7
• You can also start an alignment process to operate the
SynScan hand controller in Full Feature mode.
• You may slew the mount with the direction keys to point
the telescope to terrestrial targets for observing. The
“User-Defined Objects” function (refer to
Section 4.6
) of
the SynScan hand controller is a useful tool for terrestrial
observing.
3. GoTo Star Alignment
In order for your GoTo telescope to accurately locate and point
to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned on known positions
(stars) in the sky. With the supplied information, the mount can
replicate a model of the sky and the movements of astronomi-
cal objects. We’re not talking about polar alignment here; that
should be done prior to the GoTo alignment procedure (consult
the manual for your specific mount or telescope.)
Note:
For best results, consider using an illuminated reticle
(crosshair) eyepiece to aid in the precise centering of stars in the
telescope’s field of view (FOV) during the alignment process. And
before performing any of the alignment methods, be sure that
your finder scope is precisely aligned with the telescope tube.
3.1 Choosing an Alignment Method
At the beginning of the alignment process, you will use the scroll
keys to choose an alignment method. The available alignment
methods differ between the mount types:
• For an equatorial mount, the choices are 1-Star Alignment
(1-Star Align.), 2-Star Alignment (2-Star Align.) or 3-Star
Alignment (3-Star Align.).
• For an alt-azimuth mount, the choices are Brightest Star
Alignment (Brightest Star) or 2-Star Alignment (2-Star Align.).
• Select one and press ENTER to proceed to the next step.
Note:
For a detailed description and comparison of each align-
ment method, please refer to
Section 3.6
.
3.2 Choosing the Alignment Star(s)
In this step, you will be asked to choose one or multiple alignment
stars from a list provided by the SynScan hand controller, and
then control the mount to center the star(s) in the field of view of
the telescope’s eyepiece. The SynScan hand controller will then
use the data collected in this process to calculate the mount’s
orientation relative to the sky coordinates.
The steps for aligning on alignment stars may differ depending on
the type of mount used, as well as the chosen alignment method.
Please refer to the relevant section for your mount:
• 3.3 Alignment Methods for Equatorial Mounts
• 3.4 Alignment Methods for Alt-azimuth Mounts
3.3 Alignment Methods for Equatorial Mounts
If you are using the GoTo controller for the first time, we recom-
mend you begin with the 3-star alignment. In most cases, a 3-star
alignment produces the most accurate alignment of the three
possible methods. A 1-star alignment is the least accurate but
may be sufficient for casual observing.
3-Star Alignment
1. At the prompt of “Choose 1st Star,” use the scroll keys
to browse through a list of star names and choose one
you’re familiar with. Press ENTER. The mount will then
automatically slew the telescope toward that star.
2. After the mount stops, the hand controller will display
“Use arrow buttons Ctr. To eyepiece.” The mount’s tracking
function is also automatically turned on to prevent the
target star from drifting in the FOV of the telescope.
3. Now use the direction keys to move the telescope to
center the star in the FOV of the finder scope.
4. Then look in the eyepiece and move the telescope (using
the directional keys) so that the chosen star is centered in
the field of view of the telescope eyepiece.
5. Press ENTER to confirm the star is centered.
Note:
Generally, a slew rate of 5 or 6 is best for centering the
star in the finder scope, and a rate of 2 or 3 works best for center-
ing the star in the telescope’s eyepiece. The slewing speed can
be adjusted by pressing the RATE/2 key. Choose a desired rate
between 0 (slowest) and 9 (fastest).
6. You will then be prompted to choose a 2nd alignment star.
Choose a star using the scroll buttons and press ENTER
to confirm your choice. Repeat the centering procedure for
the second alignment star using the direction buttons and
press ENTER to confirm alignment.
7. The controller will provide a list of stars that can be used
as the third alignment star. Choose a star using the
scroll buttons and press ENTER to confirm your choice.
Once again, repeat the centering procedure for the third
alignment star and press ENTER to confirm alignment.
8. Once the three alignment stars have been entered and
alignment is completed, the hand controller will display
“Alignment Successful.” Press ENTER to access the Main
Menu.
9. If “Alignment Failed” is displayed, the alignment procedure
must be performed again. To do this, turn the mount’s
power switch off, then on again.
2-Star Alignment
Two-star alignment requires only two alignment stars but may
produce lesser pointing accuracy than the three-star alignment.
1. From the alignment prompt, select “2-Star Align” using the
scroll buttons. Press ENTER to confirm your choice.
2. The hand controller will provide a list of stars available in
your current sky for you to choose as the first alignment
star. Use the same procedure as described for the 3-star
alignment to center the first and second star in the finder
scope, then in the telescope’s eyepiece. Once the two
alignment stars have been entered and alignment is
complete, the hand controller will display “Alignment
Successful.”
3. If “Alignment Failed” is displayed, the alignment procedure
must be performed again. To do this, turn the mount’s
power switch off, then on again.
