Quick Start and Trubleshting Guide By RXDesign Cpyright July 2003 Quick Start and Trubleshting Guide Rev 3 Oct 2010 Wellcme... tt tthe wrrlld ff tthe CAT..
1 Addendum - Quick Start Alright... it is installed! Nw yu want t use it right? OK... fllw these instructins and yu shuld be n yur way in n time. First ff as is stated in the manual yu d nt want t exercise the ALT axis withut the scpe being fully assembled. Yu can hwever use the clamp system t hld the mirrr bx at a bit f an angle withut any prblems. It is suggested yu place the AZ in manual (DISENGAGED) whenever nt using it and leave the ALT in ENGAGED. If ne f these steps des nt wrk ut please refer t the Trubleshting sectin. NOTE: ALL f the fllwing (with the exceptin f cnfirming the DSC/encders are setup right) can be dne inside r during the day - nne f it needs t be dne under night skies. As a matter f fact until all is cnfirmed t be set right it is suggested yu d this during the day s yu can see everything and s yu d nt arrive at a dark site unprepared and find there is a setup issue! DISENGAGE bth axes until yu have cnfirmed yu have cntrl f each axis by the HC. Remember the three finger salute! ANY three (r mre) buttns n the HC will make the scpe stp (nt instantly - it will decelerate in 1/2 secnd). USE IT WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT SURE THE DIRECTION OR MOTION IS CORRECT! T start again wait 3 secnds and push and hld fr 2 secnds any f the mtin buttns. Read Chapter 4 f the ServCAT Manual - this will familiarize yu with the HC (als read the paper supplied with the HC as well nte the plastic card fr reference). Check t be sure the mtr pwer leads (large 8 cnductr cable) are plugged int the rear jacks n the back f the ServCAT - crrectly! Als cnfirm the encders (small RJH cnnectrs/black) are crrect. If ne is swapped the mtrs will run away when pwer is applied r the first time yu hit the HC. Be sure the E-Stp switch n the ServCAT is set t OK. Als plug in the Hand Cntrller (HC). Pwer the ServCAT n -The green SLEW LED will be n, flash ff and back ON. Using the HC with the speed set t JOG (push JOG) push the AZ CW buttn. Des it mve CW? If nt, if it is mving CCW, then the cnfiguratin in the ServCAT is incrrect. This can be changed by referring t the sectin in the manual n Cnfiguratin. (The Track AND GOTO Directin fr the AZ wuld need t be changed). Using the HC push the UP buttn (tp buttn in the "yellw diamnd". Des it mve up? If nt, if it is mving dwn, then the cnfiguratin in the ServCAT is incrrect. This can be changed by referring t the sectin in the manual n Cnfiguratin. (The Track and GOTO Directin fr the ALT wuld need t be changed). If the abve were crrect (r crrected by running the ServCAT-Sky cnfiguratin prgram) then the TRACK directin will be crrect. SKY COMMANDER users read this sectin, ARGO NAVIS skip t the next sectin Refer t Appendix C f the ServCAT Manual (fund n yur CD) fr cnnectins and setup fr the Sky Cmmander internal t the ServCAT. With pwer ff n yur Sky Cmmander hld the UP arrw buttn while turning the Sky Cmmander pwer n. Change its baud t 19200, hit E and turn the pwer ff the Sky Cmmander. [fr XP4users see the Appendix in the ServCAT manual] ENSURE the Sky Cmmander can d a prper 2 star alignment AND find bjects manually. This means after an align yu can pull up an bject n the screen, shw its ffset (push the up arrw), and mve t it manually and see the ffset g t 0,0. If nt, if it is ff by mre than a few tenths than there is smething wrng with the alignment, Sky Cmmander settings, r the encders/cable. Crrect this FIRST befre ging n!!! The ServCAT CANNOT perate prperly n bad data frm the Sky Cmmander! D a 2 star alignment with the Sky Cmmander.
