ASTRO-PHYSICS Mach2GTO User manual

ASTRO-PHYSICS
GTO KEYPAD
Version v5.xxx
Please read the manual even if you are familiar with previous keypad versions
Flash RAM Updates
Keypad Java updates can be accomplished through the Internet.
Check our web site www.astro-physics.com/software-updates/
November 11, 2020

1
ASTRO-PHYSICS
KEYPAD MANUAL FOR MACH2GTO
Version 5.xxx
November 11, 2020
ABOUT THIS MANUAL 4
REQUIREMENTS 5
What Mount Control Box Do I Need? 5
Can I Upgrade My Present Keypad? 5
GTO KEYPAD 6
Layout and Buttons of the Keypad 6
Vacuum Fluorescent Display 6
N-S-E-W Directional Buttons 6
STOP Button 6
<PREV and NEXT> Buttons 7
Number Buttons 7
GOTO Button 7
±Button 7
MENU / ESC Button 7
RECAL and NEXT> Buttons Pressed Simultaneously 7
ENT Button 7
Retractable Hanger 7
Keypad Protector 8
Keypad Care and Warranty 8
Warranty 8
Keypad Battery for 512K Memory Boards 8
Cleaning Red Keypad Display 8
Temperature Ratings 8
Environmental Recommendation 8
GETTING STARTED – DO THIS AT HOME, IF POSSIBLE 9
Set Up your Mount and Cable Connections 9
Gather Basic Information 9
Enter Your Location, Time and Date 9
Set Up Your Mount in the Field 10
Polar Alignment 10
Mach2GTO Daytime Alignment Routine 10
KEYPAD START UP SEQUENCE FOR NEW SETUPS OR SETUP IN NEW LOCATION11
Assemble Your Mount 11
Startup Sequence 11
Location 11
Select Existing Location 11
Set Up New Location 11
Date and Time 12
Additional Information 12
KEYPADSTARTUPSEQUENCEFORMOUNTSUSEDATTHESAMELOCATIONWITHOUT
A COMPUTER 13
KEYPAD START UP SEQUENCE FOR COMPUTER CONTROLLED MOUNTS 14

2
OBJECTS MENU – HAVE SOME FUN! 15
Objects Menu 15
Tips for Using the Buttons and Menus 15
Object Bookmark Tool/Utility 15
Creating Bookmarks - Adding an Object to the List 15
Viewing Your Bookmarked Objects 16
Delete Bookmarks 16
M, NGC, IC 16
Common Object Names 17
Solar System Objects (Sol) 17
Common Star Names - Non-scientic 17
Greek Star Names, Organized by Constellation 18
Abell Galaxy Clusters 18
Aitken Double Star Catalog (ADS) 18
Palomar Globular Clusters (PAL) 19
Uppsalla Galaxy Catalog (UGC) 19
Lynds’ Catalog of Bright Nebula (LBN) 19
Lynds’ Catalog of Dark Nebula (LND) 20
What’s Up Now? 20
Tour Objects within Constellations 21
Custom RA and Dec Coordinates 21
Custom ALT / AZ Coordinates 22
Sun Warning 22
MAIN MENU FUNCTIONS 23
Brightness of the Display Window 23
1=Objects 23
2=Setup 23
3=Tools 23
4=Time/LST 23
5=Slew Rate for GoTo Slew Commands 23
6=Button Rate 23
7=Tracking Rate 24
8=Model Status 24
SETUP MENU 25
Locations & Time 25
Site Location Data 25
Set Date and Time 26
Qwik Daylight Saving Time 27
Setting Keypad to UTC (aka GMT) 28
Get Location From Mount 28
Get Time From Mount 29
Future Features 29
Set Limits, Power 30
Limits On/O󰀨 30
Power HI/MED/LOW - GTOCP5 only 30
Kpd, Mnt, Park Opt. 30
Park Options 30
Auto-Connect 31
Keypad Database Update 31
TOOLS MENU 32
Modeling 32

3
Point + Track Model 32
Pointing Model 32
Pointing 32
Creating a custom tracking model 33
Error Codes 33
Drift Model 34
Error Codes 35
Ortho Model 36
Track Status 36
Photographic Timer 37
BookMark Edit 37
+- BUTTON, HIDDEN TREASURES 38
Edit Function 38
Button Rate 38
Slew Home & Recal 38
RA/Dec Controls 38
FEATURE DISCUSSION 39
RA/Dec Reverse 39
Tweak Your Pointing Accuracy 39
Recalibrate 39
Orthogonality Model 39
Pointing Models 39
Meridian Delay Options 40
Flip Scope 40
Meridian Delay Setting 40
ORTHOGONALITY 42
SLEWING DURING THE DAY 43
Potential Dangers 43
How to Observe Safely 43
UPDATING YOUR KEYPAD 44
TROUBLESHOOTING 45
APPENDIX A: RELEASE NOTES 48
APPENDIX B: COMMON STARS – BY CONSTELLATION 49
APPENDIX C: ALPHABETICAL STAR LIST 53
APPENDIX D: CONSTELLATION ABBREVIATIONS 58
APPENDIX E: COMMON OBJECT NAMES 59
APPENDIX F: AITKEN’S DOUBLE STAR (ADS) LIST 60
APPENDIX G: THE GREEK ALPHABET 62
APPENDIX H: SUGGESTED STARS FOR THE GTO QUICK STAR DRIFT METHOD 63
APPENDIX F: PRE-DEFINED PARK POSITIONS 66
APPENDIX G: HOW DOES KEYPAD V5.X DIFFER FROM V4.19.3? 68

4
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The keypad is a multi-function, portable, hand-held computer which gives you total freedom to set up in the eld or at star
parties without being tethered to the extra bulk of power-hungry computers. Since our keypad can be used during cold
winter nights, it is especially handy and useful. It is very powerful, yet easy-to-use whether you are a visual observer or
dedicated imager!
Version 5 of the software was introduced in November 2020 and is available as an upgrade for older keypads. Refer to
“Requirements” on page 5 for more information.
The keypad features that are available in version 5 will depend on the software of your control box. These are some
di󰀨erences:
● The GTOCP5 and Mach2GTO have a di󰀨erent startup routine due to the construction of the mount.
●The pointing, tracking and drift modeling features are available to all GTOCP5 control boxes (available to Mach2 only)
and only those GTOCP4 control boxes that have this feature enabled by Astro-Physics.
This manual provides instructions to guide you when using version 5 of the keypad software. Over time, we will update the
manual in order to improve presentation of the information or to describe new features. We highly recommend the Technical
Support section of our web site for the latest information and for future updated versions of this and other manuals.
For clarity and smoother reading, we will refer to the control boxes as CP4 and CP5 rather than GTOCP4 and GTOCP5,
respectively. When referring to both control boxes, we will abbreviate CP4/5.
A nal note and an apology to our friends in the southern hemisphere. Many of the instructions in this manual are written
entirely from the point of view of those of us in the northern hemisphere. Since descriptive terms like left and right are
meaningless without a dened point of reference, we tend to use east and west to avoid ambiguity. The east and west
sides of a German equatorial mount are, of course, reversed in the southern hemisphere. At one point, our thought was to
always use phrases like the following: ... on the east side (west side in the southern hemisphere) ... This quickly became
cumbersome and made the text more di󰀩cult to read. For simplicity, we decided to leave many of the explanations in their
northern hemisphere framework. To our southern hemisphere friends: We appreciate you no less and apologize for this
unintended slight. We know, however, that you are all smart enough to make the necessary translation to down under
appropriate instructions. Thank you for your understanding.

 
 


5
REQUIREMENTS
It is important to understand that your control box and keypad both have software that enable them to function and to
communicate. Each time you upgrade your keypad, you will also need to ensure that your control box has the appropriate
version so that all of the necessary commands are available.
The upgrade instructions will specify the minimum required control box software version. The Keypad Loader Utility will
also query the control box to be sure that correct version is present. before you begin the load.
New control box and keypad software versions can be downloaded from this link:
https://www.astro-physics.com/software-updates/
What Mount Control Box Do I Need?
●The GTOCP4 and GTOCP5 control boxes have the computing power and required commands to use version 5 of the
keypad. Regrettably, the older control boxes (GTOCP1, GTOCP2 and GTOCP3) will not be able to use keypad with
upgraded v5.xxx software. Version 4.19.3. is recommended for these older units.
● Your GTOCP4 or GTOCP5 must be upgraded to the software version specied in the download instructions.
Can I Upgrade My Present Keypad?
●Keypads with serial number 1565GTO or earlier that have the original 256K circuit board cannot be used with the
v5.xxx rmware, as they lack the memory capacity. If you have a keypad with a lower serial number that has been
repaired, it may have the required memory.
● Two of the buttons in the lower row of the newer keypads have di󰀨erent lettering on them. The FOCUS button has
been changed to the RECAL button. The button labeled RA DEC REV will actually function as an ENTER
button. The RA DEC REV function will now be accessed through the +- button. The MENU button has
been relabeled to include ESC.
If you load v5.xxx onto an older keypad, you can continue to use your original buttons and simply
memorize the new function. Alternatively, you may send your keypad to Astro-Physics to be upgraded the
button pad. Contact Astro-Physics for additional information.
Older Button Labels Newer Button Labels

6
GTO KEYPAD
The GTO keypad is the communication center for the operation of your GTO mount. We have designed this unit to be
as intuitive and easy to use as possible while lling it with terric features to make your observing session productive and
pleasurable. With a few keystrokes, you can slew to objects by their common name or catalog number, set up search
parameters to nd all the open clusters (in the Messier catalog) that are visible on a given night, focus your telescope
for astrophotography, set the countdown timer for the exposure, enter RA and Dec
coordinates to nd the newest super nova, and much more.
Note:




The heart of the controller is the 4-line display window that will guide you through all
operations. The alphanumeric keypad itself is translucent and backlit with red LEDs
for easy visibility at night. The buttons are also made with a phosphoresce material
that will glow in the dark for a brief time. Shine an LED on them to extend their
luminescence.
Button functions are clearly dened on the button itself or as an instruction on the
display window. You do not have to remember shift key patterns or complex keystroke
sequences. The directional buttons are shaped like arrows to help you nd them in the
dark without looking at your keypad. The stop button is readily accessible if you need
to cancel any slewing request immediately.
The menu system is very easy to navigate. Each window will display several choices,
which correspond to a number button. Simply press the number button to initiate the
command, e.g. 1=M, 2=NGC. When you press 1 the Messier entry window will display and you can enter the number
of the object that you wish to see. Press GOTO, which will cause the mount to slew. The <PREV and NEXT> buttons
will allow you to scroll quickly through the lists of common names or to nd more data about the object you are viewing.
To adjust most settings, you will press the number indicated on the window several times to scroll (toggle) through your
choices and stop at the one you want.
Layout and Buttons of the Keypad
Vacuum Fluorescent Display
The keypad features a four-line, 20-character alphanumeric display. The brightness of the display is adjustable with dim
and bright settings. Please refer to the section entitled “Brightness of the Display Window” on page 23. If you are using
the keypad in the daylight, you will need to shade the window from the direct light with your hand in order to see it more
clearly or drape a dark cloth over your head.
N-S-E-W Directional Buttons
These four buttons are arranged so that the E and W buttons control the movement in right ascension and the N and S
buttons control the declination. Depending on which side of mount the telescope is on and if you are using a star diagonal,
when you press the N button, the star should move in an upward direction toward the top of your eyepiece eld. If the
movement does not match the direction shown in the eyepiece, you may wish to use our RA/Dec reverse feature as
described in “RA/Dec Reverse” on page 39,
In addition, you can press two buttons simultaneously for diagonal movement, e.g. the N and W buttons will cause a
Northwest movement. Note: north and south buttons can be misleading concepts in movement of the Dec axis. The
reality is that N moves the Dec axis counterclockwise and S moves the Dec axis clockwise.
STOP Button
Press the STOP button to cancel a slewing command and stop the movement of the telescope immediately. The mount
will know where it is, so you can proceed to your next command.

7
<PREV and NEXT> Buttons
These buttons are used for the following functions depending on the commands you are entering: move from one menu
level to another, backspace to make corrections to number entry, or scroll through lists of objects. The <and >symbols
appear on many window displays. They signify that you can press the <PREV and NEXT> buttons for more choices or
additional information.
When you are in the Main Menu, these buttons toggle the display window brightness. Pressing the <PREV button will dim
the window and pressing the NEXT> button will brighten it. There are two brightness levels: dim and bright.
The NEXT> button can also be used in conjunction with the RECAL button to recalibrate on a position.
Note: Even when the keypad is set to the bright setting, it will be di󰀩cult to see during daylight hours. You will need
to shield it with your hands. This is an unfortunate drawback of the vacuum-uorescent window. We originally chose
this display because of its excellent performance in cold weather down to -40º F (-40º C, yes, the number is the
same). Alternative displays scroll very slowly at temperatures below freezing and would not work well at all in extreme
temperatures. Since many of our customers (and ourselves) observe during the cold Midwestern winter months, we opted
for performance.
Number Buttons
The buttons labeled 1–9 and 0 are used to enter numerical data and to make menu choices.
GOTO Button
Press the GOTO button after you have selected the object that you want to view. The mount will slew to the object. This
button is also used for other functions, i.e. saving location data.
±Button
This button has di󰀨erent functions:
●Use it to quick-access a menu that includes: Button Rate (for N-S-E-W directional buttons), Slew to Home and Recal,
Park Controls and RA/Dec Controls (for Meridian Delay and Scope Flip).
●Use it when editing location, time and date.
●Use it to toggle between +and -when entering RA and Dec coordinates.
MENU / ESC Button
Press this button to move to a previous menu level or to cancel a prompt.
RECAL and NEXT> Buttons Pressed Simultaneously
This button combination is most commonly used following a GoTo slew. The N-S-E-W buttons are toggled to precisely
center the object. Once the object has been centered, the RECAL button and NEXT> buttons can be pressed
simultaneously to update the coordinates. The keypad will beep to conrm recalibration. We require two buttons so that
you do not recalibrate by accident.
ENT Button
This button serves the common function of saving entered data. It will also display Tracking Status of the active modeling
routine if it is pressed while in the Main Menu.
Retractable Hanger
On the back of the controller, look for a slot with a thumb rest area. Push up to extend the hanger. A lanyard can be
attached here to allow you to hang your keypad on one of the lanyard posts or base knobs of the mount when it is not in
use.

