Functions of the GoTo Hand Controller

There are four main categories of control buttons on the GoTo hand controller (Figure 13):

Display screen

Mode buttons

Directional buttons

Dual purpose buttons

Scroll buttons

Figure 13. The GoTo hand controller.

1.Mode buttons

2.Directional buttons

3.Scroll buttons

4.Dual Purpose buttons

Mode Buttons

The three mode buttons are located at the top of the con- troller, directly below the LCD screen. They include the ESC, ENTER, and SETUP buttons.

The ESC button is used to escape from a certain command or go back a level in the menu tree.

The ENTER button is used to select the functions and sub- menus in the menu tree, and to confirm certain functional operations.

The SETUP button is a “hot key” that takes you to the Setup Menu.

Directional Buttons

The directional buttons allow the user to have complete motion control of the Atlas EQ-G mount at almost any step in opera- tion. These controls are locked out when the mount is slewing to an object. The directional buttons are very helpful when initially aligning the mount, centering objects in the eyepiece field of view, and manual guiding. The directional buttons are

typically used in conjunction with the RATE button. The left and right directional buttons can also be used to move the text cursor when entering data into the hand controller.

Scroll Buttons

The up and down scroll buttons allow you to scroll up and down within the menu tree or selections displayed on the hand controller screen.

Dual Purpose Buttons

The dual purpose buttons serve two distinct purposes. They are used for data entry and as quick reference keys.

TOUR button: Takes you on a preset tour of the best night sky objects visible

RATE button: Changes the speed of the motors when the directional buttons are pressed. There are 10 speeds to choose from, with 0 being the slowest and 9 being the fast- est.

UTILITY button: “Hot key” access to the Utility Functions menu.

USER button: Enter or recall coordinates for up to 25 objects in the User Defined database.

ID button: Identifies the object the mount is currently pointing to.

NGC, IC, M, Planet, and Object buttons: Allow direct access to catalogs and databases of over 13,400 objects.

GoTo Hand Controller Operation

This section provides a guide for initial setup and alignment of the Atlas EQ-G mount with the GoTo hand controller.

Initial Setup

1.Perform the polar alignment using the procedure previous- ly outlined in Section 6. A rough polar alignment will suf- fice, but an accurate polar alignment using the polar axis finder scope will increase tracking accuracy (and pointing accuracy for one-star alignments).

2.Rotate the telescope tube about the mount’s declination axis so the tube is parallel with the mount’s R.A. axis (and the front of the tube is pointed to the sky, not the ground). Rotate the mount’s R.A. axis so the counterweight shaft is pointed straight down. The telescope and mount should now appear as shown in Figure 14. This will be called the “home” position of the mount.

Note: Once the mount is initially set to its “home” position, the mount should not be moved manually. Otherwise, the GoTo hand controller will lose track of the mount’s position, and the alignment procedure will need to be performed again. Keep both the R.A. and Dec. lock levers engaged.

3.Turn on the power switch on the mount

4.The initial screen displayed on the hand controller is the version screen. Press ENTER to proceed.

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Orion EQ-G instruction manual GoTo Hand Controller Operation
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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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