Vixen AP Equatorial Mount User manual

Instruction Manual for
AP Equatorial Mount / AP-SM Equatorial Mount
/ AP Photo Guider

2
PREFACE
WARNING!
CAUTION
HANDLING and STORAGE
Thank you for your purchase of a Vixen product from the Vixen AP series of equatorial mounts and equatorial platform. This instruc-
tion manual is prepared in common with the AP series of the equatorial mounts including the AP-SM equatorial mount and AP Photo
Guider. You may occasionally find descriptions in the text not relevant to your model. The manual explains usage of the AP-SM mount
with STAR BOOK ONE mostly by way of example. Please be sure to read the instructions throughout to make you use the product
right and in safety.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant of Par t 15 of the FCC rules.
This instruction manual will assist you in the safe and effective use of the AP Mount. Before using the mount, be sure to read the
safety precautions described below carefully.
Never look directly at the sun with your naked eyes or through your telescope and finder scope. Permanent and irreversible eye
damage may result.
Do not leave the optical tube uncapped in the daytime. Sunlight passing through the telescope or finder scope may cause a fire.
Do not use the product in a wet environment. This could damage the mount, result in electrical shock or a fire.
Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipment that is not expressly described in this manual. This could
damage the mount, result in electrical shock, a fire or lead to an injury.
Keep small caps, plastic bags or plastic packing materials away from children. These may cause choking or suffocation.
Stop operating the product immediately and unplug the power cord if it emits smoke or a strange smell. This could result in fire
or electrical shock. Make sure to be safe and consult your local Vixen dealer or distributor in your country.
Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the product. Unplug the power cord or switch the power off. This could result in
fire or electrical shock.
Do not damage, alter or place heavy item on the power cord. This could result in fire or electrical shock.
The product includes heavy items such as the counterweight and the mount body. Be sure to handle these units carefully. Be
careful not to drop the unit when handling. This may cause damage or lead to injury.
Be sure to ventilate air while cleaning with volatile cleaner or spray can cleaner to avoid poisoning.
Do not use the volatile cleaner or spray can cleaner in the vicinity to fire. This could lead to catching fire.
Do not operate the product with wet hands. Plugging in and out the power cord, electricity connectors and operating the electronic
parts with wet hands may cause damage to the equipment or resulting in electrical shock.
Do not use the product while traveling or walking, as injuries may arise from stumbling, falling or collision with objects.
Do not bundle the power cord and electricity wires during the operation. This may result in a short circuit and damage to the
surroundings.
Handle the power cord and electricity connectors properly. Do not pull the power cord by force when disconnecting. This may
damage the cord and connectors, resulting in fire or electrical shock.
Do not leave the product inside a car in bright sunshine, or in hot places. Keep any strong heat radiation sources away from the
product.
When cleaning, do not use solvent such as paint thinners. It may cause deterioration.
Do not use the product in a wet environment. This may cause the product to malfunction or result in fire or electrical shock.
For storage do not expose to direct sunlight and keep the product in a dry place.
Do not expose the product to rain, water drops, dirt or sand. Gently wipe the product with a damp cloth for cleaning.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Legend
Warning If misused, it can cause you a serious injury or death.
Caution Misuse can cause injury or damage to you or other property.
Important You must complete all of the steps in this manual.
Direction You must completely execute the instructions in this manual.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
AP Mount
: Check the Package Contents --------------------------------- P4
: Name of Each Components ----------------------------------- P5
: Maunt Specifications------------------------------------------- P5
AP Photo Guider
: Check the Package Contents --------------------------------- P6
: Name of Each Components ----------------------------------- P7
: Mount & Cotroller Specifications ----------------------------- P8
AP-SM Mount
: Check the Package Contest----------------------------------- P9
: Name of Each Components ----------------------------------- P10
: Mount & Cotroller Specifications ----------------------------- P11
STAR BOOK ONE
: Components Guide --------------------------------------------- P14
: Polar Alignment Scope--------------------------------------- P34
: Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere-------------- P36
: Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere ------------- P41
: Mount Menu--------------------------------------------------- P47
Tracking Speed ------------------------------------------- P47
Tracking Direction ---------------------------------------- P48
Slewing Speed -------------------------------------------- P48
Backlash Compensation--------------------------------- P49
Setting for Autoguider ----------------------------------- P51
PEC -------------------------------------------------------- P52
: Display Menu-------------------------------------------------- P54
Contrast Adjustment ------------------------------------- P54
Brightness Adjustment ---------------------------------- P54
Backlight Adjustment ------------------------------------ P54
Red LED Light Adjustment ------------------------------ P55
: Other Functions----------------------------------------------- P55
Field of View Orientation--------------------------------- P55
Reset ------------------------------------------------------ P56
AP Mount Composition Chart ------------------------------------ P56
Variations on the AP Mount--------------------------------------- P57
How to Change the Modules ------------------------------------- P58
: Changing the R.A. Motor Module for the Manual
Slow Motion Control Module. ------------------------------- P58
: Changing the Manual Slow Motion Control Module
for the DEC. Motor Module. --------------------------------- P60
: Changing the Maunal Slow Motion Control Module
for R.A Motor Module. --------------------------------------- P62
: Upgrading the AP Photo Guider to the AP Mount --------- P64
Replacing the Fuse ------------------------------------------------ P67
PREPARATION
SPECIFICATIONS
INITIAL SETTING AND BASIC OPERATION
APPLICATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ---------------------------------------- P 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS------------------------------------------- P 3
BEFORE USE ----------------------------------------------------- P 4
Assembling the Mount --------------------------------------------- P15
: Setting up the Tripod ------------------------------------------ P15
: Attaching the Counterweight -------------------------------- P18
: Attaching the Optical Tube Assembly ----------------------- P19
: Attaching the Dovetail Slide Bar (AP Photo Guider)-------- P20
: Balancing the Equatorial Mount------------------------------ P21
: Connecting the STAR BOOK ONE --------------------------- P25
: About Power Supply------------------------------------------- P26
: Tuning on the Power ------------------------------------------ P28
: Setting Language ---------------------------------------------- P28
: Moving the AP Mount
/ Moving the AP-SM Mount or Photo Guider ----------------- P29
: Changing the Slewing Speed--------------------------------- P29
: Changing Tension of the Friction Stop Motion ------------- P30
: Approximate Polar Aligning with the Finder Scope -------- P31
: Approximate Polar Aligning with the Polar Meter ---------- P33
Dimensions--------------------------------------------------------- P68

4
①
③
⑧
②
⑥
⑤
⑦
④
Check the Package Contents
The AP equatorial mount contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
Package consisting of:
What is an Equatorial Mount?
Basic Motion of the AP Equatorial Mount
The AP equatorial mount moves and stops with friction in the right ascension (R.A) and declination (DEC). Slew the telescope by
hand to change the telescope’s direction. The AP-SM mount comes equipped with a drive motor on the R.A a xis and a manual slow
motion control knob on the DEC axis.
The equatorial mount will achieve smooth movements if each of the rotational axes on the mount is balanced correctly.
An unbalanced equatorial mount may cause vibration and can result in slipping of the friction stop mechanism. Make sure that your
telescope is well balanced af ter your accessories have been installed.
Be careful not to bang any par t of the mount against other objects. This could damage the gears and bearings.
In the northern hemisphere, stars appear to turn around the polar star (the nor th celestial pole) making approximately one rotation per day.
This is called diurnal motion and occurs because the ear th turns on its own axis once a day. The equatorial mount is a platform which i s
designed to rotatre parallel to ear th’s rotational a xis.
Basics of Equatorial Mounts
Note :
The contents of your AP mount package may differ when you
purchase it as a complete AP telescope package.
②Counterweight Bar 1
①AP Equatorial Mount (Main body) 1
③Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar 1
⑤Slow Motion Control Knob 2
⑦Allen Wrench of 3mm on a side 1
④Counterweight 1.0kg 1
⑥Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side 1
⑧AP Mount Instruction Manual (This book) 1
BEFORE USE

