Quote:
Originally Posted by Marke
Thanks Gary I hope the weather holds but in the mean time I have to get my head around using the Argo. Got it pointing well last night till I turned it off and on then couldn't work out the star align again....back to the manual
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Hi Mark,
On the Dob, use a SETUP MOUNT setting of ALT/AZ DOBSONIAN.
To check the SETUP ALT STEPS sign, point the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
to the vertical and DIAL up MODE FIX ALT REF, ALT REF=+90, AUTO ADJUST
OFF and then press ENTER. Now DIAL up MODE ENCODER. The right-hand
displayed value should be close to +90 degrees. Now push the OTA
downward in Altitude toward the horizon. The right-hand displayed value
should decrease, +89, +88, ... +3, +2, +1, 0 as you go from the zenith
toward the horizon. If not, reverse the SETUP ALT STEPS sign and repeat
the test.
To check the SETUP AZ STEPS sign, rotate the scope in Az clockwise
whilst observing the left-hand displayed value in MODE ENCODER.
The Az angle should increase. If it does not, reverse the SETUP AZ STEPS sign.
As mentioned in the User Manual, irrespective of which way the
arrows point in GUIDE mode, always push the scope in a direction
that makes the GUIDE angles closer to zero. One can later change the
convention of which way the arrows point using SETUP GUIDE as a
matter of personal preference for your particular installation.
Once you have correctly established the encoder direction senses,
we also recommend you use AUTO ADJUST ON when you perform the FIX
ALT REF step. To set it up, DIAL up MODE SETUP, SETUP ALT REF and
enter a value of +090.000. Then when you perform the FIX ALT REF
STEP, DIAL up ALT REF=+090.000 AUTO ADJUST ON. Perform your two star
alignment as normal. The WARP factor should then be 0.00 (A) where
the (A) indicates the ALT REF point was automatically adjusted. If
you see a non-zero WARP factor when AUTO ADJUST is ON or an (X)
instead of an (A), it means something is amiss, such as a
misidentified star or cable not plugged in. Keep in mind that though
a WARP factor of 0.00 is a prerequisite for good pointing
performance, it does not necessarily guarantee good performance. The
reason is that the AUTO ADJUST mechanism bends over backwards to
correct the ALT REF point so as to produce a WARP factor of zero
wherever possible, even if you have misidentified the alignment
stars.
To align, in a nutshell, push the scope to the vertical stop. MODE FIX ALT REF, ALT REF=+90, AUTO ADJUST ON.
Press ENTER so the lower line shows WARP-ALT REF OK for a couple of seconds.
EXIT out of there and go into MODE ALIGN STAR. Dial up first star. Center. Press ENTER.
Dial up second star. Center. Press ENTER. You are aligned.
If you then go to MODE CATALOG you can access an object and GUIDE to it.
To access objects you use a combination of the dial and ENTER button.
Never hesitate to contact me if you need assistance.
Best Regards
Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au
