' the corrections you made during the PEC training cycle and start tracking with periodic error compensated.

SynScan'"

The will beep and display "Record completed" when the training time is up. Press any key to exit from the PEC training.

SynS~an'~" PEC+Sidereal until

The will continue to track in the mode another tracking

tracking will not be accurate until a full cycle of the PEC training is performed.

cven when 111

mode is selected. If the power is turned off while the

mode, the hand control loses synchronization with the Training will have to be performed again when the power is turned back on. To avoid this, be sure to return the telescope to its home position by selecting

UlILITY

FUiVCTIONS

before turning off the power.

Adjust the telescope to move the

guide star back to the center

hotkey

PEC+Sidereal.

SynScanm

is under the

R.A.

worm gear and the PEC

PARK

S%OPl3

will play back

PEC+Sidereal

under the

on the

pdating SynScanT.

the Firmware

From version 3.0 onward, the

latest version of the firmware from the Sky hand controls.

System requirements

SynScanrM 3.0.or

Windows95 or later An available RS PC link cable that comes with the SynScan DC power supply with tip positive.

Preparing your PC for the update

1. Create a folder for all SynScan'" related files on your computer and name it SynScan.

2.Visit website

http://www.SkywatcherTelescope.net/Support.

3. Download and save the Loader to the SynScan'" folder on your computer. You may create a shortcut on the desktop for quick access in the future. You will only need to download this software once. Once it is saved on your computer, only the firmware data file is needed for future updates.

Download and save the firmware data file named to the SynScan

folder. (The XXXX indicates the version number of the firmware.)

Updating the Hand Control

SynScanrM

SynScanTM

Hand Control of version later.

the Support Page of the Sky

SynScanr"

232C communication port on the PC.

7.5-1

SynScanTVirmware

firmware is user upgradeable. Users can download the

Watcher web site and easily update their

hand control.

5V/100mA

output. Power plug should be 2.1 mm diameter,

Watcher at:

html.

SynScanVXXXX.ssf

Plug the RJ-11 end of the PC link cable into the jack in the middle socket on the hand control

fig.^).

until it clicks into place. Plug the other end of the cable, the your PC.

2. Press and hold down the key

simutaniously, then plug the power cord into the hand control, as shown in

3. The hand control will give a beep, indicating a

successful start up. The SynScan'

"SynScanT"

as seen in

Run the software on your PC. Once the program is launched, you should see a window as button provides the version number of the hardware, firmware and database of your hand control. It is for your reference only. You will not need it for the update.

Push the connector into the hand control

DB9

connector, to the RS-232 port on

"0"

and

"8"

Fig.t.

will display:

Update Ver.

Fig.u.

SynScanFirmwareLoader

x.x"

on the LCD screen,

Fig.v. "HC.Version"

The

mm@

(

SynScan

Ver.

updatf

1.1

5. Click

Browse" to select the file in the SynScan folder. Click "Update

SynScanVXXXX.ssf

lo start downloading the new firmware into your SynScan

status of the update below the

Update" and "HC. Version" buttons

hand control. You will see the

fig.^).

SynScan

Flrmware Fle Browse

When the download is complete, the status will show "Update Complete". The SynScan

F~rmware

]

Yerson

Loader

hand control is now updated to the newest firmware. Generally it takes about 30 seconds

-to-

to update the firmware. It may take longer if you are using an USB

the

If error message "Can not connect to a SynScan hand control" is shown, check the cable

cable itself. Make sure it is all in good working condition. Close all

connection and the PC applications

that mnay tv

If you receive the error

removing thcn procedurc.

the power plug and

By default, the data rate hand control and the PC is set to

LSkbps

be process

hand control

The port on some not support such high rate

Calls fe\+

after a tries, you can reduce the rate by pressing the "SETUP" key on the

aftcr uill

The LCD screen will show the

now in

that conlplete

1014 rate.

communication The steps for updating the the

now it takes longer to (about 240 seconds).

link

be occupying the RS-232 port and again.

message hand

Firmware update failed...", reset the control by

re-connecting it. Repeat the update

coinlnunication behleen Sq nScanTM

RS-232C PCs ma) the

the power supply is plugged

word lomer hand

"Lo"

This reduce the data rate to 6 kbps .

in the right comer to indicate that it is

filmware remain sane except

RS232 converter.

update

Show Position

MAIN

OBJECT CATALOG

Sqlar

System

Display Time

Observ. Site Park Scope Daylight Saving Inquire Version Alignment

Star Align.

2-Star Align.

Star Align.

set

Backlash

set

Tracking

Sidereal Rate

Lunar Rate Solar Rate PEC + Sidereal Rate Stop Tracking

L~uto

Guide Speed

0.75x

0.25X

0.125

PEC Training

LCDlLED

Tuning

Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus

Neptune Pluto

Moon

Named Star

Catalog

Caldwell

Double Star

Variable Star

User Defined

Input Coordinate

Recall Object

Catalog

SynScanTw

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Supply: Motor type and resolution:

Slew speeds:

Gear Ratio:

Microstep driven Resolution:

0 0.5X

Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate

Rate

Rate Rate

705

2 = 8X 3 = 16X 4 = 32X 5 = 64X 6 = 400X 7 = 500X

2Amp

DC (Tip positive)

1.8

0.144

arc (or

600X 800X

Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar Tracking Modes: R.A. tracking Alignment Method: Database:

Pointing Accuracy:

Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment, Three-Star Alignment

One

user defined objects. Complete M, NGC, and catalogues, Total Up to

13,436

arc

objects

min

stepper motors.

sec stepslrev.)

