the scroll buttons and choose the catalog of objects you wish to view. Press ENTER to confirm your choice. Use the scroll buttons to choose an individual object within the catalog and press ENTER a second time to display the object’s coordinate. Press ENTER again, and the hand controller will ask “View Object?” Press ENTER once more to have the telescope slew to the object.

3. Menu

You can also access the Objects Catalog through the Main Menu. In the Main Menu, scroll down to “Object Catalog” and press ENTER. Like the OBJECT button, this gives you complete access to the 13,400 celestial objects in the hand controller’s database.

Other Functions

The GoTo hand controller is equipped with a variety of addi- tional functions that allow you to optimize performance and access other features of the system.

Utility Functions

Utility Functions are useful tools that provide simple, yet handy, processes to enhance your observing experience.

Show Position: Displays the coordinates (right ascension and declination) of the location where the telescope is currently pointing.

Display Time: Displays the local time and local sidereal time.

Park Scope: Moves the telescope to the “home” position. This allows you to power off the Atlas EQ-G mount while saving alignment and PEC training data. When subsequently pow- ered on, the initial setup information must again be entered (be sure to enter the current time accurately!), but the align- ment procedure can be skipped.

Inquire Version: Displays the hardware, firmware, and data- base version of the GoTo hand controller. If the hand controller is connected to the mount, this will also display the firmware version of the motor control board. Use the scroll buttons to view the version numbers.

PEC Training: See Appendix B for information

LCD/LED Tuning: Allows adjustments of the LCD charac- ter contrast, the LCD backlighting, and the LED backlighting of the pushbuttons. Use the scroll buttons to select which of these you wish to adjust. Use the left and right directional but- tons to increase or decrease the value.

Setup Functions

The Setup functions allow you to change any system variable or information regarding location, time, date, and alignment. To access the Setup functions, either press the SETUP button on the hand controller or scroll to “Setup Mode” from the Main Menu using the scroll buttons and press ENTER. The different types of functions available to you are listed below, along with their respective purposes.

Date: Allows you to change the date entered during the initial setup.

Time: Allows you to change the current time.

Observing site: Allows you to change the current location (longitude and latitude) setting.

Daylight Savings: Allows you to change the Daylight Savings option.

Alignment: Allows you to re-perform the star alignment, (see “Alignment”).

Set Backlash: This function allows you to insert a value for each axis to compensate for slewing backlash experienced on that axis. Backlash is a delay in motorized motion of the mount due to slack between gears. Backlash is experienced when the slewing direction is reversed on one or both axes of motion. For improved pointing accuracy, it is important the backlash value is set to be equal or greater than the actual amount of backlash between the gears. The default value for the backlash compensation is 0° 10’ 0” (0 degrees, 10 arcminutes, 0 arc- seconds). Use the numeric pushbuttons to enter the desired backlash compensation value. First set the value for R.A. back- lash compensation, then press ENTER to set the value for DEC. Press ENTER again to return to the Setup Menu.

Note: Backlash compensation is only active for computerized slewing, not for manual slewing with the directional buttons.

Set Tracking:

-Sidereal Rate: Activates tracking at sidereal rate. This is the default tracking rate.

-Lunar Rate: Activates tracking at lunar rate.

-Solar Rate: Activates tracking at solar rate.

-PEC + Sidereal: Activates sidereal rate tracking with Periodic Error Correction.

-Stop Tracking: Stops tracking.

Warning: Never look directly at the Sun through your tele- scope or its finder scope, even for an instant, without a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front aperture of the instrument, or permanent eye dam- age could result.Young children should use this telescope only with adult supervision.

Auto Guide Speed: When using an autoguider, this sets the guiding speed to 1.125x, 1.25X, 1.5X, 1.75X, or 2X sidereal rate.

Using the User Defined Database

The GoTo hand controller allows you to save up to 25 objects in the User Defined database. You can save unidentifiable objects, current comet and/or asteroid positions, or make a custom list of your favorite objects to view.

Saving an Object to the Database

1.Press the USER button. You can also select “User Defined” in the Object Catalog menu and then press ENTER.

2.Use the scroll buttons to select “Input Coordi.” and press

ENTER.

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Orion EQ-G instruction manual Other Functions
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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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