MOUNT MAINTENANCE AND ALIGNMENT

Under normal operating conditions, minimal maintenance is required. Every 12 months the clutch knobs (4 for Dec. and 4 for R.A.) should be removed and 1 or 2 drops of light oil (3 in 1 household oil) should be put in the exposed hole. If the R.A. and Dec. axes are attached together for a long time in outside conditions (i.e. in a permanent observatory) then the mating surfaces should be lightly oiled or greased - if you expect to get them apart again after 10 years.

Your 1200 is a precision instrument with very accurate worm and wheel adjustments. Please be careful if you place the mount on a flat surface, i.e. the ground or trunk of your car. The gear alignment may be affected if the R.A. and Dec. motor/gear box assemblies sustain undue lateral force. This is true of any fine instrument. We suggest that you transport and store the mount in a case or in a well-padded box.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Additional troubleshooting questions are in the GTO Keypad Controller manual. Please refer to them.

The LED on the GTO Control Box changes from red to yellow and the motors stop or go out completely (for mounts shipped after 02-25-00).

1.The motors are overloaded, probably due to an unbalanced load on your mount.

Rebalance your telescope, and then press one of the N-S-E-W buttons to reset the keypad. Re-enter the last object on your keypad and the scope will slew to the correct position. Even though your motors had stopped, the logic in the control box retained the scope position in memory. As long as you didn’t change the pointing position of the scope, you are still calibrated.

If the scope was moved during re-balancing, simply enter a nearby bright star on the hand controller, press GOTO and allow the mount to finish slewing. You can then move the scope manually or with the N-S-E-W buttons to center the star in the eyepiece, and press the #9 RECAL button. This will recalibrate the mount.

Additional explanation: The GTO drive circuit includes logic for overload protection to prevent burning out the expensive servomotors in case of severe overload on the two axes. The primary cause is an unbalanced load in R.A. If the extra load opposes the motor rotation, the motor must work harder to track at the sidereal rate and the current will rise to high levels. If the current exceeds the trip point for more than a minute, the logic will shut the motor off and tracking stops. It typically takes about 4 lb. of unbalance to trip the overload, but a very heavy load of scopes, accessories and counterweights on the mount can decrease this unbalance threshold.

2.The voltage of your battery has probably gone below 10.5 volts.

3.The current rating of your AC-DC power supply is too low.

Additional explanation: During slewing, the two motors draw up to 3 amps from a 12 volt source. This may increase when the temperature approaches freezing or below. It is recommended that your supply be rated at 5 amps, 12 volts DC minimum (18 volts max.). If you also power other equipment (CCD cameras, dew heaters, etc.) from the same source, you will need a supply capable of up to 10 amps. The more equipment you have, the more current capability you will need. For portable applications, we recommend a heavy-duty marine battery designed for deep discharge applications. The most common problems are due to inadequate power supply.

The keypad reset (or locked up) when I plugged my CCD camera, PC (or other equipment) into the same battery as the GTO mount was using. The battery has a meter which shows 12V.

The meter is reading an average and will not show dips. Gel cells have internal resistance, which will cause voltage drop when the load changes. When you connect an additional CCD camera and PC the load will drop below 9 volts and the keypad will reset or it may affect the GTO circuit itself and cause the keypad to lock up.

We recommend that you use a large marine battery that is not a gel cell and hook everything up to it before calibrating the GTO.

If any problems occur, please don't hesitate to contact Astro-Physics for assistance.

ASTRO-PHYSICS INC 11250 Forest Hills Road Rockford, IL 61115 Telephone: (815)-282-1513 Fax: (815)-282-9847 support@astro-physics.com

19

Page 18 Page 20
Page 19
Image 19
Socket Mobile GTOCP2 manual Mount Maintenance and Alignment, Troubleshooting
Page 18 Page 20

GTOCP2 specifications

The Socket Mobile GTOCP2 is a cutting-edge portable barcode scanner designed for businesses seeking efficiency and speed in their operations. Renowned for its streamlined functionality and user-friendly interface, the GTOCP2 elevates everyday tasks, offering features tailored to enhance productivity in various settings.

One of the main features of the GTOCP2 is its advanced scanning technology. Equipped with a high-performance 2D imager, this device is capable of quickly scanning a wide range of barcode formats, including QR codes and traditional 1D barcodes. This versatility enables users to capture information accurately and swiftly, bolstering workflow efficiency across diverse applications such as retail, inventory management, and healthcare.

The GTOCP2 also emphasizes connectivity, supporting Bluetooth technology for seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices. This wireless capability allows for greater mobility, as users can scan items from a distance without being tethered to a stationary system. Additionally, it's compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices, making it an ideal solution for a range of operating environments.

Ergonomics play a significant role in the design of the Socket Mobile GTOCP2. The scanner boasts a compact, lightweight form factor, ensuring comfortable handling during prolonged use. Its intuitive design promotes ease of use, allowing both experienced and novice users to operate it with minimal training. The device also features an adjustable scanning angle, facilitating efficient scanning in various scenarios.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the GTOCP2 is its durability. Constructed to endure the rigors of everyday use in busy environments, it meets IP54 standards for dust and moisture resistance. This durability ensures that the device remains functional even in challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for industries that demand tough, resilient equipment.

Power management is another area where the GTOCP2 shines. The device is equipped with a long-lasting rechargeable battery, allowing for extensive usage between charges. This feature is particularly beneficial for on-the-go operations, where downtime can lead to decreased productivity.

In summary, the Socket Mobile GTOCP2 stands out for its exceptional scanning capabilities, strong wireless connectivity, ergonomic design, durability, and efficient power management. It is an excellent investment for businesses looking to improve their operational efficiency and streamline their processes, providing a reliable solution that caters to various industry needs.
Top Page Image Contents