9,024,000

Generally speaking the SynScan However, if higher precision is required, for example for astro "cone" error calibration may be required. See the manual for mount for information on accurate polar alignment using the polarscope.

"Cone" error is a common inaccuracy found on all German equatorial mount. It is a result from the optical axis not being aligned to the R.A. axis of the mount. This affects the pointing accuracy of the Three

Star Alignment automatically compensates for the "Cone" error. If you choose One-Star or Two-Star Alignment method, you will need to perform manual mount calibration to eliminate the "cone" error. The following calibration procedure should be performed before the initial use of the telescope and periodically thereafter to ensure the accuracy.

Testing for Cone Error This test is done at night using two bright stars located on the opposite side of the sky. Make sure the

telescope is properly polar star as the alignment star (see One western sky from the is perfectly aligned to the R.A. axis, the telescope will accurately put the star in the center of the eyepiece.

In this case, there is no "cone" error in your telescope setup and you will not need to perform the calibration. It is acceptable if the star is slightly off

the center. Many factors determine the pointing accuracy of the

alignment, R.A. or eyepiece view, you need to first determine whether it is "cone" error that causes the pointing inaccuracy. To find out, simply move the telescope in R.A. axis by pressing the Left or Right direction key. If the star can be moved into the eyepiece view without adjusting the telescope setup.

SynScanTM

Dec

lock knob being lose, or "cone" error. If your telescope puts the star outside the

produces pointing and tracking accuracies adaquate for most applications.

photography, accurate polar alignment and

HEQ51EQ6

SynScan'".

aligned using the polarscope. Perform the One-star Alignment using an eastern

star Alignment). After the star alignment, choose a bright star on the

object database and have the telescope slew to the star. If the optical axis

center as long as it is in the eyepeiece view and close to

SynScanrM,

Dec

axis, it is likely that "cone" error exists in your

for example incorrect star

Calibration Procedure

Insert the illuminated reticle eyepiece. Make sure that the telescope is properly set up and balanced, and the finderscope is perfectly aligned with the telescope tube.

Step 2 to 4 is to R.A.

identifi and Dec

movements in the reticle eyepiece. If you are already familiar reticle with the

movcrnents,

you

may skip to step

Required accessory. Illuminated

cyepiece

with double crossline pattern. Depending design of your mounting plate

Find any bright star and place it in the center of the eyepiece view.

Look into the eyepiece. Move the telescope in R.A.

axis using the R.A. direction keys on the hand control

while carefully observing the movement of the star.

Keep moving the the telescope in R.A. axis back and forth to keep the star within the eyepiece view. Rotate

the eyepiece until the movement of the star becomes

parallel to (or matches) any set of the lines This set of lines will represent R.A. movement in the course of this procedure, and the perpendicular lines

Dec

will represent to secure the eyepiece in place. Make sure that the eyepiece will remain stationary when the telescope is

being rotated.

5. Point the telescope to North and set the latitude scale to your local latitude using the altitude adjustment T bolts, or place Polaris on the crosshair of the polarscope if your polarscope is perfectly aligned with the rotation axis of the mount.

movement. Tigthen the set screws

(Fig.A-1).

(dovetail bar), modifications may

be required. (See step

for the required mechanism on the mounting plate.)

movement

eyepiece view

the

6. Loosen the R.A. lock knob and rotate the telescope around the R.A. axis until the counterweight shaft is parallel to the ground.

Using the direction key on the hand control, adjust the telescope in so Polaris sits on the R.A. lines of the reticle eyepiece

Wlthout

8. moving the R.A. axis, adjust the azimuth control knobs to bring Polaris to the center

of the eyepiece Adjustment in

Loosen the R.A. lock knob and carefully rotate the telescope should be done as accurate as possible using the R.A. setting circle.

10. Dec

Once again, adjust the telescope in so Polaris sits on the R.A. lines of the reticle eyepiece (see

11.

Now take a closer look at the plate underneath the telescope tube. There should be a set of screws on each end, next to the tube ring mounting plate does not have these screws or screw holes, you will need to make modification to the plate.)

Dec Dec

(Fig.A-4). Dec

Place Polaris on the

180" (Fig.A-5).

in R.A. axis This

Fig.A-3).

mount~ng

lock~ng (Fig.A-6).

screws (If your

(Fig.A-2)

(Fig.A-3).

axis using the hand control may be necessary.

R.A.

line

tube ring locking screw

adjustment screws

12.

Carefully nudge the telescope in horizontal motion using only one finger while observing the movement of Polaris through the eyepiece

(Fig.A-7).

(left or right) moves Polaris closer to the center of the eyepiece.

13.

Next step is to adjust the adjustment screws on the mounting plate according to your finding from step 12. If Polaris moves toward the center when the telescope is nudged toward your right hand side, You will need to loosen the adjustment screws near the front of the tube and tighten the ones closer to the back of the tube

(Fig.A-9).

screws just enough to place Polaris distance back to the center

This is to determine which direction

(Fig.A-8),

Look into the eyepiece. Adjust the

and vise versa

(Fig.A-I

0).

HALF

the

Place Polaris here

14. Repeat step 7 to 13 until Polaris remains in the center of the eyepiece, or moves slightly around the center, when the mount is rotate about the R.A. axis.

This calibration method can be applied on both refracting and reflecting telescopes. Optical path of different telescope designs does not

should be adjusted on the mounting plate.

telescope tube and tube

lings

affect

how the

The SynScanT" the RS popular planetarium software program. The will communicate with the personal computer at 9600 no parity and stop bit. All angles are communicated with 16 bit angle and communicated using

232 port and RS-232 cable. Once connected, the can be controlled by most

telescopes are designed to receive control commands sent from a computer via

SynScanTM

bitslsec,

ASCII

hexadecimal.

Description

~oto

Azm-Alt

Command ASCII

Goto

Ra-Dec

Get Azm

Alt

RA-Dec

Get Cancel

11s ~oto Progress I# o=N~. l=Yes:

Is Alignincnt Complete

Goto

Hand Control

Response

34AB, 12CE#

or is

0# 1#

Useful to check

10 characters sent.

B=Command. 12AB=Azm,

comma, If

command

limits; there will be no action. Scope be aligned

command conflicts with limits, there will be no action

12AB=Azm, 4000=Alt,

Scope must be aligned

(character zero

O=No, l=Yes

4000=Alt

conflicts with slew

must

characters returned,

Notes

comma,

"o~

slev

HC version

StopIStart

bit get

Tracking

Azm-Alt

V Tx

x= off)

0 (Tracking 1 (Alt-Az on)

2 (EQ-N)

x= IEO-S)

34AB0500,

12CE0500#

Two bytes representing V2.2 Alt

Az tracking requires

alignment

-I-

The last two characters always be zero.

The last two characters

alwny

s be zero

will

nil

Physical Connection Diagram

RJ-11 Connector

GND

The Back of the Pinout

Additional Commands

Sending a track rate through to the hand control

RS232

1. Multiply the desired tracking rate (arc seconds /second) by 4. For example: if the desired track rate is 120 arc (proximately then the

TRACKRATE

seconds/second

480.

2. Separate TRACKRATE into two bytes, such that (TRACKRATE +

TrackRateHighByte"256

then TrackRateHighByte

TrackRateLowByte). For example TRACKRATE = 480,

1, TrackRateLowByte = 224.

To send a tracking rate, send the following 8 bytes:

DB9

times of sidereal rate),

I I

a. Positive Azm tracking: 80, 3, 16, 6, TrackRateHighByte, TrackRateLowByte, b. Negative Azm tracking: 80, 3, 16, 7, TrackRateHighByte, TrackRateLowByte, c. Positive Alt tracking: 80, 3, 17, 6, TrackRateHighByte, TrackRateLowByte, d. Negative Alt tracking: 80, 3, 17, 7, TrackRateHighByte, TrackRateLowByte,

4. The number 35 is returned from the hand control.

Sending a slow-Goto command through to the hand control

1. Convert the angle position to a number. Example: if the desired position is

POSITION-24BIT (220/360)*224

then

2. Separate

POSITION-24BIT (POSITION-24BIT

RS232

24bit 220?,

10,252,743

into three bytes such that PosHighByte * 65536 + PosMedByte * 256 + PosLowByte). Example: PosHighByte 156, PosMedByte = 11 3, PosLowByte = 199

3. Send the following 8 bytes: a. Azm Slow

b. Alt Slow 80,

Goto: 0

80, 4, 16, 23, PosHighByte, PosMedByte, PosLowByte,

Goto: 0

17, 23, PosHighByte, PosMedByte, PosLowByte,

4. The number 35 is returned from the hand control.

Reseting the position of or Alt

1. Convert the angle position to a number, same as Slow-Goto example.\

24bit

2. Send the following 8 bytes: a. Azm Set Position: 80, 4, 16, 4, PosHighByte, PosMedByte, PosLowByte,

b. Alt Set Position: 80, 4, 17, 4, PosHighByte, PosMedByte, PosLowByte,

3. The number 35 is returned from the hand control.

0, 0

= =

NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL RESULT. USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER FIRMLY MOUNTED ON THE

SUN. WHEN OBSERVING

THE

FRONT OF

THE

SUN, PLACE A DUST CAP OVER YOUR

THE

TELESCOPE FOR VIEWING

FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM ACCIDENTAL

EXPOSURE. NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE

TYPE SOLAR FILTER AND NEVER

USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNLIGHT ONTO ANOTHER

SURFACE, THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD

UP WILL DAMAGE THE

TELESCOPE OPTICAL ELEMENTS.

Nexstar SynScan User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual