Hobym Observatory Crux140 Traveler User manual

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Crux140 Traveler
User Manual
Ver 1.3

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Thank you for choosing the Crux140 Traveler, an ultra-lightweight, portable equatorial mount with a
highly advanced reducer system, the harmonic gear system. The Crux140 Traveler, despite its small
size and lightweight of only 3kg, will showcase outstandingly precise processing and quick response
time for full-fledged astronomical observation and astrophotography.
The Crux140 Traveler is smallest 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 Crux140 Traveler is a portable
device for expeditions and ensures the highest efficiency and ease of use. The Crux140 Traveler 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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Table of Contents
1. Cover ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
2. Greetings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
3. Table of Contents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
4. Features of Crux140Traveler ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
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 -------------------------------------------------------- 14
➔Changing altitude to low latitude ----------------------------------------------------------- 17
11. Features of Titan TCS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
12. Titan TCS Quick Manual --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
13. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
14. Crux140Traveler Technical Data ----------------------------------------------------------------- 42
15. Photographs taken using Crux140 Traveler --------------------------------------------------- 43
16. Online Reference webpages ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 45
17. Equipment setting reference -----------------------------------------------------------------------46
18. Limited Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47

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4. Features of the Crux140Traveler
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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.
➔Crux140 Tvr. has no backlash, which provides quick feedback that allows a 0.1-second guide
to be possible.
➔Crux140 Tvr. is capable of time-lapse shooting by setting the rotating speed with Titan TCS.
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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.
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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.
➔Crux140 Tvr. is separated into mechanical parts and electronic parts so that each part can be
upgraded separately.
➔Crux140 Tvr. uses reliable harmonic gear produced in Korea and stepping motor produced in
Japan for the stability and reliability.
➔Crux140 Tvr. shows a stable guide and tracking performances even after passing the
meridian. This allows a reliable autoguiding regardless of the location.
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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 Crux140 Tvr. is not influenced by the changes in a backlash resulting from
temperature fluctuations.
➔Crux140 Tvr. has a high payload compared to the bodyweight of the mount. It can mount up

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to 8kg of load assuming the telescope’s center of mass is 5cm away from the DEC mounting
surface without counterweights, and the payload can be increased up to 13Kg when the user
attaches an optional counterweight or a camera with ball head.
➔Crux140 Tvr. is extremely useful in observational expedition including oversea observations.
Although the equatorial mount in total weighs only 3 kg, it can mount a 4-inch refractor (Vixen
VSD, FSQ106), a 6-inch reflector or an 8-inch RC telescope with a cooling CCD.
➔Crux140 Tvr. is as light as a piggyback mount but is as functional as a small-sized equatorial
mount. It also supports the Time-Lapse shooting.
➔Adopting harmonic gear reducer, Crux140 Tvr. 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.
➔Crux140 Tvr. is equipped with Titan TCS, which makes it one of the most efficient portable
mounts among all.
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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.
➔Crux140 Tvr. 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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5. 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 (SSHG14-100_2A) driven by a stepper motor with a
microstep driver.
⚫DEC drive: Harmonic gear reducer (SSHG14-100_2A) driven by a stepper motor with a
microstep driver.
⚫Azimuth adjustment: Fine adjustment of about 10° available
⚫Altitude adjustment: can be adjusted from 5° to 90°
⚫Payload: assuming the telescope’s center of mass is 5cm away from the DEC mounting
surface, the payload is 8kg without any weight. Can load up to 13 kg if the optional 1.8kg
counterweight is attached.
⚫Equatorial mount total weight: 3kg (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 355 pps
⚫Operating area: Almost anywhere in the world, where the altitude is adjustable.
⚫Recommended fast slewing speed: about 800 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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6. What’s Included in the Box and Optional Parts
In-the-Box Items
⚫Crux140 Traveler (The appearance problem of the casting part is not an AS issue)
⚫Titan TCS
⚫PoleMaster Adapter
⚫Bubble level
⚫5mm L-wrench
⚫M8x10 and M8X12, two each
⚫6mm knob bolt
⚫Card USB Memory – Programs and Manuals
⚫Motor cable, RS232 cable, power cable, USB cable
⚫HOBYM Observatory Stickers variety pack
⚫Luxury Embroidery Bag for Crux140 Traveler (Not included in AS)
Optional Parts (Sold separately)
⚫Weight shaft (diameter-18mm)
⚫1.8 kg stainless steel weight
⚫Ball head adapter

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7. Mount Layout
1. Adaptor Specification: M8x2_PCD35 / M6x2_PCD35 / M5x2_PCD41
2. RA-DEC housing: the main part that contains two motors and two harmonic gears. Precise
casting and powder coating create the elegant curves and has a variety of color options.
3. Altitude adjustment lock nut: a handle to loosen when adjusting altitude and tighten after
completion.
4. Altitude adjustment knob: turn clockwise to lower altitude and counterclockwise to increase
altitude.
5. Azimuth adjustment lock bolt: locking bolts to tighten after azimuth adjustment, one in front
and one in back.
6. Altitude adjustment lock handle: a handle that unlocks before adjusting the altitude and locks
after adjusting.
7. Azimuth adjustment knob: push and pull to adjust azimuth.
8. Weight shaft / Ball head Adapter Mounting Bolts: a 3/8-inch screw and can be equipped with a
weight shaft or ball head adapter.
9. Motor cable connection jack: connect the motor cable with one cable.
10. Altitude adjustment support auxiliary bolt: a bolt that penetrates through the adjustment
support auxiliary bolt block that moves horizontally and supports it.
11. Altitude adjustment support auxiliary bolt extraction hole: a hole that makes it easy to extract
the bolt when used in high latitude or low latitude regions or when used as an alt-azimuth
mount.
12. Alt-azimuth Mode fixing bolt mounting tap: for fixing by attaching the handle bolt to it after
matching M6 tap hole with an inner hole.
13. Mount base
14. PoleMaster Adapter: An adapter that can attach a PoleMaster.

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8. Dimensions of the Mount
Equatorial Mount Head Size

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9. 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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10. How to Set Up Telescope
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. Mount a bubble level (included in the
package) on the tripod.
3. Level the mount by adjusting the tripod legs
using a bubble level.
4. 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.

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5. After attaching to the tripod, loosen the
fixing handle on the right side and adjust the
altitude adjustment knob to match the altitude
displayed on the side to the current latitude. If
you slightly press down the head of the
equatorial mount with your left hand, you can
move it to the target angle more easily.
6. Attach the dovetail holder. At this time, two
M8X10 and 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.
7. Attach the weight shaft and weight. The
weight should always be at all the way bottom.
(A weight shaft and weight are optional items.)
8. Connect the motor cable of Titan TCS to the
connecting jack on the rear of the equatorial
mount’s weight shaft.

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9. Determine the telescope’s approximate
center of mass. This is to minimize the load on
the equator during operation.
10. Secure the telescope to the dovetail
holder.
11. Attach the PoleMaster. The adapter is
included in the package, so there is no need
for a separate purchase. Please refer to
PoleMaster's manual for detailed instructions.
12. 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. Set up a tripod on a firm, level surface and
place one of the tripod legs toward the north or
south pole.
2. Mount a bubble level (included in the
package) on the tripod.
3. Level the mount by adjusting the tripod legs
using a bubble level.
4. The Crux140Traveler has a 3/8-inch female
screw taps on the bottom. Any tripod can be
mounted as long as it has 3/8-inch bolt.

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5. Adjust the altitude adjustment knob to match
the M6 tap hole to the small hole inside.
6. Insert the provided M6 knob bolts into the
M6 holes next to the fixing handle. M6 knob
bolts can remain inserted while operating the
mount.
7. Secure the handle tight. If the M6 knob bolts
become interrupts fastening, rotate the left
Altitude adjustment lock nut at the equatorial
mount to find the proper position.
8. Level using the supplied bubble level. Adjust
the tripod's legs so that the water droplet
locates in the center. This step improves the
GoTo and tracking accuracy of the alt-azimuth
mount via a one-star alignment.

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9. Install the weight shaft and weight. The
weight should be located farthest from the
mount.
10. Mount the telescope and connect the Titan
TCS. The telescope and mount should be
positioned as shown below:

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11. Plug in the power and you are ready to go.
12. 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.
Changing altitude to low latitude
Default position: 24° ~ 90°
Low latitude: 5° ~ 46°
1. If you have a knob bolt attached while in
Alt-Azimuth mode, remove it.
2. Adjust the altitude adjustment knob so that
the bolt head is centered in the large hole
below the logo.

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3. Disassemble the bolt counterclockwise
using the provided wrench.
4. Grab the base with the left hand, grab the
body with the right hand, and adjusts the
altitude to match the two holes.
5. Adjust the altitude adjustment knob to
match the hole in the altitude adjustment
support auxiliary bolt block.
6. Check all holes to be matched
7. Reassemble by inserting the altitude
adjustment support auxiliary bolt. Be careful
not to overtighten.

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8. Insert the long part of the L-wrench into the
bolt head to tighten it.
9. Use the altitude adjustment knob to adjust
the altitude.