iOptron CEM120 - Getting Started with CEM120; Manual Operation and Initial Alignment

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4. Getting Started
In order to experience the full GOTO capability of GOTONOVA
®
technology it is very important
to set up the mount correctly before observation.
4.1. Setting the Mount and Performing Polar Alignment
Assemble your CEM120 mount according to Section Error! Reference source not found..
Make sure the mount is leveled. Mount an OTA and accessories, and carefully balance the mount on
both R.A. and DEC axes. Turn the mount power switch on. When the GPS receiver is connected to
satellites, the hand controller LCD will display GPS OK and the mount will have the correct time and
site information (this can also be entered manually as previously described). Polar align the mount.
Always check if the mount is at the Zero Position when the mount is powered on, i.e. with the Always check if the mount is at the Zero Position when the mount is powered on, i.e. with the
counterweight shaft pointing to ground, OTA at the highest position with its axis parallel to the polar axis
and the telescope pointing to the Celestial Pole. Press MENU => “Zero Position” => “Goto Zero
Position” to check it. If the mount is not at the Zero Position, press MENU => “Zero Position” => “Set
Zero Position.” Release the Gear Switch to manually return the mount to Zero Position, or use the
hand controller to slew the mount to Zero Position. Press ENTER to confirm the zero position.
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount
The mount can now be used to observe astronomical objects using the HC. Use the arrow keys
(►, ◄, ▼, and ▲) to point the telescope to the desired part of the sky. Use the number keys to
change the slewing speed. Press the STOP/0 button to start tracking.
4.3. Push-to Operation of the Mount
Both CEM120EC and CEM120EC2 can be operated for push-to on the axis that is equipped
with a high precision encoder. You may push-to the RA axis of a CEM120EC mount, or both RA and
DEC axes of a CEm120EC2 mount.
To operate the push-to function, make sure that the mount is not at the tracking status. If the
mount is tracking, press STOP/0 button to stop tracking. Release the gear switch. Manually push the
mount to a desired position. Lock the gear switch. Press the STOP/0 button to send the mount tracking
again.
4.4. The mount can now be used to observe astronomical objects using the
HC. Use the arrow keys Initial Star Alignment
Perform a simple one star alignment/synchronization after set up the hand controller to correct
any pointing discrepancy of the Zero Position and to improve the GOTO accuracy.
To perform “One Star Align,” press MENU=>“Alignment”=>“One Star Align”=>ENTER. The
screen will display a list of bright objects for you to select from. Select an object using ▲ or ▼ key.
Then press ENTER. After the mount slews to the target, use the arrow keys to center it in your
eyepiece. Then press ENTER. (More align details in 5.4)
An alternate way is to perform “Sync to Target.” Press MENU=>“Select and Slew”=>ENTER.
Browse over the catalogs and select an object. Press ENTER. After the mount slews to the star, press
MENU=>“Sync. To Target”, follow the on-screen instruction to center the star and press ENTER. You
may need to use the number keys to change the slewing speed to make the centering procedure
easier.