Orion EQ-G Object Catalog, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE, Selecting an Object, Object Button

Page 15

Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE)

The three-star alignment should provide excellent point- ing accuracy for visual observation. For other applications, such as CCD imaging, even better pointing accuracy can be obtained in a specific region of the sky by use of the Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE) function. Perform the following procedure to use the PAE function.

1.Choose a bright star near the area of interest in the night sky. Consult a planisphere or software program to choose this bright star, if necessary.

2.Find this star in the hand controller’s object database. This is easily done by pressing the OBJECT button, which will take you directly to the Named Star database. Press ENTER to access the list of named stars. Use the scroll buttons to peruse the list, and press ENTER to select the star. Press ENTER again, and the LCD will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER to issue a command to the mount to GoTo the star. If the mount is under the control of a computer running planetarium software, click on the star to slew the mount to it.

3.Use the directional buttons (and RATE button) to accu- rately center the star in a high-powered eyepiece (10mm or less focal length).

4.Press the ESC button, then press and hold the ESC but- ton for 2 seconds. The hand controller LCD will read “Re- center”, and the name of the chosen bright star will blink three times. If the GoTo command was sent by a computer running planetarium software, the LCD will read “Last goto object” instead of the star’s name.

5.Make sure the chosen star is still centered in the eyepiece, and press the ENTER button. If you don’t want to record the star position, press the ESC button to exit the PAE function.

After the PAE function is performed, the hand controller will recalculate its model of the sky. The pointing accuracy in the area of sky around the chosen bright star should now be improved. To improve pointing accuracy in another region of the sky, perform the PAE function again, this time choosing a bright star in the new region of interest.

Note: If the mount is “parked” before it is powered off (see “Utility Functions”), the star alignments and PAE corrections will remain stored in the hand controller. As long as the mount is not moved between usage, the alignment will not need to be performed again when the mount is subsequently powered on.

Object Catalog

The GoTo hand controller boasts a vast database of over 13,400 object coordinates and information. The database contains the following catalogs:

Named Star - A list of 212 well-known bright stars.

Solar System - The other 8 planets of our solar system, and the Moon.

NGC - 7,840 of the brightest deep sky objects from the NGC 2000.0 database (edited by Roger W. Sinnott, copyright by Sky Publishing Corp., used with permission).

IC - 5,386 objects from the Index Catalog.

Messier - Complete list of all 110 Messier objects. These are some of the most spectacular objects to view in the night sky.

Caldwell - Complete list of all 109 Caldwell objects. Double Stars - Includes 55 of the best double stars to view.

Variable Stars - Includes 20 of the most well-known variable stars.

User Defined - Up to 25 objects can be saved in the User Defined database (see “Using the User Defined Database”).

Selecting an Object

Once the telescope has been aligned, you can access and view the variety of different objects in the GoTo hand control- ler’s database. There are three methods of selecting a celes- tial object to view.

1. Shortcut Buttons

TOUR: Pressing this button takes you on a preset tour across the night sky. The brightest and most beautiful deep-sky objects will automatically be chosen by the hand controller for your viewing pleasure. Use the scroll buttons to view the dif- ferent deep-sky objects that are available for viewing through the tour function. Choose the desired object by pressing ENTER. The LCD screen will display the coordinates of the chosen object. Press ENTER again, and the hand controller will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER once more to have the telescope slew to the object.

M, NGC, IC: These shortcut buttons give you direct access to the most popular celestial catalogs. Use the numeric buttons to select an object by entering its catalog number. Pressing ENTER will display its coordinate. Primary information such as size, magnitude, and constellation are obtained by press- ing the scroll buttons. Press ENTER again, and the hand controller will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER once more to have the telescope slew to the object.

PLANET: This shortcut button takes you straight to the Planets submenu in the hand controller’s database. Use the scroll but- tons to scroll through the list of planets (and the Moon) in our solar system. Press ENTER to display the chosen planet’s coordinates. Press ENTER again, and the hand controller will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER once more to have the tele- scope slew to the object. If the planet you selected is currently below the horizon, the hand controller will prompt you to make another choice.

USER: This shortcut button will take you to the database that you have defined for yourself. You can enter a new location or recall the objects that have been previously saved (see “Using the User Defined Database”).

2. Object Button

The OBJECT button takes you to the Objects Catalog, where you have complete access to all of the celestial objects in the database. Simply scroll through the object catalogs using

15

Page 14 Page 16
Image 15
Page 14 Page 16
Contents #9996 Orion Atlas EQ-GPage Unpacking Table of ContentsAssembly Parts ListBalancing a Telescope Attaching a TelescopeTurns, until you can slide the telescope tube forward Setting Up and Using the Equatorial MountPolar Alignment Polar Axis Finder ScopeAlignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope Confused About Pointing the Telescope? Using the Polar Axis Finder ScopeAtlas EQ-G Dual-Axis Controller Atlas EQ-G Dual-Axis hand controller Setting the Slewing SpeedAtlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller Attaching the GoTo Hand Controller Installing the hand controller bracketGoTo Hand Controller Operation Telescope and mount in their home position AlignmentTips for Choosing Alignment Stars Three-Star AlignmentTwo-Star Alignment One-Star AlignmentShortcut Buttons Object CatalogPointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE Selecting an ObjectOther Functions Auto Guiding Recalling a User Defined ObjectIdentifying an Unknown Object Linking with a ComputerUpdating the GoTo Hand Controller Preparing the Computer for the UpdateTechnical Specifications #7795 Dual-Axis hand controller#7796 GoTo hand controller Atlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller Menu Tree Appendix a Enhancing the Pointing Accuracy Cone Error CalibrationTesting for Cone Error Calibration ProcedureB.Rotate the telescope 180 about the R.A.axis PEC Training Appendix B Periodic Error Correction PECPlay Back the PEC Record Appendix C RS-232 Connection Additional RS-232 Commands Sending a Tracking RateSending a Slow-GoTo Command Resetting the Position of Azimuth or AltitudeAppendix 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.
Top Page Image Contents