Vixen Skypod User manual

Altazimuth Mount
Instruction Manual for

2
PERFACE
The SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount features automatic slewing of celestial objects on the screen of its dedicated hand controller ‘STAR BOOK-S’
and a various convenient menus and functions that will help you in enjoying your observation in the night sky. We hope you will enjoy exploring
celestial wonders anywhere with the SKYPOD.
This manual is prepared in common with all the SKYPOD series telescopes. You may occasionally find descriptions in the text not relevant to
your model, this depends on the model you purchased.
Always keep the instruction manual near to your mount or telescope to enable any operational queries to be easily answered.
This instruction manual describes necessary precautions for the safe use of the product by preventing yourself and others from possible
injuries as well as damages to the equipment.
Please read this instruction manual carefully before use, and follow them precisely.
CAUTION
WARNING!
Never look directly at the sun with your naked eyes or through any telescope or its
finder scope or guide scope. Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Never connect the cable of the STAR BOOK-S with other equipment such as a PC. It may cause
a failure, heating, or electrical shock.
We thank you very much for your purchase of our product from a series of the
Vixen SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount astronomical telescopes.
Do not try to restrain the movement when the mount in operation, which may lead to injuries to yourself
or equipment damage.
Do not leave the optical tube uncapped in daytime. It may cause a fire from the objective lens or mirror
of the optical tube or finder scope in case of sunlight passing through the telescope.
Do not use the product while moving or walking, where injuries could arise from collision with objects or
stumbling or falling.
Keep tiny caps, desiccant, or vinyl packing materials away from children. It may cause danger from
swallowing or suffocation.
Do not use the product in a wet environment and do not touch with wet hands.
Do not turn the power switches of the SKYPOD and STAR BOOK-S to on under conditions that internal
dew condensation is suspected on them. It may cause failure by leakage of electricity.
HANDLING
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 the organic solvent such as paint thinners or similar.
Do not expose the product to rain, water drops, dirt or sand.
Avoid touching any lens or mirror surfaces directly with hands. In case a lens or mirror becomes dirty with
fingerprints or general smears, gently wipe it using a commercially available lens cleaner and a lens cleaning
paper, or consult your local Vixen dealer.
Blow off dust on lens using a commercially available blower brush.
For storage, keep the product in dry places, and do not expose to direct sunlight.
Remove the batteries from the battery box while the product is not used for a long time.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

3
CONTENTS
PREFACE----------------------2 INITIAL SETTING--------------17
WARNING,CAUTION,HANDLING---2
CONTENTS --------------------3
BEFORE USE------------------4
Checking Contents --------------------4
Principle and Basic Operation of--------4
Altazimuth Mounts---------------------4
Parts Descriptions---------------------5
STAR BOOK-S Hand Controller---------6
Specifications-------------------------7
PERPARATION-----------------9
About Batteries for the SKYPOD--------9
Install Batteries in the SKYPOD --------9
Setting up the Telescope
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
Setting up the Tripod--------------10
Attaching the SKYPOD Mount -----10
Install Batteries into the Battery----11
Pack on the SKYPOD Mount
Attaching the Counterweight-------12
(Optional)
Preparation for Mounting the Optical
Tube-----------------------------12
Attaching the Optical Tube---------12
Attaching the Eyepiece Adapter----13
Attaching the Finder Scope--------13
Balancing the Telescope ----------15
Connecting the STAR BOOK-S Cable
to the SKYPOD-------------------16
Connecting External Power Supply--16
Setting Up the STAR BOOK-S
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Turning the Power On and Off------17
Setting Language-----------------18
Setting Local Time----------------19
Setting Location------------------20
Saving the Settings---------------21
BASIC OPERATION------------22
Moving the Telescope -------------22
Viewing Terrestrial Landscape -----23
Changing the Magnification--------26
Why you Need a Finder Scope-----26
Observing the Moon --------------29
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
AUTOMATIC SLEWING---------31
Automatic Slewing ----------------31
Flow of Automatic Slewing---------31
Home Position--------------------31
Align the Telescope---------------32
Starting Automatic Slewing--------38
Choosing a Target from the Object
Menu----------------------------40
Completing Observing-------------42
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
APPLICATION-----------------44
Chart Setting
LCD Adjustment------------------45
Backlighting Duration Adjustment---46
About STAR BOOK-S -------------47
Saving the Settings---------------47
Using the STAR BOOK-S as a Stand
Alone Unit------------------------47
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
HOW TO USE ------------------8
Flow of Operation----------------------8

4
BEFORE USE
The Altazimuth mount is a telescope platform
with simple vertical and horizontal motion controls
that allow you to move the telescope up and down
and side to side.
Due to Earth’s rotation, the mount must move to
follow a celestial object. Without this movement,
stars and celestial objects move through the field
of view as time passes by. An Altazimuth mount
moves in altitude( vertically )and azimuth( horizontally )
to keep the object you are viewing centered in the
field of view of your telescope.
The STAR BOOK-S automatic GoTo controller
controls the motion of the SKYPOD. The SKY-
POD functions smoothly and accurately when
the weight of each component is properly
balanced. Using the SKYPOD without proper
balancing may cause tracking errors, slippage
of the telescope tube, or interruption of obser-
vation. Make sure to balance the telescope.
For a proper balancing procedure, please refer
to page.15
(Balancing may not be necessary depending on
models of the SKYPOD.)
Contents of SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount
SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount
STAR BOOK-S
Instruction Manual (This booklet)
Serial Number Stickers
Instruction Manual (This booklet)
SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount
STAR BOOK-S Hand Controller
Checking Contents
Principle and Basic Operation of Altazimuth Mounts
Basic Operation
What is an Altazimuth Mount?
Note : Batteries are not included.
The SKYPOD Altazimuth Mount box contains
the parts listed below. Make sure that your
box contains all these parts.
For parts included in optical tube boxes and other
instruments, please refer to that product manual.
Apparent movement of stars
Moves vertically
(in altitude motion)
Moves horizontally
(in azimuth motion)
Horizontal Rotation Axis
Vertical Rotation Axis

5
Objective Hood
Objective lens (Inside)
Focus Knob
Fixing Knob
STAR BOOK-S
Compartment Cover
Power Switch
External DC 12V Power Terminal
Auxiliary Port
Tabletop Tripod
Dovetail-Plate
Lock Screw
STAR BOOK-S
Rack
Safety Screw
Dovetail Mounting Block
Cable Connector
Battery Case Cover
Battery Case
Eyepiece
Diagonal Prism
Fixing Knob
Eyepiece
Eyepiece Set Screw
Finder Bracket Lock Screw
VMC110L Optical Tube
Dot Finder
Finder Scope
Half Pillar (Optional)
Tripod Head
Tube
A80Mf Optical Tube
Drawtube
Azimuth Adjustment Screw
(Not used)
Accessory Tray
Tripod Leg Spreader
Tripod Leg
Leg Extension Clamp
Eyepiece Adapter (31.7mm)
Eyepiece Set Screw
Focus Knob
Horizontal Rotation Axis
Vertical Rotation Axis
BEFORE USE
Parts Descriptions : SKYPOD Mount and Tripod
SKYPOD VMC110L and A80Mf telescopes shown here, your telescope may differ.

