Sky-Watcher Star Discovery User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Copyright © Sky-Watcher
SL26032014 V1
Star Discovery Mount
CONTENT
Part I: Introduction
A simple mount, yet efficient .............................................................................................. 2
Part II: Getting Started
Parts description ................................................................................................................ 3
Installing the Star Discovery mount for an observation ....................................................... 3
Preparing the telescope for an observation ........................................................................ 5
Aligning the finder scope .................................................................................................... 7
Part III: Astronomy with the Hand Control
Initial setup ........................................................................................................................ 8
Quick Setup ....................................................................................................................... 9
Using the Hand Controller for Astronomy ..........................................................................10
Part IV: Terrestrial Photography
Installing the Mounting Bracket .........................................................................................11
General Operations ..........................................................................................................12
Setting and retrieving preset positions ..............................................................................12
Camera Cruising Function ................................................................................................13
Video Cruising and Time-Lapse Photography Function ....................................................13
Panoramic/Matrix Photography .........................................................................................14
Part V: Astronomy with the SynScan Version 4
Moving the mount around .................................................................................................16
Initial setup .......................................................................................................................17
Aligning the Star Discovery Mount ....................................................................................18
The Brightest Star Alignment Method ...............................................................................18
The 2-Star Alignment Method ...........................................................................................20
Locating Objects ...............................................................................................................21
Identifying Objects ............................................................................................................24
The SynScan Version 4 menu tree ...................................................................................25
Appendix: Tips for observing the sky
A simple mount, yet efficient
When designing the Star Discovery mount,
Sky-Watcher engineers kept these words in
mind. A simple mount that can really do
astronomy, helps beginners to discover the
night sky efficiently and will become a tool
that can fulfill your passion.
The Star Discovery mount is not only
designed to drive a telescope, but is also a
multi-role platform for cameras and video
recorders. Perfect for lightweight
astrophotography, time lapse photography,
wide view and panorama photography, video
panning and so many more activities.
With motors on both axes the Star Discovery
mount can be driven from one point to
another accurately in no time and can
pinpoint any object. Any night sky object will
be in the center of the field of view in no
time, or your camera will frame that scene
exactly as you like it.
The Star Discovery mount even includes
digital encoders and the patented “Freedom
Find TM” technology like the biggest SkyWatcher mounts. After moving to a new
object the telescope will automatically begin
to track the new object accurately. No resetup is required in one observing session.
NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE
SUN. PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL RESULT.
NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE-TYPE SOLAR FILTER.
NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNLIGHT ONTO
ANOTHER SURFACE; THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP WILL
DAMAGE THE TELESCOPE OPTICAL ELEMENTS.
USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER FIRMLY MOUNTED ON THE
FRONT OF THE TELESCOPE FOR VIEWING THE SUN.
WHEN OBSERVING THE SUN, PLACE A DUST CAP OVER
YOUR FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU
FROM ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE.
NEVER LET A TELESCOPE POINTING THE SUN UNATTENDED.
Part I : Introduction
Part I: Introduction
If not enough the Star Discovery mount can host the SynScan Version 4, the latest SynScan
GO-TO handset. This handset can drive the Sky Discovery mount to any object selected
from its huge 42000+ object database, including objects from Messier, IC, NGC and Caldwell
catalogs, the planets, named stars, double stars, variable stars and even user-defined
objects like new comets.
Part II: Getting Started
2
Part II: Getting Started
Star Discovery SD-Track bundle
Star Discovery SD-GoTo bundle
Common Parts:
1. The Star Discovery mount
2. The tripod with adjustable legs
3. The accessory tray
Specific Parts to SD-Track
A1 Hand Controller
A2 Leg support for Hand Controller
A3 Mounting bracket assembly
Common Parts:
1. The Star Discovery mount
2. The tripod with adjustable legs
3. The accessory tray
Specific Parts to SD-GoTo
B1 SynScan version 4 hand controller
B2 Leg support for SynScan
B3 Connection cable for SynScan
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Parts description
When unpacking the mount box, depending on your controller model, you will find the
following parts enclosed:
Installing the Star Discovery mount for an observation
Install the base on the observation point. Extend the legs at desired height and level the base
(Fig. 1). You don’t have to align a leg to a specific direction. Please note the three screws
position on the base.
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Part II: Getting Started
Optional 7 AH and 17 AH batteries
If you often use your Star Discovery mount it
may be useful to use a Sky-Watcher
rechargeable battery (7AH or 17AH) that can be
directly connected on the external power outlet
of the Star Discovery mount (Fig. 7.3).
