iOptron 9501-W User manual

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SmartStar®R-80 Telescope
Instruction Manual
For product #9501-W, 9502-W, 9801-W and 9802-W www.iOptron.com

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Table of Content
Table of Content ............................................................................................................................. 2
1. SmarStar®R-80 Overview.......................................................................................................... 4
1.1. SmartStar®R-80 Features.................................................................................................... 4
1.2. SmartStar®R-80 Assembly Terms ...................................................................................... 5
2. Telescope Assembly ................................................................................................................... 6
3. GoToNova®8405 Hand Controller ............................................................................................ 8
3.1. Key Description................................................................................................................... 8
3.2. The LCD Screen .................................................................................................................. 8
4. Getting Started.......................................................................................................................... 10
4.1. Level and Align the Mount................................................................................................ 10
4.1.1. Level the Mount.......................................................................................................... 10
4.1.2. Initial Positions ........................................................................................................... 10
4.2. Setting Up the Mount......................................................................................................... 10
4.2.1. Time and Site Set Up.................................................................................................. 10
4.2.2. Using your telescope................................................................................................... 12
4.2.3. Go to the Moon........................................................................................................... 12
4.2.4. Initial Star Alignment ................................................................................................. 12
4.3. Turn Off the Mount............................................................................................................ 13
5. Use SmartStar®R-80 ................................................................................................................ 14
5.1. Manual Operation of the Telescope................................................................................... 14
5.2. Slew to an Object............................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon..................................................................................................... 14
5.2.2. Deep Sky Objects........................................................................................................ 14
5.2.3. Comets ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.2.4. Asteroids..................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.5. Stars............................................................................................................................. 14
5.2.6. User RA&DEC JD2000 Objects................................................................................. 14
5.2.7. Enter Position.............................................................................................................. 14
5.2.8. Watch List................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.9. Watch List Auto.......................................................................................................... 15
5.3. Land Objects...................................................................................................................... 15
5.4. Sync to Target.................................................................................................................... 15
5.5. Set Up Controller............................................................................................................... 15
5.5.1. Set Display Info .......................................................................................................... 15
5.5.2. Set Key Beep............................................................................................................... 16
5.5.3. Set Azi Work Mode.................................................................................................... 16
5.5.4. Reset All...................................................................................................................... 16
5.6. Align .................................................................................................................................. 16
5.6.1. Solarsys Align............................................................................................................. 16
5.6.2. One Star Align ............................................................................................................ 16
5.6.3. Two Star Alignment.................................................................................................... 16
5.7. Modify Star Catalog........................................................................................................... 17
5.7.1. User RA&DEC JD2000.............................................................................................. 17
5.7.2. Comets ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.7.3. Asteroids..................................................................................................................... 19

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5.8. Watch List.......................................................................................................................... 19
5.9. Set Telescope Coord.......................................................................................................... 19
5.10. Park Scope ....................................................................................................................... 19
6. Maintenance and Servicing....................................................................................................... 20
6.1. Maintenance....................................................................................................................... 20
6.2. Storage and Transport........................................................................................................ 20
6.3. Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 20
6.4. iOptron Customer Service.................................................................................................. 21
Appendix A. Technical Specifications ......................................................................................... 22
Appendix B. GoToNova®8405 HC MENU STRUCTURE ........................................................ 23
Appendix C. GoToNova®Star List .............................................................................................. 25
IOPTRON ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................................... 38
WARNING!
NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
July 2011 V2
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design may differ from those described in
this instruction.

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1. SmarStar®R-80 Overview
1.1. SmartStar®R-80 Features
Introducing our SmartStar®R-80
computerized GOTO telescope system.
Designed with the latest technology the 80
mm lens is crafted with a fluorite based, low
dispersion glass that is ground and polished
to exact specifications. The precision design
is excellent for viewing bright stars, planets
and their moons, as well as for bird
watching and other land objects. Two eye
pieces come standard to allow for flexibility
in viewing either a wider field or a single
focused object.
Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™
The SmartStar® R-80 refractor
telescope comes with our patented Alt-
Azimuth Mount, a.k.a. The Cube™. This
compact mount design is one of the most
functional and flexible units on the market.
Sky & Telescope magazine named it “Hot
Product 2008”. Both axis motors are built
into a small single unit with optical encoders
that provide accurate GOTO and tracking.
The mount is universally compatible with all
telescopes using a dove-tail connector plate.
With an optional DC adaptor you can plug
your telescope mount into your car if you’re
camping or at any other remote location.
Easy to understand controller
The GoToNova®hand controller is
much easier to use than other similar
products. The hand controller is more
intuitive with menu categories better
organized. It also has a larger LCD screen
with more lines of content compared with
the competition. Using the hand controller
and its large LCD screen you can quickly
set up your telescope and select where you
want to go.
More precise speed control for
viewing objects
The control system also allows you
to slew the telescope at 5 different drive
speeds, keeping the object within the
telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you
wish.
GoToNova®Computerized Control
System
The revolutionary GoToNova®
computerized control system is by far the
most technologically advanced automated
tracking system available on the market
today. With a database of 10,000+ celestial
objects including all of the more famous
galaxies, nebulae, star clusters— not to
mention the planets—you’ll be able to enjoy
star gazing with the simple push of a button.
Package Contents1
(1) SmartStar®Mount with built-in
GPS Receiver (Models #9801-W &
#9802-W)
or
(1) SmartStar®Mount (Models
#9501-W & #9502-W)
(1) Refractor Telescope (80mm)
(1) GoToNova®Hand Controller
(Part # 8405)
(1) Controller Cable
(1) Diagonal (45º)
(2) Eyepieces (10mm & 25mm)
(1) Tripod
(1) Soft bag
1Package contents may vary without notice

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1.2. SmartStar®R-80 Assembly Terms
1. Telescope
2. Dovetail Lock
3. Hand Controller
4. Altitude Lock
5. Mount
6. Diagonal
7. Eyepiece
8. Accessory Tray
9. Tripod Support Bracket
10. Tripod Leg Lock
11. Tripod
12. Azimuth Lock
6
7
5
11
10
8
9
12
6
7
5
11
10
8
9
12

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2. Telescope Assembly
Step 1. Preparing the Tripod
Unlock the tripod leg locks (#10).
Extend tripod legs.
Lock the leg locks afterwards.
Step 1a.
Stand the telescope's tripod upright by spreading the tripod's
legs out uniformly.
Push down slightly on the Tripod Support Bracket (#9.) Attach
the Accessory Tray (#8) to the Tripod Support Bracket via a
screw on the bottom of the tray. Turning the tray until hand tight
– don’t over tighten the tray.
Step 2. Attaching the Mount
Insert Azimuth Lock (#12) into the hole on the tripod.
Position center of the mount base to the threaded bolt of Azimuth
Lock (#12). Turn the Azimuth Lock to secure the mount.
Step 3. Installing Batteries (not included)
Pull the batteries compartment cover (shown) open.
Gently pull the batteries holder (shown next) out of the
compartment to avoid breaking the attached wires.
Step 3a.
Insert 8 AA batteries (not included) according to the diagrams on
the holder.**
Replace the holder back into the batteries compartment and
replace the cover.
Note: fit the batteries holder back into the compartment with the
attached wires at the bottom right corner (see arrow in the
photo).
** Use only fresh batteries; do not mix fresh and old
batteries;insufficient battery power may cause error
messages;optional AC Adapter and Car Charger
accessories are available at www.ioptron.com
Thread of Azimuth
Lock #12
#10
#8
#9

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Step 4. Attaching Telescope
Attach telescope to mount using the dovetail lock knob (#2).
Step 5. Attaching Optics
Insert 45º diagonal: Insert diagonal (#6) into the eyepiece side
of the telescope. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
Insert the eyepiece: Remove the supplied 25mm eyepiece (#7)
from its container and slide it into the open end of the diagonal.
Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.
Remove the round dust cover lid from the end of telescope.
Use the focus knob to bring objects into focus. You may need
to turn the focus knob quite a few turns to focus your telescope
for the first time. Always start observing using a lower power
eyepiece (such as the 25mm eyepiece) to get a wider field of
view. Later on you can change to higher powers. (Eyepieces of
higher powers have narrower field of views; it’s more difficult to
locate objects using high-power eyepieces.)
Step 6. Connecting Hand Controller
Plug hand controller into any one of the HBX (handbox) ports on
the mount.
Turn on power. Now you are ready to observe. Use the 4 Arrow
keys (▲▼◄►) to rotate the scope Up, Down, Left, and Right.
Use the SPEED key to change the slew speed from the slowest
(2X) to the fastest (MAX).
Dovetail
lock (#2)
45º diagonal
(#6)
Eyepiece (#7)
Focus knob

