LX200GPS Question: What is the difference between Park Scope and Sleep Scope

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I have a 10" LX200R on a wedge atm and I'd really like not to have to do the polar alignment routine each time I start up (have you ever tried to look through a reticle without a star diagonal in place ). I tried the Park Scope option and when I turned the scope back on it tried to wind itself through it's Dec limit. I obviously did something wrong somewhere. But do I need to use Park Scope? Can I use Sleep Scope instead?

I want to be able to shut the scope down and then start up again, do a quick sync on a star and be off and running. Unfortunately the Manual is next to useless in describing how or when to best use each option. If I use Sleep scope and come back in say 12 hours and reactivate the scope, will it try to slew itself through the pier in an attempt to realign on it's previous location?

Any help would be great.

CS

[renormalised (Carl)]

I've got an LX90, but it's basically the same. The "sleep" function you use when you're still out observing, but you want to leave the scope for awhile without turning it off. It remembers the position it was last in, then when you want to power back up it just continues on where it left off. "Park" puts the telescope into the parking position then switches all the functions off. You have to turn your scope off then on again to get it backup and running. The last position is stored in memory, regardless of whether it's on or off. Works for scope in the same position as they were setup in, but if you move it, then you have to realign. Example: If you need to duck inside for something, put the scope into "sleep" mode, if you close down for the night put it in "park" mode.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Paul

But do I need to use Park Scope? Can I use Sleep Scope instead?

Sleep stops the motors and puts the scope into terrestrial mode, but it keeps track of time etc, so when you just waken it, it is still aligned
However, sleep is not recommended for long periods as stray noise on the power / comms has been known to awaken a scope
Even though there are software "slew limits", these only work for slews, the scope will happily "track" past them and grind into the stops
if left unattended
When you park, the scope is put into a known position and then effectively killed. You must reboot to awaken it, so its much safer

As to funny behaviour after awakening, thats not normal, so something has gone wrong
There is a known bug if you did a polar two star and ended up > 5' from the pole, but this normally affects RA not DEC.
My PEC editing App will let you look at yr "As Parked" data to determine if this may be part of yr problem.

I want to be able to shut the scope down and then start up again, do a quick sync on a star and be off and running.

Parking is the go

Andrew

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

I have a 10" LX200R on a wedge atm and I'd really like not to have to do the polar alignment routine each time I start up ...... But do I need to use Park Scope? .....

I want to be able to shut the scope down and then start up again, do a quick sync on a star and be off and running.....
Any help would be great.

CS

OK LX200R schools in 101 Essential Basics

(1) polar allign on sth pole (base controls point sth,forks level,(use spirit level)
scope with finder underneath point sth (perpendicular to forks). just "ENTER" when asked if Sigma Octanis is in viewfinder (you don't even have to look).
(2) GPS ON at startup (go to telescope settings)also pec RA =ON also edit your "SITE" with your local settings ie LONGITUDE & LATITUDE
(3) slew with hand controller somewhere East (GPS on Top) to whatever "Park" position you want
(4) go to telescope settings scroll through to "Park" settings use "Current Position"
(5) Your all done Simple
(6)To check slew somewhere else with hand controller
(7) go into utilities menu scroll to "Park" hit enter
(8) switch off when done

When next you turn on" and after the scope does its dance,
all you need is to "SYNC" on any known star and your away
TA DA

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

TA DA is right. Perfect, just what I was after.Thanks for the imput guys.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Sure Paul...and you wouldn't want to know. Outside is the best night we've had in ages and my back is playing up!!!!. Damn sky's as clear as crystal and it's dead still....cool and calm. Would've been a perfect night.

Hope you don't have anymore problems with the scope