ASTRO-PHYSICS GTO User Manual (English)

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ASTRO-PHYSICS

GTO KEYPAD

Version v4.19.3

Flash RAM Updates

Keypad ash RAM updates can be accomplished through the Internet.

Check our web site www.astro-physics.com periodically for further information.

August 2018

Table of Contents2
About this Manual6
Gto Keypad Controller7
- Layout and Buttons of the Keypad7
- Keypad Protector9
  - Installation9
- Keypad Care and Warranty9
Getting Started - Do this at Home, if Possible10
- Setup Your Mount and Cable Connections10
- Gather Basic Information10
- Enter Your Location, Date and Time10
- Resetting Daylight Savings and Time in the Spring and Fall12
- Setting Keypad to GMT (Aka UTC)13
- Practice Using Your Keypad14
Your First Observing Session & for Portable Mounts15
- Normal Startup Sequence for Mounts that Are in the Field15
- Assemble Your Mount15
- Startup Sequence15
- Star Sync15
- Resume Last Position16
- New Setup → New Setup Start from Park Position (Press 1, 2, 3, or 4)16
- Helpful Hints16
Auto-Connect Sequence - for Permanent, Polar-Aligned Mounts17
- Important Points17
External Startup Sequence - for Computer Controlled Mounts18
- Important Points18
Polar Alignment - Which Method to Choose19
- N Polar Calibrate - Calibrating with Polaris19
- Two-Star Calibration20
- Polar Aligning in the Daytime - Northern Hemisphere23
- Polar Aligning in the Daytime - Southern Hemisphere25
- GTO Quick Star Drift Method of Polar Alignment27
- GTO Quick Star Drift Method of Polar Alignment Quick Reference Sheet30
- How to Find Objects if You Have Less than Perfect Polar Alignment or Non-Orthogonal Systems31
- What if I Lose My Calibration31
Objects Menu - Have some Fun32
- Tips for Using the Buttons and Menus32
- Procedures Common to All Slewing Commands32
- M, Ngc, IC33
- Common Object Names33
- Solar System Objects (Sol)33
- Common Star Names - Non-Scientific34
- Greek Star Names, Organized by Constellation34
- Abell Galaxy Clusters34
- ADS Double Stars (Aitken Double Star Catalog)34
- Search for Objects by Type, Magnitude, Catalog and All Sky Vs. Current Constellation35
- What's up Now Function35
- Tour Objects Within Constellations36
- Custom R.A. and Dec. Coordinates36
- Custom ALT / AZ Coordinates36
- Sun Warning37
Main Menu Functions38
- Brightness of the Display Screen38
- Directional Buttons38
- Objects38
- Setup38
- Tools38
- Time/Lst38
- Slew Rate (S:)38
- Button Rate (B:)38
- Guiding Rate(A:)39
- Tracking Rate (T:)39
- Casual Observing39
Setup Menus40
- Locations & Time Menu40
- Mount Move Limits Menu40
  - Backlash Adjustment (for Visual Observers)40
  - Declination Backlash Adjustment (for Visual Observers)41
- Set Safe Zone Limits for Your Telescope42
  - How to Determine Your Safe Zone42
  - Set Your Safe Zone42
- Set Horizon Limits for Your Telescope43
- Keypad Options Menu44
Park Options46
- Park Your Telescope46
- Park - 5 Positions46
- Power down Wherever You Want - (a Power Loss will Not Lose Your Position)47
- Parking and Power Considerations47
- Calibrate Menu47
  - What if I Lose My Calibration48
  - Specify Mount Type48
Tools Menu49
- Permanent Error Memory Adjustment (PEM)49
- Photographic Timer50
- Smartguide50
- Status51
Slewing During the Day52
- Potential Dangers52
- How to Observe Safely52
Orthogonality53
- Check Orthogonality53
- Effect of Non-Orthogonality on Polar Alignment54
- Polar Alignment with Non-Orthogonal Telescopes54
- Additional Tips for Non-Orthogonal Systems55
Advanced Features56
- Sync Function56
- Tweak Your Pointing Accuracy57
- Sync Explained in Detail and Compared to Re-Calibrate57
- Meridian Delay / Advance Function60
Understanding the Keypad and Gto Control Box Functions61
- Functions of the GTO Servo Control Box61
- Functions of the Keypad61
- Upgrading the GTO Servo Control Box61
- Upgrading the Keypad62
- Upgrading or Repairing the Keypad Database62
Troubleshooting63
Appendix A: Collective Release Notes67
- Version 4.19.367
- Version 4.19.267
- Version 4.19.167
- Version 4.1967
- Version 4.18 - Not Released67
- Version 4.1767
- Version 4.1268
- Version 4.1168
- Version 4.1068
- Version 4.0769
Appendix B: Remaining Known Keypad Issues71
- Summary of Remaining Keypad Issues71
- Eastern Longitude Values71
- Western Longitudes with Eastern Time Zones71
- Incorrect GMT Offsets When Polling the Mount from the Keypad72
- The International Date Line72
- Fractional Time Zones73
Appendix C: Common Stars - by Constellation74
Appendix D: Alphabetical Star List78
Appendix E: Constellation Abbreviations83
Appendix F: Common Object Names84
Appendix G: Aitken's Double Star (Ads) List85
Appendix H: the Greek Alphabet87
Appendix I: Suggested Stars for the Gto Quick Star Drift Method88
Appendix J: Menu Layout91

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ASTRO-PHYSICS GTO Specifications

General

Brand	ASTRO-PHYSICS
Model	GTO
Category	Keypad
Language	English

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