using number key to change the numbers. It is always a good idea to do your home work to get the GPS
coordinates before traveling to a new observation site.
The site coordinates information can be found from your smart phone, GPS receiver or via the
internet. Site information in decimal format can be converted into d:m:s format by multiplying the decimal
numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be changed to N47º31'48”: 47.53º = 47º +0.53º,
0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore, 47.53º=47º31'48" or 47d31m48s.
Select N/S Hemisphere
If the polar axis is aligned to the North Celestial Pole, then set the mount to Northern Hemisphere. If
the polar axis is pointing to the South Celestial Pole, set the mount to Southern Hemisphere. Press the ◄ or
► key to move the cursor and use the ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “Northern Hemisphere” and “Southern
Hemisphere”.
As an example, select Northern Hemisphere if you are located in US and press ENTER to go back
to the main menu.
The time and site information will be stored inside the hand controller’s memory chip. If you are not
traveling to another observation site, they do not need to be changed.
Check the Hand Controller Battery
The hand controller has a real time clock which should display the correct time every time the mount is
turned on. If the time is off too much, please check the battery inside the hand controller and replace it if
required. The battery is a 3V lithium button battery.
STEP 11. Perform polar alignment
A GEM28 mount may be equipped with an iPolar
TM
electronic polar scope or an AccuAlign
TM
optical
polar scope.
iPolar Polar Alignment
For a GEM28 with an iPolar, refer to iPolar Operation Manual from iOptron’s website to perform the
polar alignment, or steps briefly outlined below:
Download and install iPolar Software (first time use);
Connect a mini USB cable between the iPolar and a computer USB port;
Figure 20. USB port on an iPolar electronic polar scope
Click Connect and start polar alignment by following on screen instructions.
Quick Polar Alignment
If the mount equipped with an AccuAlign
TM
optical polar scope, you can use the Quick Polar
Alignment procedure to perform the polar alignment. One of the GEM28’s unique features is that the polar
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