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3. GoToNova®8405 Hand Controller
Figure 1. GoToNova 8405 Hand Controller
GoToNova®8405 hand controller (HC) is
the standard controller for a SmartStar R-80
telescope, as shown in Figure 1.
3.1. Key Description
•MENU: Press “MENU” to enter the Main
Menu.
•BACK: Move back to the previous screen,
or end/cancel current operation, such as
slewing.
•ENTER: Confirm an input, go to the next
menu, select a choice, slew the telescope to
a selected object, or stop/start tracking.
•Arrow (▲▼►◄): Press ▲▼ buttons to
move a telescope along the altitude
direction, ►◄ to move a telescope along
the azimuth direction. Brows the menu or
move the cursor in operating menu.
•SPEED Key: To select slew speed (2X,
8X, 64X, 256X, and MAX)
•Light Key (☼): Turns on/off the red LED
reading light on the back of the controller.
•HELP Key: For help and display more
information on an object.
•HBX (handbox) port: connect the HC to
SmartStar mount using a 6-wire RJ11 cable.
3.2. The LCD Screen
The 8405 HC consists of a large 4-line LCD
screen, which displays all the information as
shown in Figure 2. The user interface is
simple and easy to learn.

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Figure 2. 8405 Hand Controller LCD Information Screen
1. Target Name: displays the name of the
target that telescope is currently pointed to.
•Park Position: A default position
when the mount is turned on, i.e., the
telescope is pointed to zenith (altitude is
90º) and the mount is facing south
(azimuth is 180º);
•An object name, such as “Mercury”
or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star
or celestial object currently that is
currently slewing, gotoing or tracking;
•LandMark #: The telescope is
working in Land mode and is pointing to a
land mark # (note: telescope does not
track in land mode)
•User Position: The mount has been
manually slewed to an object; or an R.A
and DEC value of an object was manually
entered; or a goto or tracking process has
been interrupted.
2. Mount/GPS Status: display current
status of the mount. If the mount equipped
with a GPS (integrated GPS receiver or
external GPS module), it also indicates GPS
status, when the mount is turned on.
Stop (Mount Status): the telescope is in a
standby position;
•Slew (Mount Status): the telescope
is manually slewing to the target;
•Goto (Mount Status): the telescope
is going to the target;
•Track (Mount Status): the telescope
is tracking a target;
•Align (Mount Status): the telescope
is in align mode;
•G-ON (GPS Status): GPS is on and
trying to lock on to a satellite;
•G-OK (GPS Status): The connection
between GPS receiver and satellites has
been established (This status will be
replaced by Mount Status after a few
minutes).
3. R: Right Ascension of the telescope, or
R.A.
4. D: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.
5. A: Altitude of the telescope (zenith is
90º).
6. Z: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º,
east 90º, south 180º, and west 270º).
7. Local Date and Time: display local time
in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
8. Slew speed: There are 5 speeds: 2X,
8X, 64X, 256X (1º/sec), MAX(~4º/sec).
Press the SPEED key to change the speed
while slewing.
Target Name
Right Ascension
Altitude
Local Date and Time
Mount/GPS Status
Declination
Azimuth
Slew Speed

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4. Getting Started
In order to experience the full GOTO
capability of GoToNova technology it is
important to set up the mount correctly
before observation.
4.1. Level and Align the Mount
4.1.1. Level the Mount.
Leveling is critical for good GOTO and
tracking accuracy.
Level the mount by
observing the
bubble (shown) on
the base of the
mount by adjusting
the tripod legs.
The bubble should be in the center of the
circle. It is also recommended to use
additional levelers (such as a torpedo
leveler) to assure precise leveling. Turn the
mount around by pressing ►or ◄button to
make sure it is always leveled during
movement.
4.1.2. Initial Positions
Each time the mount is turned on the default
position is Park Position, (i.e.,its altitude is
90º0.0’ and azimuth is 180º0.0’) which
means the “SOUTH” mark is pointing to
south and the telescope is pointing straight
up at the zenith. To set the Park Position
you can:
1. Align the mount to south by moving the
mount so that the South mark faces south.
An additional compass is needed. Unlock
the altitude lock (#4) and rotate the
telescope to point straight up at the Zenith.
A torpedo level may help. Make sure the
mount is leveled. Then turn the mount
power on.
or
2. Turn the mount power on. Press the
SPEED button to select a slew speed (MAX
for fast slew and 2X for fine tuning). Turn
the SOUTH mark pointing to south using ►
or ◄button. An additional compass is
needed. Rotate the telescope to point to
zenith using the ▲or ▼buttons. A torpedo
level may help. Then turn the mount power
off and turn it on. Or you can press MENU.
Scroll down to “Set Telescope Coord.”
Press ENTER. The default number is “Alt:
90º00.0’ and Azi: 180º00.0’”. Press ENTER
to complete the initialization.
4.2. Setting Up the Mount
For a SmartStar®telescope equipped with a
GPS receiver, the local time, longitude and
latitude information will be received from
satellites after a link is established. For units
without a GPS receiver this information can
be entered manually. Regardless, manual
input is still needed for the time zone and
Daylight Time Saving settings for all
models.
A clear sky outside is needed for GPS to
communicate well with the satellites.
4.2.1. Time and Site Set Up
This is critical to ensure the telescope will
point to the right direction.
Press MENU button. From the main menu
scroll down and select “Set Up Controller”
1
)
South
2) Up
Alt lock (#4)

