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Support >> Faq's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

»		After one-star or two-star alignment, why can't I find the object I want to GOTO in my eyepiece? How do I improve this?
		Start with lower power eyepieces first. This makes finding the object easier. Center your objects with your lower-power eyepiece then change to the higher-power eyepiece. A leveled reference plane is essential for accurate GOTO. Make sure the leveling bubble on the mount is centered. Some people have had much better alignment after using two or three torpedo levels placed on the mount when levelling their mount and tripod.
»		Why is my telescope pointing to the ground? How do I fix it?
		Before you do any kind of alignment --the mount may be pointing in an arbitrary direction, either toward the sky or toward the ground. However, after you follow the alignment steps your telescope will point in the correct direction. The manual contains more information on alignment.
»		How do I use the finder scope?
		Your finder scope is a lower powered scope mounted on top of your main scope, you use the finder scope to “take aim” and locate stars. It is very important that your finder scope is aligned with your main scope so that when a star is centered in your finder scope, you can also find it in your high powered main scope. For newbies, the finder scope alignment is easier during the day time using land objects instead of stars in the night sky. Simply pick a land mark, for example, a flag pole, and center it in the finder scope, then locate it in the eye piece of your main scope, adjust the alignment between the finder scope and the main scope, make sure the target is centered in both scopes, lock the position. Double check with another land mark. When you are sure the alignment is perfect, lock the position permanently.
»		I followed all the steps and my telescope is pointing to the star I want to see. Why can’t I see anything in my eye piece?
		Check that the lens covers are still not on. You also may need to manually tweak your telescope tube. See “manual alignment” section of the manual.
»		I’ve done the alignment, but when I selected a star in the database and pushed ENTER I still can’t see the star in my eye piece. Why?
		This can be caused by one of several factors. First, after your initial alignment, you may have bumped your tripod accidentally so the alignment is off. You will need to redo the alignment. Second, your initial alignment information may not be as precise as possible. The visual field of your eye piece is narrow. Small errors can leave your target outside your narrow visual field even though it may be very close by. Be sure to input accurate local time and location. And always double check your initial alignment with several bright stars you are familiar with. Check to see if those stars are centered in your eye piece. If not, check your input and fine tune your alignment. Check appropriate chapters in the user’s manual for further information on manual and automatic alignment.

Controller Set-up

»		I'm new at this... basically what do I need to do?
		First, walking through the Quick Start Guide is the best help. It provides pictures for each step. But, briefly, here is what you need to do: 1. Put telescope physically in park position (see other FAQ) 2. Turn on unit. Press "menu". Press "set up controller". 3. Next, you'll need to enter the following information: Latitude and Longitude (Google Map or http://www.gps-coordinates.net) minutes "behind" UT (ex. East coast is 300 behind UT. West coast is 480 behind UT) Daylight Savings Yes or No (some models use "X" for no and a check for yes) Time should be entered using military format (ex 8pm is 20:00)
»		When I select stars from the database using the handheld controller why are some stars automatically skipped?
		Those stars are skipped because according to the time and location you input into the controller, those stars are below your current horizon. By shortening the list to available stars it makes scrolling down simpler.
»		How do I change the slew speed on the #8401 controller?
		To change speeds on the 8401 controller press the number keys 1 through 9 (1-low, 9-MAX).
»		How can I find my latitude and longitude?
		You can find your coordinates online at websites such as http://www.gps-coordinates.net/. Remember to convert decimals to minutes and seconds. Ex. 40.5 degrees is equal to 40 degrees and 30 minutes.
»		What is my "time zone"?
		You can find your "time zone" information online at websites such as http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.

