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Setting Up the Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver
One of the first things that must be done is to set up the Astro-Physics V2
ASCOM Driver. This is extremely important, as the settings that you enter will
be used to initialize the mount once you power up and connect to the mount
with your third-party software.
Please note that the ASCOM Platform rules require that the AP V2 Driver only
becomes active when a third-party ASCOM compliant software connects to it.
When disconnected, the AP V2 Driver will automatically close.
The image at the right shows the Setup Telescope for the AP V2 Driver. It is
here that you enter your settings.
Entering basic settings to get started
1.
Mount Configuration
Image immediate right.
a) Select Mount type.
b) Select GTOCP5 control box model.
2. COM Port Details
Image far right.
a) Check box only if APCC is being used.
b) Select Port.
i) If APCC is not being used, then use the real COM port in the computer’s Device
Manager and enter it here or check the IP Address box and enter the address of
your control box. Do Not check APCC Virtual Port box.
ii) If APCC is being used and you have checked the box above, then choose a random port number that is high
enough not to have a chance conflict with an existing port. This chosen port will be a virtual port in APCC in the
Virtual Ports tab. Using COM15 or COM21 is usually a safe way to go.
c) Leave the other settings in this window at default settings and check the ASCOM
Serial Object box.
3. Default Park / Unpark Positions
a) Unpark From - The Mach2GTO always knows where it is pointing. Your choice
will be to unpark from Last Position or not to unpark.
b) Park To - Will be chosen based upon convenience and personal preference. For
example, covering your scope at a star party is usually best done at Park 3; how-
ever, mounting and removing your scope is easier from a Park 2 position. Park 5
will provide the most clearance for a roll-off roof observatory.
Reference the Park positions in "Appendix B" on page 51.
4. Site Setup
a) Click the New button and enter a site name.
b) Enter the Latitude and Longitude in degrees, minutes and seconds by clicking in
the appropriate box each time (don’t forget the N/S and E/W boxes). Then enter
the Elevation, if known (optional).
c) Click the Save button to retain the site. You can enter multiple locations for
future use.
Click the Advanced Button in the lower right corner of the AP V2 Driver's Setup
Telescope.
5. Initialization Setup - Check all the boxes in the top right window.
a) Sync Mount to PC Time - recommended to be checked.
