SynScan V2 User manual

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TABLEOFCONTENTS
NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN.
PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL RESULT. USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER
FIRMLY MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF THE TELESCOPE FOR VIEWING
THE SUN. WHEN OBSERVING THE SUN, PLACE A DUST CAP OVER YOUR
FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM ACCIDENTAL
EXPOSURE. NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE-TYPE SOLAR FILTER AND NEVER
USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNLIGHT ONTO ANOTHER
SURFACE, THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP WILL DAMAGE THE
TELESCOPE OPTICAL ELEMENTS.
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THE SynScanTM
HAND CONTROL OPERATION
OBJECT CATALOG
OTHER FEATURES
SynScanTM MENU TREE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX A - CONE ERROR CALIBRATION
APPENDIX B - RS-232 CONNECTION
APPENDIX C - STANDARD TIME ZONES OF THE WORLD
Introduction to the SynScanTM
Powering the SynScanTM
SynScanTM Hand Control
Initial Setup
Star Alignment
Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE)
Object database in the SynScanTM
Selecting an Object
Utility Functions
Setup Functions
Using the User Defined Database
Identifying an Unknown Object
Linking with a Computer
Auto Guiding
Periodic Error Correction
Updating the SynScanTM Firmware
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Introduction to the SynScan
TM
Powering the SynScan
TM
The SynScanTM is a precision-engineered instrument
that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night
sky treasures, such as planets, nebulae, star clusters,
galaxies and much more. The hand control allows you
to point your telescope at a specific object or even tour
the skies at the touch of a button. The user friendly
menu system allows automatic slewing to over 13,400
objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can
master its variety of features in a few observing
sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual
components of the SynScanTM hand controller.
The SynScanTM should be powered by 11-15V DC
power supply (tip-positive) capable of producing
continuous current of minimum 2 amps. Correctly plug
the power cord into the 12V DC socket on the the mount
(See Fig.a and b for HEQ5 mount, Fig.a-1 and b-1 for
EQ6 mount). Flip the Power Switch to the "on" position
to turn on the power.
SynScan
TM
Hand Control
The SynScanTM hand control cable for the HEQ5 has a
RJ-45 connector on both ends. Plug one end into the
hand control (Fig.c) and the other into the outlet on the
mount (Fig.b). Push the connector into the outlet until it
clicks into place. The SynScanTM cable for the EQ6
mount has a RJ-45 connector on one end and DB9 on
the other. Plug the RJ-45 connector into the hand
control (Fig.c). Push the connector into the outlet until it
clicks into place. Plug the DB9 connector into the outlet
on the mount. Tighten the screws to secure the
connector in place (Fig.a-1). The RJ-11 6-pin port is
used for RS-232 communications between the
SynScanTM and a computer or other devices. (See
“Linking with a Computer” for details.) The DC power
port allows independent use of the SynScanTM hand
control for users who wish to browse the database
without connecting to the telescope (Fig.c).
3
Fig.c
RJ-45 RJ- 11 DC power port
The DC power port on the hand control is for
hand control stand-alone applications only.
For telescope applicaions, use the 12V DC
outlet on the mount.
The power indicator will flash when the
power is low. Continuing to use the battery
at this point may damage the battery. The
power indicator will flash rapidly when
the power is extremely low. Continuing to
use the same battery may damage the
SynScanTM system.
Fig.a
Fig.b
Auto Guider
Power
ON OFF
Hand Controller
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power switch
to power supply
(Bird's eye view) Auto Guider
HEQ5
Power
DC 12V
Auto Guider
ON
OFF
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power indicator
power switch
to power
supply
Auto Guider
EQ6 Fig.b-1
Fig.a-1
To connect the SynScan to a PC, use only the
RS-232 cable provided with the mount.

4
Fig.f Fig.g
Fig.e
Mode keys
Directional keys
The mode keys are located near the top, close
to the LCD display. They include the ESC,
ENTER, and SETUP keys:
ESC key is used to escape from a certain
command or to go back a level in the menu tree.