Upgrading Controller Firmware

»		Can the 8403 or 8405 hand controller firmware be upgraded?
		No. The 8403 or 8405 hand controller does not have a USB port and so its firmware cannot be upgraded via a local computer.
»		OK. So what’s the difference between the 8402 (or 8402A) and 8402G hand controllers?
		They have slightly difference in the MENU structure. The 8402 (also called 8402A) hand controller can also be used for an EQ mount or a wedged A/A mount, such as a SmartStar-A mount. The 8402G has 50,000 objects, whereas, the 8402 has 80,000 objects. If “#8402G Ver[sion]….” is shown when the hand controller is turned on, it is an 8402G. Otherwise, it is an 8402 controller.
»		Do I have to upgrade my firmware?
		No, if your unit works fine upgrading is not necessary.
»		Why do I need to upgrade my hand controller?
		To fix bugs and improve operational performance. To update the data base
»		What do I need to upgrade my hand controller?
		A computer running on Windows operation system A USB cable iOptron Downloader for firmware upgrading USB to COM port driver Appropriate firmware
»		How do I upgrade my hand controller?
		Please check Software/Firmware Upgrades under Support.
»		What can I do if the firmware upgrade was interrupted, or after download the screen is blank or does not respond?
		This is only for 8401 and 8402 hand controllers. Assuming: A correct version of USB to COM converter is installed; a COM port number is located (such as COM4) An iOptron Downloader is installed. A correct version of Firmware is downloaded-- such as 8401_Ver090701Eng.bin Follow the procedures below: Turn on the mount to power on the hand controller (the key pad should be lit) Click on the iOptron Downloader Change the Serial Port to the right COM port in the pull-down menu (example: COM4) Click on Open Data File(O) button to select the right Firmware for your hand controller. (example: 8401_Ver090701Eng.bin) DON’T click on Start Download (D) button yet. Turn the mount power off. Turn the mount power back on. Right after hearing the “beep”, click on Start Download (D) button. The timing is very important. The downloading process will begin When the download is successfully finished, turn the mount off and back on to check the hand controller. Double check the settings, such as time and site info, mount type, anti backlash, to see if they are changed You may need to practice a few times to get the procedure right

»		“Cannot communicate with DEC/RA motor”
		(1) Check the hand controller cord. Unplug it and re-plug into another HBX port. (2) Check the power supply, which includes: · Using the battery? Is the battery fresh? How long it has been used? (frequent slew and GOTO will deplete battery power very quickly) · Using AC or DC adapter? Check the plugs to the mount and to the power outlet. · Using extension cord? Make sure the cord is in good condition. Power drop along the extension cord was known to cause the problem. Also check all the plugs and connections. (3) Contact your local dealer for assistance or contact iOptron directly (North American customers only) via e-mail: support@ioptron.com, or telephone 1.781.569.0200 9-5pm EST.
»		“DEC/RA Driver overload/ overcurrent”
		(1) Check if the mount or OTA is blocked by any obstructions. (2) Try to operate the mount without an OTA. (3) Check the power supply. This is a common reason for this message and *unexpected slew behavior or movement*. which include: · Batteries: Are the batteries fresh? How long have they been used? (frequent slewing and GOTO will deplete battery power very quickly) · AC or DC adapter: Check the plugs to the mount and to the power outlet. · Extension cord: Make sure the cord is in good condition. Power drop along the extension cord has been known to cause this error message. Also check all the plugs and connections. (4) Check the hand controller cord. Unplug it and re-plug into the other HBX port. (5) Contact your local dealer for assistance or contact iOptron directly (North American customers only) via e-mail: support@ioptron.com, or telephone 1.781.569.0200 9-5pm EST.

»		Will my OTA work with the SmartStar™ GOTO Mounts?
		Our SmartStar^TM GOTO mount (a.k.a. The Cube^TM) is compatible with most OTA's if the total weight is under 11 lbs. The key factors are the dovetail connection and weight. If your OTA has a Vixen type dovetaildovetail connection and fits the weight limit of less than 11 lbs. (including eyepiece, finder scope, camera or other accessories), it will be compatible with the Cube mount. And remember to always balance your tube during attachment to prevent slipping. If you do not have a dovetail connection -- attach your OTA using mounting rings and connector (available at your local telescope store or your OTA manufacturer). Dovetail plates are also available on our website. The overall performance will be affected by many factors, such as total weight, OTA size or length, wheather conditions and observing conditions.
»		I don’t have a dovetail connector. What should I check for before installing one?
		If your telescope tube does not have a dove tail connector do some measurements before you purchase one. Usually the dovetail is attached to the tube via rings, which are purchased together with the dovetail. Make sure the dovetail matches that on the mount. You also need to make sure the dovetail is not too long. If it’s too long, it may block the rotation in certain positions.
»		How do I balance my telescope tube if the tube is relatively large and heavy?
		When you have a relatively large and heavy telescope, such as a 114mm Newtonian reflector or Maksutov-Cassegrain, you should spend a little more time balancing your telescope tube to make sure that it can rotate freely without being blocked by the mount and that it won’t shift out of balance when rotating.

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