omegon Universe 2go Instructions
- June 7, 2024
- Omegon
Table of Contents
What’s in the box
1x Universe2go viewer
1x detachable cover
1x QR code card to download instruction manual
Warnings
-
Do not use Universe2go to look at the Sun
You risk eye damage! -
Do not leave Universe2go directly exposed to the Sun
-
Use Universe2go only in a safe environment
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Always insert the smartphone securely and tightly
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Children should only use Universe2go under adult supervision
Universe2go – My personal planetarium
Thank you very much for purchasing the Omegon Universe2go star viewer. With this hand-held planetarium, you are certain to experience many pleasant hours under the starry sky and become familiar with it at the same time. As a result, Universe2go considerably exceeds the benefits of a common star map. You can see the night sky and simultaneously orient yourself with the help of constellation lines and highlighted objects as well as to object data. Moreover, the planetarium recounts some of the most interesting facts. With Universe2go it is almost like being in a real planetarium, only under real conditions. Relax, enjoy the starry sky and learn. Become an expert on the night sky!
Activation
How to activate your Universe2go
Note: The app is being continuously updated. You can find information on
updates and new functions at
https://universe2go.com/en/.
1.1 Components
Universe2go consists of two parts
Part 1. The app “Universe2go” – which runs on your smartphone
Part 2. The “Universe2go” viewer – which holds your smartphone
1.2 Functions
The app “Universe2go” features two different functional modes, the planetarium mode and the star-map mode.
In planetarium mode , you get the Universe2go hardware display.
This guides you through the night sky as an audio-visual sky guide.
In star-map mode , the app can be used without the display. Unlike the
planetarium mode, only a very limited range of functions is available here.
1.3 Download
First, download the Universe2go app from the App Store or Google Play and
install it on your smartphone.
Attention: There are various language versions available. Please make sure you
download the correct language.
The planetarium and star-map modes can be used without an activation code. You simply need an internet connection for the download.
2. Setup and calibration
Universe2go can be used with a vast variety of smartphones of different
dimensions, screen sizes, number of pixels, and pixel density.
Note: System requirements can be found at the end of this operating
manual.
Note: The gyroscope, compass, geolocation, microphone, and sound must all be activated, both in your smartphone settings and in the Universe2go app (iPhone).
For this purpose, Universe2go must first be set up on your smartphone. The
number and variety of smartphones currently available on the market is almost
inestimable and we have spent a lot of time and effort to make the setup
procedure as simple and reliable as possible. Therefore please take care
during initial setup and, if necessary, refer to online help under
https://universe2go.com/en/ under the menu option
“CUSTOMER SERVICE”
2.1 Customising smartphone fit
You need to ensure that your smartphone fits correctly in the Universe2go
viewer.
A. Open the lid and remove the foam pads from the inside.
B. Each smartphone model requires different positioning, using the pads
you can customize the positioning that is right for your model.
C. Put your smartphone in the retaining slot with the display pointing
downwards. Position it centrally in the frame. Ensure that side control
buttons are not being pressed by the frame, where necessary ensure there is a
space between them.
D. You have established your smartphone’s final position.
E. Take a few of the adhesive pads and lay them (without removing the
film) on the reverse side of your smartphone. Now check the lid and ensure
that you can close it without a problem.
F. When you are satisfied, remove the film from the pads’ adhesive
surfaces and stick the pads to the inside of the lid, in the positions as
tested.
Setting eye calibration
The next step allows you to set up the device to match the distance between
your eyes.
For iPhones:
- Open your iPhone’s settings and scroll down until you see the Universe2go logo.
- Tap on the icon to open the Universe2go settings menu. Scroll down to the “interpupillary distance mm” option and tap on the menu item.
- Enter your interpupillary distance, which varies from person to person. You can then exit the settings menu.
For Android:
- Open the Universe2go app and, on the start screen, tap the blue cogwheel icon with which you access the settings menu.
- Scroll down to the “interpupillary distance mm” option and tap on the menu item.