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Press ENTER. Select “Set Up Time and
Site”
Press ENTER. The Set Local Time screen
will show:
Set local time:
Use the ◄or ►key to move the cursor,
and the ▲or ▼button to change the
numbers.
Set daylight saving time:
Use ▲or ▼button to toggle the
DaylightTime Saving between Y and N.
Press ENTER to go to Setup Site Info
screen:
“W/E” means west/east hemisphere; “N/S”
means north/south hemisphere; “d” means
degree; “m” means minute; and “s” means
second.
Set site coordinates:
Use the ◄or ►key to move the cursor,
and the ▲or ▼button to change the
numbers or toggle between “W” and “E”, “N”
and “S”.
The site coordinates information can be
found online, such as GPSVisualizer
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/geocode).
Simply enter a city name or address.
Set time zone
Press ◄or ►key. Move the cursor to the
bottom of the screen to set the time zone
information (add or subtract 60 minutes per
time zone). Enter minutes “ahead” or
“behind” of UT (universal time). The
minimum time difference is 15 minutes.
•New York City is 300 minutes “behind”
UT
•Los Angeles is 480 minutes “behind” UT
•Rome is 60 minutes “ahead” of UT
•Beijing is 480 minutes “ahead” of UT
•Sydney is 600 minutes “ahead” of UT
Time Zone Hours
behind UT
Enter
Minutes
Hawaii -10 600
Alaska -9 540
Pacific -8 480
Mountain -7 420
Central -6 360
Eastern -5 300
All time zones in North America are behind
UT as shown in the following table (Be sure
it shows “behind” instead of “ahead of” UT).
To adjust minutes, use the ◄or ►keys to
move the cursor and the ▲or ▼keys to
change the numbers. To change the
“behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor
to “ahead of” and using ▲or ▼keys to
toggle between “behind” and “ahead of”.
When the number is correct press ENTER
and go back to the previous screen.
Setup Site Info:
Longi: W071d27m47s
Lati : N42d15m40s
300 Min. behind UT
Set Local Time:
2009-06-01 11:55:09
DaylightTime Saving Y
Select and slew
Land Objects
Sync. to Target
Set Up Controller
Set Up Time and Site
Set Display Info
Set Key Beep
Set Azi Work Mode

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For other parts of the world, time zone
information can be found online, such as
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.
DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING
TIME.
If your mount is equipped with a GPS
receiver, only Daylight Time Saving and
Time Zone settings are needed. However,
the local time and site info can still be
manually entered (in case the GPS signal is
too weak from clouds or buildings). It is
always recommended to get the GPS
coordinates before traveling to a new
observation site.
4.2.2. Using your telescope
Selecting an Eyepiece:
1. Always begin viewing with the lowest
power eyepiece. (Note: a 25 mm focal
length eyepiece has a lower power than a
10 mm one.) A formula can be used to
determine the power of each eyepiece:
Telescope focal length divided by eyepiece
focal length equals magnification. Ex.
400mm ÷ 25mm = 16X (magnification)
2. Included with this telescope is a 45°
Erecting Diagonal Prism. The Erecting
Diagonal Prism is used to erect the image
you will see. Astronomical telescopes are
designed in such a way that the image you
see may be UPSIDE DOWN and
REVERSED. This is acceptable for viewing
celestial bodies. However, it will feel strange
when observing a land object or a bird.
Focusing Telescope:
1. After selecting the desired eyepiece aim
the telescope tube at a land-based target at
least 200 yards away (e.g. A telephone pole
or building). Fully extend focusing tube by
turning the focus knob.
2. While looking through selected eyepiece,
slowly retract focusing tube by turning
focusing knob until object comes into focus.
4.2.3. Go to the Moon
After performing these setups, the mount is
ready to GOTO and track objects. The most
common object will be Moon.
Press MENU button, select “Select and
Slew” by press ENTER button. Select
“Planets, Sun, Moon”, and using ▲or ▼
button to select Moon. Press ENTER. The
telescope will automatically slew to the
Moon and lock on. Press BACK key to stop
GOTO. It will automatically begin to track
once it locks on to it. Use the arrow keys to
center the Moon in your eyepiece, if it is not
centered. Press ENTER key to stop the
tracking.
4.2.4. Initial Star Alignment
A simple alignment/synchronization can be
performed to improve the GOTO and
tracking accuracy. To do so, press MENU
button, scroll down to “Align”, select
“Solarsys Align” and press ENTER. The
screen will list Moon, Sun and other planets
for you to select from. Select an object
using ▲or ▼key. Then press ENTER. The
mount will slew to the object. Use ◄►▲
or ▼key to center the object in your
eyepiece. Press SPEED button to change
the slew speed if needed. Then press
ENTER to complete the alignment. Or press
the BACK key to cancel the process.
An alternate way is performing “Sync to
Target”. To do so, press MENU button,
select “Select and Slew” and press ENTER.
Then select a known sky object, such as
Moon from “Planets, Sun, Moon” menu and
press ENTER. The mount will slew to the
Moon. When the mount stopped slewing,
the Moon could be just inside your eyepiece
or way off. Press MENU button and scroll
down the menu to “Sync to Target” and
press ENTER. Follow the instruction, use ◄

