5.3.4. Three Star Alignment
The three-star alignment will further determine the cone error between the OTA and mount axis. The
system will use these data to calculate the goto model. If the cone error is big enough, it is suggested to
shim the OTA in DEC to minimize it.
Press
MENU
=>
“
Alignment
”
=>
“
Three Star Alignment,
” a list of alignment stars that are above the
horizon is computed based on your local time and location. With the mount at the Zero Position, use the
▲
and
▼ buttons to select the first alignment star and press
ENTER
. Center the target in your eyepiece using
the arrow keys. Press
ENTER
when finished. The hand controller will prompt you to choose a second star.
Select third star after the mount aligned to the second star.
The system will display the pointing and cone errors after the three star alignment is accepted. The system
will update the pointing model accordingly.
5.3.5. Solar System Align
This function uses a planet or the moon as an alignment object. Press
MENU
=>
“
Alignment
” => “
Solar
System Align
” for a list of available alignment objects.
5.3.6. Polar Iterate Align
This alignment method allows you to polar align the mount even if you cannot view the Celestial Pole. Press
the
MENU
button, then select “
Alignment
” and “
Polar Iterate Align
”. The HC will display a list of bright
alignment stars near the meridian as Alignment Star A. Follow the HC instructions to move Alignment Star A
to the center of the eyepiece using a combination of the Latitude Adjustment Knob and the “◄” and “►”
buttons. Press
ENTER
to confirm the settings. Next, select a bright star that is close to the horizon as
Alignment Star B. Center it using the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs and the “◄” and “►” buttons (
t
he “
▲”
and “
▼”
buttons will not function
). Press
ENTER
to confirm the settings.
The telescope will now slew back to Alignment Star A to repeat the above steps. The iteration can be
stopped when it is determined that the alignment error has been minimized. Press the
BACK
button to exit
the alignment procedure.
NOTE:
It is highly recommended to use an eyepiece with illuminated crosshairs for accurate centering.
NOTE:
The movement of the alignment star in your eyepiece may not be perpendicular depending on its
location in the sky.
5.3.7. View Model Error
This will display linear RA error, linear DEC error, polar misalignment, non-perpendicular between OTA and
DEC, and non-perpendicular between HA and DEC.
5.3.8. Clear Alignment Data
This will clear all alignment data created during star alignment process. If you are controlling the
mount using planetarium software via ASCOM, and the software has its own alignment function,
please
clear the alignment data
.
5.4. Settings
5.4.1. Set Time and Site
Refer to STEP 9 in Section 3.1.
