Socket Mobile GTOCP2 manual Prevent the Cables from Tangling, GTO Keypad Controller Operation

Prevent the Cables from Tangling

The movement of the mount across the meridian during slewing functions is calculated so that the cables will not tangle if they are set up properly. In addition to the motor and power cables that are provided with the mount, you may have additional cables for other accessories. These may be powered from the GTO Control Panel or from another power source. We suggest that you position your cabling carefully to avoid a tangled mess. When your cables are set up, move the telescope manually throughout the normal range of movement to be sure that the cables do not catch on anything and that you have enough length. Here are a few pointers:

1200 Motor Cables

Note that the “Y” cable for the 1200 mount originates at the GTO Control Panel connector, then splits into two. The short portion connects to the RA motor box and is not likely to be in the way because this axis remains in the same position. The longer Dec portion of the cable must be set up properly to ensure that as the Dec axis moves, the cable follows smoothly. Please insert this cable into the cable mount in the upper left corner of the GTO Servo Control Box as shown above. When the connector is attached to the Dec motor box, the cable should be positioned as shown in the photograph.

Accessory Cables

Accessories may include Kendrick Dew Removers, CCD cameras and autoguiders, focus motors, illuminated guiding eyepiece reticles, power cords for the Pentax 6x7 camera, etc. As you attach each accessory, carefully assess the best position to assure complete movement as your telescope slews from one side of the mount to the other. If an external power source is used, determine the optimum location for the battery. We prefer to use tie wraps (not glamorous, but effective) or cable ties (from electronic supply store or catalog) to secure our cables to the mount, telescope, rings or bind them together. Plastic adhesive cable mounts, available from electronic supply stores, are an alternative choice. We prefer to use ties since we cannot bear to attach adhesive cable mounts to our telescopes or mounts.

If we use tie wraps to secure several cables together and plan to use that same setup in our next observing session, we keep the ties in place when we disassemble our equipment. The setup for the next session is much quicker.

Removing the GTO Control Box From 1200 Mount

The GTO control box can be removed easily from the RA axis. It is secured by two 8-32 set screws located at the base of the GTO Servo Control Box. Loosen the screws with one of the hex keys from the set included with the mount. Lift the box up from the bottom and tilt so that it frees from the dovetail connection.

Some people have a permanent observatory, yet prefer to store their electronics in their home to keep them clean and free of cobwebs. If you do, you may wish to substitute the 8-32 thumbscrews (included with your mount) for the setscrews. This will allow you to remove and install your GTO control box without tools.

GTO Keypad Controller Operation

Please refer to the manual for the GTO Keypad Controller for complete instructions.

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