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Creating a custom tracking model
You can create a tracking model for any object by creating a path that the object will follow across the sky. You only need
to model 8 points on the declination line that the object is on. The 8 stars chosen for the model will need to be on the
same declination - 20 arc minutes of each other (the closer the better). The stars do not need to be on the exact
declination of the object. They can be - 5 degrees of the object, but - 20 arc minutes of each other. The
easiest way to create an exact path is to do a plate solve and center for each data point.
The alternative is to measure the exact drift for 8 points along the object’s declination line (see Drift Model).
To create a model:
1. Open your planetarium program.
Identify a declination line in the area of the sky you wish to model.
2. On your keypad, select Point + Track Model (Main Menu > 3=Tools > 2=Modeling).
3. Select 3=New Model if you have not created a model previously.
Window 5211 will appear. The upper right will
read “T Pts:000” since you do not have any points in your model when you start.
4. In your planetarium program, select a star along your target declination line and slew to it.
5. Image and download for evaluation.
6. Set your button rate by toggling 6 and center your target star.
The lower rates of 1x to 12x can be used to quickly
center a star on the crosshair, and the lowest rates of .25x and .5x can be used for very fine adjustment of the center
-
ing.
Pro Tip: set your camera on continuous (slow video mode) with your program in order to continuously update 1 per
second. This will allow you to see your adjustments quickly.
7. Press RECAL or Sync on your planetarium program.
8. Press ENT once the star is centered.
9.
Refer to your planetarium program and find another star near the declination line and repeat the process
above.
The model can store up to 8 data points along a series of 16 declination lines on both sides of the meridian.
The T Pts:xxx display in the upper right corner of your window will help you keep track of the number of points you
have acquired as mentioned above.
10. If you wish to add points to your model, return to window 5210 and select 4=Add to Model and repeat.
11.
Once you have enough points, press MENU/ESC to finish.
12. Return to the Main Menu and select 8=PntON to apply your model and set the tracking rate to 7=T:Cstm.
Error Codes
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DEC Line Full: All 8 points of the constant-DEC line have already been mapped.
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No DEC Lines Avail: All constant-DEC lines are already populated.
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Not Tracking: Mount is not in tracking mode and cannot map.
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Sequence Error: Already in mapping mode.
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Model Disabled: Modeling unavailable in this unit.