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►▲and ▼keys to move the Moon in the
center of your eyepiece and press ENTER.
4.3. Turn Off the Mount
When finishing observing, always move the
mount to Park Position. If the mount is not
moved, no initial set up is needed when
powered on the next time. To do so, press
the MENU button, scroll down to “Park
Telescope” and press ENTER. Turn the
power off.

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5. Use SmartStar®R-80
5.1. Manual Operation of the
Telescope
You may observe land and astronomical
objects using GoToNova’s arrow keys.
After the telescope was assembled
(referring to Section 2. Telescope
Assembly), flip the ON/OFF switch on the
telescope mount to the ON position. Use
►,◄,▼or ▲buttons to point the telescope
to desired object. You may need using
SPEED key to change the slewing speed.
5.2. Slew to an Object
Press MENU button, from the main menu,
select “Select and Slew.” Select an object
you would like to observe and press ENTER
key.
The GoToNova®8405 hand controller has a
database consists of over 10,000 objects.
Use ►or ◄button to move the cursor and
▼or ▲button to change the number.
“”indicates the object is above the
horizon, and “ ” means it is below the
horizon. Only those objects above the
horizon can be observed. In some catalogs,
those stars below the horizon may not
display.
5.2.1. Planets, Sun, Moon
There are 9 objects in Solar system.
5.2.2. Deep Sky Objects
•Named Deepsky Objects: It consists of
137 deep sky objects with their common
names. More information will be
available by pressing HELP key. A list of
named deep sky objects is also
attached in Appendix C.
•Messier Catalog: It consists of all 110
objects in Messier catalog. More
information will be available by pressing
HELP key.
•NGC Catalog: a few thousand objects in
NGC catalog. Use ►or ◄button to
move the cursor and ▼or ▲button to
change the number.
5.2.3. Comets
It contains up to 64 comets. This database
is customer upgradeable.
5.2.4. Asteroids
It contains up to 64 asteroids. This database
is customer upgradeable.
5.2.5. Stars
•Named Stars: It consists of 191 stars
with their common names. They are
listed alphabetically. A list is attached in
Appendix C.
•Constellations: It consists of 88 modern
constellations with their names. They
are listed alphabetically. A list is
attached in Appendix C.
•Double Stars: It consists of 211 double
stars. A list is attached in Appendix C.
•SAO Bright Stars: It consists of the
bright SAO catalog objects with their
magnitudes greater than 6.
5.2.6. User RA&DEC JD2000 Objects
It can consist up to 256 user predefined
objects. These objects need to be entered
before they can be selected for slewing
(Refer to 5.7.1 User RA&DEC JD2000).
5.2.7. Enter Position
Go to a target by entering its R.A. and DEC
numbers.
5.2.8. Watch List
A watch list is a list of your favorite celestial
objects in the database. It can be selected
for slewing. User can add, delete and
browse the watch list. (Refer to 5.7. Watch
List).