8
Keypad Protector
The keypad protector is a heavy-duty molded rubber casing with a full 1/4 thickness on all impact surfaces. If you
accidentally drop your keypad, the rubber casing will absorb much of the blow. Your display, keypad, electronics and the
case itself will be protected from damage. In addition, the rubber prevents the keypad from sliding when placed on a table
or other at surface and the keypad will feel secure in your hands as your observe. The KEYPRO also o󰀨ers protection
during transport and storage.
Refer to the Keypad Maintenance Instructions on the Technical Support page of our website for the KEYPRO’s removal
and installation. This must be done with care to prevent tearing the material.
Keypad Care and Warranty
Warranty
Keypad: Three (3) years parts and labor.
Battery: 90 days.
The keypad manufacturer warrants that the product is free of defects in materials and/or workmanship from the date of
shipment for a period of three years. This warranty does not apply to any products which have been subject to misuse,
accident, alteration or if the unit has been serviced by anyone other than an authorized representative. During the
warranty period, the manufacturer will, at its discretion, (1) repair the product to full working order or (2) replace the
product with a comparable product. Replacement products will be new or serviceably used, comparable in function and
performance to the original product. The product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty or ninety (90)
days from the date of shipment of the product, whichever is longer. DO NOT open a keypad that is within its warranty
period or you will void the warranty!
Keypad Battery for 512K Memory Boards
This includes keypads with serial number 1568GTO or later (and some earlier keypads that have been repaired or
upgraded with a new 512K memory board). These keypads also have a 3V Lithium battery with an estimated life of 5
years at room temperature. This battery has been wired into a special assembly, so the replacement battery must be
purchased from Astro-Physics (part # E0334 or E0338), but it can be installed by the customer. If the battery fails within
the 3-year warranty period, it is best to have the manufacturer replace it. Opening the unit to replace the battery within the
rst three years will void the warranty.
Cleaning Red Keypad Display
The red display window is made with a Mylar material. It is recommended to use a commercial glass cleaner to wipe
down the display. Spray the cleaner on a cloth and rub the display lightly. Do not use solvents of any kind. Note:


Temperature Ratings
The real time clock, battery-backed RAM, Extended Temperature Vacuum Fluorescent display, and backlit panel are all
rated to -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C).
Environmental Recommendation
Your keypad is rugged and dew resistant, but it is not waterproof. Please take care to hang it vertically by the provided
lanyard or to place it face down when operating in damp conditions. Storing it indoors when not in use for extended times
is also a good precaution.

9
GETTING STARTED – DO THIS AT HOME, IF POSSIBLE
Set Up your Mount and Cable Connections
Refer to the instructions in the mount assembly manual to set up your mount. The following cables must be connected: RA
and Dec cables, keypad controller cable and power cable. You do not need the mounting plate or telescope tube assembly
for these setup procedures.
Gather Basic Information
You need to enter your local parameters to ensure that the mount functions properly. The mount needs to know the local
time (and whether you are on daylight savings) and the latitude and longitude of your observing site. You can enter up to
nine observing sites to be stored in memory.
To determine your latitude and longitude, do an internet Google search or use a GPS unit. The closer you can get the
better, however, it is not necessary to be exact to the seconds (last two number entry elds) since the purpose of these
entries is to calculate which objects are above your local horizon. Please make sure that your location information is in
Degrees: Minutes: Seconds format (i.e.: 42:22:00 Lat. 89:01:07 Long.), rather than decimal format (i.e. 42.3667° Lat.
89.0186° Long.). Also note if you are west or east of the Greenwich meridian. Information on converting the format is on
page 26 of the Setup section.
The time zone is determined from the Greenwich meridian. The keypad will automatically determine if you are east or west
of the Greenwich meridian based on your entered longitude, so entering a positive or negative number is not needed. For
your reference, these are the US time zones.
US Eastern standard time 05
US Central standard time 06
US Mountain standard time 07
US Pacic standard time 08
US Hawaii standard time 10
Most of this information will be entered only once and will be remembered by the keypad. We recommend that you make
these entries at home before you go to your observing session to ensure that you have the information that you need. If
you have a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, you may want to enter the coordinates once you reach your site and
have the proper numbers. Latitude and Longitude MUST be in degrees, minutes and seconds format. Decimal values
must be converted. We also recommend keeping a cheat sheet with each location’s relevant data.
Enter Your Location, Time and Date
Refer to the section entitled page 11. Once you have entered this data, you can explore the keypad menus and
functions with the information in this manual.

10
Set Up Your Mount in the Field
This manual assumes that your mount is already set up and ready to go. Please refer to the manual for your mount and
the manual for either the GTOCP4 or GTOCP5 for more details.
Polar Alignment
The mount manual discusses the importance of polar alignment and various methods to achieve it with a polar alignment
scope or various software solutions. One of our favorite methods utilizes the keypad and can be accomplished during
daylight hours. It is quick and easy and only requires only a carpenters level.
Mach2GTO Daytime Alignment Routine
Being able to polar align your mount during the daytime is a
great way to prepare for solar observing or events. It is also a
way to get a jump on your evening observing, especially if you
are hosting a public event where people are clamoring to view
while you are trying to polar align!
1. Roughly aim the mount using a compass (or phone app)
toward the pole in azimuth.
2. Approximately level the mount with the bubble level (or
phone app).
3. Set up your scope and equipment on the mount, balance,
and tighten clutches.
4. Power up the mount and unpark. This will initialize the Mach-
2GTO.
5. Command the mount to go to Park 5 (see Park position at
right).
6. Use a carpenter’s level and turn the altitude knob until the
scope is level.
7. Tell the mount to GoTo a visible object: the sun (with solar
lter protection), the moon, bright planets or stars.
8. Use the azimuth adjuster until the object is centered in the
eld.
9. You are polar aligned and ready to start observing!
You can repeat this process (#5 to #8) to gain accuracy. This may be su󰀩cient for visual observing. For more precise
alignment, follow it with your favorite routine after dark.