ENTER key is used to select the functions and
submenus in the menu tree, and to confirm
certain functional operations.
SETUP key is a quick hot key that takes you to
the Setup submenu.
The up and down scroll keys allow you to scroll up and down within the menu tree or selections.
The directional keys allow complete control of the telescope at almost any step in the SynScan's
operation. These controls are locked out when the telescope is slewing to an object. They are
normally used to initially align, center objects in the eyepiece, and manual guiding. The left and right
directional keys can also be used to move the text curser when entering data to the hand control.
Dual Purpose keys
Scoll Keys (Fig.e)
The SynScanTM Hand Control allows direct access to
all the motion controls of the telescope and a
database with a range of preset objects. The Hand
Control comes with a dual-line, 16 character display
screen that is backlit for comfortable viewing of the
telescope information and scrolling text. To explore
the many functions that the SynScanTM has to offer,
there are 4 main categories of control on the Hand
Control (Fig.d):
These keys range from the middle to the bottom of the hand control. They serve two distinct
purposes data entry and quick reference hot keys.
TOUR key (Fig.f) takes you on a preset tour across the sky you are currently under.
RATE key (Fig.f) changes the speed rate of the motors when the direction keys are pressed. There
are 10 speeds to choose from: 0 (slowest) to 9 (fastest).
UTILITY key (Fig.f) shows functions such as Show Position, Display Time...etc.
USER key (Fig.f) gives access to up to 25 user-defined coordinates.
ID key (Fig.f) identifies the object the telescope is currently pointing to.
NGC, IC, M, PLANET, and OBJECT keys (Fig.g) allow direct access to SynScanTM database of over
13,400 objects.
Fig.d
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Display screen
Mode keys
Directional keys
Dual purpose keys
Scroll keys

5
Initial Setup
This section provides a step-by-step procedure on how to operate your SynScanTM hand control.
Perform the Polar alignment using
the polarscope.
Point the telescope roughly to the
North Celestial Pole (or Polaris) if
you are in the Northern
Hemisphere. Point to the South
Celestial Pole if in Southern
Hemisphere. Make sure the
counterweight rod is pointed down
as seen in Fig.h. This will be the
home position of the telescope.
Flip the Power Switch on the mount
to the "ON" position to turn on the
power.
The initial screen displayed on the
hand control is the Version Screen.
Press ENTER to proceed.
The hand control will display a
warning concerning pointing the
telescope at the sun without proper
equipment. If you have read the
message already, pressing ESC will
bypass the message and skip to the
next step.
The hand control's red light will become dimmer and the key pads will turn off if idle
for 30 seconds. Pressing any key turns it back on.
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Enter the telescope's current latitudinal and longitudinal position using the numeric keypad.
First enter the longitudinal coordinate, followed by the latitudinal coordinate. Use the scroll
keys to choose between W or E, and N or S. Pressing the left or right directional keys will
move the cursor to the previous or next number. Press ENTER to confirm. The format you
enter should look like this: 123 04’ W 49 09’N.
Enter your current time zone in hours (see Appendix C), using the scroll keys and numeric
key pad (+ for East, - for West). Press ENTER to confirm. The format you enter should look
like this if you are in Pacific Standard Time (PST): -08.
Enter the date in the following format mm/dd/yyyy using the numeric keypad. Press ENTER
to confirm.
Enter your current local time using the 24 hr time mode (e.g. 2:00PM=14:00). Press ENTER
to view the time you just entered. If it is incorrect, press ESC to go back to the previous
screen. If correct, press ENTER again to proceed to the daylight saving setting.
If the date entered in step 8 falls between March and November, the SynScanTM will prompt
"DAYLIGHT SAVING?". Use the scroll keys to make the selection and press ENTER to
confirm. If the date is out of the range between March and November, the SynScan willTM skip
the daylight saving setting and proceed to the next step.
