Hobym Observatory Crux170HD User manual

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Crux170HD User Manual
Ver 1.41

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Thank you for choosing the Crux170HD, an ultra-lightweight, portable equatorial mount with a
highly advanced reducer system, the harmonic gear system. The Crux170HD, despite its small
size and lightweight of only 4.7kg, will showcase outstandingly precise processing and quick
response time for full-fledged astronomical observation and astrophotography.
The Crux170HD is a steady seller harmonic gear equatorial mount produced at HOBYM
Observatory. A long time has been dedicated to its development as well; the points of
improvement found from the field photography tests during the development process are closely
reflected and will continue to be upgraded and developed. Designed and built for the consumers,
the Crux170HD is a portable device for expeditions and ensures the highest efficiency and ease
of use. The Crux170HD will be a perfect companion to your astronomical activities. HOBYM
Observatory has succeeded in mass-production of the world's first small-sized harmonic gear
equatorial mount, creating new standards, and will continue to launch competitive products
through continuous research and development as an industry leader.
HOBYM Observatory Product Family

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Features of the Crux140Traveler
➔Crux170HD adopts a harmonic gear system, which makes it powerful while using less
driving force by using greater contact surface than the general worm wheel method. This
allows a high payload compared to the light bodyweight of the equatorial mount.
➔Crux170HD. has no backlash, which provides quick feedback that allows a 0.1-second guide
to be possible.
➔Crux170HD is capable of time-lapse shooting by setting the rotating speed with Titan TCS.\
➔Crux170HD can be used as an alt-azimuth mount and supports GoTo and tracking function.
Users can also use GoTo function and observe and photograph astronomical objects in
situations where the polar alignment is not available.
➔Crux170HD can be transformed into a free stop alt-azimuth mount by a simple operation
and can be used without power. It can also be used for birdwatching and insect
photography.
➔Crux170HD is separated into mechanical parts and electronic parts so that each part can be
upgraded separately.
➔Crux170HD uses reliable harmonic gear produced in Korea and stepping motor produced in
Japan for the stability and reliability.
➔Crux170HD shows a stable guide and tracking performances even after passing the
meridian. This allows a reliable autoguiding regardless of the location.
➔Crux170HD maintains a constant contact surface and frictional force regardless of the
temperature change thanks to its harmonic gear. Unlike other worm wheel equatorial
mounts, the performance of Crux170HD is not influenced by the changes in a backlash
resulting from temperature fluctuations.
➔Crux170HD has a high payload compared to the bodyweight of the mount. It can mount up
to 10kg of load assuming the telescope’s center of mass is 7cm away from the DEC
mounting surface without counterweights, and the payload can be increased up to 20Kg
when the user attaches an optional counterweight or a camera with ball head.
➔Crux170HD is extremely useful in observational expedition including oversea observations.
Although the equatorial mount in total weighs only 5kg, it can mount a 4~5-inch refractor
(Vixen VSD, FSQ106, TEC140), a 8-inch reflector or an right 10-inch RC telescope with a
cooling CCD.
➔Crux170HD is as light as a piggyback mount but is as functional as a small-sized equatorial
mount. It also supports the Time-Lapse shooting.

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➔Adopting harmonic gear reducer, Crux170HD does not have many factors to cause
functional problems as it has a simple structure, shows consistent performance and is
durable. This allows the mount to have a long product life unless there were severe
damages from external factors.
➔Crux170HD is equipped with Titan TCS, which makes it one of the most efficient portable
mounts among all.
➔Crux170HD reduces the periodic error using the P-motion control function of Titan TCS. This
ensures the final periodic error value not to exceed about ±8 arcsec. Therefore, for most of
the short focus refractors, you can take photographs without any guide if you invest about 20
minutes in P-motion correction training at the initial set up.
➔Crux170HD is controllable anytime and anywhere via Titan TCS. Titan TCS supports
Bluetooth and WiFi (soon to be released) wireless environment and the user may choose
which to use by a firmware update.
➔Titan TCS accommodates ASCOM Driver and INDI Driver that enables the connection with
various astronomical software.