6
STAR BOOK-S Hand Controller
Legend on the Screen
01. TN 2.6-inch Monochrome LCD Screen
02. Power Switch
The upper buttons (Right side on-screen soft-key legend): Enter, Cursor Movement, Scroll
03. LEFT (Moves the cursor left. <The screen scrolls toward right.>)
04. UP (Moves the cursor up. <The screen scrolls down.>)
05. RIGHT (Moves the cursor right. <The screen scrolls toward left.>)
06. DOWN (Moves the cursor down. <The screen scrolls up.>
07. ENTER (Changing Chart / Scope modes)
The lower buttons (Left side on-screen soft-key legend): Alignment, Zoom
08. MENU (Accesses various settings on the system menu.)
09. ZOOM+(Zooms in the screen in 8 steps.)
10. ALIGN (Aligns computer with telescope position.)
11. ZOOM - (Zooms out the screen in 8 steps.)
12. DISP (On screen information changes each time pressed.)
13. LAN : LAN Connection Terminal (10BASE-T) for communication with a PC
14. MOUNT: Controller Cable Connection Terminal
01. Mode Display: SCOPE Mode and CHART Mode
02. Date
03. Time
04. Battery Level: Varies according to a level of discharge.
The battery levels are displayed individually for both the
STAR BOOK-S and the SKYPOD Mount.
Note:The SKYPOD battery level indicator may show “Empty” when
the controller cable is not connected securely.
05. Upward Arrow / Downward Arrow
Upward Arrow: A bunch of on-screen soft-keys corresponding to
the upper buttons.
Downward Arrow: A bunch of on-screen soft-keys corresponding
to the lower buttons.
06. : Directional keys and cursor movement
07. Select, Automatic Slewing and changing Chart / Scope mode
08. Zoom + : Zoom in the screen.
09. Zoom – : Zoom out the screen.
10. MT : Speed of scrolling the screen / zooming visually.
11. Menu : Open the System Menu dialog box to change various settings.
12. Align : Set up directions (alignment) for automatic slewing
01
02
06
10
12
11
08
13
14
01
05
11
10
08
09
12
05
02
03
0613
07
05
07
09
04
03
BEFORE USE
04
Full Middle Empty

7
SKYPOD Mount Specifications
STAR BOOK-S Specifications
Mount
Altitude worm wheel
Azimuth worm wheel
Coordinates of object
Slowmotion controls
Slewing speed
Auxiliary terminal
Batteries
Working duration with batteries
External power supply
Maximum loading weight
Dimensions
Weight
Optional Accessories
Altazimuth GOTO Mount
Full circle 70-tooth gear
Full circle 70-tooth gear
Shown on the STAR BOOK-S in 0.1’ increment
Electric, 8-speed in both axes
Max. 900x (sidereal rate)
D-SUB 9 Pin (unavailable)
8 x AA-size alkaline batteries
8hrs at 20 degrees C. (68F) ambient temperature
DC12V EIAJ RC5320A Class4
About 5kg with an optional counterweight
210mmW x 200mmL x 190mmH (without tripod)
2.8kg (Incl. controller and cable)
Two-section aluminum tripod, Counterweight
(Supplied as standard accessories for some models.)
BEFORE USE
Controller
CPU
Display
Autoguider Port
Controller cable connection terminal
LAN connection terminal
Batteries
Working duration with batteries
Dimensions
Weight
Celestial objects stored in memory
Other functions / Capabilities
STAR BOOK-S
32Bit RISC processor CS89712
TN 2.6-inch monochrome LCD screen (160 x 160 = 25600 pixels)
6-pole 6-wired modular jack
8-pole 8-wired modular jack
10BASE-T
4 x AA-size alkaline batteries
8hrs at 20 degrees C. of ambient temperature
124mmW x 85mmL x 38mmH
165g (without batteries and cable)
Total 22,735 objects consisting of:
17,635 fixed stars brighter than 7-th magnitude, 110 Messier objects,
4,980 NGC/IC objects brighter than 14th magnitude, 8 Planets, the Moon and Sun
Software upgrade via LAN connection
Built-in speaker
Operating temperature between 0 deg-C.and 40 deg-C.
13. Disp: On screen information changes each time pressed.
<Soft-key legend> <RA and Dec> <No indication>
Legend on the Screen

8
HOWTO USE
Take the following steps to set up the SKYPOD.
Flow of Operation
Assembling the SKYPOD and tripod.
Setting Language (The first time only.)
Turn the powers of both the mount and controller to ON,
and then choose your language in the STAR BOOK-S.
Setting Date & Time (The first time only.)
Enter date and your local time.
Setting Longitude & Latitude (The first time only.)
Enter longitude and latitude of your observation site.
Read the manual to understand basic operation
of the SKYPOD.
Home Position
Slew the telescope to the home position by using the
STAR BOOK-S hand controller.
*The‘Home Position’is the initial set-up position of the
SKYPOD which is required
Alignment
Choose two out of many celestial reference points stored
in the STAR BOOK-S database.
Automatic Slewing
Upon completion of alignment, automatic Go To slewing
and tracking are available.
Finish Operation
PREPARATION
INITIAL SETTING
BASIC OPERATION
AUTOMATIC SLEWING
APPLICATION
Pages 09 to 16
Pages 17 to 21
Pages 22 to 30
Pages 31 to 43
Page 44 to 47

9
PREPARATION
About batteries for the SKYPOD
The STAR BOOK-S controller of the SKYPOD runs
on four (4) AA-size alkaline batteries (not included).
The batteries can last about eight hours at 20 degrees C.
The SKYPOD Mount runs on eight (8) AA-size alkaline
batteries (not included) or optional external power supply.
The batteries can last about eight hours at 20 degrees C.
A total of twelve (12) AA-size alkaline batteries are
needed optionally to run the product.
Push the latch of the rear cover down and
open the cover toward you as shown in the
figure.
Insert fresh batteries (4 x AA-size alkaline
batteries). Do not mix up the polarity as it
may cause a failure.
Replace the cover to complete.
Install batteries in the SKYPOD.
Explanation on how to install the batteries is stated in the “PREPARATION Setting up the
telescope” section for the sake of convenience. (See page 11 of this manual.)
Rear Cover
How to insert the batteries into the STAR BOOK-S

10
PREPARATION
SKYPOD
Mount
Half Pillar
Tripod Head
Half Pillar
Locking Knob
Setting up the telescope
Setting up the Tripod
Attaching the SKYPOD Mount
Stand the tripod on even
and sold ground. Adjust
the height of the tripod
as the occasion demands.
To change the height,
loosen the leg extension
clamp of each tripod leg.
Be sure to tighten all the
leg extension clamps
securely after adjusting
the height of the tripod.
Hold the SKYPOD Mount over the tripod head
so that the center shaft is above the matching
hole. Place the SKYPOD Mount on the tripod
head so that the two are flush. Tighten the
locking knob on the underside of the tripod
head firmly.
Take off the tray lock
knob at the center of the
tripod leg spreader to
reveal the tray anchor
bolt.
(Proceed to II when you don't need the Half Pillar for
your SKYPOD.)
Use an optional Half Pillar when your telescope optical
tube can hit the tripod leg. Hold the Half Pillar over
the tripod head so that the center shaft is above the
matching hole. Place the Half Pillar on the tripod head
so that the two are flush. Tighten the locking knob
on the underside of the tripod head firmly.
Hold the SKYPOD Mount over the Half Pillar so that the center shaft is above the matching hole. Place the SKYPOD
Mount on the Half Pillar so that the two are flush. Tighten the locking knob on the underside of the tripod head firmly.
Attaching the Half Pillar (Optional)
Pull the tripod legs apart
until the tripod leg sprea-
der has been fully extend-
ed to let the tripod stand
by itself.
Place the accessory tray
over the tripod leg sprea-
der and position it so the
anchor bolt on the tripod
leg spreader fits the mat-
ching hole at the center of
the accessory tray. Then,
attach the accessory tray
with the tray lock knob.
Leg Extension ClampLeg Extension Clamp
Tray Anchor BoltTray Anchor Bolt
Tripod Leg
Spreader
Tripod Leg
Spreader
Tray Lock
Knob
Accessory Tray
Tray Lock
Knob
Accessory Tray
(Not used)
Half Pillar
Tripod Head
Tripod Head
SKYPOD
Mount
Tripod Head
Half Pillar
Locking Knob
Locking KnobLocking Knob
(Not used)

11
Hold the SKYPOD Mount over
the tabletop tripod head so that
the center shaft is above the
matching hole.
Place the SKYPOD Mount on
the tabletop tripod head so that
the two are flush. Tighten the
knob on the underside of the
tripod head firmly.
Attaching to the Tabletop Tripod
Install batteries into the battery pack on the SKYPOD Mount.
Locking KnobLocking Knob
PERPARATION
Setting up the telescope
SKYPOD
Mount
Tabletop
Tripod
SKYPOD
Mount
Tabletop
Tripod
Open the front cover to access the inner blue
battery case as shown in the figure. Open the
battery case by sliding off its top cover.
Take out the battery pack and insert the fresh
batteries into it. Do not mix up the polarity as
this may cause a failure.
Put the battery pack back into the blue battery
case.Turn the projection on the battery pack
so that it fits into the recess of the battery case
as shown in the figure below. Close the cover
as it was
Compartment
Cover
Battery Pack
Slide Cover
Compartment
Cover
Slide Cover
Projection on the
Battery Pack
Batteries
(AA x 8)
Compartment
Cover
Battery Pack
Slide Cover
Compartment
Cover
Slide Cover
Projection on the
Battery Pack
Batteries
(AA x 8)

12
Attaching the Counterweight (Optional)
Weight CapWeight Cap Weight CapWeight Cap
PREPARATION Setting up the telescope
Handle the counterweight with care as it is heavy.
Counterweight ShaftCounterweight Shaft CounterweighCounterweigh
Use an optional counterweight with the SKYPOD when you install a telescope optical tube weighing
over 2.5 kg (5.5lbs.). Remove the blue weight cap by unscrewing it and screw the counterweight
onto the end of counter-
weight shaft inside.
Replace the counterweight
cap after making sure that
the counterweight is tightly
secured inside.
(Proceed to V when you don't need the Counterweight for your SKYPOD.)
WARNING!
Dovetail-Plate
Lock Screw Safety Screw
Dovetail-Plate
Lock Screw
Dovetail-Plate
Lock Screw
Dovetail Tube Plate Safety Screw Gap
Dovetail-Plate
Lock Screw
Dovetail Tube Plate Safety Screw Gap
Safety Screw
Loosen both the dovetail-plate lock screw and
safety screw until the tips of these screws no
longer extended into the inner part of the dovetail
block.
Preparation for Mounting the Optical Tube
Slide the dovetail mounted scope into the dovetail mounting block of the SKYPOD, tighten the dovetail-
plate lock screw (centered on the notch) onto the dovetail tube plate until snug.
Next, tighten the small
chrome safety screw onto
the dovetail mounting block
until snug.
Make sure that the dovetail tube plate is flat against
the dovetail mounting block. Tightening the dovetail-
plate lock screw with a gap between these parts may
result in the telescope unexpectedly falling off.
Optical tube assemblies are seriously damaged if
dropped. Tighten the dovetail-plate lock screw
securely. The safety screw should also be screwed
in completely.
Attaching the Optical Tube
Caution Caution

13
ED80Sf Focuser Visual Configuration
Attaching the Finder Scope (Dot Finder)
VMC110L Focuser Visual
Configuration
A70Lf, A80Mf Focusers Visual ConfigurationR130Sf Focuser Visual Configuration
PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE EYEPIECE ADAPTER
ATTACHING THE FINDER SCOPE
Loosen the chrome finder
bracket lock screw on the
telescope.
Attach the finder scope as
shown in the figure.Tighten
the finder bracket lock
screw securely.
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Dot Finder
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Dot Finder
Eyepiece 31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”(Supplied)
Flip Mirror Lever (Changes the light path.)
Focus Knob
Right-angled Viewing
Straight-through Viewing
Focus Knob
Focus Knob Eyepiece Adapter
(42mm to 31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”)
R130Sf
Focus Knob
Eyepiece Adapter
(42mm to 31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”)
Diagonal Mirror
50.8mm/2” (Optional)
Eyepiece
31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”
(Supplied)
Eyepiece 50.8mm/2” (Optional)
Flip Mirror (Supplied)
ED80Sf
Erect-Image Diagonal
31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”
(Supplied
50.8mm Adapter/2”
(Supplied)
Focus Knob
Tension Adjustment Screw (underneath)
A80Mf
A70Lf
Eyepiece
31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”(Supplied)
Eyepiece
31.7mm / 1
1
/
4
”
(Supplied)
(
The included finder scope is different depending
on the telescope you purchased.
)

14
PREPARATION
Back out the adjust-
ment screws on the
finder bracket to allow
passage of the finder
scope. (Make sure the
adjustment screws do
not fall off the bracket.)
Pull up the fixed stud
on the bracket ring so
that the finder tube can
slide into the bracket
ring from its eyepiece
end. Release the fixed
stud into the wide groo-
ve on the finder tube.
Loosen the finder brac-
ket lock screw on the
telescope.
Remove the two finder
bracket attaching screws
from the telescope.
Attach the bracket on
the finder scope as
shown in the figure.
Tighten the finder brac-
ket attaching screws
securely.
Attach the finder bracket
as shown in the figure.
Tighten the finder brac-
ket lock screw securely.
Tighten the two adjust-
ment screws so that the
finder scope is aligned
as shown in the figure.
Slide the rubber O-ring onto the eyepiece end
of the finder. There are two grooves on the
finder tube. Position the O-ring on the narrow
groove at the middle of the finder scope.
Attaching the Finder Scope (A80Mf or R130Sf)
Attaching the Finder Scope (A70Lf)
O-ringGroove
Fonder Scope
Adjustment
Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Attaching
Screws
Finder Bracket
Attaching
Screws
Finder Bracket
Attaching
Screws
Finder Bracket
Attaching
Screws
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Adjustment
Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Adjustment
Screw

15
BALANCING THE TELESCOPE (Balancing in altitude motion)
Balancing an optical tube with tube rings and
dovetail tube plate.
(i.e. A70Lf, A80Mf, R130Sf and ED80Sf telescopes)
Loosen the tube ring lock knobs so the optical tube
can slide. Hold the optical tube in the horizontal
position with the dovetail tube plate up and slide the
tube until it's balanced under the center of the plate.
Balancing the VMC110L optical tube
Find the rough center of
balance by holding the
dovetail slide bar of the
VMC110L as shown.
Attach it to the SKYPOD
with this point centered
in the dovetail mount.
Be sure to attach the finder scope, eyepiece, and any other accessories before proceeding.
Proceed to step 5 if the finder scope is already installed in its bracket.
Attaching the Finder Scope (ED80Sf)
Tube Ring Lock KnobTube Ring Lock Knob
Dovetail Slide BarDovetail Slide Bar
Slide the rubber O-ring onto the eyepiece end
of the finder. There are two grooves on the finder
tube. Position the O-ring on the narrow groove
at the middle of the finder scope.
Tighten the two adjust-
ment screws so that the
finder scope is aligned
as shown in the figure.
Back out the adjustment
screws on the finder
bracket to allow passage
of the finder scope.
(Make sure the adjust-
ment screws do not
fall off the bracket.)
Pull up the fixed stud
on the bracket ring so
that the finder tube can
slide into the bracket
ring from its eyepiece
end. Release the fixed
stud into the wide gro-
ove on the finder tube.
Attach the finder bra-
cket as shown in the
figure. Tighten the fin-
der bracket lock screw
securely.
Loosen the finder bra-
cket lock screw on the
telescope.
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
O-ringGroove
Finder Scope
Groove
Adjustment
Screws
Finder Bracket
Adjustment
Screws
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Finder Bracket
Lock Screw
Adjustment
Screws
Finder Bracket
Adjustment
Screws
Optical Tube with Tube Rings
VMC110L Optical Tube
Take great care in holding a telescope this way
as there is a much greater risk of dropping it.
Normally you should hold the tube from under-
neath.
Warning!
PREPARATION

16
Open the compartment cover on the SKYPOD.
The hand controller cable is wound around the
blue battery case. Unwind it to take out the
modular plug on one end of the cable. Insert
the modular plug into the female jack on the
STAR BOOK-S as shown until it clicks.
CONNECTING THE STAR BOOK-S CABLE TO THE SKYPOD
CONNECTING EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
When using an external DC 12V power supply
or an optional AC Adapter 12V 3A, be sure to
connect the power cable to the SKYPOD mount
before turning on the power switch.
External power terminal
DC12V EIAJ RC5320A Class4
Hand Controller
Cable
Compartment Cover
Power Cable Power Cable
Modular Plug
Female Jack
STAR BOOK Type S
Hand Controller
Cable
Compartment Cover
Power Cable Power Cable
Modular Plug
Female Jack
STAR BOOK Type S
Warning!
Never connect the hand controller cable
to other instruments such as a PC. It
may cause a power failure, overheating
or electric shock.
PREPARATION

17
TURNINGTHE POWER ON AND OFF
INITIAL SETTING
There are two power switches; one on the
SKYPOD Mount and anther on the STAR
BOOK-S hand controller. The power is supplied
to both components independently so be sure
to turn on both power switches.
Always turn on the STAR BOOK-S first, then
turn on the SKYPOD Mount in succession.
Reversing this order may make it inoperative.
Remember to turn the power switch on the
SKYPOD to off as well as the power on the
STAR BOOK-S. Otherwise, the batteries will
be depleted. Turning one component off will
not turn off the other.
Confirm that the Vixen logo is displayed on
screen for a few seconds when you turn on
the power of the STAR BOOK-S.
If the screen is hard to read, please refer to
Hint 1 (P18).
The picture on the right will appear on screen
after the Vixen logo when the STAR BOOK-S
power is switched on. Move the cursor with the
keys onto the item you want to
choose and press the Select key. Read page
18 also to refer to setting Language.
To turn off the power, choose Power Off with
the keys and press the Select key
to enter.
Next the confirmation screen is displayed.
Move the cursor to OK with the
keys and press the Select key to enter.
Turn off the power switch on the SKYPOD
Mount.
(See page 42 when you discontinue SKYPOD
operation at end of the observation.)
How to turn off the power in the above
initial setting screen.
Caution
Caution
Power Switch
Power Switch
Power Switch
Power Switch
Power Switch
Power Switch
On-screen soft keys
The keys on the
right correspond
to the upper
buttons
and those
on the left
espond to the
lower buttons.

18
Setting Language
INITIAL SETTING
The STAR BOOK-S can be operated with your choice of language with Japanese, English, German,
French, Italian, and Spanish to choose from. Japanese is the default language setting.
Choose /Language with the
keys and press the Select key to enter.
Next the screen below is displayed. Choose
your language with the keys and
press the Select key to enter.
This will bring you back to the initial screen.
In the initial setting, contrast of the LCD screen can be adjusted with the keys Cont.+ or Cont.-
shown at the lower left of the screen. Adjust it with the corresponding keys according to conditions
of use.
Be sure to save the contrast setting for use
under the same conditions next time.
The contrast of the screen may change with
ambient temperature.
Adjusting the LCD screen
Hint 1

19
Setting Local Time
Enter the date and local time of your observing site by using the upper five buttons on the STAR BOOK-S.
This task is required only once the first time you use the STAR BOOK-S. However, you will need to reset
the date and time if you travel from your regular observing site to a different time zone, or if you reset your
clocks for Daylight Saving time. The STAR BOOK-S keeps the stored memory while you replace the
batteries. It is not necessary to enter the date and time again if you put in new batteries within an hour.
A deviation may arise between the internal clock of the STAR BOOK-S and your time, but a few minutes’
difference does not affect the slewing performance of the unit.
Choose Local Time Setting with the
keys and press the Select key to enter.
To change the date and time, move the cursor
with the keys to the item where
corrections are needed. Then change the
numbers with the keys.
To finish the setting, move the cursor with the
keys to OK and press the Select
key to enter.
INITIAL SETTING

20
INITIAL SETTING
Enter the longitude, latitude and time zone of
your observing site. Once the settings for your
location are entered and saved, you don’t need
to change them unless you travel more than 15
miles to a different observing location. The
longitude and latitude of your observing site can
be checked on a map or with a GPS device. The
initial location is set at Tokyo.
Choose Location with the keys
and press the Select key to enter.
To change the longitude and latitude settings
for your observing site, move the cursor with the
keys to the item where corrections
are needed. Then change the numbers with the
keys.
The time zones are based on longitude bands 15 degrees wide, starting at Greenwich, England. Set the time
difference in hours between your local time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Its sign is plus if local time is
ahead of GMT (east of Greenwich) and minus if local time is behind GMT (west of Greenwich). For example,
the time zone for Los Angeles (on Pacific Standard Time) is -8 hours.
Please note that the entered time zone setting is not converted to Daylight Saving time automatically. When you
reset your clocks for Daylight time, add one hour to the value in the Time Zone setting, as well as in the Local
Time Setting. Adding to a negative value will lower the number. For example, when changing to Daylight time
in Los Angeles, change the setting from -8 to -7.
About Time Zones
To finish the setting, move the cursor to OK
with the keys and press the Select
key to enter. The screen will go to the reboot
screen. If the location settings remain the
same as last time, it will go back to the initial
screen.
The STAR BOOK-S will ask to reboot. Press
the Select key to choose OK .
To continue, press the power button to switch
on again.
Setting Location