iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ GOTO System User manual

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iOptron®SkyHunterTM Portable EQ/AZ GOTO System
Instruction Manual
Product #SHEQA, #SHEQ and #SHAZ

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Table of Content
Table of Content.................................................................................................................................................2
1. SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GOTO Mount Overview...................................................................................3
2. SkyHunterTM Mount Assembly......................................................................................................................5
2.1. Parts List..................................................................................................................................................5
2.2. Identification of Parts ..............................................................................................................................6
2.3. SkyHunter Ports and Buttons ..................................................................................................................7
2.4. SkyHunterTM Mount Assembly...............................................................................................................8
3. SkyHunterTM Mount Operation....................................................................................................................14
3.1. Use mount control panel........................................................................................................................14
3.2. Use mount as a tracking mount .............................................................................................................15
3.3. Zero Position .........................................................................................................................................15
3.4. Control SkyHunter Mount via iOptron Commander Lite .....................................................................16
3.5. Control SkyHunter Mount Using a Hand Controller ............................................................................17
3.5.1. Go2Nova®8410 Hand Controller ..................................................................................................17
3.5.2. Go2Nova®8410 Hand Controller Function...................................................................................20
3.5.3. Star Identifying Function................................................................................................................27
3.6. Install iOptron iGuider ..........................................................................................................................27
4. Maintenance and Servicing ..........................................................................................................................28
4.1. Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................28
4.2. iOptron Customer Service.....................................................................................................................28
4.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions ............................................................................................28
4.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions....................................................................................28
Appendix A. Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................29
Appendix B. Go2Nova®8410 HC MENU STRUCTURE ..............................................................................30
Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade ......................................................................................................................32
Appendix D. Computer Control a SkyHunter Mount ......................................................................................33
Appendix E. Go2Nova®Star List.....................................................................................................................34
IOPTRON ONE YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY..............................43
WARNING!
NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
Ver. 1.0 2022.07
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this
instruction.

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1. SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GOTO Mount Overview
Introducing The SkyHunterTM -- iOptron's new ultra compact EQ/AZ GoTo mount!
Figure 1 SkyHunter GoTo Mount
The SkyHunterTM mount takes the next step toward perfection. It is the lightest and most compact full
function portable goto mount in iOptron's exceptional history. Weighing in at only 2.9 lbs (including internal
rechargeable battery), the SkyHunter is capable of supporting an 11 lbs payload in both equatorial and alt-
azimuth modes.
The SkyHunterTM mount features four tracking rates, 1X or sidereal, 1/2X for sky and landscape
combined, solar and lunar. All 4 tracking rates work in both northern and southern hemispheres.
The SkyHunterTM mount can be controlled by an iOS or Android SmartPhone/tablet, an optional
8410 hand controller, or a computer via ASCOM, INDI or embedded drive.
Features:
Specialized Grab N’ Go GOTO EQ/AZ mount
Mount weighs 2.9 lbs (1.3kg)
Payload 11 lbs (5kg) (balanced, exclude CW)
Dual-axis servomotors with optical encoders
Tracking speed: solar, lunar, 1X, 1/2X, S/N
Operation in both northern and southern hemisphere
Vixen dovetail saddle
Built-in rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of operation (20°C)
Built-in WIFI adapter for full ASCOM, iOptron CommanderTM and Sky Safari control
USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
Optional Go2Nova®8410 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA®GOTO Technology
iPolar electronic polar scope (#SHEQA, otherwise optional)
Counterweight Shaft: Φ20X200mm with 3/8” thread, stainless steel
Counterweight: 3 lbs (1.35kg)
Attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8” or 1/4” threads

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1.25" Stainless steel tripod (#3221)
Optional carbon fiber tripod (#8061)
Pier-extension (#8041)
One year limited warranty on mount, 90 day for battery

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2. SkyHunterTM Mount Assembly
2.1. Parts List1
Depends on the configuration, a SkyHunter mount system may come with the following parts:
SkyHunterTM GOTO EQ/AZ mount head
EQ base (not included in SHAZ)
Stainless steel counterweight shaft
3 lbs counterweight
iPolar electronic polar scope (for SHEQA only)
MiniUSB charging cable
#3221 Tripod
#8041 Pier extension
One Year Limited Warranty (90 day on battery)
OPTIONAL PARTS
Carbon fiber tripod (#8061)
iGuider mini autoguiding system (#3360)
8410 hand controller
ONLINE RESOURCES (click on the “Support” menu at www.iOptron.com)
Quick Start Guide
Instructional manual
Tips for set up
Hand controller and mount firmware upgrades (check online for latest version)
iOptron ASCOM driver and computer control
Reviews and feedback from other customers
Accessories
1US market only. Actual contents, design and function may vary.

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2.2. Identification of Parts
Figure 2 SkyHunter mount (EQ) assembly
Figure 3 SkyHunter mount head
DEC/ALT Clutch
iPolar
CW Shaft
DEC Axis
AZI Adj. Screws
Dovetail Saddle
Counterweight (CW)
RA Axis/Polar Axis
ALT Adj. Screw
RA/AZI Clutch Knob
Tripod
Pier Extension
CW Shaft Safety Lock
CW Locking Screw
CW Shaft Adapting Thread 2
Bubble Level/iPolar Adapter
CW Shaft Adapting Thread 1
DEC/ALT Clutch
RA/AZI Clutch
Battery cover releasing clips

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2.3. SkyHunter Ports and Buttons
Figure 4. Ports and buttons on a SkyHunter mount
①USB Port: MiniUSB port to charge the battery, power the mount and connect the mount to a
computer.
②WiFi Reset Button: with mount power on, use a sharp tool, such as a toothpick, to restart the WiFi
(short press) or to reset to factory default (press and hold for 3 seconds).
③Power/Battery Status Indicator: With mount power on, if the battery indicator LED stays steady on,
the battery has sufficient power for mount operation. When the indicator blinks slowly (about 0.5Hz),
it indicates the power is low and the battery needs be charged. When the battery is new and fully
charged, the status indicator may flash rapidly (about 5Hz). You may charge the mount with the
power switch either ON or OFF. However, when the power switch is turned off, the battery status
indicator does not function.
④Mount Status Indicator: Current mount operation status. It indicates the current tracking speed if
the mount is in EQ mode. If NONE of the tracking speed LED is turned on, the mount is in AA mode.
When LED under Sis on, the mount is set in Southern Hemisphere.
⑤Function Button: to change the mount status.
⑥Power Switch: Turn the mount power ON/OFF.
Mount Status
Function Buttons
USB
WiFi Reset
Power Switch
Battery Status

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2.4. SkyHunterTM Mount Assembly
STEP 1. Charge the battery
The SkyHunterTM mount is shipped with battery partially charged. It is suggested to fully charge
the battery before each session.Insert the miniUSB plug into the USB port on the side of the mount, and
connect the other end of the USB cable into a USB port of a computer, a smart phone charger or a portable
battery pack (not included). The input power should be 5V, >1A.
When a new battery is fully charged, the battery status indicator may flash rapidly (about 5Hz). You
may charge the mount with the power switch either on or off. (However, when the power switch is turned off,
the Battery Status Indicator does not function). When the indicator stays steady without blinking, the battery
power should be sufficient for your session. When the indicator blinks slowly (about 0.5Hz), it indicates the
power is low and recharging is necessary.
Figure 5 Charging the Battery
Please don’t charge the battery or use USB power when temperature is at or below 0°C (32°F),
otherwise the rechargeable battery might be permanently damaged.
The mount can be operated while the battery is charging.
Equatorial Mode Setup
STEP 2. Attach SkyHunter mount onto a tripod: EQ mode
To set up a SkyHunter mount in EQ mode, an EQ base is needed. The EQ base has a 3/8” threaded
hole. Attach it onto an iOptron #3221 tripod, #8041 extension pier, #8601 carbon fiber tripod or a camera
tripod with a 3/8” mounting pole.
Figure 6 iOptron SkyHunter mount EQ Base
Battery Status

