Gemini Hand Controller Quick Start Guide
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Gemini Hand Control - Revision 2
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Gemini Hand Controller
Quick Start Instructions for the Gemini Hand Controller.
The Gemini Hand Control is an accessory item included with the Gemini Focusing Rotator. The Gemini
Hand Control features a red digital display, three red
buttons and a rotary thumbwheel knob in the center.
Connect to Gemini Hub
To connect to your Gemini Hub, simply attach either the
long or short coiled telephone handset cable to the RJ22
socket on the bottom of the Hand Controller. Connect
the other end to the Hand Controller socket on the
bottom of the hub. You can replace this cable at any time
with any telephone handset cord obtained locally.
However, longer cables may require a ferrite choke for
proper communications. When initially connecting the
hand control to the hub, you may see a “Waiting for
Data” message while the hub and hand control firmware pass data along the internal data link.
Button Functions
The top left button is the Mode button. Pressing the Mode button will toggle between the Firmware
information screen, Focuser, Rotator, and Home screens. The Focuser and Rotator screens will display
the Nicknames set up in the Gemini Commander software and the current position. The Focuser display
will also display the temperature when a temperature probe is connected. Use the IN and OUT buttons
to move the focuser position. These same buttons serve to move the rotator in counterclockwise or
clockwise directions.
Note: Only the instrumental PA will be displayed on the Gemini Hand Control.
If
a Sky PA offset is being used, it will not be reported on the hand control display.
Rotary Thumbwheel Button
The rotary thumbwheel button is designed to allow an absolute rotator move to be made when in
Rotator mode. Note that the position display will be an instrumental position angle only. Rotate the
rotary knob with your thumb or opposite hand until the desired position angle is displayed, then press
down on the rotary switch to send the Rotator to the instrumental PA being displayed. The rotator will
move to the new position angle. To halt a rotator move in progress, press either the IN or OUT buttons
while the Mode button is in the Rotator screen.
