Vixen AP User manual

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

PREFACE
WARNING!
Thank you for your purchase of a Vixen product from the Vixen AP series of equatorial mounts and equatorial platform. This
instruction 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 Part 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.
If misused, it can cause you a serious injury or death.
Misuse can cause injury or damage to you or other property.
You must complete all of the steps in this manual.
You must completely execute the instructions in this manual.
Warning
Caution
Important
Direction
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.
CAUTION
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.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
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
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BEFORE USE
AP Mount
: Check the Package Contents
: Name of Each Components
: Maunt Specifications
AP Photo Guider
: Check the Package Contents
: Name of Each Components
: Mount & Cotroller Specifications
AP-SM Mount
: Check the Package Contest
: Name of Each Components
: Mount & Cotroller Specifications
STAR BOOK ONE
: Components Guide
PREPARATION
Assembling the Mount
: Setting up the Tripod
: Attaching the Counterweight
: Attaching the Optical Tube Assembly
: Attaching the Dovetail Slide Bar (AP Photo Guider)
: Balancing the Equatorial Mount
: Connecting the STAR BOOK ONE
: About Power Supply
INITIAL SETTING AND BASIC OPERATION
: Tuning on the Power
: Setting Language
: Moving the AP Mount
/ Moving the AP-SM Mount or Photo Guider
: Changing the Slewing Speed
: Changing Tension of the Friction Stop Motion
: Approximate Polar Aligning with the Finder Scope
: Approximate Polar Aligning with the Polar Meter
APPLICATION
: Polar Alignment Scope
: Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere
: Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere
: Mount Menu
Tracking Speed
Tracking Direction
Slewing Speed
Backlash Compensation
Setting for Autoguider
PEC
: Display Menu
Contrast Adjustment
Brightness Adjustment
Backlight Adjustment
Red LED Light Adjustment
: Other Functions
Field of View Orientation
Reset
AP Mount Composition Chart
Variations on the AP Mount
How to Change the Modules
: Changing the R.A. Motor Module for the Manual
Slow Motion Control Module.
: Changing the Manual Slow Motion Control Module
for the DEC. Motor Module.
: Changing the Maunal Slow Motion Control Module
for R.A Motor Module.
: Upgrading the AP Photo Guider to the AP Mount.
Replacing the Fuse
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
------------------------------P 2
--------------------------------P 3
-------------------P 4
---------------------P 5
----------------------------P 5
--------------------P 6
---------------------P 7
-----------------P 8
---------------------P 9
---------------------P10
---------------- P11
-----------------------------P14
------------------------------P15
---------------------------P15
--------------------P18
------------P19
----P20
-----------------P21
---------------P25
----------------------------P26
---------------------------P28
------------------------------P28
-----P29
-------------------P29
----P30
----P31
------P33
-------------------------P34
-----P36
----P41
-----------------------------------P47
-----------------------------P47
---------------------------P48
------------------------------P48
---------------------P49
-----------------------P51
----------------------------------------P52
----------------------------------P54
-------------------------P54
-----------------------P54
------------------------P54
-------------------P55
--------------------------------P55
---------------------P55
---------------------------------------P55
-----------------------P56
-------------------------P57
------------------------P58
--------------------P58
---------------------P60
--------------------------P62
-----P64
--------------------------------P67
----------------------------------------P68
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BEFORE USE
The AP equatorial mount contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
Check the Package Contents
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Package consisting of:
Basics of the Equatorial Mounts
Note :
The contents of your AP mount package may differ when you
purchase it as a complete AP telescope package.
AP Equatorial Mount (Main body)
Counterweight Bar
Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar
Counterweight 1.0kg
Slow Motion Control Knob
Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side
Allen Wrench of 3mm on a side
AP Mount Instruction Manual (This book)
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In the northern hemisphere, stars appear to turn around the polar star (the north celestial pole) making approximately one rotation per
day. This is called diurnal motion and occurs because the earth turns on its own axis once a day. The equatorial mount is a platform
which is designed to rotatre parallel to earth’s rotational axis.
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 axis 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 after your accessories have been installed.
Be careful not to bang any part of the mount against other objects. This could damage the gears and bearings.
What is an Equatorial Mount?
Basic Motion of the AP Equatorial Mount
AP Mount
4

