Copyright   2002 2004 by Rene Gorlich 

Table of Contents 

1

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 

General Description......................................................................................... 1 

1.2 

Features ........................................................................................................... 2 

1.2.1 

Physical Features..................................................................................... 2 

1.2.2 

Operational Features ............................................................................... 2 

1.2.3 

Changes In Latest Version ...................................................................... 4 

2

Getting Started .......................................................................................................... 6

2.1 

Quick Start Guide............................................................................................ 6 

2.2 

Installation....................................................................................................... 7 

2.2.1 

Motor Installation.................................................................................... 7 

2.2.2 

Cable Installation..................................................................................... 7 

2.2.3 

Encoders .................................................................................................. 7 

2.2.4 

Power Requirements ............................................................................... 8 

2.3 

Hand Controller Overview .............................................................................. 8 

2.3.1 

Controls ................................................................................................... 9 

2.3.2 

Menu Structure/Navigation ................................................................... 10 

2.3.3 

QuickMenu............................................................................................ 10 

2.3.4 

Moving the Mount Manually ................................................................ 10 

2.4 

Basics of Operation ....................................................................................... 12 

2.4.1 

Setting Up for Observing ...................................................................... 12 

2.4.2 

Power On and Setup.............................................................................. 13 

2.4.3 

Refining the Mount s Alignment Model ............................................... 16 

2.4.4 

Normal Operation.................................................................................. 19 

2.5 

Next Steps ..................................................................................................... 20 

3

Important Concepts about Your Mount ............................................................... 21

3.1 

Astronomical Coordinates............................................................................. 21 

3.1.1 

Right Ascension and Declination.......................................................... 21 

3.1.2 

Precession.............................................................................................. 22 

3.2 

How the Sky Moves ...................................................................................... 22 

3.3 

Tracking ........................................................................................................ 23 

3.3.1 

Rates ...................................................................................................... 23 

3.3.2 

Meridian Flip......................................................................................... 27 

3.3.3 

RA Limits.............................................................................................. 28 

3.4 

Polar Alignment ............................................................................................ 28 

3.4.1 

Definition .............................................................................................. 28 

3.4.2 

Techniques ............................................................................................ 29 

3.4.3 

Accuracy Required................................................................................ 31 

3.5 

Mount Modeling............................................................................................ 31 

3.5.1 

Definition .............................................................................................. 31 

3.5.2 

System Startup Modes........................................................................... 32 

3.5.3 

Modeling Parameters............................................................................. 33 

4

Considerations for Imaging.................................................................................... 34

4.1 

Accuracy of Polar Alignment........................................................................ 34 

4.2 

Guiding.......................................................................................................... 34 

Gemini Users Manual 

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