After setting the daylight saving, SynScanTM will display "Begin alignment?". Press "1" or
ENTER to start the alignment procedure. Press "2" or ESC to skip the alignment and exit to
the Main Menu.
If a mistake was entered into the SynScanTM hand control, press the ESC key to go back
to the previous menu, and press ENTER to start again.
Fig.h
Plane of local horizon Nadir
(Northern Hemisphere)
North Celestial Pole
Zenith
Right
Ascension
Apparent
movement
of stars
Declination
W
S
E
N
Plane of Celestial Equator
Latitude
Meridian
Line

6
S yn Scan
TM
will beep once when it has finished slewing to an object. Do not try to
adjust the telescope before you hear the beep.
S yn Scan
TM
will only respond to the ESC
key while slewing.
Three-Star Alignment
1.
2. In the alignment screen, select 3-Star Align using the scroll keys. Press ENTER to confirm.
The SynScanTM will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for you to choose as the first
alignment star. Using the scroll keys, choose an appropriate star from the list provided and press
ENTER. The telescope will start slewing towards it. When the telescope stops slewing, adjust its
position with the directional keys until the star is centered on the crosshairs in the finder scope.
Now look through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the object is centered in the field
of view of the eyepiece. Press ENTER to confirm.
SynScanTM will provide a list of objects for the second alignment star. Choose a star using the scoll
keys and press ENTER. Repeat the centering procedure for the second star and press ENTER to
confirm.
SynScanTM will once again provide a list of objects for the third alignment star. Choose a star from
the list and press ENTER. Once again, repeat the centering procedure for the third alignment star.
If appropriate stars have been chosen and aligned to, the SynScanTM hand control will display
"Alignment Successful". Otherwise, the warning "Alignment Failed" will show and the alignment
will have to be done again.
Star Alignment
In order for the SynScanTM to correctly point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to one to three
known positions (stars) in the sky. As the Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, astronomical objects
appear to move through the sky following an arc. With the supplied information, the telescope can
replicate a model of the sky and the movements of astronomical objects. Star alignment can be done
anytime during the observing session by choosing Alignment under SETUP MODE, in the Main Menu.
There are three ways to align the SynScanTM depending on your demand for accuracy. If you are using the
SynScanTM for the first time, we recommend that you begin with the Three Star Alignment. In most cases,
this produces the most accurate alignment among the three methods. Before performing any of the
alignment methods, be sure that your finderscope is well aligned with the telescope tube. See the next
page for tips on how to choose the alignment stars. Below describes a step-by-step procedure on how to
perform the Three StarAlignment:
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In the alignment screen, select 2-Star Align using the scroll keys. Press ENTER to confirm.
The SynScanTM will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for you to choose as the first
alignment star. Using the scroll keys, choose a star you are most familiar with and press ENTER.
The telescope will start slewing towards it. When the telescope stops slewing, adjust its position
with the directional keys until the star is centered on the crosshairs in the finder scope. Now look
through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the object is centered in the field of view of
the eyepiece. Press ENTER to confirm.
SynScanTM will provide a list of objects for the second alignment star. Choose a star using the scoll
keys and press ENTER. Repeat the centering procedure for the second star and press ENTER to
confirm.
If appropriate stars have been chosen and aligned to, the SynScanTM hand control will display
"Alignment Successful". Otherwise, the warning "Alignment Failed" will show and the alignment
will have to be done again.
Two-Star Alignment
Two-Star Alignment requires only two alignment stars but, without Cone Error Calibration (see Appendix
A), it may produce lesser pointing accuracy than the Three-Star Alignment. Below describes a step-by-
step procedure on how to perform the Two-StarAlignment:
The slewing speed can be adjusted by pressing on the RATE button. Then choose a
number between 0 (slowest) - 9 (fastest).

