Setting up GOTO system on Dobsonian

[bluesilver]

Hi, I have received my 10" SkyWatcher Dobsonian GOTO
I haven't done the star alignment or anything yet, just power it up to see if hand controller works and to test the motors for operation, nothing else.

So this is a very basic new owner / beginner question, done some research but haven't really found the answer unfortunately.

So setting up this GOTO system, this is how i understand it and please correct me if i have it wrong.
Set the telescope up so that it is facing true south, not magnetic south,
Level the base so that it is perfectly level, then level the telescope so that it is perfectly level horizontal,
( is last part needed for the Dobsonian, leveling the telescope itself so that it is laying dead flat horizontal)?
Then after setting time, gps location, setup for a two star alignment, Say Hadar for the first one and Antares for the second one.
Is this all correct so far?

The other question i was interested to find out about was,
Every time i take the telescope outside, ( only about 10 - 20 meters away) do i have to go through the same alignment procedure every time?
I was only just thinking that as even if i do put it back down in the same exact spot every time the telescope wouldn't be accurately setup as just a few mm would throw it out if i am correct?
Or am i just thinking into it too much.

Sorry for the long drag out questions that i am sure are very basic common knowledge, but any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[m11]

Hi bluesilver,

I have a skywatcher goto 14inch with the synscan handset and this is my routine. I am sure others will have a different one.

1) Colliminate the scope for the primary and secondary mirror/ensure finderscope or rdf is aligned.
2) Ensure the ground is level - others will level the tube horizontal as well.
3) Power on the scope
4) Enter the latitude/longitude/date/time/GMT settings
5) Begin alignment - 2 star alignment
6) Pick a star and use the motors to go to the 1st alignment star
7) Ensure the star is in the centre of the crosshair eyepiece
8) Pick the second alignment star but as far as away as possible to the direction of the first star and if possible around the same height.
9) The scope will slew to the second star by itself - you will need to do the final adjustments to get it into the eyepiece again.
10) Hit enter in which you should get an alignment sucessful
11) Test if the alignment is good by picking an object from the database - ie Messier (m) or NGC/Tour/Planets.

In testing the alignment I would pick something you have seen before - not an obscure object. Planets/Moon/Bright deep sky objects are always good.

You can use the Park scope function to preserve the alignment. To be honest I don't use it as my location my yard will change a fair bit. You will need to check collimination , I do anyway everytime and its always a bit out.

Hope this helps.

Give us a yell on how you go. :thumbsup:

m11

[bluesilver]

Hi, Thanks for reply, appreciated.
Sounds like the initial setup is pretty straight forward then, been waiting for a good night to actually get it out to do it.
But i take it i still need to have it setup so that the scope is pointing true south, not magnetic south, or is this not really required?

I can see what you mean by the Park Scope function, in that it remembers it's last spot, if i am understanding it correctly.
I was thinking that when i take it back inside then a day or so later take it back out again, even if i mark where i had it previously it would still be out?
Or just best to do the two star alignment every time i take it out?

Sorry if that all sounds a little confusing.
Appreciate any information.
Thanks.

[Malcolm]

The park function is more for an EQ mount, it's not needed for a dob. You don't need to align the tube, put it down, level it, power up etc. and good to go. A good mod is to fit adjustable feet to the base and use a digital inclinometer for leveling. You will have to fit three hardwood blocks to the base to accept the leg threads. I've found that if its perfectly level it tracks better. I've even done a daytime alignment on a planet and found the tracking to be good all night on other objects. Another good mod is to get a 240v to 12v adapter on eBay and use bullet plugs to wire it so you can revert to a portable battery if there's no power available at the site. Centre of the plug is pos +.

[bluesilver]

Thanks again for the reply, appreciated.
So there is no need to point the telescope south or true south?
That makes things easier if that is the case.

Yes, i have been building a portable mounting platform on wheels with breaks and also a adjustable legs.
Been cloudy here every day apart from last night where i got it outside and manually viewed the Moon eclipse, got to see Saturn and Jupiter, have to say very impressed.

[m11]

Hi blue,

Yep , just follow the handset prompts. If you get yiurself to a strange menu, hit esc and then use the arrow keys to select again.

I have never pointed scope in any particular direction to align.

Give me a yell next time you do it. Happy to help out.:thumbsup:

I generally always align each time.

Regards,

M11

[bluesilver]

Thanks again for the replies and advice, greatly appreciated.
Will try it out next time we get good clear skies here
Sounds like I am just reading into it way too much.
Appreciate all the advice.
Thanks
Peter

[m11]

All good Peter.

