Skywatcher Startravel 102 Synscan Mount question

[oreu]

Hi,

I was wondering if, when not using the GOTO function, you can hand move the Synscan mount that comes with the Startravel 102... like in a similar way you do with a Skywatcher Heritage dob?

Thanks

[Cornelius Varley]

Hi,

I was wondering if, when not using the GOTO function, you can hand move the Synscan mount that comes with the Startravel 102... like in a similar way you do with a Skywatcher Heritage dob?

Thanks

It is not advisable to move the mount without the handset.

[ronin]

You would have to undo the 2 clutch mechanisms then rotate it by hand, however then there is no feed back on the movement and the scope is pointed at one position while the data says it is elsewhere.

The translation of Alt/Az movement to what is required is then also incorrect, so the scope would not then track correct.

It may (not sure) be possible to centre an object then "resynch" the scope so that it in effect restarts with the "new" location, but not sure on Skywatcher scopes.

As Peter says you can but not a good idea as in effect once done you are in an odd situation.

[Cornelius Varley]

You would have to undo the 2 clutch mechanisms then rotate it by hand, however then there is no feed back on the movement and the scope is pointed at one position while the data says it is elsewhere.

The translation of Alt/Az movement to what is required is then also incorrect, so the scope would not then track correct.

It may (not sure) be possible to centre an object then "resynch" the scope so that it in effect restarts with the "new" location, but not sure on Skywatcher scopes.

As Peter says you can but not a good idea as in effect once done you are in an odd situation.

I said that you can't do it. The mount can be moved in the ALT axis only, you could damage the gear mechanism in the AZ axis if you try to move it in that direction.

[oreu]

Thanks for the replies. So then with the handset can you move the scope up, down, left and right just by pressing a button? When not using the GOTO function I mean, just for scanning through the sky.

[Stargazer33]

Yes, you can move the scope to where ever you want just by using the arrow keys. You don't have to have a target programmed in and use the goto function. You can scan the sky as you say with the up, down, left, right, buttons.

[oreu]

Okay, thanks!

[Cornelius Varley]

Thanks for the replies. So then with the handset can you move the scope up, down, left and right just by pressing a button? When not using the GOTO function I mean, just for scanning through the sky.

Yes, you can skip the star alignment routine and just use the handset to move the mount around the sky.

[jambouk]

The only way to slew the scope is to either manually press one of four arrows, or to use the goto function and ask it to slew to where it thinks, say Jupiter is for example.

Even at the fastest slew rate (9), it slews relatively slowly. There is probably a video of it on you tube.

James