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One-Star Alignment
It requires only one alignment star but, without accurate polar alignment and cone error calibration (see
Appendix A), it may produce lesser pointing accuracy than the other alignment methods. Refer to the
HEQ/EQ6 manual for information on how to perform accurate polar alignment. Below describes a step-
by-step procedure on how to perform the One-Star Alignment:
Make sure the telescope has been polar aligned.
In the alignment screen, select 1-Star Align using the scroll keys. Press ENTER to confirm.
The SynScanTM will provide a list of stars available in your current sky for alignment. Using the
scroll keys, choose a star you are most familiar with and press ENTER. When the telescope
stops slewing, adjust its position with the directional keys until the star is centered on the
crosshairs in the finderscope. Now look through the eyepiece and adjust the telescope so that the
object is centred in the field of view of the eyepiece. Press ENTER to confirm.
Once completed, SynScanTM will display "Alignment Successful".
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The three star alignment methods provide alignment adequate for any visual observing purpose. For
applications that require extra high precision in a particular part of the sky, the SynScanTM provides a
Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE) function to further improve the accuracy. The PAE can be
performed in up to 85 zones to cover the whole sky. The area(s) where the chosen alignment star(s) is located
should be already mapped out accurately by the SynScanTM. Further accuracy enhancement is not necessary.
The following provides a step-by-step procedure on how to perform PAE:
Choose a star as reference object from a star chart or planetarium software. This star should be a
known, bright object that is currently located in the same part of the sky with the object of your interest.
Find the reference object in the SynScanTM hand control database and go-to the object. If the mount
is under the control of the planetarium software, click on the object to slew to it.
Adjust the telescope so that the reference object is in the center of the eyepiece or CCD view.
Press and hold down the ESC key for 2 seconds. The hand control will display "Re-center" and the
name of the reference object will appear in a blinking mode (3 times). If the go-to command is sent
from the planetarium software, instead of the name of the object, the hand control will display "Last
goto object".
Make sure that the reference object is still in the center of the view and press ENTER. If you do not
wish to record the result, press ESC to abort the operation. After pressing ENTER, the SynScanTM
will record the amount of pointing inaccuracy and recalculate the model of the sky. Now the pointing
accuracy of this particular part of the sky should be greatly improved.
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The result for the star alignments and PAE is stored in the hand control even after the power has
been shut off. You will only need to perform the star alignment once as long as these two criteria
are met: 1. The telescope is moved to its home position (Park the telescope) before turning off the
power. 2. The telescope setup, including the mount, has not been moved. Accessory change is
acceptable as long as it is done with great caution. When the hand control is turned on for the next
time, make sure that the time entered during initial setup is based on the same source as last time.
For example, if you enter the time on your watch during this observing session, the time you enter
next time should also be read from your watch.
Following is some pointers on how to choose appropriate alignment stars:
One Star:
Two Star:
Three Star:
Choose a star closer to the Celstrial Equator (smaller declination absolute value).
Choose two stars that are on the same side of the meridian, and at least 3 hours apart in
RAand 3 apart in Dec. If you suspect that the polar alignment is off by1 and above, choose
two stars that are well more than 3 but less than 60 apart in Dec.
For the first two alignment stars, follow the same guideline as choosing for the Two Star
Alignment. For the third alignment star, choose a star that is on the opposite side of the
meridian of the first two stars. Both first alignment star and third alignment star should
have an absolute value of 30 to 70 in Dec. If the first chosen star has a small Dec (<30 ),
the Dec of the third star should be at least 50 . The following formula can be used as a
guideline when determining the correlation between the first and third stars in Dec: 140
>Abs(Dec1)+Abs(Dec2)>60
Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE)

8
Selecting an Object
Object database in the SynScan
TM
Solar System - The other 8 planets of our solar system, plus the Moon.
Named Star - A list of 212 best known stars from the SynScanTM database.
*NGC - 7,840 of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog.
IC - 5,386 of standard stars and deep sky objects from the Indexed Catalog.
Messier - Complete list of 110 Messier objects.