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5.2.9. Watch List Auto
This function will set the mount
automatically slew to all the objects listed in
Watch List at a preset time interval. The
time interval can be set to from 10 seconds
to 1200 seconds by using ▼or ▲button.
5.3. Land Objects
Up to 4 your favorite land objects can be
stored in the hand controller. Press MENU,
select “Land Objects” and press ENTER,
the Land Objects screen will show.
Goto saved (land object):
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Goto saved” line, use ►or ◄button to a
saved land object and press ENTER. The
mount will automatically slew to the target.
This function only works if a land object has
been stored in database.
Save new (land objects)
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Save new” line, use ►or ◄button to
select the object number you want to store,
and press ENTER. A landmark screen will
show:
Use ◄►▲and ▼keys to slew the
telescope to the target you want to observe,
press ENTER to save the target. Press
SPEED button to change the slew speed if
needed.
Input coordinates (of a land object)
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Input coord.” line, use ►or ◄button to
object number you want to store, and press
ENTER. A coordinate setting screen will
show:
Use ►or ◄button to move the cursor, and
▼or ▲button to change the number. Press
ENTER to finish land object coordinates
setting.
Press BACK to back to main menu.
5.4. Sync to Target
This operation will match the telescope's
current coordinates to Target Right
Ascension and Declination. After slew to an
object, move the cursor to “Sync to Target”
and press ENTER. Follow the screen to do
the sync. Using this function can improve
the GOTO accuracy in nearby sky. Multiple
syncs can be performed if needed.
“Sync to Target” will only work after “Select
and slew” was performed. You may need
using SPEED key to change the slewing
speed to make the centering procedure
easier. A default slew speed is 2X.
5.5. Set Up Controller
5.5.1. Set Display Info
•Adjust LCD Contrast
Use arrow keys to adjust LCD display
contrast. Press ENTER.
Adjust LCD Contrast
Enter Alt. Azi.
Alt: 13º 0.0’
Azi: 25º58.8’
LandMark 1 Stop
A 13º 0.0’ Z 25º58.8’
09-05-04 15:43:27 2X
Goto saved 1 2 3 4
Save new 1 2 3 4
Input Coord. 1 2 3 4
A 10º 0.0’ Z 10º 0.0’

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•LCD Back Light.
Use arrow keys to adjust LCD screen back
light intensity. Press ENTER.
•Keypad Backlight.
Use arrow keys to adjust keypad backlight.
Press ENTER.
5.5.2. Set Key Beep
Turn the key beep on/off.
5.5.3. Set Azi Work Mode
This function will set the mount azimuth
mode while performing GOTO. There are
two modes for selection:
The “AZI +/- 200 degree” will rotate the
mount between -200º and +200º in azimuth
direction to avoid AC/DC power line
wrapping. However, the mount may take a
longer path to slew to an object. The “AZI
free running mode” will take a shortest path
while rotating along the azimuth direction,
which is best for battery operation. The
default setting is “AZI +/- 200 degree” mode.
5.5.4. Reset All
Reset all settings to factory default data.
5.6. Align
This function is used for align the telescope.
Before star alignment, please make sure the
mount is well leveled. In addition to
“Solarsys Align,” the system also provides
“One Star Align” and “Two Star Align”.
Either one can be selected for telescope
alignment.
5.6.1. Solarsys Align
Press “MENU”, scroll down the menu and
select “Align”. Press ENTER and select
“Solarsys Align”. Select any one of the listed
solar system object as your alignment
target, such as Moon. Press ENTER. If the
Moon is above the horizon, the telescope
will auto slew to it. If the Moon is not in the
center of you eyepiece, use ◄►▲or ▼
key to center the object in your eyepiece.
Press SPEED button to change the slew
speed if needed. Then press ENTER to
complete the alignment.
5.6.2. One Star Align
From the main menu, select “Align”. Select
“One Star Align” and press ENTER. A list of
bright align stars that are above the horizon
is computed based on your local time and
location. These stars are listed
alphabetically. Use ▲or ▼button to select
a star and press ENTER. The mount will
slew to it automatically. Use ◄►▲or ▼
key to center the object in your eyepiece.
Press SPEED button to change the slew
speed if needed. Then press ENTER to
complete the alignment. Or press the BACK
key to cancel the process.
If you have a very good initial setup,
one star alignment should be sufficient for
good GOTO accuracy. To increase the
accuracy you may choose to do two star
alignment.
5.6.3. Two Star Alignment
Two star alignment will increase the GOTO
accuracy of the mount. It is suggested to do
two star alignment after one star alignment.
AZI +/- 200 degree
AZI free running mode
LCD Back Light
LCD Back Light