11
KEYPAD START UP SEQUENCE FOR NEW SETUPS OR SETUP IN
NEW LOCATION
Set your keypad to AutoConnect: NO if your mount is used under the following circumstances:
● Your initial setup and when travelling to di󰀨erent locations. This is the default setting when you receive your new
keypad.
●You are not using an external computer to control your mount.
Background Information: In order for your mount to operate properly, it must have basic information: location, date, time,
time zone and daylight savings. This information must come from an external computer source, in this case, the keypad.
You will have to enter (or conrm) this information each time you start up when you are set to AutoConnect:NO.
This feature can be activated or de-activated by pressing 2=Setup > 4=Kpd,Mt,Park Opt. Press button 7 to toggle between
YES, NO and EXT. Information regarding Auto-Connect: YES provided on page 13 and Auto:Connect: EXT on page
14.
Assemble Your Mount
Refer to the instruction manual for your mount to set up at your observing site. Be sure that you connect your RA and Dec
cables, keypad cable and power cable, preferably in that order.
Refer to your mount manual for polar alignment recommendations. The more accurately you polar align, the more accurate
will be the centering of objects in a high-power eld-of-view.
Startup Sequence
When you turn on the power, the rst display of the keypad will briey read “Astro-Physics Dedicated to Craftsmanship”
and then the window changes to display the rmware version number of your CP4/5 and keypad version number for a few
seconds. The location selection/setup window will follow automatically.
Note: If the Main Menu window appears, that means that the Auto-Connect feature is set to YES. If you wish to set the
Auto-Connect feature to NO, select 2=Setup > 4=Kpd,Mnt,Park Opt. Press 7 to toggle Auto-Connect to NO. This setting
will be remembered for your next session.
Location
Select Existing Location
The <PREV NEXT> buttons allows you to scroll between the location numbers in order to select a location that you
entered previously or advance to the next blank entry window.
●Select +- button to modify the data for the chosen location number. You will be given the choice to save it or not.
●Select ENT button to use the selected location in your session.
Set Up New Location
● Scroll <PREV OR NEXT> until you nd a location with no values or edit an existing location.
●The Lat and Lon values will be zeros for new location windows.

12
●Be sure to enter N or S with latitude and W or E with longitude.
●Your longitude and latitude must be entered using the degrees: minutes: seconds format. For help converting decimal
values to this format, refer to page 46.
●Select ENT button to save.
●Once saved, select ENT button to use in your session. The Date & Time screen will appear.
Date and Time
Carefully review all of the information that is on this screen. If correct, press ENT. Otherwise, push the ± button to enter
new data or correct the existing data. An information screen will display regarding time zones and Daylight Saving
abbreviations. Press ENT to proceed.
1. Press the +/- button to modify the information.
○Time is in hours, minutes and seconds. You MUST enter the time in 24 hour format!
○Date is in month, day and year. Use a leading zero if there is only one digit...example: 07 instead of 7.
○Enter Time Zone as W or E indicate on which side of the Prime Meridian you are located. Enter the time zone
in the rst two number elds using a leading zero, if appropriate. The minutes elds are for 1/2 and 1/4 hour
time zones as found in parts of Australia, the Pacic and Asia. Time zone information is used to calculate the
zenith and LST of the object that you are viewing.
Like longitude, time zones are measured from the Prime Meridian. Time zones are entered into the keypad
as positive numbers. The keypad knows the di󰀨erence because you have entered E or W. .
○Set Daylight Saving/Standard Time using the W or S buttons on your keypad..
◦W= Standard Time, set to W in Winter or if you observe standard time year around.
◦S= Daylight Saving Time, set to S in summer.
2. Press ENT=Save, double check your information. Pay particular attention to the time zone since this is often over-
looked. The keypad will beep.
3. Press ENT=Yes to conrm
For a more detailed discussion of date and time, refer to “Set Date and Time” on page 26, which discusses time zones
and daylight savings in greater detail and makes a case for setting your keypad to UTC.
Additional Information
Mach2GTO and 1100 or 1600 Mounts with absolute encoders: After you have started the mount and are not sure if it is
pointing correctly, send the mount HOME . You can locate this function in most menus by pressing the +- button and then
press 1=Slew Home. The encoders will send your mount to the home position and recalibrate. This can also be used if
you inadvertently do a false recal or sync on an incorrect object that was commanded from any source. You do not need
to unplug and start the mount over again. Refer to “Slew Home & Recal” on page 38 for additional information.