These batteries are designed to provide a long
lasting and stable power to your mount.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Install the mount’s head on the base so the three threads [shown by arrows in (Fig. 2)] are
aligned with the three screws on the base [shown by arrows in (Fig. 1)].
Tight the three screws from the base onto the head threads [shown by an arrow in (Fig. 3)].
Be sure the head is secure onto the base.
If not done yet, please install 8xAA cells inside the box located on the external side of the
mount’s arm. To open the box, gently lift the panel with one finger. Please note the cell
holder gets place for 4xAA cells on one side, and 4xAA more on the other side. Please insert
the cells with wright polarity. When done close the panel (Fig. 4).
To install a telescope, loosen the handle screw (Fig. 5.2) until you can slide the telescope
dovetail bar (Fig. 5.1) inside the bracket. Once inserted, tighten the handle screw (Fig. 5.2)
until the dovetail bar on the telescope tube is securely fastened on the mount. Adjust the
clutch knob (Fig. 6) to obtain a locking force enabling the main tube to be pushed manually
while staying steady once released.
The final step is to connect the controller to the
mount. On the arm side, in position 4 (Fig. 7.4) a
RJ12 connector (which looks like a wall phone
connector but with 6 contacts instead of 4) is
present.
Please check that the power button on position 1
(Fig. 7.1) is OFF, like shown on the picture.
If you have the hand controller (SD-Track model)
please plug it inside the connector on position 4.
If you have the SynScan Version 4 (SD-GoTo
model) please first connect the larger connector
with 8 contacts (RJ45 model) inside the
corresponding slot on the SynScan Version 4,
then the 6 contacts connector to the slot on
position 4.
4
Part II: Getting Started
TELESCOPE
D=130mm F=650mm
Coated Optics
We need to know the focal length of the telescope. This
length is always written on the sticker as F= xxx mm, by
example F=650mm. To calculate the magnification with the
23mm eyepiece we use the formula:
Magnification = 650/23 = 28.26x, so 28x.
Illustration of Saturn with the 23mm EP
Illustration of Saturn with the 10mm EP
On this graphical representation of the field
of view of the 23mm eyepiece Saturn is
very bright but quite small in size. The rings
are barely visible but Saturn’s moons will be
visible in the field of view.
On this graphical representation of the field
of view of the 10mm eyepiece Saturn is
less bright but have an interesting size. The
rings are well visible but most Saturn’s
moons are outside the field of view.
Fig. 8
Preparing the telescope for an observation
If you already know how to use a telescope you may skip this section, otherwise this section
will help you to understand the basics you need to make an observation.
Inside the instrument box you will find two eyepieces, one with a
gold band written “23mm 60° Aspheric” and a shorter one with a
blue band noted “10mm 60° Aspheric” (Fig. 8).
The eyepiece is a special magnifying glass that enlarges the
image the telescope provides at the focal point. Without the
eyepiece our eye will not be able to bring the image of the
telescope in focus, in other words we cannot see directly the
image.
For information these eyepieces are called “1’
metallic nozzle at the end of the eyepiece. Any eyepiece having this 1
be used on your telescope. This size, 1
1/4
The other information written on the eyepiece is its focal length, expressed in mm. It is
important because the enlargement provided by the eyepiece is directly linked to its focal
length. Here is the formula to calculate the enlargement provided by an eyepiece:
1/4
inches eyepieces” due to the diameter of the
inches is standard.
1/4
inches nozzle can
The 23mm eyepiece will provide less magnification than the 10mm eyepiece, but will provide
a more luminous image and a larger field of view.
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Part II: Getting Started
For reflectors (Fig. 9):
Unscrew the thumbscrews on the end of the
focus tube, then insert the desired eyepiece
and re-tighten the thumb screws to hold the
eyepiece in place.
For refractors (Fig. 10):
Unscrew the thumbscrews on the end of the
focus tube to insert the diagonal and retighten thumbscrews to secure the diagonal
in place.
Loosen the thumbscrews on the diagonal to
insert the desired eyepiece into diagonal and
secure it by re-tightening the thumb screws.
Once the eyepiece is installed, slowly turn the focus knobs (Fig. 11), one way or the other,
until the image in the eyepiece is sharp. The image usually has to be finely refocused over
time, due to small variations caused by temperature changes or other factors.
Inside reflectors the
image is upside-down.
