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operator in the process of recording the gear error. For instance, if the mount was not properly polar aligned in altitude, the
right ascension drift rate would be in error. The circuitry automatically subtracts this slow drift from the PE data recorded
in memory, so that the overall long-term drive rate remains exactly at the sidereal rate for the worm cycle being recorded.
This way, the PE-compensated driving rate will never be skewed by the recorded drift and will always be correct for any
other position in the sky and for any other time that the mount is set up in the eld. This way, the PEM compensation only
corrects the actual PE of the worm. When the mount is properly aligned, it is possible to take 15 to 30 minute unguided
astrophotos without trailed star images. For more critical exposures, the controller memory allows the astro-photographer
to check the guide star only occasionally during a long exposure.
Photographic Timer
Activate the countdown photographic timer to remind you when your exposure is completed. An audible beep will alert you
that the time has expired.
1. Go to “Photographic Timer” screen. (Main Menu → “3=Tools” → 3=Photo
Timer). The “Photographic Timer” screen will appear.
2. Enter hours, minutes and seconds. The timer will activate.
3. When the timer reaches “0”, a series of audible beeps will sound. The display
will begin to show negative numbers to let you know the time that has elapsed since the timer went off.
4. Press MENU to cancel timer at any time.
SmartGuide
Smart guide is a new variable tracking rate tool for your Astro-physics GTO mount. It
can be found in the “3=Tools” in the version 4.x rmware.
Why do I need SmartGuide?
The sky unfortunately does not move at precisely the same rate of motion everywhere, nor is a perfectly precise polar
alignment easy to obtain. Both of these factors can contribute to mount motion that is slightly off the sidereal rate of
motion. With today’s CCD cameras these challenges for precision are bigger than ever. Also some object such as the
moon, asteroids, and comets do not move at the sidereal rate; therefore, SmartGuide can reduce the guiding errors on
these objects.
How does SmartGuide work?
One way to compensate for changes in the motion of the skies is to introduce small corrections into the motion of the
mount to cancel out the effects of a less than perfect polar alignment or variability in tracking due to atmospheric refraction.
These corrections are done in the Keypad software by periodically sending short pulses of movement to the mount in the
axis that needs the adjustment. This effectively compensates for almost any kind of drift.
How do I use SmartGuide?
To use smart guide you will need either a CCD camera or a reticle eyepiece
● Make sure your PEM is recorded and active if you wish to use PEM to reduce periodic error. It cannot be accessed
once you go into Smart Guide.
● Select a bright star or object near the area you wish to image.
● Enter the smart guide menu by hitting “3=Tools” on the Main Menu, then select option “2=SmartGuide”. Press the
NEXT> button to move to the More Menu.
● Take note of the button speed setting. We recommend making your adjustments at 1x button speed or slower. Button
speed can be adjusted by pressing the “±” button to bring up the speed setting.
● Press “1” on the pad to enter Auto Smart Guide setup.
● When using image-processing software, center the star with the assistance of the cursor or cross hair on your
computer screen (or reticle if you are using an eyepiece) and press “1” to activate the smart guide recording.
Photo Timer
Enter hh:mm:ss now
Timer: 00:00:00
Goto / MENU to Exit
Photo Timer Setup Screen
1=R: EST 4/5=RM: 0
2=D: NOR 9/0=DM: 0
3=S: 1 6/7=PE: 1000
GoTo / MENU / More >
SmartGuide Main Screen
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