iOptron 9501-W, Instruction Manual

10

4. Getting Started 

In order to experience the full GOTO 
capability of GoToNova technology it is 
important to set up the mount correctly 
before observation.  

4.1. Level and Align the Mount 

4.1.1. Level the Mount.  

Leveling is critical for good GOTO and 
tracking accuracy. 

Level the mount by 
observing the 
bubble (shown) on 
the base of the 
mount by adjusting 
the tripod legs. 

The bubble should be in the center of the 
circle. It is also recommended to use 
additional levelers (such as a torpedo 
leveler) to assure precise leveling. Turn the 
mount around by pressing 

►

 or 

◄

 button to 

make sure it is always leveled during 
movement.  

4.1.2. Initial Positions  

Each time the mount is turned on the default 
position is Park Position, (

i.e.

,its altitude is 

90º0.0’ and azimuth is 180º0.0’) which 
means the “SOUTH” mark is pointing to 
south and the telescope is pointing straight 
up at the zenith. To set the Park Position 
you can: 

1.  Align the mount to south by moving the 
mount so that the South mark faces south. 
An additional compass is needed. Unlock 
the altitude lock (#4) and rotate the 
telescope to point straight up at the Zenith. 
A torpedo level may help. Make sure the 
mount is leveled. Then turn the mount 
power on. 

or 

2.  Turn the mount power on. Press the 
SPEED button to select a slew speed (MAX 

for fast slew and 2X for fine tuning). Turn 
the SOUTH mark pointing to south using 

►

or 

◄

 button. An additional compass is 

needed. Rotate the telescope to point to 
zenith using the 

▲

 or 

▼

 buttons. A torpedo 

level may help. Then turn the mount power 
off and turn it on. Or you can press MENU. 
Scroll down to “Set Telescope Coord.” 
Press ENTER. The default number is “Alt: 
90º00.0’ and Azi: 180º00.0’”. Press ENTER 
to complete the initialization. 

4.2. Setting Up the Mount 

For a SmartStar

®

 telescope equipped with a 

GPS receiver, the local time, longitude and 
latitude information will be received from 
satellites after a link is established. For units 
without a GPS receiver this information can 
be entered manually. Regardless, manual 
input is still needed for the time zone and 
Daylight Time Saving settings for all 
models. 

A clear sky outside is needed for GPS to 
communicate well with the satellites. 

4.2.1. Time and Site Set Up  

This is critical to ensure the telescope will 
point to the right direction.  

Press MENU button. From the main menu 
scroll down and select “

Set Up Controller

” 

1) South

2) Up

Alt lock (#4)