Gemini G53F German Equatorial Mount
User Manual Ver2.7
Contents
General.................................................................................................................................................1
Technical parameters.......................................................................................................................2
Delivered Parts.................................................................................................................................2
Mount specific Pulsar2 parameters..................................................................................................2
Assembling/Disassembling the two parts.............................................................................................2
Adjusting Polar Elevation and Azimuth...............................................................................................5
Connecting Cables................................................................................................................................6
Using the G53F.....................................................................................................................................9
First time setup.................................................................................................................................9
Making a goto................................................................................................................................10
Absolute Position Reference..........................................................................................................11
Using real time tracking speed correction.....................................................................................12
Practical hints.................................................................................................................................12
Astrophotography with the G53F..................................................................................................13
Remote use of the G53F.....................................................................................................................14
Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................14
General
The G53F is a Friction Drive Telescope Mount, there are no traditional gears used.
This ensures smooth, high precision and backlash free motion in silence. Moving
parts roll on each other which guarantees a long life.
The drive unit consists of a stepper motor, reduction gear (Gemini Fluido) and the
drive roller. The drive roller is pushed against the drive disk with the torque limited
lock knob. The gearing has an integrated slip clutch that prevets demage to the
drive roller and the gearing itself.
To ensure high goto precison, encoders are fitted directly to both axes. The
encoders correct any slip that may occur if the slip clutch enters in action or the lock
knobs are opened. If you hear a beep after a goto that indicates a large slip that will
not be corrected for safety reasons – the mount probably has hit something.
Both encoders have an absolute position signal that helps recovering lost
positioning in remote applications. The RA encoder can be used to correct tracking
speed for unguided photography. All cables are routed internally (as of 06.2016)
The equatorial head can be separated in two parts for transport and storage.
G53F manual ver 2.7
p1 June 2017
www.geminitelescope.com