5
BEFORE USE
Name of Each Component AP Mount
Safety Screw
R.A Axis (Polar Axis)
Polar Scope Window
Declination Body Cover
Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar
R.A Manual Slow Motion Control Knob
Counterweight Bar
Counterweight Lock Knob
Counterweight 1.0Kg
Counterweight
Safety Screw
DEC Axis
Dovetail Plate Lock Screw
Mount Head
DEC Manual Slow Motion Control Knob
Accessory Shoe
Polar Axis Cap (for Polar Scope)
Installing space for Polar
Alignment Scope PF-L (inside)
Polar Axis Body
Altitude Adjustment Bolt
Azimuth Adjustment Knobs
Declination Body Cover
Battery Compartments*
Fuse*
* Utilized as a power supply when the R.A motor
module is attached.
Mount Specifications
Mount AP equatorial mount
Slow Motion Control R.A: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
DEC: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
Quick Slewing Motion Friction stop motion (adjustable)
Wheel Gear R.A: 73.5mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear / DEC:58.4mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear
Worm Gear R.A :11.0mm in diameter, Brass / DEC:9.8mm in diameter, Brass
R.A Axis 59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
DEC Axis 59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
Number of Bearings 7 pieces
Counterweight Bar 20mm diameter, Steel
Polar Alignment Scope Optional
Azimuth Adjustment Fine adjustment range: +/- 6.5 degrees, 1.4 degrees per rotation, Twin adjustment screws with knobs
Altitude Adjustment Latitude adjustment range: 0 degree to 65 degrees, Tangent screw with handle, 1.9 degrees per rotation
Maximum Loading Weight 6kg (13.2lbs)(150kg • cm torque load) at a point of 25cm from the fulcrum
Fuse 125V 1A Class B (PSE standard), 6mm dia x 30mm long
Dimensions 263 x 302 x 96mm (10.3” x 11” x 3.7”)
Weight 3.6kg (8 lbs) without counterweight
Counterweight 1.0kg (2.2 lbs)
Optional Accessories R.A motor module and STAR BOOK ONE Set, DEC motor module, APP-TL130 tripod, Polar alignment
Weight scope PF-L, Polar Meter
The specifications are subject to change without notice.

6
⑩
①
③
⑧
②
④
⑤
⑦
⑥⑨
Check the Package Contents
The AP Photo Guider package contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
BEFORE USE
Package consisting of:
②Dovetail Slide Bar PG 1
①AP Photo Guider Equatorial Platform 1
③STAR BOOK ONE Controller 1
⑤Strap for STAR BOOK ONE 1
⑦Allen Wrench of 5mm on a side 1
⑨Allen Wrench of 3mm on a side 1
④STAR BOOK Cable (for SBT) 1
⑥APP-TL130 Tripod 1
⑧Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side 1
⑩AP Photo Guider Instruction Manual (This book) 1
Note 1: Power supply is not included.
Note 2: Use a commercially available USB external power supply.
For AP Photo Guider with Single-axis drive unit (Standard): USB external battery of at least 0.5 ampere is required (applicable to USB
Micro-B connector).
For AP Photo Guider with Dual-axis drive unit (Optional): USB external battery of at least 1.0 ampere is required (in conformity to DCP
and applicable to USB Micro-B connector).
The DCP (Dedicated Charging Por t) is a regulation of USB external power supply which is stipulated in USB Battery Charging Specifi-
cation, Rev 1.1. It is used for USB batteries and USB AC Adapters.

7
AP Photo Guider
BEFORE USE
Name of Each Component AP Photo Guider
Safety Screw
R.A Axis (Polar Axis)
Dovetail Plate Lock Screw
1/4” Camera Mounting Screw (4 points)
Dovetail Slide Bar PG
Azimuth Adjustment Knobs
AP Mount Head Unit
R.A Motor Module
R.A. Clamp Lever
Polar Axis Cap (for Polar Scope)
Polar Alignment Scope PF-L (Inside)
Polar Axis Body
Altitude Adjustment Bolt
External Power Supply Port
(USB Micro-B : 5V)
Controller Cable Connecting Port
APP-TL130 Tripod
Power Switch
Leg Brace
Ferrule
Center Column
Leg Brace Lock Screw
Extension Lock Lever
Polar Alignment Scope PF-L
Equatorial Platform
Tripod
Polar Alignment Scope
Power Supply

