4
install the adapter ring cap onto the adapter to prevent dust from entering
the mount’s polar axis hole. The cap is included in the camera mount
adapter packaging.
Software Installation
A computer running Windows 7/8/10 is required to operate the P1 control program.
1. Before plugging in the P1, download and install both the software and
drivers from the following link: www.telescope.com/P1
2. Unzip the P1 Windows driver (make sure to note where the unzipper will
save the file so it is easy to find on your computer.
3. Double click on the driver .exe file to install the P1 drivers. Note you may
need administrator privileges in order to install the files. Click through the
windows to install the driver. There will be a windows security warning
asking if you want to make changes to the computer. Click “Yes” to install
the drivers successfully.
4. Unzip the P1 control software you previously downloaded, and double
click on the setup .exe to install the program. Click through the windows to
successfully install the program.
5. Once the driver and software have been installed, plug the camera into
a USB port on the computer. The first time you plug the camera in, the
system will find and install the appropriate drivers.
6. Launch the P1 program once the camera is plugged into and recognized
by the computer.
Using the P1 to Polar Align
Determining the center of RA rotation
Before starting, please note the P1 can be used in the North or the South
Hemisphere. Click the appropriate checkbox for your hemisphere. The instructions
here are for the North Pole, so simply substitute “South Pole” and "Sigma Octantis"
where any reference to the North Pole and Polaris are shown.
Before you use the P1 to polar align, the mount must be roughly aligned with the
North Pole. Polaris must be visible in the camera field of view for the system to
work, and the field of view is 11x8 degrees, so only a rough alignment is neces-
sary. Level your mount, point the mount northwards using a true north calibrated
compass (or smartphone with a compass app set to true north, not magnetic north),
and set the latitude correctly on the mount. It helps to start the mount in its home
position, facing north, counterweight shaft pointing down. It’s not necessary, but will
help in a later step.
1. Connect the camera to your computer and launch the P1 software.
2. Click connect
(Figure 6)
, and the camera will start streaming an image.
