This is the electronics part of the kit. It is shipped
ready to be used in the field. Motors have been connected and tested/tuned.
All pertinent software adjustments have been made to the software/hardware.
The laptop (not pictured here) can be one that you provide or one we provide,
at an added cost. If we use your laptop, we need it here for a few days
to set up the software.
As you can see, on this customers laptop, the wiring
is not that complicated. From left to right:
1.) The R.A. and Dec. serial cable connectors (DB-9).
Both cables are omni-directional and are interchangeable.
2.) Power connector for the laptop. It's run directly
off a Marine Grade battery.
3.) Next is the blue flat ribbon cable with a simple
printer connector.
4.) Lastly is the PCB power cable which is also powered
from the Marine Grade battery. It is a regular RCA type plug.
Both the PCB and laptop power cable are tied
together to a pair of alligator clips that connect to a battery. This set
up will get at least one full evening on a single charge.
The PCB is attached to the bottom of the laptop via
some velcro. It is removable, but not without some effort.
Features list:
-
Unlike other GoTo systems, all of our systems are GoTo
telescope controls for a lifetime. The circuitry, motors, computer, cables,
software and (usually) the gearing, can be used on other mounts (Dobs or
GEMS) with a little modification to the new mounting.
-
Stepper motors that are quiet enough to talk over in a
normal tone of voice when tracking and nearly silent when slewing.
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Time tested software and hardware. There are more main
screen motor adjustments with this software than with any other
on the market.
-
No permanent modifications to the telescope mount itself.
Almost all of our systems are removable should you upgrade to a larger
mounting.
-
A small 17 amp hour gel cell battery is good for one night
of observing.
-
Resolution is at .225 arc seconds for this mount.
-
Laptop can be an old Pentium 90/133 and can be included
with your order.
-
Software is included and pre-configured.
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Telephone and e-mail support is available for free.
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Instructions for operating the software are included.
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This system is GoTo pointing accurate to within a fraction
of an arc minute.
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Start up time is less than 2 minutes.
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A one button grand tour mode is standard.
-
Unlimited database, custom made, DIY and large database
included free.
-
Easy 2 star alignment, one of the stars is Polaris, which
your mount should be aligned to anyway.
-
Custom made grand tour files are available for free and
can be sent to you via e-mail or floppy. Install time for these is 1 minute.
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Multiple mount error correction routines are standard.
-
Gearing backlash control is standard.
-
Laptop can have Guide installed,
a planetarium program that graphically displays the night sky. Access from
inside the scope software with one key.
-
Laptops and the circuitry can usually be powered from
the same battery. There is no need typically, for a power outlet.
-
LX-200 interface for control with other computer programs,
standard.
-
40 microsteps per full step of the motors. Typical number
of microsteps with the gearing is 5, 760,000.
-
Drift compensation standard (allows lunar tracking at
high power for CCD work)
-
Realtime display of coordinates.
-
Built in observing log is standard.
Should you find this kit
to be too difficult to install, you can send in the mount for us to install
it to. Postage to and from is your responsibility. There is an added fee
for our time to install it for you.
Please read the fine print located
on the bottom of the pricing page as well.
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