17
Select “Two Star Align” in the Align menu.
Use ▲or ▼button to select a star and
press ENTER. The mount will slew to it
automatically. Use ◄►▲or ▼key to
center the object in your eyepiece. Press
SPEED button to change the slew speed if
needed. Then press ENTER to complete
the alignment. After you finish the first star,
the system will prompt you to choose the
second star. Repeat the process to finish
the second star alignment. An “Align OK!”
screen will show briefly. To obtain a better
alignment effect, it is suggested to choose
two align stars far apart.
“Two Star Align” result will be overridden if
“Solarsys Align” ,“One Star Align” or “Sync.
to Target” is performed after “Two Star
Align.”
5.7. Modify Star Catalog
Besides various star lists available in the
hand controller, users can add, edit or
delete their own defined objects. The
comets and asteroids list also can be
edited. Up to 256 user objects can be added
or modified. For comets and asteroids, the
maximum number is 64, which includes the
preloaded objects.
To modify a star catalog, press MENU, use
▲or ▼button move the cursor to “Modify
star catalog” and press ENTER. A following
screen will show:
Use ▲or ▼button to select user objects,
comets or asteroids.
5.7.1. User RA&DEC JD2000
Select “User RA&DEC JD2000” and press
ENTER, a menu like following will show:
Add a new object:
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Add a new object” line, and press ENTER.
Enter the name of your object by using ▲
or ▼key to change the display from 1 to 9,
space, - and A to Z, and ◄or ►key to
move the cursor. Press ENTER when you
are done. A screen will display to ask you to
enter R.A. and DEC. numbers:
Use◄or ►key to move the cursor and ▲
or ▼key to change the numbers of your
object. RA ranges from 0 hour to 24 hour
and DEC from -90 degree to +90 degree.
Press ENTER when it is done. A
confirmation screen will show:
Press ENTER to confirm. The user object
will be stored in the hand controller in
sequence. Up to 256 objects can be added.
Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog
menu.
Edit one data
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Edit one data” line, and press ENTER. A
user object screen will show:
Save to No. 1 ?
Press “ENTER” to
Confirm
Press, “BACK” cancel
Enetr R.A. DEC
RA: 00h00.0m
DEC: +00d00.0m
Add a new object
Edit one data
Delete one data
Delete all
User RA&DEC JD2000
Comets
Asteroids

18
The first line shows the number of
the user object and if it is above the horizon.
The second line shows the name of the user
object, here is “BX”. The third line shows
target’s current RA and DEC coordinates.
The bottom line shows object’s altitude and
azimuth position. Use ◄or ►move the
cursor position and ▲or ▼key change the
number to adjust the object you want to edit.
Press ENTER when it is right.
Follow the same procedure as “Add a new
object” to edit it. Press BACK to back to
Modify Star Catalog menu.
Delete one data
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Delete one data” line, and press ENTER. A
user object screen will show:
Use ►or ◄button to move the cursor, and
▼or ▲button to change the number. Press
ENTER to delete selected object.
Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog
menu.
Delete all
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Delete all” line, and press ENTER to delete
all User RA&DEC JD2000 data.
5.7.2. Comets
Select “Comets” and press ENTER, a menu
like following will show:
Add a new comet:
The hand controller has 64 preloaded
comets. Before a new user comet can be
added, a existing comet record has to be
deleted. (See Delete one comet)
Select “Add a new comet” and press
ENTER. Enter the name of your object by
using ▲or ▼key to change the display
from 1 to 9, space, - and A to Z, and ◄or
►key to move the cursor. It will then ask
the following information: Year, Month, Day,
e, q, w, Omega and i. After entering all
these parameters, A confirmation screen
will show:
Press ENTER to confirm. The user object
will be stored in previous deleted comet
position. It can be selected and slewed
from Comets menu. Press BACK to back to
Modify Star Catalog menu.
Edit one comet
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Edit one comet” line, and press ENTER. A
user object screen will show:
The first line shows the number of this
comet and if it is above the horizon. The
second line shows the name of the comet,
here is “6P d’Arrest”. The third line shows
comet’s current RA and DEC coordinates.
The bottom line shows its altitude and
No. 01
6P d’Arrest
R: 5h31.2m D:10º20.8’
A
31º49.5’ Z253º39.9’
Save to No. 1 ?
Press “ENTER” to
Confirm
Press, “BACK” cancel
Add a new comet
Edit one comet
Delete one comet
Reset all comets
No. 001
BX
R: 4h38.7m D:19º56.8’
A -31º10.2’ Z303º44.1’
No. 001
BX
R: 4h38.7m D:19º56.8’
A -31º10.2’ Z303º44.1’

