Celestron C6-RGT manual Alignment Procedures, Startup Procedure

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Mount Calibration
After an Auto Align is successfully completed, the hand control will display the message, Calibrating...
This automatic calibration routine is necessary to calculate and compensates for "cone" error inherent in all German equatorial mounts. Cone error is the inaccuracy that results from the optical tube not being exactly perpendicular to the mounts declination axis as well as various other inaccuracies such as backlash in the mounts gears. The telescope is able to automatically determine the cone error value by always using alignment stars on both sides of the Meridian (see Figure 3-2). Mechanical errors can be reduced further by always centering alignment stars using the up and right arrow buttons as described in the Pointing Accuracy box below.

Alignment Procedures

In order for the telescope to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to three known positions (stars) in the sky. With this information, the telescope can create a model of the sky, which it uses to locate any object with known coordinates. There are many ways to align your telescope with the sky depending on what information the user is able to provide: Auto Align allows the telescope to select three stars and uses the entered time/location information to align the telescope; Auto Three Star Align involves the same process as Auto Align, however it allows the user to select which star to use to align the telescope. Quick-Alignwill ask you to input all the same information as you would for the Auto Align procedure. However, instead of slewing to the alignment stars for centering and alignment, the telescope bypasses this step and simply models the sky based on the information given. Finally, Last Alignment restores your last saved star alignment and switch position. Last Alignment also serves as a good safeguard in case the telescope should lose power.

Startup Procedure

Before any of the described alignments are performed, the telescope mount needs to be positioned so that the index marks are aligned on both the right ascension and declination axes (see Fig 2-8).

First index its switch position so that each axis has an equal amount of travel to move in either direction. Once the index position has been set, the hand control will display the last entered date and time information stored in the hand control. Once the telescope is powered on:

1. Press ENTER begin the alignment process.

2. The hand control will ask the user to set the mount to its index position. Move the telescope mount, either manually or with the hand control, so that the index marked in both R.A. and Dec are aligned (see Fig 2-8). Press Enter to continue.

3. The hand control will then display the last entered local time, date, time zone, longitude and latitude.

• Use the Up/Down keys (10) to view the current parameters.

• Press ENTER to accept the current parameters.

• Press UNDO to enter current date and time information into the hand control. The following information will be displayed:

Time - Enter the current local time for your area. You can enter either the local time (i.e. 08:00), or you can enter military time (i.e. 20:00 ).

Select PM or AM. If military time was entered, the hand control will bypass this step.

Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons

(10) to toggle between options.

Select the time zone that you are observing from. Again, use the Up and Down buttons (10) to scroll through the choices. Refer to Time Zone map in Appendix for more information.

Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session.

Finally, you must enter the longitude and latitude of the location of your observing site. Use the table in Appendix C to locate the closest longitude and latitude for your current observing location and enter those numbers when asked in the hand control, pressing ENTER after each entry. Remember to select "West" for longitudes in North America and "North" for latitudes in the North Hemisphere. For international cities, the correct hemisphere is indicated in the Appendix listings.

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Contents Advanced Series Advanced Series GT Assembly Version Get Alt-Az Goto Alt-Az Hibernate Turn On/Off GPS Page C8-N Shown Advanced Series C6-RAdvanced Series C6-RGT Attaching the Equatorial Mount Setting up the TripodAttaching the Center Leg Brace Installing the Counterweight BarAttaching the Hand Control Holder Advanced GT Models Only Installing the CounterweightAttaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount Installing the Finderscope Telescope Tube Completely Balancing the Tube in R.AAdjusting the Mount in Altitude Adjusting the MountAttaching the Declination Cable For GT Models Only Adjusting the Mount in AzimuthPowering the Telescope Advanced GT Hand Control Double Stars Hand Control OperationStartup Procedure Alignment ProceduresAuto Three-Star Align Auto AlignRe-Alignment Quick-AlignLast Alignment Selecting an Object Object CatalogSlewing to an Object Finding PlanetsConstellation Tour Tour ModeDirection Buttons Rate ButtonSetup Procedures Identify Precise GoTo Scope Setup FeaturesObserving Tip Helpful Hint Utility Features Helpful Hint Advanced GT Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingAligning the Finderscope General Observing Hints Determining Field of ViewCelestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Pointing at Polaris Finding the North Celestial Pole Declination Drift Method of Polar Alignment Lunar Observing Hints Observing the MoonObserving the Planets Observing the SunObserving Deep Sky Objects Solar Observing HintsSeeing Conditions TransparencyUsing the Lens Cap Aperture Stop Piggyback Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Reducing Vibration Terrestrial PhotographyMetering Auto Guiding Collimation Care and Cleaning of the OpticsCollimated telescope Should appear as a Page Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Appendix B Glossary of Terms Page Eclipsing or obscuring the brightness of the star Appendix C Longitudes Latitudes Georgia Minnesota Rhode Island Canada Appendix D RS-232 Connection Additional RS232 Commands Appendix E Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty
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C6-R, C6-RGT specifications

The Celestron C6-RGT and C6-R models, part of the Advanced Series GT lineup, are popular choices for amateur astronomers seeking high-quality optics and reliable features. The C6-RGT, equipped with a 6-inch refractor, is designed for both visual and astrophotographic pursuits. Its impressive features make it a great option for anyone looking to explore the night sky in greater detail.

One of the standout characteristics of the C6-RGT is its large 6-inch aperture, which allows for exceptional light-gathering capability. This feature is crucial for viewing faint celestial objects, giving users the ability to observe details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across a wide range of viewing conditions.

The telescope comes with a fully multi-coated optics system that enhances light transmission and contrast, creating brighter and clearer images. The C6-R is also designed with a robust aluminum tube that not only ensures durability but also helps maintain stability during long observing sessions.

The Advanced Series GT mount is another essential element of the C6-RGT and C6-R models. This computerized mount features a sturdy, stable design that supports a wide range of telescopes while providing smooth tracking of celestial objects. The GoTo technology allows users to locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects with ease. This high level of automation is particularly helpful for beginners who may be unfamiliar with the night sky.

Another notable feature of the Advanced Series GT is its ability to be controlled through a smartphone or tablet, thanks to Celestron's SkyPortal app. This integration opens doors for enhanced stargazing experiences, offering customizable tours and educational information right at your fingertips.

In terms of usability, both models have a comfortable height and the mount can be easily adjusted to accommodate various observing positions. The telescope is also portable, making it convenient for outreach events or trips to dark-sky locations.

Overall, the Celestron C6-RGT and C6-R models, with their combination of powerful optics, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, represent an excellent choice for both budding astronomers and passionate enthusiasts. With Celestron’s commitment to quality and innovation, these telescopes promise to deliver unforgettable views of the wonders of the universe.