13
KEYPAD START UP SEQUENCE FOR MOUNTS USED AT THE
SAME LOCATION WITHOUT A COMPUTER
Auto-connect: YES is a simplied startup sequence appropriate for mounts that meet the following requirements:
●Mounts in a permanent location or portable mounts that are used in the same general location, e.g. in your backyard
or nearby star party.
●You are not using an external computer to control your mount.
Please remember that you must follow the procedures as described in the “Auto-Connect: No” on page 11 during your
rst session at this location before setting Auto-Connect to YES.
This feature can be activated or de-activated by pressing 2=Setup > 4=Kpd,Mt,Park Opt. Press button 7 to toggle between
YES, NO and EXT.
When the keypad is in the Auto-connect:YES mode, all you need to do is connect power and the system will remember the
location, date, time, time zone and daylight savings. The Main Menu will appear on the window so that you can go directly
to the Objects Menu and enter the desired objects to be viewed.
Mach2GTO and 1100 or 1600 Mounts with absolute encoders: After you have started the mount and are not sure if it is
pointing correctly, send the mount HOME . You can locate this function in most menus by pressing the +- button and then
press 1=Slew Home. The encoders will send your mount to the home position and recalibrate. This can also be used if
you inadvertently do a false recal or sync on an incorrect object that was commanded from any source. You do not need
to unplug and start the mount over again. Refer to “Slew Home & Recal” on page 38 for additional information.
Important Point
Meridian Delay
The Meridian Delay is remembered or not from your last session depending if you removed power.
●If you removed power, during the last session, the meridian delay is NOT remembered. When you apply power again,
the meridian delay resets to zero. This forces you to set up the meridian delay for each session to prevent unintended
consequences.
●If you parked the mount, but did not remove power, the meridian delay setting will still be active when you unpark. Be
very careful to remember your settings.

14
KEYPAD START UP SEQUENCE FOR COMPUTER CONTROLLED
MOUNTS
Auto-Connect: EXT is a simplied startup sequence appropriate for mounts that are connected to a computer with
telescope control software, which has initialization capability.
Please remember that you must follow the procedures as described in the “Auto-Connect: No” on page 11 during your
rst session at this location before setting Auto-Connect to EXT.
This feature can be activated or de-activated by pressing 2=Setup > 4=Kpd,Mt,Park Opt. Press button 7 to toggle between
YES, NO and EXT. Once Auto-Connect is set to EXT, power cycle the mount (power o󰀨, wait 10–15 seconds, then power
on) in order to activate this feature.
1. Prepare your computer and software. Ensure that your computer is connected to the mount. The CP4/5 has mul-
tiple connection options from which to choose. These choices are detailed in the appropriate manual for your control
box. Check your computer’s Device Manager to see which COM port number to choose for the software connection.
2. Power up your Mount and the External Startup Window will appear on the keypad. This window will check the
mount every few seconds to see if the computer has sent it the location and time data it needs to complete the startup
(initialization) process. It will patiently wait for the software connection.
3. Connect to your mount in the computer software. Once you make the software connection to the mount, initializa-
tion via the computer will take place and the display on the keypad will change to the Main Menu.
Mach2GTO and 1100 or 1600 Mounts with absolute encoders: After you have started the mount and are not sure if
it is pointing correctly, send the mount HOME . You can locate this function in most menus by pressing the +- button and
then press 1=Slew Home. The encoders will send your mount to the home position and recalibrate. This can also be used
if you inadvertently do a false recal or sync on an incorrect object that was commanded from any source. You do not need
to unplug and start the mount over again. Refer to “Slew Home & Recal” on page 38 for additional information.
Important Points
The Computer Controls the Time.
If you have used the External Startup Sequence, do not attempt to change the time on your keypad. Use the computer
program to control the time.
Meridian Delay
The Meridian Delay is remembered or not from your last session depending if you removed power.
●If you removed power, during the last session, the meridian delay is NOT remembered. When you apply power again,
the meridian delay resets to zero. This forces you to set up the meridian delay for each session to prevent unintended
consequences.
●If you parked the mount, but did not remove power, the meridian delay setting will still be active when you unpark. Be
very careful to remember your settings.

15
OBJECTS MENU – HAVE SOME FUN!
Objects Menu
●<=Object will display current object. Press <PREV button. The object data for
the last object that was selected for a slew will display.
●RA/DEC=> will display actual current RA/Dec and Alt/Az coordinates. When
you are in Objects menu, press NEXT>. The RA/Dec coordinates of the exact
position of your mount will display. These may be slightly di󰀨erent from the above
display since the calculations that compensate for atmospheric refraction and precession will change the coordinates
slightly. Also, if you move the mount with the N-S-E-W directional buttons or with a software program such as
, this display window will be updated.
●The remaining selections will guide you as you tour the universe. Many of the selections are described below.
Tips for Using the Buttons and Menus
●Correcting data entries. When entering catalog numbers into the keypad, you can use <PREV button to delete the
last digit entered. Enter the correct digit. Use NEXT> button to advance forward.
●Scrolling object lists. Some of the object selection windows will display < and/or >, usually in the corners. These
symbols indicate that you can scroll a list of objects using the <PREV or NEXT> buttons. If you hold these buttons, the
object names will scroll quickly in some windows (e.g. stars, common objects).
●Object Below Horizon. If the object that you wish to view is not visible, the window will display: Object Below Horizon
Altitude -xx. Note that this object might be visible at another time of the night or it may be in the opposite hemisphere.
The message does not di󰀨erentiate.
●N–S–E–W directional buttons. The N-S-E-W directional buttons can be used to center your object when you are
in the Main Menu, Objects Menu, modeling routines and when the object data windows are displayed. They are not
active when you are in object selection windows, e.g. when entering a Messier number or the photographic timer and
some setup windows. Remember that you can change your button rate easily by pressing the +- button and pressing
<PREV or NEXT> to scroll through the rates.
●Review object data of catalog items prior to slew. Enter the number of the object that you are considering, then
press NEXT>. The magnitude, object type (galaxy, globular cluster, etc.) and constellation will display. You can press
GoTo in this window to initiate a slew, if you wish, or press MENU to exit to make an alternate selection.
●Display coordinates of catalog object after a slew. Press <PREV button. The catalog RA and Dec coordinates
will display. Press <PREV button again to toggle back to object data. Note that the coordinates of the solar system
objects display on the selection window before you slew.
●Recalibration. You can recalibrate on current object at any time to ne-tune your calibration. Simply center the object
in your eyepiece with the N-S-E-W directional buttons and press the RECAL and NEXT> buttons simultaneously.
Listen for the beep to conrm recalibration.
●Cancel slewing at any time. Press STOP to cancel a slewing operation. Your telescope will stop immediately. The
mount will know where it is, so proceed to the next object using the N-S-E-W buttons or catalog requests described
below.
Object Bookmark Tool/Utility
Creating Bookmarks - Adding an Object to the List
To add an object to the bookmark list, simply GOTO any object. When the mount has successfully slewed to the object,