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Figure 7 Four (4) latitude position for the EQ base
There are 4 threaded holes and a stopper screw on the EQ base. Move the stopper to the position
reflecting your site latitude.
The dovetail bar also acts as the RA clutch lock. Turn the dovetail bar counterclockwise (or hold the
dovetail bar then turn the mount clockwise) to release the RA clutch. Do the opposite to lock the RA clutch.
Insert a small screwdriver or an Allen wrench into one of the small holes on the dovetail bar for added
turning torque.
Figure 8 Dovetail bar as an RA clutch lock
Release the EQ base dovetail bar locking screw and slide the mount head into the EQ base dovetail
saddle. Tighten the locking screw. Make sure that dovetail bar sits flush inside the saddle.
Figure 9 Slide mount head into an EQ base
Dovetail Bar &
RA Clutch Lock
DEC Clutch Knob
Locking
Screw
Latitude Stopper
Allen Wrench

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STEP 3. Adjust latitude
Release EQ base Latitude Locking Lever, turn Latitude Adjustment Knob to adjust the latitude until
the arrow points to the current latitude on the Latitude Scale. Tighten the locking lever. Turn the lever while
pulling it outward to rest the lever at a position that does not interfere with the mount body.
Figure 10 Adjust EQ base latitude
STEP 4 Install counterweight
Thread the CW shaft into the CW Shaft Adapting Thread 1 located at the bottom of the mount.
Remove the CW Safety Cap at the end of CW Shaft. Slide the CW over the shaft with the larger opening
facing down. Tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place. Place the Safety Cap back onto the
shaft.
Figure 11 Install counterweight shaft and CW
For a low latitude use, the CW shaft can be threaded into CW Shaft Adapting Thread 2 (the DEC
Clutch Locking Knob) to avoid the CW interfering with the tripod/pier.
STEP 5. Install and balance telescope
The SkyHunter mount has a Vixen dovetail saddle. Release the Dovetail Saddle Locking Lever and
slide the telescope dovetail plate into the saddle. Tighten the Saddle Locking Lever. Adjust the locking
lever handle parallel to the saddle to avoid it hitting the mount during GOTO and tracking.
Lat. Adj. Knob
Latitude Scale
Latitude Locking Lever
CW Shaft Adapting
Thread 2
CW Shaft Adapting
Thread 1

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Figure 12 Dovetail saddle and locking lever for telescope mounting
Loosen RA and DEC clutches to balance the telescope. Insert a small screwdriver or an Allen
wrench into the small hole on the mounting bar for added turning torque as shown in Figure 8.
You may need more than one CW for heavier payload or large diameter scope.
Figure 13 Balancing a telescope
STEP 6 Install iPolar
To install an iPolar electronic polar scope, loosen the iPolar thumb screw, slide it over the mount
bubble level house, then tighten the thumb screw (iPolar might be with two thumb screws).
Figure 14 Install iPolar
Locking Lever

