View Single Post
  #3  
Old 28-05-2007, 07:52 AM
MikeyB's Avatar
MikeyB (Michael)
Registered User

MikeyB is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 760
NexStar 114 slew limits

The Slew Limits are automatically set by the GoTo software so as to protect the telescope from accidentally contacting the mount while slewing to a target (see page 22 of the manual):

Slew Limits – Sets the limits in altitude that the telescope can slew without displaying a warning message. The slew limits prevent the telescope tube from slewing to an object below the horizon or slewing to an object that is high enough that the tube might hit one of the tripod legs. However, the slew limits can be customized depending on your needs. For example, if you would like to slew to an object that is close to the zenith and are certain that the tube will not hit the tripod legs, you can set the slew limits to 90º in altitude. This will allow the telescope to slew to any object above the horizon without warning.

Incidentally, Solar System Alignment is a single target system that is less than optimum for night time astronomical use. Sky Align or one of the Two Star alignment methods would be preferable for better accuracy.

I think that a galaxy such as NGC 936 is too ambitious as an early target for a 114mm reflector with the moon as prominent as it is at present. You'll probably find it easier to get started by selecting objects that are naked eye visible (eg. Sirius, Orion Nebula, Saturn, Jupiter), so that you can readily confirm that your alignment is OK. When your aligned GoTo settings are finding such visible objects correctly, you can then progress to slightly harder but easily verified objects (eg. the Jewel Box - NGC 4755 or Acrux - an easy multiple star). Once your GoTo's to these are working well, you can confidently start exploring fainter objects. However, don't expect too much of your scope until the moon wanes and we get some decently dark sky again, particularly if you're observing from an area exposed to city/suburban light pollution.

Hope this helps get you started, David!
Reply With Quote