 IMPORTANT NOTICE! Never use a telescope or spotting scope to look at the Sun! Observing the Sun, even for the shortest fraction of a second, will cause irreversible damage to your eye as well as physical damage to the telescope or spotting scope itself. |
Magellan operates under one of four modes that are cycled by pressing the
MODE key. The four modes are,
- Telescope Mode
- Coordinate Mode
- Timer Mode
- Blank Mode
Some modes have sub-menus accessed by moving the LCD arrow (positioned to
the left of the menu item) up or down using the PREV or NEXT key, and then
pressing ENTER.
[ toc ]
A. Telescope Mode
The default start-up mode for Magellan is Telescope Mode. This mode has
telescope-related functions. The sub-menus for this mode are: Object Library,
Align, Date, Encoders Reverse N/S, Reverse E/W, North hemi and Help. These
functions allow the telescope to be aligned, object libraries to
be accessed for pointing at these objects, and to set certain telescope functions.
[ toc ]
1. Object Library
This menu item defaults to the top of the menu listing for quick access.
All library data and object search filters are accessed from this menu.
When selected, by pressing the ENTER key, a scrolling menu appears listing
the object library functions. These functions include: Object Information,
Start Find, Field Parameters and User Library.
The fastest method for selecting an object from the available catalogs is
to press one of the catalog function keys, namely 2, 3, 5, 6 or 9. These
keys will immediately access the selected catalog unless you are currently
editing a character string.
[ toc ]
a) Object Information
The display shows information about the selected library object. Pressing
ENTER displays the object's description (i.e. the name, type, magnitude
and size or separation). Pressing ENTER again displays the object's coordinates
in Right Ascension and Declination. A third press of ENTER displays the
distance to the object from the telescope's current position. This distance
is continually updated as the telescope is moved allowing you to steer the
telescope to the object.
As you move to various parts of the sky, you may find that object positions
differ slightly from the position indicated by Magellan. These differences
arise from inaccuracies in leveling (squaring) or centering stars during
the initial alignment. You can make minor corrections to the alignment by
"synchronizing" Magellan on any object within the Magellan catalogs.
This is done by centering the known object in the field of view while the
object information for that object is displayed. Press and hold the ENTER
key for one or two seconds and the display will show the message, "Center
object, then press ENTER." Pressing ENTER will now synchronize the
Magellan to the coordinates of the centered object. This will improve the
accuracy of Magellan for objects in the immediate vicinity. While any object
from the object catalogs may be used to "sync" the Magellan, you
may wish to select a bright neighbor of a fainter object to provide the
final pointing accuracy to find that faint object. Appendix A lists the
bright stars from the STAR catalog which may be used for this purpose.
The MODE key aborts the selected menu item and returns to the previous menu
list.
[ toc ]
b) Start Find
Selecting this option filters the library database for objects that match
the specifications listed under the Parameters menu (see below) and displays
the closest object's description (i.e. the name, type, magnitude and size).
Pressing ENTER again displays the object's coordinates in Right Ascension
and Declination. A third press of ENTER displays the distance to the object
from the telescope's current position.
Press NEXT to display the information for the next closest object. PREV
will display the information for the farthest object (or the previous closest
object).
The MODE key aborts the selected menu item and returns to the previous menu
list.
[ toc ]
c) Field
This command identifies objects in the field of view of the telescope. By
pressing ENTER Magellan displays the central object's description (i.e.
the name, type, magnitude and size). Pressing ENTER again displays its coordinates
in Right Ascension and Declination. A third press of ENTER displays the
distance to the object from the telescope's current position.
The MODE key aborts the selected menu item and returns to the previous menu
list.
[ toc ]
d) Parameters
Start Find uses the specifications listed below to filter the database for
matching objects. Scroll through these 6 specifications using the PREV/NEXT
keys and select the ones to change by pressing ENTER.
[ toc ]
1) Type
This menu file option allows you to select the type of CNGC objects you
wish to locate. The symbols GPDCO represent:
G Galaxies
P Planetary Nebulae
D Diffuse Nebulae
C Globular Star Clusters
O Open Star Clusters
Initially, the blinking cursor appears over the G symbol. If you decide
not to look for galaxies, press the PREV/NEXT key and the letter will disappear,
deselecting the GALAXIES category. If you wish to leave GALAXIES selected,
then move the blinking cursor over to one of the other category symbols
by pressing ENTER. You can then deselect the undesired categories.
If you wish to recall a category symbol, move the blinking cursor over the
symbol location and press the PREV/NEXT key. After your selections are made,
press ENTER.
[ toc ]
2) Better
The BETTER menu file option allows you to define the visual object quality
range. At power up, the range is set at the bottom of the scale on VP. When
using the START FIND menu selection, it will select all objects that are
very poor through super or what could be considered an "ALL" setting.