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STEP 7 Polar Alignment
Polar alignment is required for an EQ mount to tracking properly. A very rough alignment is facing
the RA axis to True North and adjusting the altitude to your latitude.
A simple and improved alignment is aiming through the polar sight hole located on the RA axis to
Polaris (or Sigma Octantis) while adjusting the azimuth and altitude angles until Polaris appears in the
center of the field of view. Lock all the knobs when done.
Figure 15 Polar alignment through Polar Sight Hole
If an iPolar is installed, refer to the iPolar Operation Manual from iOptron’s website to perform the
polar alignment (https://www.ioptron.com/v/manuals/3339_iPolarOperationManual.pdf) or steps briefly
outlined below:
• Download and install iPolar Software via iOptron website (Windows) or MacOS App store
• Connect a miniUSB cable between the iPolar and a computer USB port (Windows or MacOS)
•Click Connect and start polar alignment by following on-screen instructions.
When the pole star is not in sight or no iPolar installed, refer to optional 8410 hand controller Polar
Iterate Align to perform Polar Alignment. Another way to perform polar alignment is using the polar
alignment procedure in planetarium software.
Altazimuth Mode Setup
STEP 8. Attach SkyHunter mount onto a tripod: AA Mode
The SkyHunter mount has a 3/8” threaded mounting hole. It can be directly mounted onto an iOptron
#3221 tripod, #8041 extension pier, #8601 carbon fiber tripod or a camera tripod with a 3/8" mounting pole.
Polar Sight Hole
Azi. Adj. Screws
Alt. Adj. Knob

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Figure 16 Attach a SkyHunter mount head onto a tripod for AA mode
Adjust the tripod to level the mount by placing the bubble inside the middle circle. For a better result,
check the bubble position while rotating the mount in azimuth and make sure it stays at the same place.
Leveling is very important to the mount performance in AA mode.
Figure 17 Leveling a SkyHunter in AA mode
Balance under the AA mode is not very critical, especially in azimuth direction. However, good
balance or slightly front heavy in altitude direction is recommended. Slightly front heavy should help
engaging the alt axle and prevent the alt clutch from loosening.

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3. SkyHunterTM Mount Operation
3.1. Use mount control panel
The mount control panel is located near the power switch. If the mount is set at EQ mode, the mount
will be in tracking mode at a rate that is shown on the Mount Status Indicator when the mount is powered
on.
If your goal is only to take image of the sky and stars, set the tracking speed to 1X (celestial/sidereal
tracking speed). With a good polar alignment, this should keep the stars round in your image.
If you would like to take an image of both the starry sky and the night landscape at the same time,
you may set the tracking speed at 1/2X. This will let you take clear images of both the sky and the land
objects at a proper exposure.
Solar speed is for tracking the Sun and lunar speed for the moon.
Figure 18 Mount Status Indicator
Keep pressing the center round Function Button to change the tracking speed from
Solar=>Lunar=>1/2X =>1X.
The letter “S” indicates if the mount is set to northern or southern hemisphere. If the LED under “S”
is on, it indicates the mount is set to southern hemisphere. To change this setting, press and hold the center
round function button until the LED under letter “S” starts to blink. Press the button briefly to toggle
between “S(LED on, left)” and “N(LED off, right)”. Then press and hold button for 3 seconds to store the
change.
Southern Hemisphere Northern Hemisphere
Figure 19 Change mount S/N settings
To switch between EQ and AA modes, press and hold the button while power on the mount.
When switch from EQ to AA, all 5 LEDs should blink, and when release the button, all four tracking speed
LED should be off when in AA mode.
EQ Mode AA Mode
Figure 20 Mount EQ or AA mode
Mount Status
Indicator

