Orion instruction manual Atlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller

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Changing the Guiding Speed

The dual-axis hand controller provides 4 different guiding speed settings: 2x, 1.75x, 1.5x (default), and 1.25x sidereal rate. If you change the guiding speed from the default setting of 1.5x sidereal rate, the controller will guide at the chosen speed until another guiding speed is selected.

In order to set the guiding speed of your Atlas EQ-G, use the button following button combinations:

• 2x sidereal rate:

Hold the Fast button, then press

 

the Up directional button.

•1.75x sidereal rate: Hold the Fast button, then press the Left directional button.

• 1.5x sidereal rate:

Hold the Fast button, then press

 

the Right directional button.

•1.25x sidereal rate: Hold the Fast button, then press the Down directional button.

Reversing the Directional Buttons

Celestial objects appear to move through the sky differently when viewed through telescopes and/or accessories of dif- ferent designs. For example, if an object viewed through a refractor appears to migrate towards the left-hand side of an eyepiece’s field of view, it will appear to migrate towards the right-hand side of an eyepiece’s field of view in a reflector telescope.

In order to make viewing and tracking objects convenient, regardless of telescope design, the dual-axis controller fea- tures a “reverse” function which reverses the direction of the hand controller’s directional buttons. This way you can match the directional button to the way the object actually moves in the telescope eyepiece.

To reverse the direction of the Left and Right directional but- tons, press and hold the Slow speed button then press the Left directional button. To reverse the direction of the Up and Down directional buttons, press and hold the Slow button then press the Up directional button.

Once you have reversed the directional buttons, the dual-axis controller will save the reversed settings until it they are man- ually changed again. Turning the power off will not affect the directional button setting last entered.

Northern or Southern Hemisphere Operation

The dual-axis hand controller is capable of operating in either Northern or Southern Hemisphere viewing locations. The sys- tem is set up for Northern Hemisphere locations by default, so if you are viewing from a Northern Hemisphere location, it is not necessary to make any setting changes.

For the dual-axis controller to properly track celestial objects in the Southern Hemisphere, press and hold the Down direc- tional button and then press the Set button while powering on the mount. Release the Set button after the mount has successfully powered on and the Guide button begins flash- ing. The controller will now operate properly in the Southern Hemisphere. You can switch back to Northern Hemisphere mode by using the same button combination. As long as the controller is operating in Southern Hemisphere mode, the Set button will illuminate.

Power Conservation

In the interest of conserving the amount of power drawn by the Atlas EQ-G mount, the Dec. motor will enter a “sleep” mode if left idle for a period of 15 seconds. In “sleep” mode, the Dec. motor stops completely and the amount of used power drops by about 40%. To reactivate the Dec. motor, press the Up or Down directional button.

Upgrading your Atlas EQ-G

While the dual-axis hand controller provides many useful functions such as celestial object tracking and motorized motion control, there is a GoTo hand controller for the Atlas EQ-G available from Orion. The features and functions of the GoTo hand controller are explained in the following section. If you are interested in upgrading your Atlas EQ-G to a GoTo system, call our Customer Service department at 800-676- 1343 or visit our website at www.OrionTelescopes.com for more information.

8.The Atlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller

The Atlas EQ-G mount equipped with the GoTo hand control- ler provides easy, computerized location of thousands of night sky objects such as planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and more for viewing through your telescope. The GoTo hand controller and internal dual-axis motors allow you to automati- cally point your telescope at a specific object, or tour the skies with pushbutton simplicity. The user-friendly menu allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even inexperienced astronomers will find themselves quickly mastering the vari- ety of features the GoTo hand controller offers in just a few observing sessions.

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Contents Orion Atlas EQ-G #9996Page Parts List Table of ContentsAssembly UnpackingAttaching a Telescope Balancing a TelescopeSetting Up and Using the Equatorial Mount Turns, until you can slide the telescope tube forwardPolar Axis Finder Scope Polar AlignmentAlignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope Using the Polar Axis Finder Scope Confused About Pointing the Telescope?Atlas EQ-G Dual-Axis Controller Setting the Slewing Speed Atlas EQ-G Dual-Axis hand controllerAtlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller Installing the hand controller bracket Attaching the GoTo Hand ControllerGoTo Hand Controller Operation Alignment Telescope and mount in their home positionOne-Star Alignment Three-Star AlignmentTwo-Star Alignment Tips for Choosing Alignment StarsSelecting an Object Object CatalogPointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE Shortcut ButtonsOther Functions Linking with a Computer Recalling a User Defined ObjectIdentifying an Unknown Object Auto GuidingPreparing the Computer for the Update Updating the GoTo Hand Controller#7795 Dual-Axis hand controller Technical Specifications#7796 GoTo hand controller Atlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller Menu Tree Calibration Procedure Cone Error CalibrationTesting for Cone Error Appendix a Enhancing the Pointing AccuracyB.Rotate the telescope 180 about the R.A.axis Appendix B Periodic Error Correction PEC PEC TrainingPlay Back the PEC Record Resetting the Position of Azimuth or Altitude Additional RS-232 Commands Sending a Tracking RateSending a Slow-GoTo Command Appendix C RS-232 ConnectionAppendix D Standard Time Zones of the World One-Year Limited Warranty

EQ-G specifications

The Orion EQ-G Equatorial Mount is a popular choice among amateur astronomers and astrophotographers seeking a reliable and versatile platform for their telescopes. Known for its robust build and advanced technology, the EQ-G mount can support a wide range of telescope sizes, making it ideal for both visual observations and astrophotography.

One of the standout features of the Orion EQ-G is its precision go-to capability. Equipped with a computer-controlled system, users can easily locate and track celestial objects with remarkable accuracy. The mount comes with a database that includes thousands of celestial objects, allowing users to automatically point their telescope to stars, planets, galaxies, and more with the push of a button.

The EQ-G mount features a sturdy aluminum construction, ensuring stability even under heavy loads. It can support telescopes weighing up to 30 lbs, making it suitable for medium to large telescopes. The mount's adjustable altitude and azimuth motions allow for smooth tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky, a vital characteristic for long-exposure astrophotography.

To enhance user experience, the EQ-G is equipped with a built-in dual-axis servo motor drive system. This drive system delivers precise movement control, ensuring that the telescope can be accurately guided to desired targets. Furthermore, the mount is compatible with various control options, including hand controllers and computer software, allowing for a customizable and convenient observing experience.

Another notable technology within the EQ-G is the polar alignment scope. This feature aids in achieving accurate polar alignment, which is crucial for minimizing tracking errors during long exposures. By correctly aligning the mount, users can take stunning astrophotographs with minimal star trails.

For portability, the EQ-G mount comes with a quick-release design that allows for easy setup and takedown. Its adjustable tripod legs provide a stable base on various terrains, making it possible to observe from different locations, whether in the backyard or at a remote dark-sky site.

In summary, the Orion EQ-G Equatorial Mount combines an intuitive design with high-quality features, making it a fantastic choice for astronomy enthusiasts. With its go-to capability, sturdy construction, precise tracking, and user-friendly setup, the EQ-G stands out as a reliable and effective tool for exploring the wonders of the night sky. Whether you are capturing stunning images of celestial objects or simply enjoying visual astronomy, the Orion EQ-G meets the diverse needs of astronomers at all levels.
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