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Table of Contents
1. Cover ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
2. Greetings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
3. Features of Crux140Traveler ----------------------------------------------------------------------3
4. Table of Contents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
5. Product Details ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
6. What’s Included in the Box and Optional Parts ----------------------------------------------- 7
7. Mount Layout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
8. Dimensions of the Mount --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
9. Precautions for Use --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
10. How to set up Telescope
➔How to set up in Equatorial Mode ---------------------------------------------------------- 11
➔How to set up in Alt-Azimuth Mode -------------------------------------------------------- 15
11. Features of Titan TCS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17
12. Titan TCS Quick Manual --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
13. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
14. Crux170HD Technical Data --------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
15. Photographs taken using Crux170HD -------------------------------------------------------- 40
16. Equipment setting reference--------------------------------------------------------------------- 42
17. Online Reference webpages --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- 43
18. Limited Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44

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Product Details
Mount Mechanism
⚫Type: German-style equatorial type and alt-azimuth type using harmonic gear reducers at
RA and DEC.
⚫RA drive: Harmonic gear reducer (SCSG14-100_2UA) driven by a stepper motor with a
microstep driver.
⚫DEC drive: Harmonic gear reducer (SC17-100_2UA) driven by a stepper motor with a
microstep driver.
⚫Azimuth adjustment: Fine adjustment of about 10° available
⚫Altitude adjustment: can be adjusted from 18° to 55°
⚫Payload: assuming the telescope’s center of mass is 5cm away from the DEC mounting
surface, the payload is 10kg without any weight. Can load up to 20 kg if the optional 3.8kg
counterweight is attached.
⚫Equatorial mount total weight: 4.7kg (excluding the weight and Titan TCS)
⚫Polar Axis Alignment: available using QHY's Pole Master, sold separately.
⚫Operating temperature: -30 ºC degrees to +40 ºC degrees
⚫Parts Provided: Motor Cable, RS232 cable, USB Cable, DC power connection cable.
⚫Warranty: 5 years of mechanism
(Cost is at the user’s expense if defects were caused by the user's fault.)
Motor drive system
⚫Drive system: RA motor - about 355 pps
DEC Motor - about 177 pps
⚫Operating area: Almost anywhere in the world, where the altitude is adjustable.
⚫Recommended fast slewing speed: about 1000 times faster than sidereal rate
⚫Input voltage: 12V 3.0A or more
⚫GoTo: GoTo available both from the hand controller and PC.
⚫Warranty: 3 years of electronic parts
(Cost is at the user’s expense if defects were caused by the user's fault.)

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What’s Included in the Box and Optional Parts
In-the-Box Items
⚫Crux170HD
⚫Titan TCS
⚫PoleMaster Adapter
⚫Bubble level
⚫6mm L-wrench
⚫M8X12, two each
⚫8mm knob bolt
⚫Card USB Memory – Programs and Manuals
⚫Motor cable, RS232 cable, power cable, USB cable
⚫HOBYM Observatory Stickers variety pack
⚫Luxury plastic hard case for Crux140 Traveler
⚫Weight shaft (diameter-18mm)
Optional Parts (Sold separately)
⚫3.8kg stainless steel weight
⚫Ball head adapter

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Mount Layout
1. Scope Mount Adaptor : M8x2_PCD35/ M6x2_PCD35
2. DEC Housing : contains DEC motor and harmonic gear.
3. RA Harmonic Gear
4. RA Housing : contains RA motor
5. RA motor bracket
6. Weight shaft / Ball head Adapter Mounting Bolts: a 3/8-inch screw and can be equipped with a
weight shaft or ball head adapter
7. DEC Motor cable connection jack
8. RA Motor cable connection jack.
9. Altitude adjustment knob: turn clockwise to lower altitude and counterclockwise to increase
altitude.
10.Azimuth adjustment knob: push and pull to adjust azimuth
11.Azimuth adjustment lock handle: locking bolts to tighten after azimuth adjustment, one in front
and one in back.
12.Altitude adjustment lock handle: a handle that unlocks before adjusting the altitude and locks
after adjusting
13.PoleMaster Adapter: An adapter that can attach a PoleMaster.
14.Altitude adjustment support block
15.Azimuth adjustment support block
16.TiTaN TCS
17.Alt-azimuth Mode fixing bolt mounting tap: for fixing by attaching the handle bolt
to it after matching M8 tap hole with an inner hole

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Dimensions of the Mount

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Precautions for Use
1. If you forcibly mount a large telescope, it may damage the equatorial mount. The payload
may vary depending on the size of the telescope, even in the case that the telescopes have
the same weight.
2. When using bolts other than the supplied M8 bolt, pay attention to the length of the bolts
and use only the ones with the proper length. If the bolt is too long, it may damage the parts
protecting the harmonic gear system.
3. Adjust the altitude azimuth after loosening the fixing handle. Forcibly adjusting with a
wrench in a tightly joined state will cause damage to the mount.
4. Do not supply more than the specified voltage. (DC 12V)
5. Please refrain from using the equatorial mount in case of excessive moisture and rain.
6. Since the driving torque is strong, make sure to fully understand the safety zone function of
Titan TCS and carefully set it up at the initial set up.
7. Avoid applying excessive shock to the mount or dropping it. In these cases, the axis may
bend, or the tooth surface of the harmonic gear may be damaged, causing a decrease in its
accuracy.
8. Tripods and piers should be sturdy. Especially, tripods for general photography have a
narrow angle compared to astronomical use. We recommend using an astronomical tripod.
9. Do not loosen the altitude adjustment lock handle too much when adjusting the altitude. If
you loosen it too much, the polar axis may deviate after locking.
10. In case of using GoTo function frequently, lower the slewing speed to prevent the motor from
overheating. When operated at the highest speed for a too long time, it may lower the
performance of the motor due to the overheating.

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How to set up in Equatorial Mode
1. Set up a tripod on a firm, level surface
and place one of the tripod legs toward
the north or south pole
2. The Crux140 Traveler has a 3/8-inch
female screw tap on the bottom.
Crux140 Traveler can be mounted on
any tripod as long as it has a 3/8-inch
bolt.
3. Assemble the removable tripod head
and Crux170HD.
4. Tighten the L-shaped knob on the
tripod strongly.
5. After mounting on a tripod, hold the
body and tighten it more clockwise.

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6. Once secured to the tripod, loosen the
altitude adjustment handle loosely
counterclockwise. At this time, about half a
turn is enough.
7. After installing the pole master, use the
control knob to orient it to the North Pole.
8. Introduce the polestar on the
Polemaster by adjusting it with the
azimuth adjustment handle released.
Precise polar alignment should be done
after all equipment has been mounted.
9. Connect the Declination cable of TiTaN
TCS.

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10. Connect the RA cable to the bottom of the
RA axis.
11. Connect motor cable to TiTaN TCS.
12. Attach the dovetail holder. At this time, two
M8X12 are included in the package. Secure
with a suitable bolt. Be careful when
tightening with a long bolt as the mounting
tabs on the telescope connection head may
be damaged..

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13. Connect the power line to the TiTaN TCS.
14. . Determine the telescope’s approximate
center of mass. This is to minimize the load
on the equator during operation.
15. Secure the telescope to the dovetail holder
and turn on the TiTaN TCS.
16. Plug in the Titan TCS to power, and you are
ready to go. The telescope in the photo
below is headed for due east. In the Titan
TCS Object menu, select Manual > East >
Sync. Use GoTo function targeting the
celestial object you know using the Titan
TCS Object menu. The telescope will move
near the selected target. Then center your
target using TCS’s keypad and sync..

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How to Set Up in Alt-Azimuth Mode
1. After the installation in the same manner as
the equatorial mode, loosen the altitude
holding handle to some extent and set the
right ascension to 90 degrees. There is an M8
tapped hole on the left side of the body.
Through this tap hole to match the hole inside.
2. Insert the supplied M8 Knob bolt into the
tapped hole and tighten it clockwise. After
that, tighten the altitude adjustment handle as
much as possible.
3. Determine the telescope’s approximate
center of mass. This is to minimize the load
on the equator during operation.
4. After the declination head points north,
the telescope points west. Then we put the
weight on the end as shown below.

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5. When using the Alt-az mode, installation is
very important to level. Installation should
be done using the provided bubble level.
6. The installation position and simple
instructions for Titan TCS in alt-azimuth mode
are as follows. Please refer to the manual for
Titan TCS for more detailed information.
Menu > System > Mount Type > Alt-Az
mode> Enter
Menu > Save > Save & Exit > Enter
Restart the Titan TCS.
The telescope should be to the south and
the pier to the north.
Point the telescope to the due east.
In the Titan TCS Object menu, select
Manual > East > Sync
Use GoTo function targeting the celestial
object you know using the Titan TCS Object
menu. The telescope will move near the
selected target. Then center your target
using TCS’s keypad and sync.
Now you can observe any object using GoTo.
7. In case of previous version Crux170HD can
be used with the Alt-Az mode with firmware
upgrade. However, when using Alt-Az mode,
use it in balance with enough weight.

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Features of Titan TCS
Titan Telescope Control System (TCS) is compact but one of the most powerful equatorial mount
control system. Titan TCS comes with a list of nearly 14000 objects that can be used by all
astrophotographers in its memory.
-Listof Objects–
IAU-approvedStarName240items
NewGeneralCatalogue7840items
MessierCatalogue110items
IC (IndexCatalogue)Objects5386items
Caldwellcatalogue109items
Sharplesscatalog341items
RCW 182 items
Gun94 items
Barnard174items
1. Titan TCS equipped with controlling CPU (120MHz / 32bit) and 32bit CPU for communication and
user interface to secure the expandability
2. Titan TCS has a total of 5 megabytes of memory. It stores an embedded object list for GoTo,
3. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (soon to be released) compatible, User may choose which to use by firmware
update.
4. Uses microstep (1/4 ~ 1/128): It controls the current and voltage according to the speed of the
motor, which results in maximum efficiency with less power consumption.
5. Voltage boost and current control up to 30V by internal self-boosting function: maximizes the power
of stepper motor and enables powerful and smooth driving.
6. Titan TCS supports LX200 compatible protocol, which makes it compatible with many kinds of
astronomical software.
7. Remote observation through built-in parking function
8. Compact Size of 88mm x 108mm x 35mm with high density PCB design.

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9. Titan TCS is specialized for the harmonic gear mounts; all of the CRUX mounts can take
photographs without guide up to 400 ~ 500mm focal length by using Titan TCS PEC function.
10. Small graphic high-resolution OLED display: High resolution OLED to monitor the current
consumption of motor and various information on the current state of the mount. (1.69 "Diagonal
Size, 160X128 Pixels, Full Color)
11. Input power (12V / 3A): DC Adapter should be 12V/3A or have higher current.
12. Minimal power requirement for star tracking (0.5A ~ 0.7A).
13. USB port supports two virtual serial connection: can be directly connected to PC
14. Equipped with a small LED light indicating the guide situation in real time.
15. Built-in beeper notifies a job completion of the controller and allows a simple melody alarm function.
16. The guide port prevents electronical damage incurring from external surge using optocoupler.
17. The latest Titan TCS (HW Ver2.0) has a built-in camera shutter release that allows the user to
control the camera such as DLSR.
18. The latest firmware has added the alt-azimuth mount mode to existing Titan TCS.

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TitianTCS (V2) Quick Manual

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