Pm me if you have any questions. :thumbsup:

M11

[gaseous]

There's a handy app (for Android at least) called SynscanInit 2.0 - basically gives you all the setup info (coordinates, timezone, dalylight saving, etc), in the order you need to enter them. I find it's quite a useful tool.

[Allan_L]

+ 1 for SynscanInit Free and absolute must have for setup :thumbsup:
I point it north at startup, in my opinion, anything that may help is worth trying.

And as for doing the alignment every time, YES, you do have to.
Even if you just accidentally pull the power plug out (its too darn easy to do :( ) you have to do a FULL start up and alignment again.
This can be very frustrating. So I put some tape over the plug to hold it fast.

My alignment procedure (as advised) is to pick the second star at about 90 degrees from the first, with about a 15degree difference in altitude.
Try to avoid anything near Zenith.

Good viewing, you have a great telescope there!

[TwistedRider]

Thanks for that! :thumbsup:

Nifty little tool

[bluesilver]

Sounds like a good app to have.
Might have to look at that as well.
Still learning the Zones or star names, including Zenith, i am sure i will get going when the skies clear up.
Appreciated.

[madwayne]

Be careful when entering the date. It is in US format mm/dd/yy particularly important in the first 12 days of the month. Last thing you want your mount thinking it is the 8th January when you're looking for 1st August.

For my 12" I don't get too hung up on level. Set it up on the base pointing near North as Allan suggested. Two star align and it is good to go. My eyepiece of choice, 16mm Nagler, gives me a field a bit under one degree and I generally get my objects in that field. I don't even get too hung up on collimation. The 12" solid tube holds collimation really well and I only check it every now and again unless I've driven away from home then definitely check it.

The main thing is to get it out there and give it a go.

Clear skies.

Wayne

[bluesilver]

Hi again,
Finally got to get outside last night to give it a go at setting it up.
Didn't quiet go as well as i was hoping it to.
It is due to myself still being new to the stars i am guessing.
I ended up using the SynscanInit 2.0 program just to make sure i was entering everything in correctly the first time through.
Then first off i though i would do the two star alignment,
I ended up choosing Hadar as the first star being a pointer to the Southerncross, at least i think it was Hadar, then went to choose Antares as the second star.
Scope slew around as i was told, but ended up settling on something that wasn't there, no where even remotely close to Antares, I got thinking that what i thought was Antares was completely something else ( myself being new to the stars)
So, i turned it all off, set it up again and this time thought i would just chose brightest star alignment.
This time i went with Alpha Centauri as it came up first, I hope i am correct in saying it is the first of the Southercross pointers?
Alpha Centauri ( Rigil Kent) then Hadar?
So i chose Alpha Centauri, set it in the centre of the eyepiece and then it came up with a second star to go to, not sure what it was called now, but just pressed enter and let it go.
When it finished, it wasn't lined up with any stars, but out of interest i pressed enter to confirm everything, then told it to go to Mars just to see what happens.
When it finished going to Mars, i found the same thing, not even remotely close to it, way off.
Just wondering what i am doing wrong here,
I am guessing my initial first star alignment is incorrect, but i am 90% sure i am working off Southercross.
Sorry for the long post, But interested to here any thoughts on what i might be doing incorrect.
I wouldn't be able to get out to the stars for a week or so due to work though.
Thanks.

[Allan_L]

Hi Peter,
Yeah, its important to get the first star name right.
Perhaps you need to get a Southern Hemisphere Planisphere
(mine is like this image).
Or the star map pages of the Ice in Space calendar, or check online like Stellarium (free)

I usually do 2 star alignment, found it easier and more accurate.
Every thing else sounds like you are doing it right.
Did you check the clutches were tightened? Mine used to slip sometimes, especially in the cold!

Good luck with it.

I'd love to come down and help, if you want to go halves in the airfare? :D

[bluesilver]

Yes, i have been playing around with the Southern Hemisphere Planisphere
I could possibly be using it incorrect funny enough.
Just had another look at mine.
I take it that you are suppose to be holding it up above your head while you are looking at the stars, not holding it in your hands then looking up ( sorry about that basic question )
Dose it really matter if the Dobsonian is pointing North or South when the unit is turned on? as i am thinking it would just be using your initial coordinates that you put in to start with then use that against the first star, ( sorry i know that has been cover before, just thought i would ask)

I am sure it is something very simple, I am just going to have to learn more about the stars first i am thinking.
Thanks.

[gaseous]

I'd suggest outlaying a little more cash and getting Skysafari - you won't have any more "at least I think it was Hadar" moments! Also, depending on when you were setting up, Antares may have been close to zenith, and in my experience dobs don't align or track all that well choosing stars close to zenith.
Having the tube level when you turn on shouldn't matter, but make sure the base is level, and then the two star alignment should be easy. I chose brightest star last week for something different and it gave me the runaround, so I'll be avoiding that one.

[m11]

Hi Peter,

Sorry to hear it didnt work as intended with the goto.

I would use a star program/app like stellarium and confirm you know both alignment stars. Alpha Centauri will look like two yellow stars in an alignment eyepiece. The second star you choose i recommend you know what it is and looks like.

The second slew is usually a bit off and its sometimes hard to work which star is which. Usually you pick the brightest stars in the sky to align against.

Maybe have a telrad/rdf to assist , so you know with the naked eye what the scope is pointed to assist.

Hope it goes well :thumbsup:

M11

[Malcolm]

Important that you set the lat and long correctly. Also set the date as month first, then day and year. Time for you is +10 and no daylight saving. Level the base, I have modded mine with adjustable feet from Bunnings and a small spirit level is good enough. A GOTO base must be level to find the objects reasonably accurately. +1 for SkySafari, drop me a line if you have an Android. :-)

[bluesilver]

Thanks heaps for the replies.
i will have to give it another go when i can get back out,
I have heard a bit about the SkySafari, seen it on apps store also.
I have had a few times when the Dobsonian did about 1 and 1/2 turns before stopping at a star, was a bit strange.
Looks like all the data inputs are correct, so it is just me.
Might have to look at getting SkySafari.
All practice i guess, a good learning curve though.

[bluesilver]

Sorry again for this basic question,
I was just re reading over all this and see that a comment was made about Zenith.
( Antares may have been close to zenith, and in my experience dobs don't align or track all that well choosing stars close to zenith )
Sorry for the basic questions, but what actually is Zenith or what is meant by Zenith?
I have looked it up, but still not sure what is meant by it.
This could be part of my problems, only a small part, the most is myself still learning sorry.

[TwistedRider]

I think when I do my DOB, I use alpha Centauri and Arcturus(sp?)

Only mildly off centre on the 2nd slew.

[Allan_L]

Zenith is a term that means directly overhead, that is, Altitude 90 degrees.
This means your DOB would be pointing straight up.
Not good for alignment.

[Allan_L]

Rules from Skywatcher :

Rules for choosing alignment stars:
• It is recommended that the altitude (angle of elevation above a theoretical flat horizon) of the two alignment stars are between 15 and 60 degrees and the difference in altitude between them is between 10 and 30 degrees.
• The azimuth (Compass direction) difference between the two alignment stars can be between 45 and 135 degrees, BUT it is best to be close to 90 degrees.

[bluesilver]

Thanks for the reply,
That makes sense now that it is said that way.
My biggest issue is my stars are not the stars that i think they are.
Will have to have a look at getting one of those apps,
Have heard good things about SkySafari 5 or 6
For those that are using Skysafari 5 or 6, is there much difference between the plus and pro versions?
From what i can see, you should be able to basically hold the phone up to the sky and it will show you what stars are there, as in names.
Do both versions do this?
Thanks.

[gaseous]

I've got the 5 plus version, and it does more than enough for the casual observer - it's got everything you'd need (including showing the zenith!) You can create your own observing lists, and if you decide to get a wifi adapter you can use skysafari to control your scope, so you can run through your observing list and pick goto from there. Not sure what other stuff the 6/pro offers, but I can't imagine it's anything too essential.

[MPS]

Hi Peter
I am also very new to stargazing. I also have the SkyWatcher 10' goto dob. I do use the app stellarium which ive found to be vital. Ive also found with the dob that you need to have it pretty much perfectly flat.....to help with this i purchased a concrete square 60cm x 60cm and placed it perfectly level on the area i view from. This solved all goto accuracy issues. And finally i also use the wifi module for the goto. It syncs to my phone withbthe synscan app. I have found this to be very very accurate and easy to use. Very easy look and press icons for noobs like myself. It also automatically detects location and altitude etc. Ive had my dob for only 2 months now ans seriously cannot fault it. And i do collimate it every time before use as it seems to go out a bit.
Cheers

[bluesilver]

Hi Mathew,
I got myself the SkyScan app and looks to be pretty easy to use and help with my star alignment errors.
Only thing is that now i haven't been able to get outside to actually use the Dob for a few weeks due to either cloud cover or work,
Hoping this week will be better.
I have got a good level setup all ready to go and was looking to actually give the auto tracking a go as well when the weather clears up.
Cheers.

[bluesilver]

Hi again, sorry for bringing this post back up again, Apologizes.
Go my Dobsonian out again tonight, being a good clear night apart from the near full moon.
I tried to to the two star alignment again, but failed miserably, something i am doing must obviously be wrong or is it possible that i have a faulty unit?
Got everything spot on this time round, base is perfectly flat and level, have Synscanlnit 2.1 to tell me the correct details to enter into the GOTO hand held unit and SkySafari 5 Plus to tell me what stars are what.
So i set the Dobsonian up so it was facing North and the tube flat so it was reading 0 on the side scale.
Entered the details exactly as it was on Synscanlnit 2.1
Then selected a two star alignment, I went with Fomalhaut as the first and and Altair as the second, as they were up at about the same height in the sky and roughly close to 90 degrees apart.
Lined up the first star and centred it, then scope slew around for the second star, it got the height about right but was about almost 120 degrees off.
So i decided to turn it all off and start of with the scope facing South this time, same thing except this time is ended up about 90 - 120 degrees off.

Not sure what is going on now as the stars are correct, should i be doing a factory reset? or is it possible that there might be a faulty unit?
I am guessing it is just me, but a little stumped right now,
I can tell you what the coordinates i am putting in right at the start from Synscanlnit 2.1 if that might help at all?

Just a little frustrating at the moment, everything is setup spot on level wise at least.

[gaseous]

List your coordinates Peter and we'll see what can be done. It's either a faulty unit, or a simple to fix input error (hopefully).

[bluesilver]

Thanks for the reply,
Here is exactly what i put in yesterday
Set Longitude, E 146° 23'
Set Latitude, S 41° 15'
Set Time, + 10:00
Set Elevation, + 0032 m (also used 0000 m but made no difference)
Date, 08/24/2018
Enter time, 19:45
Daylight Saving NO

It all looks correct to me, but hopefully someone can find an error i have made.
Not sure if selecting a factory reset will fix anything? or the other option is a faulty unit possibly?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[Allan_L]

Sounds to me like your setup was perfect.
I cannot think of any reason it could be that far out, providing you aligned on the first alignment star correctly. So if you are sure you pointed to Fomalhaut, it sounds like a faulty unit.

So to confirm, you move the scope to Fomalhaut, which is roughly ESE (114* at 19:45).
And select Altair as second.
And it slews to where?
It should move about 63* anti-clockwise (to NE 51*)

You said it was about 120* out. So did it move 180* anti-clockwise, or 60* the wrong way (clockwise).

Looking at your sky for last night (using Stellarium), there are a couple of stars that you may have mistaken for Fomalhaut. (like Arcturus or even Canopus) that may have given you that sort of result.

Just saying....!

otherwise the unit must be crook. :shrug:

[bluesilver]

Hi, Thanks again for the reply, appreciated.
Yes, pretty sure i was 100% spot on for the stars, It was near close to a full moon so most of the stars wasn't as bright here which made selecting them a tad easier to compared to no moon.

I am pretty sure it was in that location, i can't say for 100% sure on the exact location though.
It then did as you mentioned, went anti clockwise, and went right past the star Altair and ended up roughly a few degrees before Jupiter, a bit rough i know, but this is roughly where it ended up.

I have had other nights when the unit has slewed over 360 degrees, the worst being once it went about 450 degrees.

I could try it again tonight if it is clear enough, using the same stars and see if i can get more accurate details on how far it slewed?

It is odd that it ended up in two different positions, one position when i set it up facing North and and other location when it was setup facing South.

Thanks again, it is appreciated.
Peter.

[gaseous]

As Allan said, your setup sounds spot on. A dob will occasionally slew almost a full circle rather than a handful of degrees, but I think this is an inbuilt function to avoid wrapping your scope in power cables.


The fact that you said it once slewed 450° suggests to me that there is something a bit fishy with the unit itself. If you're certain the input data is correct and the stars are correct, then something is very amiss.

[bluesilver]

Yes, it does seam a tad strange to me, but thought best to ask all the questions first being still new to it all.
I go the unit from Andrews, so nothing odd there, haven't called or talked to them yet about it, was trying to find out of i have got something setup wrong first as i am sure a warranty or something on this unit will be a pain if it is faulty and very time consuming process.

I might go through it all again tonight if it is fine and see if i can write down exactly where i start and where the scope slews to, using the same stars.
Will do it setup for both North ans South, hopefully this will help narrowing down if it is the unit or just myself.

