The StellarMate Manual

1. Which driver is right for my mount?

Due to the many versions of Hand Controller (HC) and RS232 Command Set versions for all the iOptron mounts released, it can be confusing to select which driver

is appropiate for your mount.

2. Why are the mount GOTOs offset by one hour?

Make sure to turn OFF Daylight Saving (DST) setting in the mount hand set (HC). It must be off at all times.

3. Why dithering causes big jumps in RA and DE?

Make sure to turn OFF Periodic Error Correction (PEC) in the handset.

4. Why is the mount not performing meridian flip as expected?

You have to let the mount track some time AFTER CROSSING MERIDIAN, otherwise MF is not going to happen. In iOptron driver, the Meridian Behaviour setting Flip or Stop does not matter here, since Meridian Flip will be triggered by the client (e.g. Ekos); but the Limit you set does matter. Basic rule is:

0 < Client Limit < Mount Limit

Example: set Client (e.g. Ekos) to trigger MF 3° after crossing the meridian, and set mount limit to 6° after crossing meridian. You must set the 6° in the iOptron INDI driver.

Ekos limit should be greater than 0, because Ekos and mount must exactly agree on which side on the meridian we are: allowing to track some degree after crossing it, relaxes the precision needed and accounts for small difference in models and approximations between Ekos and mount firmware.

Mount limit should be greater then Ekos limit, because some time is usually needed to complete the running capture when filp time occurs (should be: MOUNT LIMIT - EKOS LIMIT > LONGEST EXPOSURE PLANNED). And MOUNT LIMIT should be small enough to avoid the mount smashing your equipment on a tripod leg.