INTRODUCTION

This manual covers the NGC-MAX, NGC-miniMAXand NGC-microMAXcomputer units. Sections which cover material not common to all of these units are labeled with the models they apply to.

The MAX family of computers are revolutionary, computerized digital setting circle units with an internal database of hundreds to thousands of astronomical objects. After a simple alignment process (pointing your telescope at any two celestial objects, such as bright stars), the computer will operate as a high-resolution, real-time display of the Right Ascension and Declination of your telescope.

Due to the internal database of galaxies, clusters, nebulae, stars, quasars, black holes and planets, the computer can quickly guide both the novice and expert viewer alike to almost any object desired. Instead of spending the majority of your viewing session attempting to locate objects, you can now be guided from object to object in seconds!

The MAX computer utilizes an 8-character (16 on the NGC- MAX) dot-matrix LED display with brightness control and four large push-buttons for the user-interface. All functions, including selection of any one of the internal objects, can be accomplished easily in a matter of seconds with very little practice. After a brief familiarization period, most users will be able to perform all operations by touch.

The NGC-MAX's serial interface allows communication with external devices, opening the door to almost endless possibilities. One application of this technology is our popular SGT-MAXsetup. This system allows users with a personal computer to install a real-time link between their telescope and desktop planetarium software, such as THESKY™ by Software Bisque.

What it Does

The MAX computer will guide the user to celestial objects by indicating the direction and angular separation for each axis of the telescope mount. When guiding to the Orion Nebula, the display might show the following:

M042 59→ 51↑

To break this down, M042 represents Messier catalog number 42 (the designation for the Great Orion Nebula), 59→ indicates the object is 59° to the right, and 51↑ indicates the object is 51° up. As the telescope is moved in the directions indicated, these numbers will decrease toward zero, at which point the telescope is pointed at the desired object.

What it Doesn't Do

The MAX computer cannot physically move the telescope. The user will normally need to move the telescope by hand, although some telescopes have slewing motors which can

accomplish this task. (Some "Go To" telescopes can be software controlled using the SGT-MAXsystem.)

GETTING STARTED

The first step in preparing to use your MAX computer is to install the optical encoders onto the axes of your telescope. If purchased with one or more sets of encoder mountings from JMI, will find a separate Encoder Installation sheet which covers the installation process required for your specific mount. Most of these installations require no drilling or tapping and can be installed in approximately 15- 20 minutes.

After the encoders have been mounted, a test should be performed to confirm proper installation and function of each of the two encoders, as well as the setup information within the MAX computer. (When purchased with a set of encoder mountings, the MAX computer is pre-programmed with the necessary information to work with your specific mount, so you should not need to concern yourself with this aspect yet. For further information on this topic, see SETUP on page 11.)

Encoder Test

Plug the common end of the encoder cable into the MAX computer and each of the opposite two ends into its appropriate encoder (the Encoder Installation sheet indicates which end is for each encoder). Place the MAX computer unit in its holding tray or on a stable surface out of the way of the telescope's motion. The unit should be turned off at this time.

Point your telescope at the zenith (directly overhead). Now turn the MAX computer on. After the version number is briefly shown, use the brightness button (found to the right of the ON/OFF switch) to set the display brightness as desired.

Press the DOWN button until ENCODER is displayed, then press ENTER. The display should now show one of the following:

NGC-MAXNGC-miniMAX/microMAX
ER=000 ED=+000 000 +000
ER=000 ED=+090 000 +090
AZ=000 AL=+000
AZ=000 AL=+090

Note exactly where your telescope is pointed relative to your mount (mechanical setting circles make this easier), as

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