I am trying to do the basics,as you suggested. But problems with the hand controller is the reason why it was suggested?to use a planetarium and avoid using the hand controller at all. I read the manual and tried to follow?the procedures, It won't let me get to the basic?menu choices and defaults?to warm start. I enter the time, date and lat/long in the correct?manner, including?the minus 083 longitude for Florida.?
I replaced the battery with a new #2354 and am using?Micjhael Herman's 17 V voltage booster and a cable with RS232 and telephone connectors.
In doing an alignment, I specify stars that I know are visible at my time and location. These are not always accepted. When alignment stars are accepted, the scope slews to places that I know are not correct.
The telescope is well-balanced. But I am having little success with?this mount. I was supposed?to do an astronomy?public outreach event?at a school tonight, but had to cancel because the mount ain't working. I would use it without the go-to?features. but the hand controller won't let?me just slew around the sky. Push-to would work, but then it wouldn't track.
When I show up at these events. I have less than 15 minutes to get set up before 60 kids are waiting to look at the Moon or Jupiter through my telescope. Most of the other club members have Dobs. They are set up and?ready in 5 minutes while I'm still fumbling with mine.
This is frustrating.
I am considering either the ZWO ASIAir or a SkyFi-3 to resolve these issues. But then I have to take a computer?or tablet to? use at a school, which is an added?complication. I am willing to go that route if it will work.?
I am also considering selling the GM8 and getting a Skywatcher HEQ5 which I know how to use, since?I previously had an Orion Sirius or a Celestron AVX. I realize?the GM8 is superior to those, but that does?me no good unless I can make it work.
?Michael Herman said he could fix my Gemini unit and hand controller for about the?same price as a?SkyFi-3.
What do you think?