19
azimuth position. Use ◄or ►move the
cursor position and ▲or ▼key change the
number to adjust the object you want to edit.
Press ENTER when it is right.
Follow the same procedure as “Add a new
comet” to edit it. Press BACK to back to
Modify Star Catalog menu.
Delete one comet
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Delete one comet” line, and press ENTER.
A screen consists comet information will
show:
Use ►or ◄button to move the cursor, and
▼or ▲button to change the number. Press
ENTER to delete selected object.
Press BACK to back to Modify Star Catalog
menu.
Reset all comets
Use ▼or ▲button to move the cursor to
“Reset all comets” line, and press ENTER to
restore all deleted or modified comets data
to factory default setting.
5.7.3. Asteroids
Select “Asteroids” and press ENTER, a
menu like following will show:
Refer to 5.7.2 Comets to set the Asteroids.
5.8. Watch List
A watch list is a list of your favorite celestial
objects in the database. User can add,
delete and browse the watch list. All
celestial objects, include User Defined
object, can be compiled into the list. Up to
20 objects can be added to the watch list.
To setup/modify a Watch List, press MENU,
use ▲or ▼button move the cursor to
“Watch List” and press ENTER. A following
screen will show:
Select “Add a watch object” and press
ENTER. Browse the celestial object list and
select the one you want to watch by press
ENTER. Follow the screen prompt to
confirm the selection. After you are done,
press BACK to back to Watch List menu.
You also can delete one or all objects in
your watching list. After the watch list is set,
it can be observed through “Select and
Slew” operation, either w atching them
manually or automatically using Watch List
Auto.
5.9. Set Telescope Coord.
Set the current Altitude and Azimuth of your
telescope.
5.10. Park Scope
Park your telescope. Return the telescope
to its initial position, i.e.,its altitude is 90º0.0’
and azimuth is 180º0.0’.
Add a watch object
Delete one data
Delete all
Browse the list
Add a new asteroid
Edit one asteroid
Delete one asteroid
Reset asteroids data
No. 01
6P d’Arrest
R: 5h31.2m D:10º20.8’
A 31º49.5’ Z253º39.9’

20
6. Maintenance and
Servicing
6.1. Maintenance
The SmartStar®R-80 telescope is a
precision optical instrument designed to
yield a lifetime of rewarding applications.
Given the care and respect due any
precision instrument, your telescope will
rarely require factory servicing or
maintenance. Maintenance guidelines
include:
1. Using wet cloth to clean the mount
and hand controller. Do not use the solvent.
2. Leave the dust cap on while not
operating the telescope. Avoid cleaning the
telescope’s optics. A little dust on the front
surface of the telescope’s correcting lens
causes virtually no degradation of image
quality and should not be considered a
reason to clean the lens.
3. When absolutely necessary, dust on
the front lens should be removed with gentle
strokes of a camel hair brush, a soft glass
clean cloth or blown off with an ear syringe
(available at any pharmacy). Do not use a
commercial photographic lens cleaner.
4. Organic materials (e.g., fingerprints)
on the front lens may be removed with a
solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part
isopropyl alcohol. Use soft, white facial
tissues or cotton balls and make short,
gentle strokes. Change tissues often. Do
not use scented, colored, or lotioned tissues
as damage could result to the optics.
5. If your telescope is used outdoors on
a humid night, telescope surfaces may
accumulate water condensation. While such
condensation does not normally cause any
damage to the telescope, it is
recommended that wait the entire telescope
be dried before being packed away. Do not
wipe any of the optical surfaces. In addition,
the dust cap should not be placed back on
to the optical tube until the telescope is
thoroughly dry.
6. If your telescope is not to be used
for an extended period, perhaps for one
month or more, it is advisable to remove the
batteries from battery holder, if they are
installed. Batteries left installed for
prolonged periods may leak, causing
damage to the telescope’s electronic
circuitry.
7. Do not leave your telescope
outdoors on a warm day or inside a sealed
car for an extended period of time.
Excessive ambient temperatures can
damage the telescope’s internal lubrication
and electronic circuitry.
6.2. Storage and Transport
When not in use, store the telescope in a
cool, dry place. Do not expose the
instrument to excessive heat or moisture. It
is best to store the telescope in its original
box with the altitude lock knob unlocked. If
shipping the telescope, use the original box
and packing material to protect the
telescope during shipment.
When transporting the telescope, take care
not to bump or drop the instrument; this type
of abuse can damage the optics or affect
the GOTO tracking accuracy.
6.3. Troubleshooting
The following suggestions may be helpful
with operation of the SmartStar R-80.
The power indicator light on the mount
does not come on or there is no
response when pressing hand
controller’s arrow keys:
(1) Verify that the power switch on the
mount is in the ON position.
(2) Verify that the hand controller cord is
firmly connected to the HBX port on
the mount, or switch the cord to the
other HBX port.
(3) Check the power source, which
include: