Avalon StarGO User manual

STARGO CONTROL SYSTEM

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Version 2.2.1 July 2016 by Mauro Ghiri

Revised by Steven Gaber

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AVALON INSTRUMENTS

Preface

Avalon Instruments manufactures astronomical mounts and control systems that are known

for excellence of design, superior engineering and extreme accuracy. The StarGo Control

System has been designed for an integrated use in the Avalon Linear and M-uno mounts,

or in a separate control box for the M-zero mount.

This manual, describing the new Avalon Goto Control System for astronomical mounts, is

part of a set which also includes the manuals of the single mounts produced by Avalon

Instruments as well as a training manual for the use of third party software with the StarGO

hardware.

This manual is in a process of continual development and improvement. Therefore it is

suggested that users regularly consult the web support page of the Avalon Instruments web

site to obtain easy access to newer updated versions.

Please report any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this manual by sending an email to

[email protected]. We also welcome suggestions for improvements in this

manual and in our products.

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Contents

1. Quick guide for ready use...............................................................................................5

  

  

2. System Description and Technical Specifications...........................................................7

  !" #

  $% &

3. Software Installation......................................................................................................15

' ( )*+,

' - 

4. StarGO program description.........................................................................................23

. -,/-,0 '

. 1& 

. &1 

. 2+3%1 

.' -41 5

.. +6%3+1 7

. ),61 #

.' 8+ '

.. -9 '

. - $3:9 '5

. &/ ;6%0$ '7

. - $<=9 .>

.5 9 %$9 .

.7- $.

.7? $81% .

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'

.7? $9 .5

.7'% $81%8* .#

.7.% $98* .#

5. StarGo and SkySafari...................................................................................................51

 9@?8<*

 ? $@& 

 8<* $11 

' 8<* $@& '

   .

'  %& 5

. $  <=&&?8*

6. Mount Control with StarGO-BT for Android...................................................................62

 , 

 - .

'  

7. Firmware Updating – StarGoLoader.............................................................................69

A1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................73

 -, 5'

A2.0 X-Solver Operation................................................................................................75

 4<  5

 4<&1  55

' 4< &6.&&7

. ,&&& 7.

 4 &1&7

_____________________________________________________________________

.

1. Quick guide for

ready use

It is recommended that users read all sections of this document carefully to make optimum

use of the StarGO system. However, we realize that many users are impatient to use their

new systems as soon as possible, especially when good seeing conditions prevail.

Therefore this section contains two quick guides so that owners of Avalon mounts and the

StarGO control system may make them operational in the shortest possible time. Every

step in this section contains a reference to the part of the manual where that operation is

detailed later in the manual.

1.1 Quick guide for astrophotography

N. Description References

to users guide

1. Install tripod, mount, telescope and photographic equipment. [1] Sections 1.1 through 1.4

2. Perform telescope balancing and precise polar alignment [1] Sections 2.1, 2.2

3. Put the telescope in HOME position (counterweight down – CWD and

telescope pointing NORTH). N/A

4. Connect power and USB cables to the StarGO control unit and to the

photographic and auxiliary equipment. [2] Section 2.

5. Launch the StarGO program on the PC, connect the mount, in the ALIGN

panel inside the StarGO setting, press the button “Sync Home Position”..

[2] Section 4.1 and Section

4.1.1, sub ALIGN Panel

6. Launch the planetary software of your choice and initialize the telescope

function. N/A

7. Perform the GOTO to a bright and easily visible star close to the object to be

captured. It will probably not be centered in the telescope eyepiece.N/A

8. Using the finderscope (previously aligned with the main tube) and the keypad

or StarGO directional keys on the PC screen, bring the star to the center of

finderscope field of view.

N/A

9. Start the CCD camera or the DSLR with the capture software of your choice. N/A

10. Using the keypad bring the star to the center of the CCD camera’s field of

view and synchronize it in the planetary software being used.

N/A

11. Perform the GOTO to the object to capture and, using the CCD or the DSLR,

center and frame it as desired.

N/A

12. Launch the autoguiding program and, following the software (for example

PHD2) instructions, choose a guide star and, after the calibration, start the

autoguiding session.

N/A

13. Set name, number, duration and type of images and start the capture

sequence

N/A

14. When pointing to other objects, additional syncing as described above may

be required. A much more precise pointing process may be performed using

the “Plate Solving” technique.

[3] Section 4.4

[1] Specific Mount Instruction Manual

[2] StarGO Instruction Manual

[3] SW&StarGO Tutorial

_____________________________________________________________________



1.2 Quick Guide for Visual use with an Android device

N Description Reference to users guide

1. Install tripod, mount, telescope and all other needed equipment. [1] Sections 1.1 trough 1.4

2. Perform telescope balancing and precise polar alignment [1] Sections 2.1 & 2.2

3. Put the telescope in the HOME position (counterweight down – CWD

and telescope pointing NORTH). [2] Section 5.3, item 1

4. Connect power cable to the StarGO control unit. [2] Section 1.

5. Launch the SkySafari application and carry out its Bluetooth connection

with the StarGO. [2] Sections 5.2 & 5.3

6. On the SkySafari display, select a star on the meridian line and quite

close to the South horizon. Perform the synchronization on this star

using the “Align” function of SkySafari without moving the mount from its

HOME position.

2] Section 5.3,

7. As a result of the previous action, the telescope will result aligned to the

pole, where it is really pointing. This operation corresponds to the

execution of the “Sync Home Position” using the StarGO software on

the PC.

[2] Section 5.3,

8. Perform a GOTO to a bright and easily visible star close to the sky area

being observed. If needed the mount will perform an automatic

“meridian flip”.

N/A

9. Using the StarGO keypad or the SkySafari direction commands, bring

the star in the center of the finder field of view. Precisely center the star

in the telescope eyepiece and perform the final sync function with the

SkySafari “Align” button.

N/A

10. At this point the telescope will be able to point to any visible object of the

celestial sphere. If, during the observation session a pointing precision

correction would be necessary simply repeat the above steps 8 and 9.

N/A

A1] Specific Mount Instruction Manual

[2] StarGO Instruction Manual

_____________________________________________________________________



2. System Description and Technical Specifications

The Avalon Mounts are well known for their capability to drive mounted telescopes with

extreme precision. This is due to three factors: the first is the precision and strength of CNC

machined components; the second is the use of high-torque motors and toothed belts for

motion transmission; the third is a proprietary control system, called StarGO, developed and

patented by Avalon Instruments. The onboard intelligence of this system is able to provide

many types of mounts with the ability to perform all the required operations for easy and

accurate visual observations. However, its greatest strength lies in precise control for long

exposure astrophotography.

The StarGO Goto Control System is composed of five main components:

1. The StarGO Control Box that can be embedded in the mount as for the Avalon Linear

and M-Uno, or in a separate control box for the M-Zero. Thanks to the programmable

Gear Ratio and the special motor kit, the StarGo Control Box is also

compatible with many mounts from other manufacturers. It has the

ability to provide a smart interface between the mount’s drive motors

and the external world. Using internal and user-selected

computerized astronomy software applications, it performs all the

necessary communications with specific components, including the

autoguider, focuser, CCD rotator, DSRL camera, and other auxiliary

devices, using USB connections with Windows and Macintosh

computers. Wireless capability, based on Bluetooth (right picture) or

Wi-Fi (left picture), is also integrated in the control box unit to interact with intelligent

devices such as smartphones, tablets, Android devices as well as Windows and Mac

computers. The wireless system (BT or Wi-Fi) must be choosen at time of order.

2. The StarGO Keypad is able to physically command the mounts and perform almost all

the most needed operations without the use of a computer or other control device.

3. The StarGO software, entirely written and compiled by Avalon Instruments uses a

computer to perform all the setup and management operations, including the control of

various external equipment that can be connected to the

control box. It is also able to perform all the same operations

performed by the StarGO keypad.

4. The StarGO-BT application for Android devices allows them

to interface with the StarGO control box via Bluetooth

connection. With this application the Android devices become

perfect smart-device control pads. This application, as well as

StarGO, is under continuous development to add new

functionalities.

_____________________________________________________________________

5

5. The AvalonStargo ASCOM driver makes possible the interaction between the StarGO

Control Box and the vast majority of third party software applications such as Cart du

Ciel, Stellarium, etc. In addition, thanks to the compatibility with the LX200 standard, the

StarGO can work with almost all other software applications.

2.1 Technical Specifications:

General Computerized control system based on stepper motor technology

and dual communications (USB and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

_____________________________________________________________________

7

Operational Mode Equatorial or Azimuth (for the appropriate mounts)

System Speeds:

“Guide”: From 0,05 to 0,95X in 0,05X increments.

“Center”: From 2 to 10X

“Find”: From 10 to 150X.

“Slew”: N. 4 speeds ranges (Low, Medium, Fast, Ultra) depending

on the mount “gear ratio” and, for the maximum speed “Ultra”, on

the power supply (at least 15 VDC).

Tracking Speeds

Sidereal

Solar

Lunar

Terrestrial (No tracking)

RA – DEC Motor

Currents

Typical currents are 0.3 A for tracking and 1.5 A (adjustable) for

slewing.

Data Base

14000 Default objects. The database is easily editable by the user

using a simple text editor. This database is part of the StarGO

software and it may be accessed using a PC.

Input/Output Ports

USB

Bluetooth or WiFi

ST4

Output Ports

AUX0: (Baader Steeldrive only in Bluetooth version)

AUX1: Hybrid Step Motor with a max current of 1 A.

AUX2: Hybrid Step Motor with a max current of 1 A.

Electrical

Characteristics

Power Supply: 12 – 18 VDC stabilized.

Current: from 0.3 to 1.5 A (adjustable) in all operating conditions

Control Operations

Goto and Sync to celestial objects

Automatic Meridian Flip

User definable parking and homing functions

Programmable Custom Gear Ratio.

_____________________________________________________________________

#

User updatable

firmware USB connection

Operating Temperature

Range -20 ≈ +40 °C

The StarGo Goto Control System was designed mainly for the Avalon Instruments M-zero,

M-uno and Linear mounts, but thanks to the programmable Gear Ratio and the special

motor kit, it also may be easily used with a variety of mounts from other companies.

StarGo’s design follows the most recent technological developments in this field. It consists

of a very simple hardware interface which facilitates a wide range of applications such as

the management of focusers, filter wheels, autoguiders, DSLR cameras, etc. without the

need of frequent modifications to additional devices. At the same time, it retains the ability

to be controlled by PCs, smartphones and tablets.

To make these characteristics possible, the StarGo Control System intelligence has been

moved to the external software which can be easily updated or modified to work with

different operating systems such as Windows, Mac OSX, Android and others.

The logical interactions of the StarGO Control System with all hardware and software

devices is reported in the following schematic diagram.

_____________________________________________________________________

>

_____________________________________________________________________



2.2 The StarGO Goto Control System hardware interface

It is supplied with the following items:

1. Main Board and Aluminium case.

2. StarGO control keypad.

3. Keypad connection cable (RJ45 Standard).

4. USB cable.

5. 12-24 VDC power supply with 110-240 VAC and 12 VDC inputs + cigarette

lighter 12V power cable.

6. A USB flash drive containing the StarGO software and other utilities needed for

its setup and operation, as well as the complete documentation, including this

and other manuals.

7. A foam-lined high-impact carrying case for all of the above

The Main Board for the Avalon Instruments Linear and M-uno mounts comes already

internally installed from the factory. On the M-zero mount it is mounted externally. The

StarGO control box which comes with the Stand Alone Kit is designed to be installed

externally on mounts of other brands.

The StarGO Control Box is an attractive Aluminium case which contains the StarGO

main control board and has external connections to power the motors and other

devices (item 1 above).

This section describes the StarGO control interface and the related keypad.

Figure 2.1 illustrates the physical interface of the StarGO control box.

Figure 2.1 StarGO Front Panel

1. On/Off Power button

2. ST4 autoguide port

3. 12-18 VDC power supply plug

4. “Wireless” Bluetooth capability

symbol

5. DSLR Canon exposure

management port

6. USB2 I/O Port

7. Baader SteelDrive focuser control

port (Bluetooth version only)

8. Handheld keypad RJ45 plug

9. Stepper Motor Auxiliary Output

Port (Aux 1)

10. Stepper Motor Auxiliary Output

Port (Aux 2)

11. On/Off LED

_____________________________________________________________________



The output port Aux1 and Aux 2 can be used to drive motorised device such as focusers

other than Baader Steeldrive (for example the Avalon Instrument FOCS), Time Lapse Dolly,

etc.

Once the power has been provided to the StarGO, the red LED above the On/Off button will

start to blink, indicating that the StarGO is powered but the RA and DEC motors are

stopped. This means that the mount is not tracking the sidereal movement. To activate

tracking, briefly push either a) the red button (#1) on the StarGO Control Box, or b) one of

the directional buttons (W – E – N – S) of the keypad or c) one of the directional buttons of

the StarGo GUI main panel on the PC. (see figure 4.1).

To interrupt the tracking movement while still leaving the StarGO powered, hold the red

button (#1) down for at least 5 seconds. The red LED will commence blinking once again.

The figure 2.2 illustrates the manual keypad which is connected to the StarGo Control Box

at the plug labelled “Keypad” (#8) with the included RJ45 cable.

Figure 2.2 Keypad

W / E Decreases/Increases the Right

Ascension

N / S Increases/Decreases the Declination

Fn Function Key

SPEED+/- Increases/Decreases the mount’s

movement speed

Fn&SPEED+/- Increases/Decreases the Polarscope

LED light intensity

FOCUS+/ - Controls the in and out movement of

the SteelDrive focuser motor in the

port with the same name. Also

controls the movement of any focuser

connected to either of the two Aux

ports.

Fn&FOCUS+/- Changes the Aux port to which the

changes are sent. (1)

Fn&N / S Select system tracking speed

(Sidereal, Solar, Lunar, Terrestrial) (2)

Fn&E / W Select telescope max slewing speed

(Low, Medium, Fast, Ultra) (3)

/0 By holding pressure on the Fn key and then pressing the FOCUS+ key, each time the FOCUS

key is pressed, the output port to changes the order: Steeldrive, AUX1 and AUX2. By keeping

pressure on the Fn key then pressing the FOCUS- key the selection order is inverted (AUX2,

AUX1, Steeldrive).

(2) By holding pressure on the Fn key and then pressing the S key, each time the FOCUS key is

pressed, the system speed varies in the order: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar, Terrestrial. By keeping

pressure on the Fn key then pressing N key the selection order is inverted (Terrestrial, Lunar,

_____________________________________________________________________

'

Solar, Sidereal). The system does not memorize the tracking speed as modified and the next

time the system is powered-on, it returns automatically to the default Sidereal speed.

(3) By holding pressure on the Fn key and the pressing the W key, the telescope max slewing speed

varies in the order: Low, Medium, Fast, Ultra. By keeping pressure on the Fn key then pressing

E key the selection order is inverted (Ultra, Fast, Medium, Low). The system does not memorize

the tracking speed as modified and the next time the system is powered-on, it returns

automatically to the default Slew speed.

_____________________________________________________________________

.

3. Software Installation

NOTE: In order to avoid software difficulties, especially with more recent operating

systems, it may be necessary to run these applications as Administrator. To enable

this option, select “Execute this program as Administrator” from the Compatibility

window under the Properties tab of the executable files. This can be found within the

Programs\Avalon\StarGo folder. To guarantee perfect compatibility it is necessary

that all other applications (such as planetarium programs, autoguide, CCD and DSLR

management software, plate solving applications, etc.) are also run as administrator.

3.1 StarGo, StarGoLoader application and FTDI driver installation.

To get maximum use of the StarGO system features and to obtain complete mount control,

it is necessary to install the applications supplied on the flash drive.

However the mount is able to track objects, both in equatorial and Alt-azimuth

configurations, even without a connection to a PC or other device.

The StarGO software is provided with an ASCOM driver, making it controllable with most

astronomical applications. During the software installation process, as described below, the

Avalon ASCOM driver, the serial-USB FTDI drivers, the StarGO application and its firmware

and related update utility are installed.

_____________________________________________________________________



The use of StarGO in an ASCOM environment with the more popular compatible software

applications is described in detail in a specific document (StarGO – Third Party Software

Use – Instruction Manual).

Note: Before launching StarGO be sure that the ASCOM platform is installed in the

PC (http://download.ascom-standards.org/ASCOMPlatform62.exe). If this is not done, the

program will abort and the Run-Time error message “429” will be generated. Upon

special request Avalon Instrument could supply a version of StarGO not needing the

ASCOM platform.

The StarGO software is provided in a USB flash drive. The software installer file, called

“Install StarGo_xxx.exe”, is located in the folder "Installer-Tutorial-Software".

The step by step software installation procedure, on a Windows 8 computer, is the following:

1. Launch the “Install StarGo_xxx.exe” application (xxx is the installer version number).

The installation language chooser will appear. The “InstallWizard StarGo” windows

will appear. Choose the preferred language and than OK:

2. The installation splash screen will appear containing the StarGO GoTo Control

System Setup Wizard welcome window. Click Next:

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3. The welcome window inside the splash screen will be replaced by the License

Agreement window. Select “I accept the agreement” and then “Next”.

4. The next window will allow the creation of a StarGO desktop icon. It is advised to

accept and then press “Next”.

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5. The next window inside the splash screen will present the summary of the task

selected and proposes to start the installation. Press “Install” button.

6. At the end of the installation process a window will be presented to finish the

installation process, asking to perform additional operations if needed: install The

FTDI USB drivers, install the most updated StarGO ASCOM driver and launch the

StarGO software at the end of the installation process.

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NOTE: The FTDI serial-USB drivers must be installed during the first installation.

Because they are much more less frequently updated than the StarGO driver, it is not

necessary to install them each time.

7. Press “Finish”. In case the FTDI driver installation has been selected the “Device

Driver Installation Wizard” will appear.

8. Press “Next”. The windows announcing the correct driver installation will appear.

Press “End” to exit. The new drivers are ready for the USB connection.

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9. After the FTDI driver installation (if selected) the Avalon ASCOM driver installation

wizard will pop up. Press the “Next” button.

10.Accept the License Agreement in the following window and press “Next”. Press

“Install” on the subsequent window:

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Avalon StarGO User manual

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