Operation Guide
1. Balance Before Powering On
Always ensure that both the Right Ascension (RA) and Declination (DEC) axes are properly balanced before powering on the GT-1 mount. Failure to do so may result in motor damage.
2. Initial Configuration Setting via Skysensor
- Power on the mount and press Enter.
- Press Mode three times until the display shows Mode = XY, then press Enter again.
- Press #1 Setup, then press Enter.
- Select #1 Default Values and press Enter.
- Select setup categories Telescope Config and press Enter
At this stage, you are in the Setup Categories.
3. Motor Setting
Motor Parameters
Option | Load Capacity | Suggested RA | Suggested DEC |
1 | Light weight capacity ( under 30 lb. ) | ㅤ | ㅤ |
2 | Medium capacity ( under 40 lb. ) | ㅤ | ㅤ |
3 | Heavy capacity ( 50 lb. and above ) | ✔ | ✔ |
Gear Setting
- Standard Model
ㅤ | RA | DEC |
Gear Ratio | 075 x 181 | 075 x 181 |
Suggested Backlash | 100 | 100 ~ 250 |
Autoguider Speed | +0.5 | +0.6 ~ +0.9 |
- Heavy-Duty Model
ㅤ | RA | DEC |
Gear Ratio | 144 x 180 | 096 x 180 |
Suggested Backlash | 50 ~ 100 | 80 ~ 250 |
Autoguider Speed | +0.5 | +0.6 ~ +0.9 |
4. Polar Alignment
For astrophotography, precise polar alignment is essential.
Setting | Recommended Value |
EL (Elevation) | Your local latitude |
AZ (Azimuth) | 000.0 |
5. Three-Point Star Alignment Procedure
- Point the telescope toward the western sky.
- Select one reference star via the Skysensor keypad.
- Press Goto and wait for slewing to stop.
- Manually center the star in the eyepiece (do not use the keypad). Please loosen the screw knobs of the two axis before pushing the mount
- Press Align for 2–3 seconds until you hear the confirmation tone (“Beep Beep”).
- Select the second reference star.
- Press Goto and wait for slewing to stop.
- Use the keypad to center the star.
- Press Align for 2–3 seconds to confirm.
- Repeat the same process for the third star.
During the three-point alignment, EL and AZ values in Polar Axis Direction may change slightly. This is normal.
Further Information
- Rob's How To http://www.robnsacha.com/howto.htm
- Paul Loughton's Skysensor review and notes http://www.laughton.com/paul/rfo/ss2000/ss2000.html