|
Rob62
journeyman
Reged: 11/17/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Hello All,
I`v just bought a Nexstar 130 SLT and I`m having a big problem with the alignment system-I hope someone can offer some advice.
I set it up with the 3 star alignment system but found (after a successful alignment) that I can only get it to move to one or two objects before the alignment is lost and I get the `initialization` screen again (v frustrating on a cold night).This happens even if I use solar system alignment or single star alignment.
After reading previous forum advice,I went back to factory restore settings (in case I`d changed something important in error) but the same problem still occurs.
When I get the `alignment successful` screen,below it is stated `star pointer off`-I don’t know what this means and whether its linked to my problem ? (I still get this `off` info after factory reset and don’t know if it should be off or on-and,in any case,don’t know how to change it if I need to).
I am running on batteries (they are new),as I had the same problem as others-that the 12 V mains adaptor kept falling out as the scope moved.
I`d love to start some serious observing (especially of Mars/Saturn) and don’t know whether I should be returning the handset/tripod to for a replacement or what else to do….. please help.
Rob (going rapidly grey(er))
|
mclewis1
Thread Killer
Reged: 02/25/06
Posts: 8913
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
|
|
Rob,
Welcome to CN.
First your initial problem is very likely a power problem. The internal AAs just dont' last and a few slews in cold weather will deplete them to the point of causing random problems. Letting the scope sit and then re initializing successfully makes it look like the batteries are ok, they likely are not.
Go back to using the mains adapter but first take a look at the power socket on the scope. Use a fine bladed screw driver or knife and carefully open the center pin up a little (there is a split in the center of that pin). This will help keep the power cable properly seated. Also consider a little extra help, a piece of heavy adhesive tape or some other strain relief for the power cord will help.
As for the star pointer off message ... it basically means that after the successful alignment that the scope has turned the power off to the red dot finder scope. Yes it a very cryptic message. It does this because it's a goto scope and Celestron believes that once the scope is successfully aligned you won't need to use the finder again.
--------------------
Mark
C11, C6, APM/TMB115, and AT80ED - Pier mounted CGE in a POD, and CG-5A, WO EZ-Touch and AT Voyager
25x100s and 8x56s, T-Mount Light, Mark 1 eyeballs - 350Da, DSI-P, SPC900, NexImage, Mallincam
Just because you can doesn't necessarily mean that you should
Edited by mclewis1 (11/17/07 04:36 PM)
|
Tel
Postmaster
Reged: 03/31/06
Posts: 7764
Loc: Wallingford England
|
|
Hi Rob,
I can't guarantee at this stage this will solve your problems but a few pointers to start with.
The star pointer off is merely a reminder to switch it off after alignment to save the battery within it.
To run on AA batteries is not a good idea because they do not maintain power for long and as a consequence can cause some strange erratic effects. If you've got a 12V mains adapter, use it. If the connection is loose, carefully spread the pin on the mount to tighten the spigot fitting.
Your HC problem might be purely down to the outside temperature. They can be temperamental in the cold.
To test this aspect try performing a mock alignment indoors. If you need clarification as to how to do this please ask.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Tel
--------------------
Truth is the cubed root of Verbosity.
|
Tel
Postmaster
Reged: 03/31/06
Posts: 7764
Loc: Wallingford England
|
|
Hey Mark,
SNAP !
Regards,
Tel
--------------------
Truth is the cubed root of Verbosity.
|
mclewis1
Thread Killer
Reged: 02/25/06
Posts: 8913
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
|
|
Terry, it usually is me in that position ... I have to sit and think too long.
Cheers,
--------------------
Mark
C11, C6, APM/TMB115, and AT80ED - Pier mounted CGE in a POD, and CG-5A, WO EZ-Touch and AT Voyager
25x100s and 8x56s, T-Mount Light, Mark 1 eyeballs - 350Da, DSI-P, SPC900, NexImage, Mallincam
Just because you can doesn't necessarily mean that you should
|
Rob62
journeyman
Reged: 11/17/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Dear All,
Thanks so much for comprehensive and quick replies (I`m not surprised by this-I`v seen other threads and everyone helps everyone out which is lovely-but I`m v grateful).
I did a mock alignment indoors but still got the loss of alignment quickly-but on the same batteries which I`d used the previous (cold) night.I`ll get that 12 V supply going and open up the scope pin.
Thanks again-I think I`m going to enjoy it here...and outdoors.
All the best
Rob
|
spaceydee
Postmaster
Reged: 04/16/04
Posts: 17311
Loc: Where the Kittens Are
|
|
Welcome to CN Rob! I really don't have anything additional to add other than the "Welcome"!!
--------------------
Dee
space-scientist
student violinist
Nexstar8i,SV80S,80/9D,FC100,94 Brandon,TMB92SS,GM8
8" f/7 Discovery,12.5" Portaball, PST
|
strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
|
|
hey rob welcome and just so you know i live in michigan and when its cold i cant use batt. on my 130 its just pointless and the initializing means batt.dead my dog ate my cord yesterday so i went to use batt today and got the same thing and sure enough the scope died so when i was using power cord i used a little tape to hold it in no biggie also i usually use two star align or lunar as i sometime have alignment troubles with three star overall it was my first scope and i wouldn't change that it a nice one enjoy hope this helps
--------------------
Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
|
Rob62
journeyman
Reged: 11/17/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Thanks for the welcomes all....I live in E Lancashire and it might as well have been Alaska these last couple of night...and no stars (just clouds).
I`ll invest in some duct tape!
Cheers
Rob
|
Magellan
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/26/06
Posts: 1151
Loc: Enfield, NS Canada
|
|
Alkaline batteries I think are rated to work until -10 celcious, they freeze after that. The new Titanium or Lithium batteries are rated for -20 Celcious.
I highly recommend a power tank or some sort of alternate power source. AA's don't even work in my 102slt.
--------------------
Jeff D
Orion 8" F4 Astrograph
Celestron 80mm Guide-scope
Celestron CGEM Mount
Celestron Nexguide
Canon EOS Rebel T1i (Unmodified) With MPCC
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Full Spectrum Gary Honis Modified
Skywatcher 12" Collapsible Dobsonian
Coulter Odyssey 2 8" Dobsonian
Celestron Nexstar 102SLT
Celestron Skymaster 15x70
http://flic.kr/ps/ncfpL
|
AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 958
Loc: Toronto, Canada
|
|
I had the same problem at first when attached to the 12V power source. The 12v cable does not have a tight fit at the scope end. When slewing...power is lost and alignment gone. I installed the AA batteries but don't use it to power the scope. I hook up the 12V power cable and supply, so that if there is a short here...the AA batteries kick in instantly and Alignment is not lost.
Problem is, you don't know when this happens...so you have to keep checking the 12V cable connections every slew 
For that reason...I mostly use my Meade scope now.
--------------------
Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II 
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded 
|
b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16902
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
|
|
To tighten the power connector, simply insert a jeweler's screwdriver in the slot between the halves of the center pin of the scope connector and spread the halves apart a bit. Then to help keep the cord from "tugging" out, you can grab some velcro and make a strain relief loop. Using velcro "dots", just put the "hook" dot on a moving part of the base of the scope, near the power connector, run your cord over it and place the "loop" dot over it to hold it in place.
There are more ways to do this, but try spreading the power pin first...
--------------------
"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
|
|
0 registered and 18 anonymous users are browsing this forum.
Moderator: Charlie Hein, Greg K.
Print Thread
|
Forum Permissions
You cannot start new topics
You cannot reply to topics
HTML is disabled
UBBCode is enabled
|
Thread views: 1095
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