Caldwell - Complete list of 109 Caldwell objects.
Double Stars - Includes 55 well-known double stars.
Variable Stars - Includes 20 will-known variable stars.
Once the telescope has been aligned, you can now access and view the 13,400 different objects
in the SynScanTM database. There are three methods of selecting a celestial object to view:
TOUR - Takes you on a preset tour across your current sky. It
will automatically choose from the database the brightest and
most beautiful deep-sky objects for your viewing pleasure. Use
the down scroll key to view through the deep sky objects.
Choose the desired object by pressing ENTER. It will show the
coordinate of the chosen object. Pressing ENTER once more will
cause the telescope to slew to the object.
M, NGC, IC - These shortcut keys give you access to the most
popular celestial catalogues to date. Each Catalog has a set
number of objects to choose from. Use the numeric keys to
select an object by entering its number. Pressing ENTER will
display its coordinate. Primary information such as size,
magnitude, and constellation are obtained by pressing the scroll
keys. Pressing ENTER once more will cause the telescope to
slew to the object.
PLANET - This shortcut key takes you straight to the Planets
sub menu in the database. Use the scroll keys to scroll through
the list of planets in our solar system. Press ENTER to view its
coordinates, and ENTER once more to slew to the planet.
USER - This will take you to the database that you have defined
for yourself. You can enter a new location or recall the objects
that have been previously saved (see Using the User Defined
Database).
The OBJECT key takes you to the Objects Catalogue, where
you have complete access to over 13,400 celestial objects in the
database. (See Object database in the SynScanTM and the menu
tree.)
In the Main Menu, scroll down to OBJECT CATALOG and press
ENTER. Similar to the OBJECT key, this gives you the complete
access to all 13,400 celestial objects in the database. (See
Object database in the SynScanTM and the menu tree.)
The SynScanTM comes with a vast database with over 13,400 object coordinates and information
all available in the palm of your hand. The database contains the following catalogs:
Fig.k
Fig.i
Fig.j
OBJECT CATALOG
*NGC 2000.0 database, edited by Roger W. Sinnott, copyright by Sky Publishing Corporation. Used with permission.
(Fig.i)(Fig.i)
(Fig.j)(Fig.j)
(Fig.k)(Fig.k)

9
Using the User Defined Database
SynScanTM allows you to save up to 25 objects in the user defined database.
1.
2.
Saving an object to the database
Utility Functions
Utility Functions are useful tools that provide simple, one-step processes to your SynScanTM:
Show Position - This displays the coordinates of the location where the telescope is
currently pointed.
Display Time - This displays the local time and local Sidereal time.
Park Scope - This moves the telescope to the Home position.
Inquire Version - This submenu displays the hardware, firmware, and database version of the
SynScanTM hand control. If the hand control is connected to the mount, this menu will also display
the firmware version of motor control board. Use the scroll keys to view the version numbers.
PEC Training - See section Periodic Error Correction for information.
LCD/LED Tuning - This submenu allows adjustments of the following: the brightness of the
LCD backlight, the darkness of the LCD lettering, and the brightness of the LED backlight of the
keys. Use the scroll keys to select the desired tuning. Press the RIGHT or LEFT directional
key to increase or decrease value.
Setup Functions
Auto Guide Speed - When using an autoguider, this sets the guiding speed to 1X, 0.75X,
0.5X, 0.25X, or 0.125X sidereal rate.
Daylight Savings - Allows you to change the Daylight Savings option.
Alignment - Allows you to perform the star alignment.
Set Backlash - This feature allows you to insert a value for each axis to compensate for its
backlash. For better pointing accuracy, it is important that the backlash value is set to be
equal or greater than the real amount of backlash between the gears. The default setting of
the backlash is 10' 00" (10 arcmin. and 0 arcsec.). Use the numeric keys to enter the
desired value and press the RIGHT directional key to move the cursor to the next digit. First
set the value for R.A. Press ENTER to proceed to Dec.