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Repeat the above one more time to switch from AA to EQ. When releasing the function button,
one tracking speed LED will be on when in EQ mode.
If there is ONE (any one) tracking speed LED on, the mount is in EQ mode (left). If NO LED is on,
the mode is in AA mode (right).
3.2. Use the mount as a tracking mount
The mount can be used as a simple single axis tracking mount. The procedures are:
(1) Set the mount in EQ mode;
(2) Mount a camera to the mount and lock it firmly by turning the mount dovetail bar;
(3) Polar align the mount;
(4) Select tracking speed and N/S;
(5) Power the mount on. The mount will start tracking automatically;
(6) Aim the mount to the sky/sky-landscape you are interested in by adjust camera in DEC direction;
(7) Press and hold ◄or ► button to adjust the camera in RA direction.
There is no auto-tracking in AA mode when the mount is powered on. Tracking will start after GOTO.
3.3. Zero Position
This is the starting reference point of the GOTO performance. Assuming you are in northern
hemisphere, align the SkyHunterTM mount RA axis to the true north with the assistance of a compass, with
telescope at the highest point, for the EQ mode (left in Figure 21).
For AA mode (right in Figure 21), point the scope to Zenith, with the HBX port side facing South
(scope on the right side of the mount).
Figure 21 Zero Position of a SkyHunter Mount: EQ Mode (left) and AA Mode (right)
After attach the mount to tripod and lock the RA/AZI clutch with the assistance of a screw driver or
Allen wrench, you may press and hold the ◄or ► button to adjust the mount in RA/AZI direction. After set
the mount to Zero Position physically, power cycling the mount to ensure the mount is at Zero Position. ,
The mount power on position is Zero Position for control software.

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If you have downloaded iOptron Commander Lite, you can use MOVE command in iOptron
Commander Lite to adjust the RA and DEC. Then use Zero Position command to set the Zero Position.
3.4. Control SkyHunter Mount via iOptron Commander Lite
The mount can be controlled by the iOptron Commander Lite app for GOTO and tracking.
Turn the mount power on. Check your SmartPhone WIFI setting and connect to a WIFI device
named SH_XXXXXX.
Figure 22 SkyHunter WiFi network
Launch iOptron Commander Lite (iOS as an example) and tap to connect the mount.
the mount.
Figure 23 Commander Lite for iOS
Now you can control the mount via your phone/tablet.
Figure 24 SkyHunter Commander Lite control panel

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Please refer to online Commander Lite Application Note for more detail.
https://www.ioptron.com/v/ASCOM/iOptronCommanderLiteAppNote.pdf
3.5. Control SkyHunter Mount Using a Hand Controller
A SkyHunter mount can be controlled by an optional Go2Nova®8410 hand controller.
3.5.1. Go2Nova®8410 Hand Controller
The Go2Nova®8410 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 25 is the optional controller used on the
SkyHunter mount. It has a large LCD screen, function, direction, and number keys on the front; and an HBX
(6-pin) at the bottom.
Figure 25. Go2Nova®8410 hand controller
3.5.1.1. Key Description
MENU Key: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu.
BACK Key: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as slewing.
ENTER Key: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, or slew the telescope to a
selected object.
Arrow (▲▼◄►) Keys: The arrow keys are used to control the movement of DEC and R.A. axes.
Press and hold ▲(DEC+),▼(DEC-) buttons to move a telescope along the DEC direction,
◄(R.A.+), ►(R.A.-) to move a telescope along the R.A. direction. They are also used to browse
the menu or move the cursor while in the menu. Press and holding an arrow key for a fast
scrolling.
Number Keys: Input numerical values. Also used to adjust speeds (1: 1X; 2: 2X; 3: 8X; 4: 16X; 5:
64X; 6: 128X; 7: 256X; 8: 512X; 9: MAX)
Light Key(☼): Turns on/off the red LED reading light on the back of the controller.
Help (?) Key: Identify and display bright stars or objects that the telescope is pointing to.
STOP/0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggle between starting and stopping tracking.
HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the SkyHunter mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.
HBX
Port
RA+
RA-
DEC-
DEC+