The object quality symbols are:
SU Super
EX Excellent
VG Very Good
G Good
FR Fair
PR Poor
VP Very Poor
If you wish to define the visual object quality range to very good and better,
press ENTER and the blinking cursor will appear on the quality value.
From the quality setting press PREV/NEXT to move to higher or lower quality
settings. Once you have selected the quality value required, press ENTER
to complete the selection process.
[ toc ]
3) Larger
The LARGER menu file option allows settings of the lower apparent size limit
of the objects you wish to see. At power up, it is set to 000' (arc minutes).
In order to make a decision as to the size limits that you may impose, it
helps to have a clear understanding of exactly what an arc minute of sky
is. A good example is the apparent size of the Moon, which could be expressed
as 1/2 degree, 30 arc minutes, or 1800 arc seconds. Each arc minute
is 60 arc seconds, and there are 60 arc minutes for each degree of sky.
Some beginning observers have a tough time discerning objects less than
about 1 arc minute in size unless it is a double star or a planet. Astrophotographers
and those involved with CCD imaging may want to set a higher value based
on a desired image scale coverage that would be most impressive with different
films or types of CCD cameras. Enter the new value in arc minutes by pressing
ENTER to indicate that editing is required. This will cause the cursor to
blink on the first digit of the sequence. Pressing a number key on the handbox
will enter that number into the cursor position and move to the next digit.
If you want to skip a position and leave it unchanged use the East (E) or
West (W) keys to move the cursor. After the last digit is in place, pressing
ENTER will cause Magellan to accept the data as formatted.
[ toc ]
4) Smaller
The SMALLER menu file option is the upper size object limit. At power up,
the setting is for 200' arc minutes or 3.33°. This setting is high
enough to cover the largest objects in the OBJECT LIBRARY. You may want
to lower the value because of field-of-view limitations of a particular
eyepiece.
Other reasons for limiting the value in SMALLER is for astrophotographic
or CCD imaging requirements where you don't want the object to exceed the
imaging area of the film or the CCD chip. Setting values by using the keypad
are the same as previously described.
[ toc ]
5) Brighter
The lower brightness limits based on stellar magnitude can be limited in
the BRIGHTER menu file option. At power up, the magnitude value is set to
a very faint level of +20.0.
You may want to adjust the magnitude level to a brighter value starting
at perhaps the limiting visual magnitude of your telescope. Sky conditions
also greatly affect the limiting magnitude due to atmospheric haze, high
clouds, light pollution, or combinations thereof. Setting values by using
the keypad are the same as previously described.
[ toc ]
6) Fainter
The upper level of brightness may also be adjusted with the FAINTER menu
file option, although you may find few applications for limiting it to a
lower value. Setting values by using the keypad are the same as previously
described.
[ toc ]
e) User Library
This option allows the user to create a user library of 125 objects selected
from the existing libraries. Pressing ENTER will display the first of these
125 possible selections. Pressing PREV/NEXT will scroll through the user
items. Press ENTER to select a particular user item that you want changed
or added. Pressing PREV/NEXT will move you through the catalogs options,
press ENTER when you have the object library you wish to choose from. You
may then enter the object number with the keypad as in previous menus followed
by ENTER to complete the selection.
[ toc ]
2. Align
Alignment of your telescope is the most critical procedure for the successful
use of Magellan. The alignment procedure allows Magellan to determine the
orientation and position of the telescope, and to thereafter guide you accurately
to objects in the sky. The alignment function is selected from the menu
by pressing ENTER when "Align" is indicated by the display arrow.
Next to the word "Align" on the Magellan display there is a number
("0" after power is applied). This number represents the quality
of the alignment procedure performed. It is derived from taking the measured
alignment values and comparing them with what should be expected based on
the distances between the alignment objects. A value of 100 (as in 100%)
means that your actual alignment measurements matched those expected based
on calculations. Values between 90 and 110 are accepted but may affect pointing
accuracy when moving to other objects. Values outthis range
are not acceptable and will require that you make another attempt to align
your telescope. The initial value of "0" indicates that Magellan
is not aligned.
[ toc ]
a) Polar Alignment
Polar alignment is the only alignment offered for Magellan II. Position
the telescope/mount system such that it is aligned with the pole (the pole
is in the center of the field of view and the telescope is at 90°(
Declination). Your telescope instruction manual will provide information
on this initial telescope positioning. Once in position, press ENTER as
requested by the display.
At this point the first alignment star needs to be selected. Press ENTER
and the alignment star catalog will appear. Scrolling with PREV/NEXT,
select a star familiar to you which is near the meridian and press ENTER.
Move the telescope to the selected star and center it in the eyepiece and
press ENTER. At this point polar alignment is complete and you may exit
by pushing the MODE key. Magellan also offers the option of selecting a
second alignment star to further correct alignment inaccuracies in the original
polar positioning of the telescope. The procedure for using the second alignment
star is the same as for the first and Magellan will prompt the user with
display messages.
