Orion EQ-G Recalling a User Defined Object, Identifying an Unknown Object, Auto Guiding

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3.You can ENTER the object’s location by its R.A. and Dec. coordinates, or its azimuth and altitude coordinates. Press 1 (RA-Dec) or 2 (AzAlt) to make your selection.

4.The default setting will display the R.A./Dec. or Az/Alt coor- dinates the telescope is currently pointed to. Therefore, if the telescope is pointing at the object you wish to save (i.e. the object is centered in the eyepiece), simply press ENTER. If the object you wish to save is at another location in the sky, enter its coordinates using the numeric keypad. When finished inputting the coordinates, press ENTER.

Note: If the coordinates entered do not exist, the hand con- troller will not respond when ENTER is pressed. Check the coordinates for data entry mistakes, and re-enter the correct coordinates.

5.The hand controller will then ask “Save?” If you do wish to save the entered object coordinates, press ENTER. Otherwise, press ESC.

6.The controller will now prompt you to choose a num- ber between 1 and 25 for your chosen object. Using the scroll buttons, select a number you wish to represent the object, then press ENTER. Keep in mind that if the object is assigned a User Object number that is already in use, the hand controller will overwrite the previously saved coordi- nates.

6.The hand controller will now display “View Object?” Press ENTER to slew the telescope to the object, or press ESC to exit.

Recalling a User Defined Object

1.Press the USER button. You can also select “User Defined” in the Object Catalog menu and then press ENTER.

2.Choose “Recall Object” and press ENTER.

3.Select the User Object number representing the object you wish to view using the scroll buttons. Press ENTER to dis- play the object’s coordinate. Press ENTER again, and the hand controller will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER once more to have the telescope slew to the object. (If a vacant User Object number is selected, the hand controller will not respond.)

Note: If the recalled User Object is currently below the horizon, the controller will display “Below Horizon!! Try another obj.” and will automatically return to “Recall Object”.

Identifying an Unknown Object

The GoTo hand controller has the ability to identify celestial objects that are unknown to you. To identify an object the telescope is pointing at, simply press the ID button. You can also scroll to “Identify” in the Main Menu and press ENTER to identify the object. The hand controller will then show a list containing the close objects in the M, IC, NGC, and Named Star catalogs and their angular distance from the location where the telescope is pointed. Use the scroll buttons to view this list of objects. Press ESC when finished.

Linking with a Computer

The GoTo hand controller can be connected to a computer via the supplied computer interface cable. Many commercially

available planetarium software programs can utilize this func- tion and be used to control the Atlas EQ-G mount. Look for software that is compatible with the Celestron NexStar 5i/8i or NexStar GPS, like Starry Night Pro. The description below will lead you through the procedure on how to connect and discon- nect the Atlas EQ-G to a computer.

1.Align the mount as described previously (see “Alignment”).

2.Connect the supplied computer interface cable to the smaller modular jack (RJ-11) on the hand controller (Figure 10). Connect the other end of the cable to the COM port of your computer.

3.In the planetarium software of your choice, choose “Celestron NexStar 5i” or “Celestron 8/9/11 GPS” for the driver setup and follow the instructions provided by the pro- gram to connect the mount and computer through the hand controller. The mount will be under the full control of your computer once the connection is successfully established.

4.When finished observing, follow the software’s instructions to close the computer connection to the hand controller.

See Appendix C for more information on computer interfacing.

Auto Guiding

For astronomical imaging, the Atlas EQ-G mounts have a des- ignated autoguider jack (Figure 11). The pin-outs on the 6 pin modular jack are SBIG compatible and can be used with most autoguiders available. Refer to Figure 15 when connecting the autoguider cable to the mount and calibrating the autoguider. Autoguiding speed can be adjusted using the “Auto Guide Speed” function in the Setup Menu.

Figure 15. Pin diagram for the Atlas EQ-G autoguider jack.

Updating the GoTo Hand Controller’s Firmware

From version 3.0 and up, the GoTo hand controller’s firmware can be updated over the internet. Users can download firm- ware updates from Orion’s website www.OrionTelescopes. com.

System Requirements

-GoTo hand controller version 3.0 or greater

-Windows95 or later

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Contents #9996 Orion Atlas EQ-GPage Assembly Table of ContentsParts List UnpackingBalancing a Telescope Attaching a TelescopeTurns, until you can slide the telescope tube forward Setting Up and Using the Equatorial MountAlignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope Polar AlignmentPolar 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 AlignmentTwo-Star Alignment Three-Star AlignmentOne-Star Alignment Tips for Choosing Alignment StarsPointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE Object CatalogSelecting an Object Shortcut ButtonsOther Functions Identifying an Unknown Object Recalling a User Defined ObjectLinking with a Computer Auto GuidingUpdating the GoTo Hand Controller Preparing the Computer for the Update#7796 GoTo hand controller Technical Specifications#7795 Dual-Axis hand controller Atlas EQ-G GoTo Hand Controller Menu Tree Testing for Cone Error Cone Error CalibrationCalibration Procedure Appendix a Enhancing the Pointing AccuracyB.Rotate the telescope 180 about the R.A.axis PEC Training Appendix B Periodic Error Correction PECPlay Back the PEC Record Sending a Slow-GoTo Command Additional RS-232 Commands Sending a Tracking RateResetting the Position of Azimuth or Altitude 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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