16
you can add it to the bookmark list by pressing the BkMk option from the object detail window. The bookmark utility will
auto-determine the rst FREE bookmark space inside the bookmark list. You can also override this selection by pressing
the <PREV’ and NEXT> buttons to select the bookmark number you would like to place this object into within the
bookmark list.
Most of the object windows will o󰀨er this option. You may add up to 50 bookmarks.
Viewing Your Bookmarked Objects
1. From Objects Menu, choose: 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects Menu.
2. Choose: 7=Objects Bookmark.
3. The rst (or last viewed) object of the bookmark list will display with the catalog name and number.
4. Choices:
a) Pressing GOTO will initiate slewing of that object.
b) Press NEXT> to view the next object in the bookmark list. You may also press < PREV to see the previous object
in the bookmark list.
5. Press MENU to return to More Objects Menu to make an alternate choice.
Delete Bookmarks
1. To Remove/Delete an object from the bookmark list, simply select the tools menu option from the Main Menu.
2. Select 4=BookMark Edit.
3. Selecting desired option:
a) 1=Clear all BookMks. This will reset the entire 50 object list to FREE.
b) 2=DEL BookMk Nbr:xx where ‘xx’ equals the last added bookmark used value.
Press the ‘<’ or ‘>’ buttons to scroll through the 50 object book mark values
which will permit you to delete the object bookmark you specically wish to
delete. When you delete an object’s bookmark by pressing 2, the screen will
display a single line conrming that the bookmark has been deleted.
4. Press MENU to continue.
5. The numerical position of your remaining bookmarks will remain the same. They will not shift to ll the empty posi-
tion. When you create your next new bookmark, you will be o󰀨ered the rst available position as shown in screen 3002
above, which may be the one that was just deleted.
M, NGC, IC
These are the most common catalogs used in astronomy and include the brightest and most famous objects including
galaxies, di󰀨use (bright) nebulae, planetary nebulae, globular clusters and open clusters. Many faint objects visible only
in larger instruments are included also. A few objects are listed in more than one catalog, so there is some overlap. M
(Messier) = 110 objects, NGC (New General Catalog) = 7,840 objects, IC (Index Catalog) = 5,386 objects.
1. Go to Objects menu.
2. Choose M, NGC or IC –press the number that corresponds to your choice (e.g. 1=M).

17
3. Enter the catalog number with your keypad. Look carefully to be sure that the
numbers register as you press them.
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate slewing, NEXT to review object data or MENU to
exit.
a) After you press NEXT> for object data, you can press <PREV for RA/Dec coordinates. You may also GOTO from
that window.
5. Once you reach the target object, press <PREV to view the RA/Dec coordinates. Press <PREV again to return
to the object data.
6. Press MENU to return to Objects menu. or 5=BkMk to bookmark for later use.
Common Object Names
This is one of our favorite features. Many of us can’t remember the catalog number of an object; however we remember
the common name. Use this procedure to view 100 of your favorites.
1. From Objects menu, select 8=Tour.
2. Select 3=Common Obj. Names. Use <PREV and NEXT> to scroll through list of
names that are arranged alphabetically. You may use the <PREV button to scroll
backwards through the objects that are at the end of the list rst.
3. Select object. The window will display the magnitude, type of object and the constellation where it is found.
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate slewing, <PREV to review RA/Dec coordinates or MENU to exit.
5. Once you reach the target object, press <PREV to view the RA/Dec coordinates. Press <PREV again to return to
the object data.
6. Press MENU to return to Objects menu or 5=BkMk to bookmark for future reference. The catalog number of the
object will be remembered, not the common name.
Solar System Objects (Sol)
WARNING - Observing during the daytime can be dangerous. Refer to the section entitled “Slewing During the Day” on
page 43 for precautions.
All the planets, Pluto, the Moon and the Sun.
1. From Objects menu, select 4=Sol (Solar System).
2. Press the number that corresponds to your choice. The RA/Dec coordinates of the
object will display.
3. Press GOTO to initiate slewing or Menu=Exit. If you select GOTO, the mount will
slew to the object. If you select the sun or the moon, the tracking rate will automatically change to the solar or lunar
rate. Note that the displayed rate in the Main Menu will not indicate these tracking rates.
Common Star Names - Non-scientic
Many of these names are of Arabic origin. Refer to “Appendix C: Alphabetical Star List” on page 53 for the list of stars
that we have included. The appendix also shows the Flamsteed-Bayer names and the approximate magnitude of each star.
1. From Objects menu, choose 5=Strs (Stars).
2. Note that the Zenith hour displays in the upper right corner for your reference.
3. Select a star. Scroll the stars list by pressing the <PREV or NEXT> buttons. Hold button down for a more rapid scroll
rate. Press the number that corresponds to your choice. Magnitude, constellation and type will display.

18
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate slewing, <PREV to review RA/Dec coordinates or
MENU to exit.
5. Once you reach the target object, press <PREV to view the RA/Dec coordinates.
Press <PREV again to return to the object data.
6. Once you reach the target star, press <PREV to view the RA/Dec coordinates. Press <PREV again to return to the
object data.
7. Press MENU to return to Stars selection window.
Greek Star Names, Organized by Constellation
This menu showcases the brightest stars in each constellation.
1. From Objects menu, select 8=Tour.
2. Select 1=Stars/Constell. The display will identify the constellation to which your tel-
escope is pointing and o󰀨er choices of stars with Greek names within that constel-
lation. Refer to “Appendix B: Common Stars - By Constellation” on page 49 and
“Appendix D: Constellation Abbreviations” on page 58 for the full names of the constellation
a) Press 6=Prev Stars or Next=0 to scroll through the list of stars available within the current constellation.
b) Use <PREV and NEXT> buttons to scroll through constellation lists. Choose a constellation that is visible.
3. Select a star. Window will display the magnitude of the star.
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate the slew, <PREV for RA/Dec coordinates or MENU to exit to the Stars/Constellation
menu to make your next selection.
Abell Galaxy Clusters
We have included 2,712 of the approximately 4,000 Abell Galaxy Clusters (ACO).
1. From Objects menu, choose 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects menu.
2. Choose 1=Abell Galaxies.
3. Enter Abell Number. Note that not all Abell Galaxies are in the database.
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate slewing, NEXT> to review object data or MENU to exit.
5. Press <PREV for RA/Dec coordinates. You may also GOTO from that window.
6. When you reach the target object, press <PREV to toggle between RA/Dec coordinates and object data.
7. Press MENU to return to More Objects menu to make an alternate choice.
Aitken Double Star Catalog (ADS)
We have included 215 of the most popular double stars in this catalog. Please refer to “Appendix F: Aitken’s Double Star
(ADS) List” on page 60 for the ADS numbers that we have included and the corresponding Greek star name.
1. From Objects menu, choose 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects menu.
2. Choose 2=ADS Double Stars. The window will display the name of the constellation to which your telescope is pointed
and a list of ADS objects within that constellation.
a) Press 6=Prev ADS or Next=0 to scroll through the list of double stars available within the current constellation.
b) Use <PREV and NEXT> buttons to scroll through constellation lists. Choose a constellation that is visible.

19
3. Select a double star. The window will display the approximate separation of the stars, constellation and object typeSe-
lect a double star. The window will display the approximate separation of the stars, constellation and object type (Dbl.
Star). Remember that apparent separation may vary from year to year. Consult an ephemeris for the most accurate
data.
4. Choices: Press GOTO to initiate slewing, <PREV to view RA/Dec coordinates or MENU to exit.
5. When you reach the target object, press <PREV to toggle between RA/Dec coordinates and object data.
6. Press MENU to return to ADS selection window to make additional choices.
Palomar Globular Clusters (PAL)
We have included all 15 of the PAL (Palomer) Globular Clusters.
1. From Objects Menu, choose 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects Menu.
2. Select 3=PAL.
3. Enter a PAL Number from 1-15.
4. Choices:
a) Press GOTO to initiate slewing. .
b) Press NEXT> to view the object data, then press GOTO to slew.
c) Press <PREV to toggle between RA / Dec. data and object data.
5. Press MENU to return to More Objects Menu to make an alternate choice.
Uppsalla Galaxy Catalog (UGC)
We have included 2,904 of the 12,921 galaxies in the Uppsalla Galaxies catalog. This catalog features galaxies visible
from the northern hemisphere .
1. From Objects Menu, choose 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects Menu.
2. Choose 4=UGC.
3. Enter UGC Number. Note that not all UGC Galaxies are in the database
4. Choices:
a) Press GOTO to initiate slewing.
b) Press NEXT> to view the object data, then press GOTO to slew.
5. Press <PREV to toggle between RA / Dec. data and object data.
6. Press MENU to return to More Objects Menu to make an alternate choice.
Lynds’ Catalog of Bright Nebula (LBN)
We have included all 1,125 of the HII emission nebulae in Beverly Lynds’ Bright Nebula catalog. Note that instead of
magnitudes, the Keypad will display Lynds’ relative brightness scale ranging in whole integer values from 1 (brightest) to 6
(dimmest).
1. From Objects Menu, choose 6=More. This will bring you to the More Objects Menu.
2. Press 5=LBN.
3. Enter LBN Number.