It is normal and has no
effects on observations
Inside refractors with the
star diagonal the image
is inverted left-to-right
like in a mirror.
It is normal and has no
effects on observations
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
The 23mm eyepiece delivers a larger view of objects with fewer enlargement, as if “seen
from a further distance” than with the 10mm. When observing it is advisable to first use the
23mm to center the object inside the field of view to get an “overview” of the surroundings,
then use the 10mm to get “closer” and discern more details. Needless to say the graphical
representation is just for understanding. The real view inside your telescope will be more
detailed, crisper and will deliver faint details.
To understand how to use an eyepiece with your telescope it is better to experiment in bright
daylight when it is easy to locate and manipulate the different parts. The first step is to install
your mount and telescope outside, as explained in the previous chapter. As you can freely
move the telescope by hand you can let the mount power OFF for now.
Please remove the dust caps on the telescope and eyepieces and store them in a convenient
place. Please install the eyepiece as follow:
After experimenting with eyepiece you can take advantage to have your telescope set up and
proceeds to next chapter: “aligning the finder scope”
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Part II: Getting Started
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITH
THE FINDER SCOPE. IT COULD IMPAIR
DEFINITIVELY YOUR VISION.
Aligning the finder scope
The 6x24 finder scope is a small fixed magnification scope mounted on the optical tube.
When it is correctly aligned with the telescope, objects can be quickly located and brought to
the center of the field.
The alignment should be done at first use and over time if the alignment is no more accurate.
Alignment is best done outdoors in day light when it's easier to locate objects
If it is necessary to refocus your finder scope sight
on an object that is at least 500 meters (or yards)
away, then turn the knurled ring at the end of the
finder scope until the image is in focus (Fig. 1).
Choose a distant object that is at least 500 meters (or yards) away and point the main
telescope at the object. Adjust the telescope so that the object is in the center of the view in
your eyepiece.
The image in the finder scope is upside-down. This is normal and has no incidence
on observations.
Check the finder scope to see if the object, centered
in the main telescope view, is centered on the
crosshairs. If not adjust the three small screws to
center the finder scope, as shown in (Fig. 2).
Do not over tighten the screws when aligning the
finder scope.
7
Part III: Astronomy with the Hand Control
1
Part III: Astronomy with the Hand Control
If you are using the SynScan version 4 (different hand controller from the
one pictured below) please refer to page 16 for proper setup instructions.
In order to allow the celestial object tracking function to work properly, the
Star Discovery mount needs the input of the local latitude. Without this
information the mount will not be able to track objects in the sky.
How finding your local latitude? The easiest way is to use a GPS (maybe one
is embedded on your smartphone), or by using Google Earth. It is best to get
the local latitude in decimal notation (like 44.504 °) instead of the “ddmmss”
format (like 44°30’20”). It will be easier to use decimal format1.
Please note down the value, it will be used while setting up the mount.
The next tools needed are a flashlight and a good compass. Maybe your
smartphone has a digital compass? It will do nicely. Otherwise any “old
fashioned” compass will do the job.
Don’t take a high power flashlight, a strong light beam will bedazzle you and
you will not see clearly the stars for a while. Seasoned astronomers use a
dim red light to protect their night vision. Sky-Watcher proposes two red light
models: SKU-92015: a voltage regulated LED flashlight that emits soft red
light to assist telescope operation with adjustable brightness and SKU-92010:
a multipurpose flashlight with adjustable brightness that can be switched back
and forth between red light for night vision and regular white light. Please ask
your reseller for availability.
Please setup your mount and connect all accessories as explained on page 3 and 4. Also
please check your mount is not powered, the power button is OFF.
When using the mount for the first time or at different latitudes please set or reset the initial
position. (If at the same latitude, you may setup the mount by following the instructions on
next page, last paragraph)
Initial setup
For users in Northern Hemisphere
For the initial setup we need to “tell” to the Star
Discovery mount how it is oriented. Level the tripod
top by adjusting the tripod leg. At this point the
compass will come handy to find the north.
1. Aim the main tube at North horizontally
2. Rotate the altitude axis until the altitude scale
reads 0 (according to the enlarged view to the
right)
3. Restart power.
The mount is now ready to receive the northern
latitude input. (Continued next page)…
To convert sexagesimal (ddmmss) format to decimal degrees use the following formula :
Decimal degrees = dd+mm/60+ss/3600
By example 23°24’36” = 23+24/60+36/3600 = 23+0.4+0.01 = 23.41°
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