User Manual

11
Point Mode and Track Mode
There is an advanced feature in the ExploreStars application that ensures accurate tracking rates
are maintained when a proper physical polar alignment is not obtained and you are performing the 2
or 3 Star Alignment procedure. There are two tracking modes available called Track mode and Point
mode.
When slewing to an object after a 2 or 3 Star Alignment, the system goes into Point mode, which
directs the mount to continually “Point” to the object based on the real-time calculated motor position
using the 2 or 3 star pointing correction.
The behavior of the mount in this mode is such that the tracking rate not only on the RA axis but also
the DEC axis is adjusted dynamically and is updated five times per second to maintain the object in
the center of the field.
When slewing the mount manually with the keypad buttons, the system reverts to “Track” mode,
which sets the RA axis rate to the predetermined set tracking rate value. All of these functions result
in excellent object tracking for both visual observing and astrophotography.
The Point mode is indicated on the ExploreStars display as a “triangle P” symbol
, and the
Track mode is indicated by the “square Tr” symbol
. So even if you are not physically polar
aligned, you can still rely on the tracking rates to be accurate when doing astrophotography. There are
limitations to the length of exposure with regard to field rotation based on the focal length and image
scale of your equipment.
CAUTION: When using the AUTO-GUIDING port with the ExploreStars application, the controller
SHOULD BE PLACED IN “TRACK MODE”.
Finding Objects
The ExploreStars app makes it easy to navigate the night sky by organizing its massive database of
celestial objects into catalogs — Messier Objects, Solar System Objects and Alignment Stars.
To find celestial objects from the provided catalogs:
1. Select one of the categories on the top menu bar, and you will be presented with a
variety of targets.
2. Choose an object, and the application will pull up an image of the object and detailed information
about it.
3. If the object is currently above the horizon at your location, a “Slew to Object” button will appear
beneath the image.
NOTE: If the object is not above the horizon in your area, this “Slew to Object” button will not appear.
When you press that button, the mount slews to the target and the home screen display will
appear with a map showing a blinking red dot representing the location of the chosen object.
Buttons below this location display allow you to move to either the previous object or the next
object in this particular series with a simple push of a button.
You Can Also Choose The Take A Tour Option To Explore The Night Sky. To Do This:
1. Select “Take Tour,” and you will be presented with a list of constellations to tour.
2. Once you select one, the display will show the sky map of the object closest to the western horizon
that is visible in the constellation.
3. To move the telescope to the object, select “Go To Target.” If you would like more details about this
EXPLORE STARS APP