[gaseous]

Maybe before you do the alignment, just use the direction arrows to see if it's actually slewing/stopping in accordance with your manual button input.

[bluesilver]

I am not quiet sure what you mean by that?
Are you saying, just turn the unit on, don't do anything, then just see if the unit moves by using the directional arrow keys, up / down. left / right ?
If so, it does, this is how i have been using it most nights.

[Allan_L]

When you have it on fast slew rate,
does pushing the up button lift the scope.
Does left button slew it anti clockwise.?

Also, after doing an initial alignment, do a goto the first named star (Fomalhaut from what you said) and see if it returns to the eyepiece.

Then try the other.

looking more like "This R2 unit has a bad motivator" .
sorry to say.

[bluesilver]

Hi, yes, on rate 9, the fastest slew rate, up makes the scope go up, down makes it go down, left makes it go left and right makes it go right, so everything goes in the right direction it is suppose to go.

I didn't try to see if it goes back to the first star after the alignment, i will also check that out next time as well.

So it could actually be the SynScan hand controller unit that is faulty, not so much the two motor drivers?.
It is version 04.37.03 I haven't downloaded any software or firmware or the like to it,
I am thinking it should of been already to go when it was delivered,
( no software / firmware to be downloaded) is this an area also to look at,
Am i correct in saying i shouldn't have to load anything into it?
Just thinking if there is anything else that i have missed.

[bluesilver]

Hi again, so i have just been out trying a few things tonight, sadly to say the same results, and never the same twice.
So here is what i got, using the same two stars to keep things the same.

Setup facing North, tube level on 0 time is 7pm
Chose Fomalhaut as the first star and coordinates were
112° 25.1 E + 19°48.3
Second star Altair, coordinates were 48 NE + 27
Slew went off anti clockwise, past Altair and final resting spot was about 297 NW, so roughly around 111 degrees off.
I then as suggested, selected it to view Fomalhaut, ended up going roughly 15 degrees right of it, although the height was about right.
Tried all this again, this time when it came to rest instead of selecting ok, i slew it back to where Altair was and oked it, Still was way off when i selected it to view Fomalhaut.

This time setup facing South, results were slightly better with the end slew being around 78 degrees right of Altair.
Tried both of these a few time tonight and the results varied greatly where it stopped ( second star) worst being almost as far around as the southern cross.

I hope these figures and write up makes a little sense.

So all up dose this kind of point to the SynScan hand held unit being faulty?
Not sure what else to do or test now, any thought or inputs are appreciated, really at a loss now.
Thanks.
Peter.

[Allan_L]

surely, there is someone near you who will lend you their Synscan hand controller?

Just to test if it is that.

or maybe something is wrong with the sensors.

Probably time to ring Andrews. :shrug:

[bluesilver]

Yes, there is someone on here that has offered to lend me a hand controller just to see if that is the issue, have to it is very much appreciated and very generous.
Appreciate all the help and information on here also, I have been asking a lot of questions and appreciate the patience everyone has had with me.
Will also get in contact with Andrews to see what they say.
Very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Peter.

[Allan_L]

No Worries.
You are the patient one.
I'd be spitting chips before this.

I am now thinking it is more likely to be a faulty encoder in the azimuth.
I am sure Andrews will do the right thing by you.
You have tried everything possible.
Time for a replacement mount. IMHO.

[Allan_L]

Maybe try to check the integrity of the encoders.

Centre an object.
Note the RA Dec from the hand controller.



Rotate the mount through 360* then check that the RA Dec reading is the same.

You may also move it back and forth to try to induce any encoder slippage error and return to the original object to check the displayed RA Dec are the same.


does this make sense.
I am making it up as I go here. :)

[bluesilver]

Yes, makes perfect sense to me, will give that a try also.
Been in contact with Andrews and emailed the exact issue and details as i have done here,
They tell me that have pass the message on to their technical service manager at Tasco (Their Skywatcher supplier) and I will probably hear from him soon.
They will also call him then just to make sure he has received the email.

So a bit of luck i should have some answers pretty soon.
Just a pain being so far away from the dealer, can't really just drop it of and say it doesn't work.
A replacement mount would be nice, and then just send this one back.

[Allan_L]

Good one Peter. :thumbsup:
Good luck with that for a speedy resolution.
I feel your pain.
Wish I could help more.

[gaseous]

Good luck - my dealings with Skywatcher have been glacially slow. I'm sure Bintel will hold a little more clout.

[bluesilver]

Cheers, it wasn't purchased through Bintel though, Andrews.