Using the prvided (with ServCAT cables) black 4 cnductr cable plug the Sky Cmmander int the ServCAT n the frnt munted marked DSC cnnectin. The DSC light n the frnt f the ServCAT shuld cme n indicating it has a prper signal. Select an bject n the Sky Cmmander that is up and well placed (nt near the hrizn r zenith). DO NOT DO A GOTO! Set the scpe t manual and mve the scpe t the bject. Is it there with the ffset indicating 0,0? If nt crrect the DSC prblem. Put the scpe in ENGAGED mde and using the GUIDE mde f the HC center the bject (zer ut the ffsets). Slew ONLY the AZ either CW r CCW away frm the bject s the display reads between 10 and 20 degrees f ffset. ONLY the AZ shuld have changed (the ALT may have changed by a few tenths). Remember the three finger salute! ANY three (r mre) buttns n the HC will make the scpe stp. USE IT WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT SURE THE DIRECTION OR MOTION IS CORRECT! T start again after having stpped wait 3 secnds and push any f the yellw mtin buttns fr a secnd. Hit the GOTO (green) buttn and release it (nte: it nly needs a 1/4 secnd push and then release... if the GOTO light and the SLEW light n the ServCAT start t blink yu actually pushed it way t lng and have disabled the GOTO - push it again fr mre than a secnd and release t re-enable if this is the case. GOTO nly needs a shrt push!) If after pushing the GOTO buttn it ges the wrng directin use the three buttn stp n the HC. Remember the GOTO buttn nly needs a 1/4 secnd push then release! If the scpe mves twards the bject and it is clse then yu are fine. If away then either the DSC is nt set right (i.e. it is nt able t find bjects manually) r the GOTO directin in the Cnfiguratin is set incrrectly fr the AZ axis. Refer t the manual t crrect this. Mve (manual r slew) back t the bject. Center it again. Nw using ONLY the ALT UP buttn (r dwn) mve away frm the bject by abut 10 r 20 degrees. If after pushing the GOTO buttn it ges the wrng directin use the three buttn stp n the HC. If the scpe mves twards and it is clse then yu are fine. If away then either the DSC is nt set right (i.e. it is nt able t find bjects manually) r the GOTO directin in the Cnfiguratin is set incrrectly fr the ALT axis. Refer t the manual t crrect this. This cmpletes the initial setup and cnfirmatin f the ServCAT. T refine GOTO accuracy (and Track length) refer t the main manual. ARGO NAVIS users read this sectin, SKY COMMANDER users read the previus sectin The Arg Navis requires versin 2.0 r later sftware t perate with the ServCAT. [Mde Status - turn the dial t see the rev level f the Arg Navis firmware] Set the Arg Navis t "servcat" as fllws: G t SETUP/SERIAL/SERIAL1/baud and set it t 19200 G t SETUP/SERIAL/SERIAL1/startup and set it t "servcat" ENSURE the Arg Navis can d a prper 2 star alignment AND find bjects manually. This means after an align yu can pull up an bject n the screen, shw its (GUIDE mde), and mve t it manually and see the ffset g t 0,0. If nt, if it is ff by mre than a few tenths than there is smething wrng with the alignment, Arg Navis settings, r the encders/cable. Crrect this FIRST befre ging n!!! The ServCAT CANNOT perate n bad data frm the Arg Navis! [Refer t ur help guide "Sme DSC Setup Ntes" fr assistance in this area.] D a 2 star alignment with the Arg Navis. Using the crrect cable t the Arg Navis (ur supplied black, 9' 4 cnductr) plug the Arg Navis SERIAL1 int the ServCAT n the frnt panel marked DSC. The DSC light shuld cme n indicating it has a prper signal. It will flash if cnnected and nt aligned. [Remember t ALWAYS pwer up the ServCAT BEFORE finishing the alignment - as cnfirmed by the "beep" frm the Arg and the blinking red DSC light n the ServCAT]
Select an bject n the Arg Navis that is up and well placed (nt near the hrizn r zenith). DO NOT DO A GOTO! Set the scpe t manual and mve the scpe t the bject (yu can als slew t it - but d nt d a GOTO yet). Is it there with the ffset indicating less than 0.5 degrees in each axis (think f the arrw in the Arg display as a decimal pint)? If nt either the alignment wasn't accurate enugh r this is a DSC prblem - crrect this befre mving n!. Put the scpe in ENGAGED mde (bth axes) if disengaged. Slew ONLY the AZ either CW r CCW away frm the bject s the display reads between 10 and 20 degrees f ffset. ONLY the AZ shuld have changed (the ALT may have changed by a few tenths). Remember the three finger salute! ANY three (r mre) buttns n the HC will make the scpe stp. USE IT WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT SURE THE DIRECTION OR MOTION IS CORRECT! T start again wait 3 secnds and push any f the mtin buttns fr a secnd and then release. If after pushing the GOTO buttn it ges the wrng directin use the three buttn stp n the HC t stp it. Hit the GOTO (green) buttn and release it (nte: it nly needs a 1/4 secnd push and then release... if the GOTO light and the SLEW light n the ServCAT start t blink yu actually pushed it way t lng and have disabled the GOTO - push it again fr mre than a secnd and release t re-enable if this is the case. GOTO nly needs a shrt push! If the scpe mves twards the bjects psitin and it is clse then yu are fine. If away then either the DSC is nt set right (i.e. it is nt able t find bjects manually) r the GOTO directin in the Cnfiguratin is set incrrectly fr the AZ axis. Refer t the manual t crrect this. Mve (manual r slew) back t the bject. Nw using ONLY the ALT UP buttn (r dwn) mve away frm the bject by abut 10 r 20 degrees. Push and release the GOTO again. If it mves twards the bject and it is clse then yu are fine. If away then either the DSC is nt set right (i.e. it is nt able t find bjects manually) r the GOTO directin in the Cnfiguratin is set incrrectly fr the ALT axis. Refer t the manual t crrect this. This cmpletes the initial setup and cnfirmatin f the ServCAT. T refine GOTO accuracy (and Track length) refer t the main manual. PLEASE REFER TO OUR SUPPLIED, bth n the CD and printed fr thse nt wanting t read instructins n the CD, "ServCAT Setup and Usage sheet" as well as "Sme DSC Setup Ntes". The frmer has the disengage psitins fr each axis shwn - pay particular attentin t the ALT psitin fr disengage. The latter has a cmplete step by step setup f the Arg Navis alng with verificatin testing and use. HAVE FUN! Dn't get frustrated - write t us if yu have questins!
