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Important Note
: When you enter custom RA and Dec coordinates they should preferably be entered as precessed
coordinates (JNow or Topocentric coordinates). The keypad automatically precesses objects in its database, and any prior
RECALS will have been done on precessed coordinates. However, the keypad cannot know the epoch of the coordinates
that you are entering, so it only applies the small refraction transformations. Therefore, for accurate pointing, you will want
to maintain consistency and enter precessed coordinates.
Custom ALT / AZ Coordinates
This menu option allows you to slew to any position in the sky as long as you know the altitude and azimuth angles. This
feature is particularly handy if you wish to take your dark frame for CCD imaging or observe terrestrial objects with the
tracking turned off.
1. From Objects menu, select 9=AlAz. The Custom Alt/Az Entry will appear.
2. Enter Altitude and Azimuth coordinates.
3. Press GOTO to initiate a slew or MENU=Exit. Use <PREV to make corrections. You will now return to the Objects
menu.
Sun Warning
It is important to remember that slewing to objects near the sun can be quite
dangerous to your eyesight. If the sun is above the horizon, the keypad will go through
an additional check routine to be sure that the object or position that you select is
outside a safe viewing zone. If the object is the sun itself or within 15 degrees of the
sun, the warning will display.
Please be sure that you have installed a good quality SAFE filter that covers the optics in front of the telescope. Never use
eyepiece filters since they may break due to the intense heat of the sun. Do not use solar filters that are cracked (glass),
torn (Mylar) or have many pinholes (either glass and Mylar).