Still no answer from their technical service manager at Tasco (Their Skywatcher supplier)
Will give them until tomorrow and if no response, might start putting a bit more pressure on them ( Andrews ) Slow service for a costly unit .

[gaseous]

Andrews have always been pretty good in my experience, so you should be OK if they can get Tasco to pick up the phone.

[bluesilver]

Yes, decided to call them anyway, conveniently they have aid they have just received information from Tasco.
So things are happening now, will see what they find.
Long story sort, they wanted the whole base and handset, but just starting with the handset for now,
Freighting the base that size/weight that distance adds up.

[gaseous]

If it's under warranty and found to be faulty I reckon they should be paying the freight. That's BS.

[bluesilver]

I guess that is the catch, if it is found to be faulty.
Until they test everything they will not know.
If the controller is ok and then freight the base and it also turns out ok, i end up with the freight cost.
Will wait until i hear what they say on the handset first.
The base basically only has the motors in it, i think i will be testing them myself first before it gets that far.

[xelasnave]

What do you mean "set up facing South"???
I hope you dont face the N on your mount facing North...
The N sould be an S and you mount faces South...I expect you must know that but I just had vissions of the mount pointing North☺
Alex

[Allan_L]

Relax
Its not an EQ mount.
Its a DOB Alex.
Facing the OTA to the North is correct start-up procedure.
But there is no "North" printed on the Mount.

I had one of these for over three years.

[xelasnave]

Hi Allan
Thanks for putting me straight.
I had not read the thread other than the last post.
And as I did not have much time thought at the risk of embarrassing myself I would say something...
So we still have problems...but at least we have shown we care and that is always nice.
I hope you are well.
Alex

[xelasnave]

Wow how dumb can you get Alex read the title mate...you should have thought of that earlier...why am I talking to you anyways...cause I am the only one who will listen... shut up..no you shut up...thats it I am not talking to you anymore...get some sleep.
Alex

[m11]

Hey Alex,

I do that all the time. Wife always remind me of silly things I do to make me feel better as well. :rofl:

M11

[AndyG]

Alex... you crack me up Dude...

[bluesilver]

Just thought i would update on what the outcome of the whole issues are so far.
So far nothing, rand then up today just to see what was happening, said it was raining all weekend, so have done nothing yet, pretty poor in my opinion, but as i am thinking they had all week.
So i suggested they just hold onto mine and send out another hand held unit.
They have agreed to this as i have pointed out that they are closing for two weeks in two weeks time.
So new hand held unit is being posted out tomorrow.
Bit of luck that will solve the issues, if not, they want the whole complete base back.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

At last, I'm registered!
Peter, now I think I can help you with your problem (fingers crossed!!!).
Your GO-TO problems sound exactly the same as I had with my Skywatcher 12" Dob for 3 months of trying to connect and align without success. Sometimes the scope would slew all over the place and then just freeze, most times it wouldn't connect at all.
I too thought it could be the hand unit, but I bought the Wi-Fi adapter and it too would not connect.
Tasco had the base unit collected and sent back to Sydney for their main service manager Adriano Massatani to inspect.
He could find no faults at all, BUT he reckons the problem is with the AZ Power Cable, It MUST be pushed in both ends really firmly until it clicks and locks into the sockets.
I found I was pushing the AZ cable in until it hit the stops thinking it was properly inserted, but it isn't until you push harder and then it clicks in.
As soon as I did this it worked faultlessly!
So, when you connect your AZ power cable you must make sure it clicks and locks into place, or it simply won't work.
Let me know how you get on.
Cheers, Geoff.

[bluesilver]

Thanks for the reply and information
Everything is worth while taking a look at.
I can't be 100% sure now if they were fully clicked in.
I sent the cables away with the hand controller, so will have to wait until they all come back, hoping this week.
A bit of luck that might be the issue.
Appreciate the information, every bit helps
Thanks.
Peter.

[bluesilver]

Hi again, Well looks like things are not going to well for me in regards of this telescope.
Replacement handset didn't solve the issue.
Did some more testing and this is what i came back with:

So set up the hand set as follows:

Using the app called Synscanlnit 2.1

Set Longitude, E 146° 23'
Set Latitude, S 41Set Longitude, E 146° 23'
Set Latitude, S 41° 15'
Set Time, + 10:00
Set Elevation, + 0032 m (also used 0000 m but made no difference)
Date, 08/24/2018
Enter time, 19:45
Daylight Saving NO 15'
Set Time, + 10:00
Set Elevation, + 0032 m
Date, 09/10/2018
Enter time, 19:45
Daylight Saving NO

I set the scope up facing North, Level so that it was reading Zero on the side scale, ( time was around 7:46 PM )

Selected Hadar as the first star in the 2 star alignment setup

Coordinates for Hadar were 220° 22.0' + 43° 58.5

Selected Fomalhaunt as the second star.