- Enter your interpupillary distance, which varies from person to person. You can then exit the settings menu.
Note: if you wear spectacles you will probably find your interpupillary
distance in your prescription. If you don’t wear spectacles, either try out
various interpupillary distances or measure yours with a PD ruler. Find out
how to create a ruler and measure your own eyes here:
https://universe2go.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/05/PD_ruler_EN.pdf
Note: Setting the interpupillary distance is only necessary if the “
Both eyes ” option is activated in the settings.
2.3 Star calibration
2.3.1 Standard star calibration
For Universe2go to be able to precisely display the real positions of
astronomical objects, three bright stars need to be targeted.
Note: Please make sure that the cover of the Star Viewer has been
removed, otherwise you will not be able to see any stars.
A. If you look at the night sky through Universe2go, you will see a green
targeting circle and some stars, which also have green borders. You can see
the name of the stars above them.
Aim at one of these stars, positioning it in the center of the targeting
circle. Calibration will commence as soon as the star is held, motionless, in
the targeting circle.
You will see a circular progress bar, which forms a complete ring around the
star after a successful calibration.
After calibrating this star, a small red 1 (or, later, a 2 or a 3) will appear
on the display.
B. Now calibrate the second and third stars, using the same procedure as
described in A.
After star calibration, you will receive information regarding current sensor
quality.
If the sensor quality is poor, please try the following:
Compass is inaccurate:
-
Change your position and ensure no metal objects are in the vicinity.
-
Repeat the star calibration using a different star.
Make sure you do not use a star that is either too near the horizon or too near the zenith (directly overhead). Select stars that are as far as possible away from each other. -
Use the “ Expert calibration ” function in the app.
Gravitation sensor is inaccurate:
Make sure that the Universe2go is sitting securely on your nose during
calibration. Any vertical movement of the Star Viewer on your nose during
calibration can lead to poor sensor quality.
2.3.2 Expert calibration
A. Look downwards with the Universe2go until the menu appears.
Select “ SETTINGS” > Expert calibration.
B. You will now see a calibration list consisting of the names of stars
and planets.
Select a star – you will need to know exactly where to find it in the night
sky. This method is hence only suitable for those already well acquainted with
the night sky.
C. Calibrate the star, as described in 2.3.1 – A.
Controlling Universe2go
Focus on a star in the sky by hovering above it with the small green circle, which you see in the middle of your view when looking through the device. [fig. 1]
Universe2go will then try to identify this star. Universe2go works best if you slowly shift from star to star in the night sky. This allows Universe2go to always align itself on the current star and means the coverage of the real and virtual night sky is most reliable.
Note: Point at the astronomical object as precisely as possible – the
star viewer carries out frequent recalibrations during observation.
That means that calibration will be less effective if you do not aim directly
at the object, but instead slightly away from it.
Note: Shake the device to and fro (ideally with a rapid right and left
rotation of the wrist) to cancel the audio guide or to return from a zoomed
view of an astronomical object.
3.1 The options
For your journey through the night sky, you have the following eight options
available.
Beginner mode – This is the simplest mode of all, which only shows you stars
and constellation lines. When you focus on the name of a constellation with
the focusing circle, the name will be enlarged and the constellation
highlighted with yellow lines. If you hold the focusing circle on the name for
two seconds, Universe2go will start an audible explanation of the
constellation. [fig. 2] 
Discovery mode – Receive additional information about the stars in the
constellations. When you focus on a star in the display with the target, and
info frame with the most important data about the star appears next to it on
the right. For brighter stars, you will also receive audible information on
interesting facts and peculiarities about the star. [fig. 3]
Mythology mode – Here Universe2go tells you the stories of heroes,
monsters, kings, and beautiful maidens, which the ancient Greeks linked with
the stars. In addition to the lines, a pictorial representation is shown for
every constellation.