2 Track Imprvements NOTE: the MOST EFFECTIVE means f imprving Track capability is simple t d an AutCAL! This requires an AutCAL cable. Refer t the SuperPrgram manual AutCAL9ibrate) sectin fr mre infrmatin n this prcess. Mst systems when shipped have the ability t track an bject in a medium pwer eyepiece fr 15-60 minutes... if yu want better it can easily be accmplished simply by tweaking the ratis stred in the ServCAT. This can be accmplished during the day - and is actually suggested t be dne during the day s yu can see well and s it is ut f the way befre yu head ff. Remember the three finger salute! ANY three (r mre) buttns n the HC will make the scpe stp (nt instantly - it will decelerate at twice the speed set in yur cnfiguratin file). USE IT WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT SURE THE DIRECTION OR MOTION IS CORRECT! T start again wait 3 secnds and push any f the mtin buttns. D a 2 star alignment with yur DSC. If using the Arg Navis g t SETUP/GUIDE and set the digits t 2. This will prvide a higher readut reslutin. This alignment can be dne during the day by using Plaris (mst astrnmers knw where Plaris is even during the day - within 10 degrees r s is fine) and ne ther star that yu knw the rugh psitin f (fr example we knw that at ne time during the year Rigel is at abut 160 deg AZ and 20 degr ALT). Pull up an bject t the Suth (yu need nt see it - just find ne in the data base that wuld be t the suth - in ur example we chse M42) and center it (use a GOTO if yu want t). Using the CCW buttn and having the speed set t GUIDE mve PAST the bject by a cuple tenths f a degree. This is dne t eliminate any backlash in the system in rder t ascertain the precise rati needed. Use the CW buttn ONLY and with the speed set t GUIDE zer ut the AZ ffset. If yu versht it by a small amunt then repeat the step previus t this ne and this step. (Offset displayed by UP arrw n Sky Cmmander, GUIDE mde n Arg Navis). When zered nte the time and the ffset value. Let the scpe track the bject fr a minimum f 15 minutes - 30 r 60 is preferred. After the time frame yu have selected nte the numerical ffset value n a piece f paper. Using the GUIDE speed and the AZ buttns ONLY see which directin yu have t mve the scpe t bring it back t the bject. If yu had t use the CW buttn then the scpe was tracking t slw and the gear rati set by the ServCAT-Sky Cnfiguratin prgram is t lw - it needs t be increased in value. If yu had t use the CCW buttn then the scpe is ging t fast - yu need t reduce the rati. If the ffset was very small yu can either leave the rati r d the test with a lnger time perid (try 60 minutes). The frmula t calculate the amunt f change is as fllws:
Base gear rati (already in the Obsessin data files n yur CD) Change = errr in decimal degrees / amunt the sky mved in the perid Final Crrected Gear Rati = Base Gear rati +/- Change One example - Yu did the test fr a ttal f 30 minutes. It was ff by 0.09 degrees and it was t slw. The sky (earth) is mving at 15 degrees/60 minutes s in 30 minutes it wuld have mved 7.5 degrees. The Errr therefre is : 0.09 / 7.5 = 0.012 Yur scpe is a 20" and the prgrammed rati fr the AZ is 8258. The amunt t change the rati is 8258 x 0.012 = 99 Since the bject was falling behind the rati needs t be increased in the cnfiguratin prgram s set the new value t 8258 + 99 = 8357. Pull up an bject t the East (yu need nt see it - just find ne in the data base that wuld be t the east) and center it (use a GOTO if yu want t). Use the Guide speed n the HC t get the ffset (UP arrw n Sky Cmmander, GUIDE mde n Arg Navis) dwn very clse t zer. Nte the time and the ffset value. Using the DWN buttn with the speed set t GUIDE mve PAST the bject by a cuple tenths f a degree. This is dne t eliminate any backlash in the system in rder t ascertain the precise rati needed. Use the UP buttn ONLY with the speed set t GUIDE zer ut the ALT ffset. If yu versht it by a small amunt then repeat the step previus t this ne and this step. (Offset displayed by UP arrw n Sky Cmmander, GUIDE mde n Arg Navis). When zered nte the time and the ffset value. Let the scpe track the bject fr a minimum f 15 minutes - 30 r 60 is preferred. After the time frame yu have selected nte the numerical ffset value n a piece f paper. Using the GUIDE speed and the ALT buttns ONLY see which directin yu have t mve the scpe t bring it back t the bject. If yu had t use the UP buttn then the scpe was tracking t slw and the gear rati set by the ServCAT-Sky Cnfiguratin prgram is t lw - it needs t be increased in value. If yu had t use the DOWN buttn then the scpe is ging t fast - yu need t reduce the rati. If the ffset was very small yu can either leave the rati r d the test with a lnger time perid (try 60 minutes). The frmula t calculate the amunt f change is as fllws: Base gear rati (already in the Obsessin data files n yur CD) Change = errr in decimal degrees / amunt the sky mved in the perid Final Crrected Gear Rati = Base Gear rati +/- Change One example - Yu did the test fr a ttal f 30 minutes. It was ff by 0.3 degrees and it was t fast (used the DOWN buttn t recenter it).
The sky (earth) is mving at 15 degrees/60 minutes s in 30 minutes it wuld have mved 7.5 degrees. The Errr therefre is : 0.3 / 7.5 = 0.0400 Yur scpe is a 20" and the prgrammed rati fr the AZ is 8298. The amunt t change the rati is 8298 x 0.0400 = 332 Since the bject was ging t fast the rati needs t be decreased by this amunt in the cnfiguratin prgram s set the new value t 8298 + 332 = 7966. Be aware that alignment and mechanical details will cause this t vary slightly. Setting this nce shuld be mre than adequate NOTE ON BACKLASH: There is backlash in yur system. We have designed it t reduce the amunt but withut ging t extic (read "expensive") gearing we cannt eliminate it. The sftware will cmpensate fr this by speeding the mtr up a predetermined amunt each time yu change directins. This amunt is listed in yur cnfiguratin file fr each axis. If yu d decide t play with it be careful t increase it slwly - it is nt gd t have t much backlash cmp. Try increasing by 1 r 2 arcmins at a time. Yu can als take backlash int accunt when psitining an bject by centering the bject using the same directin buttn that the sky is mving. Fr example - if an bject is anywhere frm directly east t directly west but ging suth in the prcess (lwer hemisphere) then the AZ will always be tracking ging CW... if it is the "upper" hemisphere the AZ will always be tracking ging CCW. Likewise if an bject is east f the meridian it will be rising (UP n ALT), if western it will be setting (DWN). S if yu are lking at an bject that is sutheast psitin that bject in the center f the eyepiece by using the CW and UP buttns as yur last buttn depressin. This will eliminate any backlash. The alternatives are t prgram the backlash variable r t nt wrry abut it - it is typically nly a few arcminutes - nce it gets t that pint (by drifting) it will track frm there n.. 3 Trubleshting DSC Prblems: First and fremst the DSC (Arg Navis r Sky Cmmander) MUST, we repeat MUST be setup prperly t perate the ServCAT. Als the ServCAT requires the DSC t be cnnected and prperly perating t get EITHER TRACKing r GOTO. DSC (Arg Navis r Sky Cmmander) OPERATION: If yur unit has been prgrammed with what yu feel is the right gear rati and encder cunts and it des nt track prperly yu will need t d the fllwing: Ensure DSC (Arg Navis r Sky Cmmander) has been set up prperly it has REV and NORM settings fr bth axes and these need t be crrect. This can be set up during the day. CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION if ding this during the day KEEP THE MIRROR COVERED and away frm the SUN!
Ensure DSC encder cunts are set crrectly (typically either +8192 r -8192) D yur 2 star alignment using Plaris and ne ther knwn star psitin (apprximate is all that is needed the star need nt be seen). Nw pint the scpe suth and lk at the DSC readut fr RA. Mve the scpe twards the west the RA value shuld g dwn (newer hur). If nt reverse the setting fr this axis: n the SC change t REV if NORM and vice-versa; if the Arg Navis change frm + t - r vice versa). Pint the scpe suth and at ~10 degr abve the hrizn. Nte the readut DEC value. Mve the scpe upward. The DEC value shuld be negative but shuld be ging psitive (smaller values). If nt change the settings. This all assumes Nrthern hemisphere. NOTE: ONCE SET DO NOT CHANGE! The CAT has its wn settings t cmpensate frm this pint but it has t knw the DSC is crrect! Run the system. Remember pwer t the CAT can be shut ff at any time n reinitializatin OR realignment is required nce dne the first time (as lng as the DSC stays pwered and cnnected t its encders). REFER t the ServCAT-Sky manual Appendix C Additinal Ntes n TRACK adjustment fr imprving tracking. SERVOCAT OPERATION: The majrity f these items refer t the use f the Plug-n-Play enclsure system. TERMS: ServCAT referred t as CAT Plug-n-Play enclsure referred t as PnP RXDesign HC cntrller referred t as HP8 Sky Cmmander referred t as SC Arg Navis referred t as AN N lights n ServCAT Leftmst RED LED (SC) nt n, Green (Slew) LED is n GREEN (Slew) LED nt n YELLOW (Sync) LED nt n Mtr turns slw Mtr turns wrng directin Mtr des GOTO in wrng directin HP8 LED nt n when speed switch set t JOG (middle) r Slew (tp) After ding 3 buttn B-Stp the CAT des nt respnd right away t buttn depressins Smetimes buttn depressins g unnticed especially the GOTO Travel Limit switches are desired Cnfiguratin prgram des nt dwnlad -Cnfirm pwer plug plugged in t a 12V surce. -Cnfirm surce is nt current limiting -Check fuse in 12V aut plug (replace with 1.25 5-10A fast blw) -DSC nt plugged in and/r turned n -DSC baud nt set t 19.2K and/r skycmm emulatin (if AN) -Wrng cable used fr DSC in use (different frm SC t AN) -If unit serial number ends in -03 then the internal jumper fr DSC culd be wrng (see Arg Navis addendum) -E-Stp / OK buttn set t E-Stp; push mtin buttn n HC -Only activated by a FUNCT/SYNC cmmand frm the HP8. Tggles ff by pushing this cmbinatin again. Requires DSC t be plugged in and perating. -Dwnlad yur systems parameters using ServCAT Cnfig (sect 2 & 5) -Dwnlad yur systems parameters using ServCAT Cnfig (sect 2 & 5). Track Directin t crrect this. -Dwnlad yur systems parameters using ServCAT Cnfig (sect 2 & 5). GOTO Directin t crrect this. Each axis has its wn parameter. -Ensure HC cable plugged in all the way at bth ends. -Check cable fr breaks -Cnfirm CAT pwered up with its LED s n -There is a 3 secnd delay after a B-Stp t allw release f the buttns. Check the ESTOP switch. The sampling f the DSC is tp pririty it is smetimes slwer in respnding and thus sme buttn depressins may be missed. Push again and fr a little lnger. -Cntact RXDesign n hw t implement ALT axis dwn and p vertravel limits. Upgrade t versin 1.3 r Fllw the sequence: a) Pwer ff CAT, plug in 4 pin (!) cable frm PC Prt (inside unit) t the PC. Nte Cmm prt (cm1, 2, 3, r 4) b) Leave pwer OFF CAT and start ServCAT cnfig prgram c) Change values as needed and SAVE the values!
Cnfiguratin prgram des nt dwnlad (after abve) Upgrade des nt wrk d) G t Cmmunicatins menu item and set cmm prt e) Push the CONNECT buttn next t the red indicatr n the screen it shuld change t read DISCONNECT meaning it is cnnected and yu hit it t discnnect (discnnect if yu have t change yur cmm prt at this time). The light next t it shuld nw be Green and at the bttm f the screen it shuld say CONNECTED. f) Pwer up the CAT. g) There shuld be a flash f text at the bttm f the screen, the green light shuld change t yellw mmentarily and then t RED and the text by the buttn shuld nw say CONNECT again. If nthing else shws and this sequence happened then yur parameters will be in the unit, pwer dwn and up. -Befre ding step e abve try pwering up the CAT and IMMEDIATELY hitting the DISCONNECT buttn. Step g shuld fllw frm here. -All files under the upgrade directry need t be in the directry frm which yu run this utility. If it des nt see them it will abrt. G t Setup pulldwn and set directry