16
scope setup Features
Setup Time-Site - Allows the user to customize the StarSeeker
display by changing time and location parameters (such as
time zone and daylight savings).
Anti-backlash - All mechanical gears have a certain amount
of backlash or play between the gears. This play is evident
by how long it takes for a star to move in the eyepiece when
the hand control arrow buttons are pressed (especially when
changing directions). The StarSeeker’s anti-backlash features
allows the user to compensate for backlash by inputting a
value which quickly rewinds the motors just enough to elimi-
nate the play between gears. The amount of compensation
neededdependsontheslewingrateselected;theslowerthe
slewing rate the longer it will take for the star to appear to
move in the eyepiece. Therefore, the anti-backlash compen-
sation will have to be set higher. You will need to experiment
withdifferentvalues;avaluebetween 20and50is usually
best for most visual observing, whereas a higher value may
be necessary for photographic guiding. Positive backlash
compensation is applied when the mount changes its direction
of movement from backwards to forwards. Similarly, negative
backlash compensation is applied when the mount changes
its direction of movement from forwards to backwards. When
tracking is enabled, the mount will be moving in one or both
axes in either the positive or negative direction, so backlash
compensation will always be applied when a direction button
is released and the direction moved is opposite to the direc-
tion of travel.
To set the anti-backlash value, scroll down to the anti-back-
lash option and press ENTER. Enter a value from 0-100 for
both azimuth and altitude directions and press ENTER after
each one to save these values. StarSeeker will remember
these values and use them each time it is turned on until they
are changed.
Slew Limits - Sets the limits in altitude that the telescope can
slew without displaying a warning message. The slew limits
prevent the telescope tube from slewing to an object below the
horizon or slewing to an object that is high enough that the tube
might hit one of the tripod legs. However, the slew limits can
be customized depending on your needs. For example, if you
would like to slew to an object that is close to the zenith and are
certain that the tube will not hit the tripod legs, you can set the
slew limits to 90° in altitude. This will allow the telescope to slew
to any object above the horizon without warning.
Filter Limits - When an alignment is complete, the StarSeeker
automatically knows which celestial objects are above the
horizon. As a result, when scrolling through the database lists
(or selecting the Tour function), the StarSeeker hand control
will display only those objects that are known to be above the
horizon when you are observing. You can customize the object
database by selecting altitude limits that are appropr iate for
your location and situation. For example, if you are observ-
ing from a mountainous location where the horizon is partially
obscured, you can set your minimum altitude limit to read +20°.
This will make sure that the hand control only displays objects
that are higher in altitude than 20°.
If you want to explore the entire object database, set the maxi-
mum altitude limit to 90° and the minimum limit to -90°. This will
display every object in the database lists regardless of whether
it is visible in the sky from your location or not.
Direction Buttons -The direction a star moves in the eye-
piece varies depending on the accessories being used (Image
Orientation, page 17). This can create confusion when guiding
on a star using an off-axis guider versus a straight through guide
scope. To compensate for this, the direction of the drive control
keys can be changed. To reverse the button logic of the hand
control, press the MENU button and select Direction Buttons
from the Utilities menu. Use the Up/Down arrow keys (10) to
select either the Azimuth buttons (left and right) or Altitude but-
tons (up and down) and press ENTER. Pressing ENTER again
will reverse the direction of the hand control buttons from their
current state. Direction Buttons will only change the eyepiece
rates (rate 1-6) and will not affect the slew rates (rate 7-9).
Select Model - The first time the StarSeeker is powered on,
the hand control display allows you to select your StarSeeker
from a list of different models. If for some reason the incorrect
model was selected or you wish to use your hand control on
a different StarSeeker model, the Select Model utility feature
allows you to re-select the proper StarSeeker model from the
displayed list. Once the correct StarSeeker model has been
selected the power needs to be restarted before beginning the
alignment procedure. The Select Model feature will return the
hand control to its original factory settings. Parameters such
as backlash compensation values along with slew and filter
limits will be reset. However, stored parameters such as user
defined objects will remain saved even after the model has
been changed.
utility Features
Version - Selecting this option will allow you to see the version
number of the hand control software.
Lights Control - This feature allows you to turn off both the
red key pad light and LCD display for daytime use to conserve
power and to help preserve your night vision.
Factory Setting - Returns the StarSeeker hand control
to its original factory setting. Parameters such as backlash
compensation values, initial date and time, longitude/latitude
along with slew and filter limits will be reset. However, stored
parameters such as PEC and user defined objects will remain
saved even when Factory Settings is selected. The hand con-
trol will ask you to press the “0” key before returning to the
factory default setting.
Get Alt-Az - Displays the relative altitude and azimuth for the
current position of the telescope.
Goto Alt-Az - Allows you to enter a specific altitude and azi-
muth position and slew to it.
Hibernate - Hibernate allows the StarSeeker to be completely
powered down and still retain its alignment when turned back
on. This not only saves power, but is ideal for those that have
their telescopes permanently mounted or leave their telescope
in one location for long periods of time. To place your telescope
in Hibernate mode: