If unsure which to use, go through both section 3.1 and section 3.2. ![]() This is the job of Stellarium or Cartes du Ciel - it is ultimately your choice which to use, as both are excellent, well known and free. The only missing feature is a planetarium for Goto. This is a critical tool to computerise your equipment and completely replaces the hand controller. With EQMod installed, we will be able to physically connect to the mount, slew it across the night sky, polar align, manage its star alignment (for more accurate Goto) and manage autoguiding response. The installation will add a number of shortcuts to your computer, and later we will look at the best one to use EQMod. EQMod can be downloaded for free from the EQMod website (download the latest version on the list). This is EQMod, another open-source program created with the idea of controlling mounts through the ASCOM platform with a program interface rather than the hand controller. Next, we need to install what will essentially replace the hand controller in a virtual form on your computer. Please feel free to ask questions or leave comments via the comments section on the bottom of this page. Do keep in mind that in this case, certain settings on the hand controller will still interfere with your computer control, such as autoguiding speed. This may disable the hand controller's main functions and allows the computer software to take over. In the latter, the hand controller will either auto-detect a connection to the computer or the user can set a PC Link setting active. In the former, the hand controller is no longer in the equation (this is ideal) and a good number of popular mounts have dedicated cables, such as the EQDirect series of cables for the likes of the Skywatcher HEQ5 and NEQ6 mounts (or related ones such as the Avalon M-Uno). You will also need a cable that can connect your mount directly to a USB port on your computer, or a mount that connects your hand controller to your computer. Links to each are provided within this tutorial. Ultimately we will need to download and install a number of drivers and programs, which are all free in this particular case. This tutorial is aimed at guiding people through this process. In the past months I have seen a lot of people posting on groups and forums asking fundamental questions such as how to get their mount connected to their computer via USB to control it from the computer. "About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.Moving away from the hand controller on an equatorial mount can seem daunting at first but is ultimately a very rewarding experience when you realise all the possibilities it unlocks. Neil Bone lives near Chichester, in the south of England. In 2004 he was awarded the British Astronomical Association's Merlin Medal for his contribution to the advancement of astronomy. He has written several books, as well as contributing to many other publications. ![]() A frequent lecturer at local astronomical societies and astronomical conventions, Neil is a keen popularizer of practical observational astronomy. Neil is Director of the British Astronomical Association Meteor Section and a Contributing Consultant to Astronomy Now. He frequently uses binoculars and a small wide-field refractor to view distant star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Neil Bone has over 30 years' experience of observing the sky with a variety of instruments. In 1993 the International Astronomical Union named a minor planet after him - (No. Since then he has created star atlases for all levels of astronomer and his maps appear in numerous books and magazines. After completing his second star atlas (Sky Atlas 2000.0), Wil became a full-time celestial cartographer. In 1977 he created his first star atlas, while still working as a full-time graphic designer. Will Tirion is a Dutch celestial cartographer, internationally known for his star maps. "synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title. The map has been created by well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, and the text and tables have been compiled by Neil Bone, author of Philip's Deep Sky Observer's Guide. Lists of galaxies, nebulae, planetary nebulae, double and multiple stars, open and globular clusters, and asterisms will provide inspiration for many years of enjoyable deep sky observing. ![]() The maps are accompanied by an informative text that explains how to use the maps from anywhere on Earth at any time of year. The deep sky objects - which include galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and double stars - are labelled in gold-coloured ink, so that they stand out from the background stars. All stars visible to the naked eye are shown, as well as more than 200 deep sky targets, including all those listed in the famous Messier Catalogue. A large, highly detailed wall chart showing the stars and deep sky objects in three superb maps - the northern and southern hemispheres and the equatorial region.
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