If you focus on the name of the constellation, just like in Starter mode,
after two seconds a voice will tell an interesting story about the
mythological figure. [fig. 4]
Deep-Sky mode – Dive deep into the Universe and discover distant
galaxies, beautiful nebulae, magnificent star clusters, and exploding
supernovae – things you would never be able to see with the naked eye. As with
the stars, you can also activate an info frame by focusing on the deep-sky
object in the display.
If you focus on the object for longer than two seconds, the app will zoom in
on the object. [fig. 5]
3-D mode – In this mode, the sky becomes dynamic and gains depth.
You discover many colorful nebulae, similar to Deep-Sky mode, but now you will
immediately realize that these nebulae are much further away than the stars of
our constellations, providing a better indication of the vastness of the
Universe.
Quiz mode – After gaining some experience, you are now ready for a quiz
about the cosmos. Universe2go will show a randomly selected constellation,
which you will have to find in the night sky.
Search – With this function, you can search for stars, planets,
constellations, deep-sky objects, comets, or even satellites. In the
corresponding sub-menu, you will find numerous objects in alphabetical order.
Once you have chosen an object, another circle will appear around the yellow
target with a line that you can follow to find the object you were looking
for.
Expert mode – In Expert mode, you can adjust the display individually to
meet your requirements. You can switch the object classes (stars, planets,
deep-sky objects, comets, etc.) on and off, you can set the display of names,
the background music, and the depth of displayed details and even fade in an
azimuthal and equatorial grid. [fig. 6] 
3.2 Standard settings
Here you can make various individual adjustments. The most important functions:
Music: Here you can turn the background music on and off.
Star calibration: Should Universe2go lose its orientation, or you pass
the device to a different user, you should repeat the star calibration.
Simply choose the menu option and focus on any bright star. This way
Universe2go can be conveniently used by a group of observers.
Expert calibration: Select a star – which you know the position of – from
the list of bright stars and point at it for the calibration process.
Brightness: It may be sensible to adjust the display brightness in such a way that you will see the starry sky, but without being distracted by the digital picture.
Four different settings are possible, depending on the location: “city, village, rural, dark”.
Example: For instance, if you observe the stars from a city , you will only see brighter stars and you will be additionally distracted by the ambient brightness of the city lights. In this case, the display must be set to bright.
If you observe in a rural area, “rural” or “dark” may be the correct choice. The brightness of the display will in this case be reduced to such an extent that the real starry sky will not be obstructed.
3.3 Expert settings
Use the following selections to set up the view of the night sky as you wish to view it.
Select between “Activate” and “ Deactivate ” in each sub-menu. You will then be able to see the results of your settings in “ Expert mode ”.
Stars
Display: shows the stars, on/off
Colour: displays the colors of stars
Name: displays the name or description of the stars on the star map
Info: You will receive information as soon as you point at a star (name
of the star, catalog designation, distance in light-years, visibility, status,
size as compared to the Sun).
Info all: you receive information about all the stars in a constellation
Image Info: the image of a star appears in addition to the information
Planets
Display: shows the planets, on/off
Name: labels the planet
Invisible: Select whether you want to see all the planets or just those
which can be seen with the naked eye.
Constellations
Display: shows the constellations, on/off
Name: labels the constellations
Lat. Names: labels the constellations with their official Latin names
Lines: displays the constellation lines
Images: displays the mythological figures of a constellation as soon as
you point at it.
Deep-Sky
Display: Shows deep-sky objects, on/off. (These include open clusters,
globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies, etc.)
Name: labels the deep-sky objects with their real names
Info: You will receive information as soon as you point at an object
(name or catalog designation, type of object, size as compared to the Sun,
distance in light-years, visibility).
NGC Cat. comply.: Displays the full NGC catalog (New General Catalog).
Comets
Display: shows comets, on/off
Names: labels the comets
Satellites
Display: shows satellites, on/off
Names: labels the satellites
Coordinates
Alt-azimuth: displays the alt-azimuth coordinates
Equatorial: displays the equatorial coordinates
Menu control
How do you change to another model? Simply direct your view down to the
ground, this will activate the menu.
