iOptron 8603 and 8604 Telescope User Manual


 
4
1. SmarStar
®
Cube
TM
-A Series Overview
1.1. SmartStar
®
Cube
TM
-A Series Features
Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™, with AltAzi/EQ dual application
The SmartStar
®
Cube
tm
-A series come with our patented Alt-Azimuth (AltAzi) mount,
a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit
on the market. It was named “Hot Product 2008” by Sky and Telescope. Both axis motors are
built into a small single unit with optical encoders which provides accurate GOTO and tracking.
The mount is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. In addition,
there are no “dead spots” – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon,
whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also
comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your
telescope mount into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location.
With the integrated wedge and a standard counterweight, the A-series can also be
operated as a German equatorial mount (EQ) for those who want to get familiar to or
demonstrate a GOTO EQ mount operation.
32-Channel GPS Module
All A-series telescopes come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully
automated operation. Simply turn on the GoToNova
®
Hand Controller and the GPS module will
automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the GoToNova
®
computerized
control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time,
latitude or longitude.
GoToNova
®
Computerized Control System
The revolutionary GoToNova
®
computerized control system is by far the most
technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a
database of 130,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star
clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a
button.
The easy to understand controller on the market
The GoToNova
®
hand controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The
hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has a larger LCD
screen with more lines of content compared with the competition. Using the easy-to-use hand
controller and its large LCD screen, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you
want to go.
More precise speed control for viewing objects
The 8401 hand controller comes with the A-series allows you to slew the telescope at 9
different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you
wish.
Compatible with many OTAs