Using an app called SkySafari 5 it showed Fomalhaunt at around E 100 ( very rough measurement )

The scope slewed right past it and unded up close to 100 degrees West of it, ( Roughly ended up at N 345 )

I did another test while also, turned everything off, ( scope still facing North and Level, reading Zero )

Went through start up process, but selected no at star alignment, then selected show position.

Using handset, moved scope to Hadar and the reading was:

Dec = -10° 25'28

RA = 21h51m20.85

Next, setup scope facing south, same setup in choosing Hadar as the first star and then Fomalhaunt as the second star.

Same thing happened, but this time the scope ended up at N335, so around 10 degrees less than the first time, but roughly in the same position.

Did the same test as the North one in selecting show position.

This time when i slewed it around to Hadar it read:

DEC = -05° 03'21

RA = 16h 45m38.0s

I am hoping some of this information might be of some help as i am now at a total loss as to what is going on and what could be the issue.

A bit of a concern as it is slewing no where even remotely close on the two star alignment.

Not really sure what to make of those numbers, but Andrews have said that i need to send the base back.
I am hoping i can find some way of testing to see what is going on first as with the warranty claim, it states that i have to pay for the freight of the base over there:

Freight and Handling
You (the customer) will be responsible for costs incurred in returning the faulty item to Tasco for assessment. You can choose any shipping method when returning an item to Tasco (courier, reg post etc). In turn, Tasco will cover all costs in returning the repaired/replaced item back to you (using StarTrack Express courier or registered post).

Explanation of our Warranty Terms
In the event of a warranty claim for a faulty item, Tasco can opt to: 1. repair the item, 2. offer a replacement item, 3. issue a store credit against future purchases, 4. issue a refund. In most cases, Tasco will attempt to resolve the warranty claim by taking the above steps in the order they are shown.

Getting to be a real headache now.
Cheers.
Peter.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Hi Peter,
Oh dear how frustrating! Just to be clear, you are absolutely sure you have the AZ Motor cable locked into its sockets until it clicks home and won't pull out?
Cheers, Geoff.

[bluesilver]

Yes,. Checked them multiple times, Andrews now are not interested in sending me a replacement base while I send mine back,. Basically been dropped by them as they are heading into a 2 week break Friday.
Disappointed on their behalf and slow actions.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

I see you mentioned Skysafari in your post, are you using it to guide the scope?
I'm sure I read on other forums that it doesn't work with certain Synscan apps, but I cant remember which exactly.

[bluesilver]

Hi, i am only using Skysafari to find the correct stars to align with as i am still learning what stars are what.
I figured if i used this program it would take out any errors on my behalf on selecting the incorrect stars.
Also using Synscanlnit 2.1 to make sure i am entering all the details in correctly also.
I have to wait until Friday now until the tech support is back at work at Tasco to find out exactly what they want me to send back, but looking like it will be at least over $100 in freight costs unfortunately for something that didn't work from new.
Just a learning curve i guess, but they have lost me as a customer for sure.

[Allan_L]

surely they must reimburse you the cost of freight if it is proved that the equipment was faulty as delivered.

[bluesilver]

Hi, That was the question i asked them and also the reason i will now no longer deal with them after this gets sorted.
Even when i told them that i my case i have received a faulty item from new,
Their reply to that was:
Warranty returns for Skywatcher products are handled by Tasco Sales Australia.

Therefore, the warranty conditions apply as they are detailed by Tasco on their website here: http://sales.tasco.net.au/warranty

With regards to your questions about the warranty conditions, Tasco addresses these questions as follows:

Explanation of our Warranty Terms
In the event of a warranty claim for a faulty item, Tasco can opt to: 1. repair the item, 2. offer a replacement item, 3. issue a store credit against future purchases, 4. issue a refund. In most cases, Tasco will attempt to resolve the warranty claim by taking the above steps in the order they are shown.

Freight and Handling
You (the customer) will be responsible for costs incurred in returning the faulty item to Tasco for assessment. You can choose any shipping method when returning an item to Tasco (courier, reg post etc). In turn, Tasco will cover all costs in returning the repaired/replaced item back to you (using StarTrack Express courier or registered post).

[GeoffreyBarnes]

No, that can't be right, Tasco collected and returned my Dob base unit by courier free of charge. Do you think it's just because you're in Tassie?

[bluesilver]

Could quiet possibly be the case, being so far away kind of makes it easier for them i guess.
It is not like the unit broke after it had been used for a while, it just didn't work from new.
I think they are just playing the legal system, best way there is to loose a customer.
Will wait until i here from them Friday, as apparently this person is only there Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Not much else i can do except warn others i guess in dealing with Andrews.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Yes, Tasco chief technical manager is Adriano Massatani, an Italian gentleman. I spoke with him a couple of times on the phone, he was very pleasant and helpful to me. He goes home at noon on a Friday, seems really busy, must have lots of Go-To units to check for faults I reckon!

[m11]

Sorry to hear you are still having issues.

Thinking of options, is there anyone close by who is willing to help you out and do some testing on the base with you? It might save you the cost and hassle of transporting.

Dealing with the vendor is another issue that I am sad to hear of your warranty issues. :sadeyes:

All the best buddy.

M11

[bluesilver]

Looks like it is all sorted out now, a few choice phone calls and a few messages, Tasco are arranging for it to be picked up.
Bit of luck when it returns all will be good.
Have to say a big thanks to everyone for putting up with me and all the questions.
Appreciated.
Peter.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Great news Peter and just as it should be too! Good luck!

[Allan_L]

Good News!
Shame it took so long.
Good on you for persisting.
Hope it is all favourably resolved quickly for you now.
Hope to hear from you when you get it sorted.
At least now you are well practised in the art of SynScan Alignment.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Hi Peter,
It's been two weeks now, surely you've heard something from Tasco by now? Any news?

[glend]

Andrews is a discounter, consider how their business model works, they are a small shop and much of what they sell is held (probably) in a bonded warehouse (GSO, etc where they directly import), or by TASCO directly (in the case of Skywatcher products) perhaps in their bonded warehouse. So Andrews would not have access to a replacement base without requesting a unit from TASCO - in which case they (Andrews) then have to pay for it (without an order so its a cost on them for the entire scope assembly, import charges, etc).

Once Andrews sells a TASCO sourced product, if a warranty claim is made, then TASCO's process is invoked.

[bluesilver]

Hi, i haven't heard any news yet from Tasco,
It took about a week to get the freight organised and picked up, a little miss communication from Taco on how the freight setup was suppose t work, but that is fine and it arrived there on the 25th.
Talking to the guy at Tasco, he said it would most likely be around 2 - 3 weeks,
So i was just going to hold off calling them until probably Monday next week just to see how things are traveling.

But yes, Andrews kind of have said, but not in the exact words, it is up to me to get it fixed even if it is faulty from brand new and kind of don't want anything to do with it after they have sold it to me.
After a few emails to Andrews, they did have a return order for it from Tasco where Tasco pays the freight, ( same one Tasco sent me ) but Andrews wanted me to pay the freight back to them.
Might be harsh on me saying that, but definitely lost me as a customer.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Hi Peter
Well It's been over a month since they received your scope, have you still no news???

[bluesilver]

Hi again,
Good news now, Been in contact with Tasco last week to see how things are traveling as it has been over a month,
Apparently the person doing the work was away for a few weeks.
But Telescope base arrived back here today just out of the blue, surprisingly a week after the phone call.
So what they have found is that the motor unit on the base was faulty, pretty much what everyone here was guessing.
So they have replace the entire base, motor unit.
Now just have to wait until the weekend to try it out to see how things look as i am on a night shift roster this week.

looking forward to getting it back out again and getting it working.
Appreciate all the information and patience everyone has had with all the questions along the way.
It is appreciated.
Peter.

[Allan_L]

Good news Peter!
Disappointing that it has taken so long.
Hope all goes well from here.
At least you will be well trained in best setup procedures by now!

[bluesilver]

Good news now,
Finally got a nice clear night last night to set everything up and see how it went.
Everything work out just as it was suppose to, selected the first star, then picked the second star to align to and it went pretty close to spot on.
Just for a quick test i then got it to go and find a few planets, Saturn and Mars, it slew around found them also, not far from spot on.
Have to say i am extremely happy now it is up and running.
A bit of fine tuning and i should be well on my way.

Once again, i have to say thanks to everyone for the help and support, appreciated.
Thanks.
Peter.

[GeoffreyBarnes]

Thrilled for you Peter! Wishing you many more nights of trouble free viewing!

[gaseous]

Good news at last! You'll be unstoppable now.

[m11]

Hey Peter,

I am so glad to hear things worked out. :thumbsup:

Happy viewing buddy!