You control the menu by tilting your head. When the menu appears it is
initially blocked, so that nothing can be activated by accident. To unlock the
menu, look up again with the device and look straight forward. The cursor will
then be released in the form of a little hand. [fig. 7]
Once the cursor has been released, the little hand will follow the movement of the device. If you move your head with the device upwards, the list with menu options will scroll up, if you look down, the list will scroll down. The little hand thereby informs you about the angle of your view.
In order to select or activate a menu option, you must first move the hand into the middle, which is highlighted by a frame. You should now make sure that the little hand also stops in the middle by simply looking straight ahead. You can activate the setting by tilting your head to the right. By tilting your head to the left you can move back through the menu or close the menu without choosing anything.
When you start the menu for the first time, the system will provide an audio explanation, so that you can get to know the operation step by step.
App settings
You can make changes to the most important settings in the app under the menu point “ SETTINGS ”. You can find more setting options (in the iPhone) outside the app under the settings of your smartphone and (in Android) at the beginning of the app behind the cogwheel symbol at the bottom right-hand corner.
Left eye: Determines on which eye the display is laid if the display only appears on one eye. (Set automatically during calibration.)
Irrelevant if “Both eyes” is activated.
Both eyes: Display on both eyes. Automatically activated if the device is used by day since the restriction is only beneficial at night.
3-D presentations are only possible if “Both eyes” are activated.
Search objects below the horizon: This allows you to search for objects below the horizon.
Reset help audio: All help texts are repeated again if activated.
Calibrate gyro: Universe2go checks and calibrates the gyro sensor at the start.
Interpupillary distance: Enter your interpupillary distance here in millimeters. There is a measurement guide in the FAQs on the website https://universe2go.com/en/.
Longitude: Determined automatically. Can be entered manually if GPS is
not available (e.g. if the smartphone flight mode is activated).
The entry must be made in angular degrees.
Latitude: Determined automatically. Can be entered manually if GPS is not
available (e.g. if the smartphone flight mode is activated). The entry must be
made in angular degrees.
(RAD = longitude in degrees/57.3)
Brightness settings: Enter a value between 0.0 and 1.0 or set slide control.
Currently only available for iPhone:
Audio guide: Activate input help for those with impaired sight.
The speech output of the smartphone is activated and a guiding tone is emitted which indicates the proximity (pitch) and brightness (relative volume) of whatever object is closest.
Audio guide level: Volume of the guiding tone.
Audio guide speed: Speed of the speech output.
Wiki audio: In addition to the vocally-entered texts, other Wikipedia
texts are provided on even more objects via speech output.
Simulator: Universe2go runs automatically according to a script. The
script is entered under the “script name”.
Only the “simulatorScript.txt” script is currently available.
Version: The version number of the app (Android).
Show intro: With this slide control you determine whether the solar system
introductory video should be played on start-up.
Online help
If you have questions or encounter problems with the operation of Universe2go, you will find further information under https://universe2go.com/en/ under the menu option “CUSTOMER SERVICE”. There you will also find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
System requirements
Compatible smartphones: iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8, X, XS, SE, 11 Pro; Samsung
Galaxy S6, S7, S8 and S9, and many more models.
You can find a list of further suitable smartphones at the following website:
https://universe2go.com/en/.
Maximum dimensions of the smartphone: L 149 x W 76 x H 11mm
Required sensors: GPS, gyro, acceleration, compass
Supported operating systems: iOS Version 9.3 or later, Android Version
5.0 or later. We reserve the right to make technical changes.
We wish you lots of fun with Universe2go.
Let’s go explore the night sky!
Reproduction of part or all of the contents of this document in any form is
expressly prohibited other than for individual use only. Subject to
modifications and errors.
All text, images, and labels are property of Animax GmbH.
References
- Universe2go | My personal Planetarium
- Universe2go | My personal Planetarium
- Universe2go | My personal Planetarium
- Universe2go | My personal Planetarium
- Universe2go | My personal Planetarium
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