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Page 4
INTRODUCTION
This manual covers the NGC-MAX, NGC-miniMAX and
NGC-microMAX computer units. Sections which cover
material not common to all of these units are labeled with
the models they apply to.
The MAX family of computers are revolutionary,
computerized digital setting circle units with an internal
database of hundreds to thousands of astronomical objects.
After a simple alignment process (pointing your telescope at
any two celestial objects, such as bright stars), the
computer will operate as a high-resolution, real-time display
of the Right Ascension and Declination of your telescope.
Due to the internal database of galaxies, clusters, nebulae,
stars, quasars, black holes and planets, the computer can
quickly guide both the novice and expert viewer alike to
almost any object desired. Instead of spending the majority
of your viewing session attempting to locate objects, you
can now be guided from object to object in seconds!
The MAX computer utilizes an 8-character (16 on the NGC-
MAX) dot-matrix LED display with brightness control and
four large push-buttons for the user-interface. All functions,
including selection of any one of the internal objects, can be
accomplished easily in a matter of seconds with very little
practice. After a brief familiarization period, most users will
be able to perform all operations by touch.
The NGC-MAX's serial interface allows communication with
external devices, opening the door to almost endless
possibilities. One application of this technology is our
popular SGT-MAX setup. This system allows users with a
personal computer to install a real-time link between their
telescope and desktop planetarium software, such as
T
HESKY™ by Software Bisque.
What it Does
The MAX computer will guide the user to celestial objects
by indicating the direction and angular separation for each
axis of the telescope mount. When guiding to the Orion
Nebula, the display might show the following:
M042 59→ 51↑
To break this down,
M042 represents Messier catalog
number 42 (the designation for the Great Orion Nebula),
59→ indicates the object is 59° to the right, and 51↑
indicates the object is 51° up. As the telescope is moved in
the directions indicated, these numbers will decrease
toward zero, at which point the telescope is pointed at the
desired object.
What it Doesn't Do
The MAX computer cannot physically move the telescope.
The user will normally need to move the telescope by hand,
although some telescopes have slewing motors which can
accomplish this task. (Some "Go To" telescopes can be
software controlled using the SGT-MAX system.)
GETTING STARTED
The first step in preparing to use your MAX computer is to
install the optical encoders onto the axes of your telescope.
If purchased with one or more sets of encoder mountings
from JMI, will find a separate Encoder Installation sheet
which covers the installation process required for your
specific mount. Most of these installations require no
drilling or tapping and can be installed in approximately 15-
20 minutes.
After the encoders have been mounted, a test should be
performed to confirm proper installation and function of
each of the two encoders, as well as the setup information
within the MAX computer. (When purchased with a set of
encoder mountings, the MAX computer is pre-programmed
with the necessary information to work with your specific
mount, so you should not need to concern yourself with this
aspect yet. For further information on this topic, see
SETUP on page 11.)
Encoder Test
Plug the common end of the encoder cable into the MAX
computer and each of the opposite two ends into its
appropriate encoder (the Encoder Installation sheet
indicates which end is for each encoder). Place the MAX
computer unit in its holding tray or on a stable surface out of
the way of the telescope's motion. The unit should be
turned off at this time.
Point your telescope at the zenith (directly overhead). Now
turn the MAX computer on. After the version number is
briefly shown, use the brightness button (found to the right
of the ON/OFF switch) to set the display brightness as
desired.
Press the DOWN button until
ENCODER is displayed, then
press ENTER. The display should now show one of the
following:
NGC-MAX
NGC-miniMAX/microMAX
ER=000 ED=+000 000 +000
ER=000 ED=+090 000 +090
AZ=000 AL=+000
AZ=000 AL=+090
Note exactly where your telescope is pointed relative to
your mount (mechanical setting circles make this easier), as