with, both of these numbers will be +000.0. The first two sets of numbers on the upper and lower lines of the LCD screen are meaningless for the purposes of this test.
If you move the telescope
If you move the telescope upwards in altitude, the number in the upper right should increase, while if you move downwards in altitude, the number will decrease. If the tele- scope tube was perfectly horizontal when you enabled the hidden functions of the con- troller, then the altitude will read +090.0 when the telescope is pointed precisely vertical.
If one, or both, of the encoders are not behaving properly when performing this diag- nostic test, there may be a problem with the assembly of the system, or a problem with one of the encoder boards or discs. Also, be sure to check that all cable connections are secure.
Encoder Test
The encoder test is another diagnostic test that gives information about the performance of the encoders themselves. Select “ENCODER TEST” from the list of hidden functions using the arrow buttons and press Enter.
The LCD screen will now display two lines of data. The top line of data corresponds to the altitude encoder, while the lower line of data corresponds to the azimuth encoder. The first two digits on each line denote the amplitude of the signal from one of the magnetic sensors on the encoder board, the second two digits represent the amplitude from the other sensor on the encoder board. The numbers are in hexadecimal (base 16) digits. Therefore “A” in hexadecimal represents “11” in decimal, “B” represents “12” in decimal, “C” represents “13,” “D” represents “14,” “E” represents “15,” and “F” represents “16.” Whe moving the telescope in altitude or azimuth, you will note that each of the digit pairs rises
and falls. None of the digit pairs should ever go above “F3.” If they do, then the encoder disk is too close to the sensors on the encoder board. This will generally not happen in altitude, but can happen in azimuth.
If you notice that the first or second digit pair on the second line of the display goes above “F3,” then try loosening the lock nut on the azimuth nut of the base by about 1/16 turn. If this does not work, you will need to disassemble the azimuth encoder (azimuth encoder disk, brass bushing, and azimuth encoder board) and reassemble it carefully according to the instructions that came with the IntelliScope Dobsonian telescope itself.
If you notice that the two digit pairs on the first line are going above “F3,” then there is a problem with your altitude encoder assembly. More than likely, the altitude encoder disk is bent.
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