Vixen AGA-1 User Manual

AGA-1

AUTO-GUIDE ADAPTER!

Limited

!! ✍✍✍✍! Instruction Manual ✍✍✍✍

PREFACE

Thank you very much for your purchase of an AGA-1 Auto-guide
Adapter. This manual describes the functions of AGA-1. Read the
instructions for your mount, controller and CCD camera along with
this manual.

MAIN FEATURES OF AGA-1

Ⓓ It is easy to center the guide star on the monitor screen.
Ⓔ It is easy to focus on the guide star.
Ⓕ Motor speed and turning direction are read automatically.
Ⓖ It is possible to check at any time how the guide correction is

being made.

CONTENTS

- AGA-1 Auto-guide Adapter (Limited)

- Battery Box for 8x D-sized batteries

- AGS cord for STAR BOOK

- AGS cord for STAR BOOK-S

- Velcro tapes

- Instruction manual (This booklet)

AGA-1 AUTO-GUIDE ADAPTER

AGA-1 detects the deviation of the guide star imaged through a CCD
video camera, and allows the motor drive system to correct it
automatically. Thus this instrument helps to make guide correction
easier for astrophotography.

AGA-1 can be used with STAR BOOK, or STAR BOOK-S (for GP2,
GPD2). It will be necessary to change your setting in STARBOOK If
AGA-1 is connected with STARBOOK. Please read the manual
attached to SX/SXD equatorial mount (Autoguider section) for details.

Note:
(1) AGA-1 works with DD-1, DD-2 or SkySensor 3D having a cable
connecting to AGA-1. To enable you to use with DD-1, DD-2 or
SkySensor 3D, these controllers should be modified at Vixen’s factory.
AGA-1 cannot be used with DD-1 or SkySensor 3D attached to
ATLUX equatorial mounts.

(2) AGA-1 can be used only with the NTSC type CCD video camera
and monitor.

DESCRIPTIONS OF AGA-1

Ⓓ Guide Correction Indicators

When the guide correction is being made by AGA-1, one of the red
indicators is lit. When the auto-guide is running without any correction,
the center green indicator is lit.

Ⓔ Power-On Indicator

When switching on, the power-on indicator is a green light. If the
power voltage becomes insufficient, it will change to a red light.

Ⓕ Power Switch

When switching on again, wait more than three seconds after
switching off.

Ⓖ Mode Indicators

Ⓗ “LEVEL CHECK” Key

If you press this key after centering the guide star on the monitor

screen, it will check if the guide star is bright enough to use. This key

is also used for resetting A GA-1.
Ⓘ “DRIVE CHECK” Key
If you press this key after checking the brightness of the guide star, it

will check the motor speed and turning direction, and will begin the

auto-guiding.
Ⓙ “GUIDE” Key

If you press this key after checking the motor speed and turning

direction, it will begin the auto-guiding.
Ⓚ “P AUSE” Key
If you press this key, the auto-guiding will be discontinued.
Ⓛ Motor Drive Connector
This is for output of the auto-guiding signals.

Ⓜ Power Cord Connector

A DC12V can be used with this instrument. When connecting a power

cord, make sure that the polarity of the power cord is correct.
Ⓝ CCD Camera Connector
This is to input signals of a CCD video camera.
Ⓞ Monitor Connector

This is for output of signals to a monitor.

HOW TO USE AGA-1

AGA-1 detects deviation of the guide star imaged through the CCD
video camera installed on a guide scope, and it automatically
corrects tracking errors in astrophotography. Center the guide
star on the screen of your monitor and bring it into focus before you
operate the AGA-1.

There are four modes of operation in the AGA-1.
(1) The Level Check mode will let you know if a star you selected

is bright enough to use as a guide star. It also works as a
re-set key for the whole system.