Mount Head
DEC Manual Slow Motion Control Knob
Dovetail Plate Lock Screw
Polar Axis Cap (for Polar Scope)
Accessory Shoe
Installing space for Polar
Alignment Scope PF-L
II (inside)
Polar Axis Body
Altitude Adjustment Bolt
Azimuth Adjustment Knobs
Counterweight Bar
Counterweight Lock Knob
Counterweight 1.0Kg
Counterweight
Safety Screw Battery Compartments*
DEC Axis
R.A Manual Slow Motion Control Knob
Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar
Safety Screw
Polar Scope Window
Declination Body Cover
R.A Axis (Polar Axis)
Fuse*
Declination Body Cover
AP Mount
*Utilized as a power supply when the R.A motor
module is attached.
BEFORE USE
Name of Each Component
Mount Specifications
Mount
Slow Motion Control
Quick Slewing Motion
Wheel Gear
Worm Gear
R.A Axis
DEC Axis
Number of Bearings
Counterweight Bar
Polar Alignment Scope
Azimuth Adjustment
Altitude Adjustment
Maximum Loading Weight
Fuse
Dimensions
Weight
Counterweight
Optional Accessories
AP equatorial mount
R.A: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
DEC: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
Friction stop motion (adjustable)
R.A: 73.5mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear / DEC:58.4mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear
R.A :11.0mm in diameter, Brass / DEC:9.8mm in diameter, Brass
59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
7 pieces
20mm diameter, Steel
Optional
Fine adjustment range: +/- 6.5 degrees, 1.4 degrees per rotation, Twin adjustment screws with knobs
Latitude adjustment range: 0 degree to 65 degrees, Tangent screw with handle, 1.9 degrees per rotation
6kg (13.2lbs)(150kg・cm torque load) at a point of 25cm from the fulcrum
125V 1A Class B (PSE standard), 6mm dia x 30mm long
263 x 302 x 96mm (10.3” x 11” x 3.7”)
3.6kg (8 lbs) without counterweight
1.0kg (2.2 lbs)
R.A motor module and STAR BOOK ONE Set, DEC motor module, APP-TL130 tripod, Polar alignment
scope PF-LII, Polar Meter
The specifications are subject to change without notice.
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BEFORE USE
The AP Photo Guider package contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
Check the Package Contents
⑩
Package consisting of:
Note 1: Power supply is not included.
Note 2: Use a commercially available USB external power supply.
AP Photo Guider Equatorial Platform
Dovetail Slide Bar PG
STAR BOOK ONE Controller
STAR BOOK Cable (for SBT)
Strap for STAR BOOK ONE
APP-TL130 Tripod
Allen Wrench of 5mm on a side
Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side
Allen Wrench of 3mm on a side
AP Photo Guider Instruction Manual (This book)
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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 Port) is a regulation of USB external power supply which is stipulated in USB Battery Charging
Specification, Rev 1.1. It is used for USB batteries and USB AC Adapters.
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AP Photo Guider
6

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

Mount
Slow Motion Control
Quick Slewing Motion
Wheel Gear
Worm Gear
R.A Axis
Number of Bearings
Polar Alignment Scope
Azimuth Adjustment
Altitude Adjustment
Motor Drive
Tracking
Maximum Loading Weight
Controller Cable Connecting Port
Power Supply Port
Power Supply
Working Duration with
Batteries
Electricity Consumption
Dimensions
Weight
Optional Accessories
AP Photo Guider mount
R.A: Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement
Friction stop motion (adjustable)
R.A: 73.5mm in diameter, 144-tooth wheel gear
R.A :11.0mm in diameter, Brass
59mm in diameter, Aluminum alloy, with friction stop mechanism
4 pieces
5x20mm (Field of view: 10 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
Fine adjustment range: +/- 6.5 degrees, 1.4 degrees per rotation, Twin adjustment screws with knobs
Latitude adjustment range: 0 degree to 65 degrees, Tangent screw with handle, 1.9 degrees per rotation
Pulse (Stepping) Motor
High precision tracking with STAR BOOK ONE controller
6kg (13.2 lbs) (150kg・cm torque load) at a point of 25cm from the fulcrum
D-SUB 9PIN male plug
USB Micro-B (DC4.4 to 5.26V)
USB External battery pack (Not sold by Vixen)
About 4 hours (at 20 degree C, with Alkaline batteries, 6kg loading weight ), 2.5 hours if the DEC
motor module is used together.
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.
222 x 221x 96mm (8.7” x 8.7” x 3.7”)
2.4kg (5.3 lbs) (5.4kg (12 lbs) complete with tripod)
Supplementary Counterweight Bar, Counterweight 1.0kg, Polar Meter
Controller
CPU
LCD Screen
Autoguider Port
Controller Cable Port
Power Supply
Operating Temperature
Dimensions
Weight
Menus and Major
Functions
STAR BOOK ONE
32-bit CISC Processor 40MHz RX210
2-line 8-chracter STN with backlight
6-pole 6-wired modular jack (for external autoguider)
D-SUB 9PIN male plug
Supplied from the mount side
Between 0 degree C and 40 degree C (104 F)
137 x 65 x 21mm (5.4” x 2.5” x 1”)
110g (4 oz) (without cable)
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
BEFORE USE
Mount Specifications
Controller Specifications
The specifications are subject to change without notice.
AP Photo Guider
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⑤
⑥
⑦
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⑨
⑩
⑪
BEFORE USE
The AP-SM equatorial mount package contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
Check the Package Contents
Package consisting of:
Power Supply to AP-SM Mount:
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.
Power Supply to AP-SM Mount plus DEC Motor Module:
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 Port) of USB Battery Charging Specification, Rev
1.1 is required.
AP-SM Equatorial Mount (Main body)
AP Counterweight Bar
Vanity Ring for Counterweight Bar
Counterweight 1.0kg
Slow Motion Control Knob
STAR BOOK ONE Controller
STAR BOOK Cable (for SBT)
Strap for STAR BOOK ONE
Allen Wrench of 4mm on a side
Allen Wrench of 3mm on a side
AP-SM Mount Instruction Manual (This book)
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AP-SM Mount
9

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