Set Tracking
The Setup functions allow you to change any system variable or information regarding location,
time, date, and alignment configurations. To access the Setup Functions, either press SETUP key
on the key pad or scroll to SETUP under menu option using the scroll keys. Below lists the
different types of functions available to you, and their purposes.
Date - Allows you to change the date entered at the initial setup.
Time -Allows you to change the current time.
Observing site - Allows you to change the current location.
Sid. Rate: This activates tracking in Sidereal rate (R.A. Tracking).
Lunar Rate: This activates tracking in Lunar rate (R.A. Tracking).
Solar Rate: This activates tracking in Solar rate (R.A. Tracking).
PEC + Sidereal Rate: Sidereal rate with Periodic Error Compensation.
Stop Tracking: This stops the tracking instantly.
In the Main Menu, use the scroll keys to scroll down the list until you
find Object Catalog. Press ENTER.
Select User Defined in the Object Catalog scroll list and press
ENTER.
The User Defined menu can also be accessed by pressing the quick
reference hot key "USER" (number 9). Fig.l
Fig.l

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See Step 1-4 of "Saving an object to the database" for details on how to access to the User
Defined menu. Select Recall Object and press ENTER.
Use the scroll keys to browse through the User Object number until the number
representing the object you wish to view is present. Press ENTER to show its coordinate.
Press ENTER again to slew to the object. The hand control will not respond if a vacant User
Object number is selected. Use the scroll keys to choose another number and try again.
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4.
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Recalling an user defined object
Identifying an Unknown Object
SynScanTM has the ability to identify the unknown object the telescope is
currently pointing at. To do so, simply:
Press the ID key (Fig.o) or scroll down to IDENTIFY in the main
menu and press ENTER to identify the object.
The hand control will display a list containing the closest known
object in each M, IC, NGC, and Named Star catalogs and its
distance to the exact location where the telescope is pointed.
Use the scroll keys to view these objects.
Press ESC to exit from this function.
1.
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3.
Fig.o
The first available selection in the Object Catalog is Recall Object.
This is where you select previously-saved objects to view. Use the
scroll keys to scroll down to "Input Coordi.>" and press ENTER.
The SynScanTM stores the user-defined objects in two formats-
R.A/Dec and Alt/Az. Press 1 for the R.A/Dec. format and 2 for the
Alt-Azimuth format.
By default the SynScanTM will display the R.A./Dec or Alt/Az
coordinates where the telescope is currently pointed. In the case
Fig.m
Fig.n
Enter RA-DEC:
22h46.1m +90 00
Save? <ENTER>
User obj. # 03
of R.A/Dec format, the coordinate readout will be similar to this: "22h46.1m +90 00'"
(Fig.m) which means 22 hours and 46.1 minutes in R.A. and "+90 00'" in Dec. Change
the coordinates using the numeric keypad and scroll keys. Use the RIGHT or LEFT
directional keys to move the cursor to the next or previous digit. Press ENTER to save.
To store an object/location in Alt/Az format, first point the
telescope to the desired location to obtain the Alt/Az value, then
press ENTER to save.
After the coordinates have been saved, the SynScanTM will display
a User Object number as shown in Fig.n. Use the scroll keys to
change to the number you wish to represent the coordinates and
press ENTER.
The SynScanTM will display "View Object?" and the User Object
number you just entered. Press ENTER to go to the object or ESC
to return to the Input Coordinate menu.
If the R.A./Dec coordinate entered does not exist, the SynScanTM hand control will not
respond when the ENTER key is pressed. Check the entry for mistake and re-enter the
correct coordinate.
7.
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9.
The User Object number displayed may not be a vacant one. If you are unsure which
numbers are vacant, it is recommended that you first check for the available numbers by
recalling the saved user objects.
If the recalled object is below horizon, the SynScanTM hand control will display "Below
Horizon !! Try another obj." and automatically return to the Recall Object menu.