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3.5.1.2. The LCD Screen
The 8410 HC has a large 8-line, 21-character per line LCD screen. The user interface is simple and
easy to learn.
Figure 26. 8410 HC LCD Information Screen
1. Target Name/Mount Position: displays the name of the target that telescope is currently pointed to or
the current mount position.
Zero Position: The reference position for GOTO. The mount can move to Zero Position using
“Goto Zero Position”or “Search Zero Position” command;
User Position: The mount is pointed to a user defined position, which could be a particular
celestial object or simply a position determined by pressing an arrow key;
An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the star or celestial object
that the mount is currently slewing to or tracking.
2. Target R.A.: Right Ascension (R.A.) of the target object.
3. Target Declination: Declination (DEC) of the target object.
4. Right Ascension: Current R.A. of the telescope.
5. Declination: Current DEC of the telescope.
6. Altitude: Altitude of the telescope (degrees vertical from the local horizon - zenith is 90º).
7. Azimuth: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east is 90º, south is 180º, and west is 270º).
8. Local Date and Time: displays the local time in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
9. Mount Status: Displays the current operational status of the mount.
Stop: mount is not moving;
Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed or a GOTO command, such as “Select and
Slew”or “Goto Zero Position”;
Tracking: mount is at a tracking status.
10. GPS Status: not available for a SkyHunter
11. PEC Status: not available for a SkyHunter
12. Tracking speed: Displays the current tracking rate of the mount.
SDRL: mount is tracking at sidereal speed;
Solar: mount is tracking at solar speed;
Lunar: mount is tracking at lunar speed;
HALF: mount is tracking at ½ sidereal speed;

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13. Slew speed: The mount has 9 slew speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, MAX(3.75°/sec).
14. Operation Mode: EQ indicates that the mount is operating in an equatorial mode, AA for altazimuth
mode.
3.5.1.3. Install and Check the Hand Controller Battery
The hand controller uses a button battery to keep the Real Time Clock running. The battery is a
CR2032 Lithium battery, which is not included due to shipping restrictions.
Open the HC back cover with a good, size 1 (4mm) Phillips Screw Driver. With battery + sign facing
up, slide the battery under two small metal hooks on the positive side first. Then push the battery down to
make a good contact. Make sure that two spring contacts on the negative side are underneath the battery. If
none of the metal pins in battery holder can be seen after battery installed, the battery is not installed
properly.
Figure 27. Install a CR2032 battery
If the hand controller can’t display the correct date and time, most likely the battery is installed
wrong, or power is low and needs be replaced.

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3.5.2. Go2Nova®8410 Hand Controller Function
EQ and AA mode displays different MENU on LCD. Here lists all the functions in the 8410HC for a
SkyHunter mount.
3.5.2.1. Slew to an Object
Press MENU => “Select and Slew.” Select an object that you would like to observe and press the
ENTER key.
The Go2Nova®8410 hand controller has a database of over 212,000 objects. Use the ► or ◄
buttons to move the cursor. Use the number buttons to enter the number, or the ▼ or ▲ buttons to change
the individual number. Hold on a button to fast scroll through the list. The “ ”indicates the object is above
the horizon, and a cross mark “ ” means it is below the horizon. In some catalogs those stars below the
horizon will not display on the hand controller.
Solar System
There are 9 objects in the Solar system catalog.
Deep Sky Objects
This menu includes objects outside our Solar system such as galaxies, star clusters, quasars, and
nebulae.
Named Objects: consists of 60 deep sky objects with their common names. A list of named deep
sky objects is included in Appendix.
Messier Catalog: consists of all 110 Messier objects.
NGC Catalog: consists of 7,840 objects in NGC catalog.
IC Catalog: consists of 5,386 objects in IC catalog.
UGC Catalog: consists of 12,921 objects.
Caldwell Catalog: consists of 109 objects.
Abell Catalog: consists of 4076 objects.
Herschel Catalog: consists of 400 objects.
Stars
Named Stars: consists of 259 stars with their common names. They are listed alphabetically. A
list is included in Appendix.
Binary Stars: consists of 208 binary stars. A list is attached in Appendix.
Hipparcos Catalog: the new HIP catalog consists of 120,404 records (2008).
Constellations
This catalog consists of 88 modern constellations with their names. They are listed alphabetically.
Comets
This catalog contains 15 comets.
Asteroids
This catalog contains 116 asteroids.
User Objects
It can store up to 60 used entered objects, including comets.