If errors occur during the alignment procedure Magellan can detect these
based on calculations of expected values. For example, if the wrong star is
centered during alignment, Magellan will detect that the distance between
stars is not what should be expected. If this variation exceeds preset limits,
Magellan will display the message "Alignment Error Check Stars."
If this occurs, press ENTER and begin the alignment procedure again. If
the alignment is successful a number will be displayed next to the "Align"
display which gives a relative value of merit for alignment quality (100
is perfect as in 100%).
[ toc ]
3. Date
The date is required to locate planets and is in Month/Day/Year format.
The date can be altered by pressing ENTER to select the date function. This
causes the cursor to blink on the first date digit. The value of each digit
is changed and selected by using the keypad. After the last digit of the
year is selected pressing ENTER will complete the date function.
[ toc ]
4. Encoders...
This function is used to select the encoder specifications used on the telescope.
The default values may need to be changed for high resolution encoders shipped
with your telescope. If the standard value of the encoder is different due to
a change in gear ratios, a note will appear in the installation instructions
which will direct you to change this ratio setting. Press ENTER to select
the Encoder function and change the ratios as needed by using the keypad
as in previous examples.
[ toc ]
5. Reverse N/S
The Reverse N/S menu selection reverses the direction of the telescope in
North and South movements (e.g., when you press the N key the scope
will move South instead of North or up). This is especially useful during
some guiding applications in imaging and observing. To use the Reverse N/S
menu, move the LCD arrow to Reverse N/S menu, move the LCD arrow to reverse
N/S and press ENTER. If you wish to return the direction commands to the
original setting, press ENTER again. A check mark to the right side of the
display indicates when this function is active (reversed).
[ toc ]
6. Reverse E/W
The Reverse E/W menu selection reverses the direction of the telescope in
East and West movements (e.g., when you press the W key the scope will move
East). This is especially useful during some guiding applications in imaging
and observing. To use the Reverse E/W menu, move the LCD arrow to Reverse
E/W menu, move the LCD arrow to reverse E/W and press ENTER. If you wish
to return the direction commands to the original setting, press ENTER again.
A check mark to the right side of the display indicates when this function
is active (reversed).
[ toc ]
7. North Hemi.
This function overrides the telescope hemisphere directions. If you activate
this function your telescope will perform sidereal tracking movements in
the direction specified. This will override the internal jumpers for this
information. Pressing ENTER will toggle the function between North and South
setting.
[ toc ]
8. Help...
A very brief description of Magellan functions is given by this option.
Pressing ENTER will display the help messages and the PREV/NEXT keys move
the user through this text. Pressing the MODE key will end the help session.
[ toc ]
B. Coordinate Mode
This mode displays the direction coordinates of the telescope (where it
is pointing). If the telescope has been aligned, the display will show RA
and DEC values. If alignment has not been accomplished the display will
show the raw encoder counts.
[ toc ]
1. Encoder Display
This display shows raw encoder counts. As the telescope is moved these values
will increase or decrease depending on the direction of movement and axis
involved. This display will quickly show any malfunctions in the encoder
system or cables.
[ toc ]
2. Coordinate Display
If the telescope has been aligned, the display will be in RA and DEC values.
You will see the RA = and DEC = coordinates of where the telescope is pointing.
If you move the telescope, the coordinates display will immediately update
the new position in Right Ascension (RA) and Declination (DEC).
[ toc ]
C. Timer Mode
The timer mode displays the stop watch timer and the current time.
[ toc ]
1. Timer
This function allows the user to measure precise time periods for such activities
as photographic time exposures. The timer display shows time remaining in
Hours:Minutes:Seconds. The timed duration is set by holding the ENTER key
for more than one second while the timer display is present and selected.
The cursor will appear in the hours position of the display and will respond
to the keypad to set the values of each digit. After the last digit of the
seconds position is completed, pressing ENTER will return the display to
the original condition. A short duration press of ENTER will start the timer
counting down. Pressing ENTER quickly will toggle the timer from running
to stopped and stopped to running. When running the timer will continue
to count down even if the display is not visible. Upon returning to the
timer display, the time remaining will be accurate and available to the
user.
[ toc ]
2. Local Time
The local time display shows local time as entered by the user. It will
start at 00:00:00 when power is turned on. Local time is set by holding
the ENTER key for more than one second while the Local display is present
and selected. The cursor will appear in the hours position of the display
and will respond to the keypad to set the values of each digit. After
the last digit of the seconds position is completed, pressing ENTER will
return the display to the original condition with Local time now displaying
the entered value.
[ toc ]
D. Blank Mode
This mode is used to set the brightness of the LCD backlighting.
[ toc ]
1. Adjust Brightness
Pressing ENTER in the blank mode will cause the "Set Brightness"
message to appear. Pressing the PREV key will make the backlight display brighter,
while pressing the NEXT key will make the backlight dimmer. There
are 16 levels of brightness available. After the lighting has been adjusted
for the best viewing, press MODE to exit this function.
Next Page
Related Topics: