Gemini Hand Controller Quick Start Guide
199 Smith Street · Lowell, Michigan 49331 · U.S.A.
Telephone: 616-897-9351 · Fax: (616) 897-8229 · Toll Free: 888-488-0381
Gemini Hand Control - Revision 2
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With the hand control in Focuser mode, the rotary switch acts as a digital fine focus knob. Turn the
thumbwheel clockwise to move the focuser OUT and counter clockwise to move the focuser IN.
Pressing the thumbwheel knob will toggle between 1X, 10X, and 100X settings. Each encoder tic will
move the focuser 1 step, 10 steps, or 100 steps respectively. Using the fine focus knob at the telescope
is intuitive and easy when viewing though an eyepiece. No need to look away from the eyepiece when
you keep the hand controller in one hand and move the wheel with your thumb. Tap the wheel to
change speeds and resolution.
Multiple Speeds
The Gemini Hand Control is designed for multiple focuser speeds while at the telescope. Tap the IN or
OUT button once and the focuser will move one step (which is much smaller than the CFZ). Note that if
backlash compensation is enabled on the Gemini control hub, any move in the OUT direction will move
the number of steps defined in the Setup dialogs plus one extra step, and then reverse to yield a net
move of just one step while taking up any undesirable backlash. Turning off backlash compensation will
disable this behavior but is not typically necessary when using an eyepiece.
Holding the IN or OUT button down will initially move the motor one step, then move continuously at
low speed. If the button remains held down for approximately three to four seconds the motor will shift
into a higher speed mode. Backlash compensation will be taken up in the initial button press only.
Releasing the button will immediately stop the focuser movement.
Home Function
Press the Mode button to toggle to the Home screen. Press and hold the left button (IN) to begin a
homing operation for the Focuser. Press and hold the right button (OUT) to begin a homing operation
for the Rotator. The Gemini can only be used after a successful home. This mode feature allows you to
home either focus or rotation function without requiring a computer connection.
Troubleshooting
Occasionally, the Hand Control screen may appear locked in the “Waiting for Data” screen for too long.
If the “Waiting for Data” message persists or it the screen appears blank when first connecting the hand
control, simply unplug and re-plug the coiled handset cable again.
The hand control uses a serial connection to the main hub. If the hand control fails to connect, the
internal serial MAX232 chip may need to be replaced. This dual UART chip is identical to the serial chip
inside the main FocusLynx control hub. Contact Optec Sales for a replacement MAX232 chip.
Contact Optec Technical Support (
) with any other issues concerning the Gemini
Hand Control option.