8
BEFORE USE
Mount Specifications AP Photo Guider
Controller Specifications
Mount AP Photo Guider mount
Slow Motion Control R.A: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
Quick Slewing Motion Friction stop motion (adjustable)
Wheel Gear R.A: 73.5mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear
Worm Gear R.A :11.0mm in diameter, Brass
R.A Axis 59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
Number of Bearings 4 pieces
Polar Alignment Scope 6x20mm (Field of view: 8 degrees), Self-light-off dark field illuminator (Brightness adjustable), Setting accuracy: 3
arc minutes or less, Reticle with scales for pointing 3 stars, Battery: CR2032
Azimuth Adjustment Fine adjustment range: +/- 6.5 degrees, 1.4 degrees per rotation, Twin adjustment screws with knobs
Altitude Adjustment Latitude adjustment range: 0 degree to 65 degrees, Tangent screw with handle, 1.9 degrees per rotation
Motor Drive Pulse (Stepping) Motor
Tracking High precision tracking with STAR BOOK ONE controller
Maximum Loading Weight 6kg (13.2 lbs) (150kg • cm torque load) at a point of 25cm from the fulcrum
Controller Cable Connecting Port D-SUB 9PIN male plug
Power Supply Port USB Micro-B (DC4.4 to 5.26V)
Power Supply USB External battery pack (Not sold by Vixen)
Working Duration with
Batteries
About 4 hours (at 20 degree C, with Alkaline batteries, 6kg loading weight ), 2.5 hours if the DEC motor module is used
together.
Electricity Consumption DC5V • 0.2 ~ 0.5A (1.0 ~ 2.5W) , 0.3 ~ 1.0A (1.5 ~ 5.0W) if the DEC motor module is used together.
Dimensions 222 x 221x 96mm (8.7” x 8.7” x 3.7”)
Weight 2.4kg (5.3 lbs) (5.4kg (12 lbs) complete with tripod)
Optional Accessories Supplementary Counterweight Bar, Counterweight 1.0kg, Polar Meter
Controller STAR BOOK ONE
CPU 32-bit CISC Processor 40MHz RX210
LCD Screen 2-line 8-chracter STN with backlight
Autoguider Port 6-pole 6-wired modular jack (for external autoguider)
Controller Cable Port D-SUB 9PIN male plug
Power Supply Supplied from the mount side
Operating Temperature Between 0 degree C and 40 degree C (104 F)
Dimensions 137 x 65 x 21mm (5.4” x 2.5” x 1”)
Weight 110g (4 oz) (without cable)
Menus and Major
Functions
Sidereal tracking rate (variable from 0.1X to 10X by step), Solar tracking, Lunar tracking and Kings rates, Backlash
compensation, PEC, External autoguider connection, Adjustable LED backlight, Red LED Light
The specifications are subject to change without notice.

9
①
③
⑧
②
⑨
④
⑥
⑪
⑤ ⑦
⑩
BEFORE USE
Check the Package Contents AP-SM Mount
The AP-SM equatorial mount package contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
Package consisting of:
Power Supply to AP-SM Mount:
Power Supply to AP-SM Mount plus DEC Motor Module:
②AP Counterweight Bar 1
①AP-SM Equatorial Mount (Main body) 1
③Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar 1
⑤Slow Motion Control Knob 1
⑦STAR BOOK Cable (for SBT) 1
⑨Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side 1
⑪ AP-SM Mount Instruction Manual (This book) 1
④Counterweight 1.0kg 1
⑥STAR BOOK ONE Controller 1
⑧Strap for STAR BOOK ONE 1
⑩Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side 1
Note 1: The contents of your AP-SM mount package may differ when you purchase it as a complete AP-SM telescope package.
Note 2: The AP-SM packages do not contain an adapter for power supply. Use 4 x AA batteries (not included) or a commercially available USB external
battery with USB Micro-B adapter.
The USB external power supply battery of at least 0.5 ampere is required for operation. USB Micro-B adapter is needed.
The USB external power supply battery of at least 1.0 ampere is required for operation. USB Micro-B adapter is needed.
If the power supply is not sufficient, the DEC motor will stop along with a blinking message “Y motor stop”.
The USB external power supply battery in conformity to DCP (Dedicated Charging Por t) of USB Battery Charging Specification, Rev
1.1 is required.

10
BEFORE USE
Name of Each Component AP-SM Mount
Safety Screw
R.A Axis (Polar Axis)
Polar Scope Window
Declination Body Cover
Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar
R.A Motor
Counterweight Bar
Counterweight Lock Knob
Counterweight 1.0Kg
Counterweight
Safety Screw
External Power Supply Port
(USB Micro-B: 5V)
Controller Cable
Connecting Port
Power Switch
Battery Compartments
Fuse
Tripod Leg
Leg Brace
Ferrule
DEC Axis
Dovetail Plate Lock Screw
Mount Head
DEC Manual Slow Motion Control Knob
Accessory Shoe
Polar Axis Cap (for Polar Scope)
Polar Alignment Scope PF-L
(Inside)
Polar Axis Body
Altitude Adjustment Bolt
Azimuth Adjustment Knobs
Center Column
Leg Brace
Lock Screw
Extension
Lock Lever
The AP-SM Mount Package with A80Mf Optical Tube and
APP-TL130 Tripod are shown as an example.