Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Instruction Manual
- June 3, 2024
- Sky-Watcher
Table of Contents
Star Adventurer 2i
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Star Adventurer 2i
Copyright © Sky-Watcher
200430V1
Thank you for purchasing this Sky-Watcher product
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i is user-friendly and provides various
combinations to satisfy all your needs for astrophotography and time-lapse
photography. It is a high precision, portable and stable celestial tracking
platform for sidereal, solar, lunar tracking or other customized speeds with
automatic DSLR shutter release control. It also support unguided dithering
option for easily removing hot pixels, cold pixels and even satellite/
airplane trails and may also improve pattern noise problem during the stacking
process. Moreover, its built-in Wi-Fi allows users to easily customize their
favorite settings through free Star Adventurer mini Console App both for
Android and iOS platforms. All the customized parameters will be stored in
preprogrammed functions selected by friendly Mode Dial which allows you to use
your favorite settings without initiating the Wi-Fi communication.
For your Safety
To prevent damage to your Sky-Watcher product or injury to yourself or to
others, read the following safety precautions entirely before using this
equipment. Keep these safety instructions available to all users of the
product. To prevent possible injury, pay special attention to all warnings
before using this Sky-Watcher product.
WARNING:
· Do not look at the Sun through the Polar Scope. Viewing the Sun or other
strong light sources through the Polar Scope could cause permanent visual
impairment
· Do not use in the presence of flammable gas. Do not use electronic equipment
in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire
· Keep out of reach of children. Failure to do so could result in injury.
Moreover, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard. Consult a
physician immediately when a
· child swallows any part of this equipment Do not disassemble. Touching the
product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction,
remove the batteries and take the product to a Sky-Watcher authorized service
center
Notice
· Sky-Watcher reserves the right to change the specification of the hardware
and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.
· Sky-Watcher cannot be held liable for any damage resulting from
inappropriate use of this product.
· While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this
manual is accurate and complete, we greatly appreciate if you find any errors,
to report them to Sky-Watcher.1
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CONTENT
Features……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Body…………………………………………………………..5 The Optional
Accessories……………………………………………………………………………………6
Preparation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8 Setup
Tripod……………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Mount Star Adventurer
2i…………………………………………………………………………………….8 Mount The Imaging Equipment
…………………………………………………………………………10
For Astrophotography………………………………………………………………………….10 For Time-Lapse
Photography………………………………………………………………12 Provide Power
Source…………………………………………………………………………13 Start Using Star Adventurer
2i…………………………………………………………………………………………14
Overview………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14 LED Status Indicators
……………………………………………………………………………………….16 Basic Operation In APP mode
…………………………………………………………………………..17 Astrophotography and Astro Time-Lapse
………………………………………………………….18 Astrophotography………………………………………………………………………………..18
Astro Time-Lapse………………………………………………………………………………..20 Polar
Alignment…………………………………………………………………………………………………21 Polar Alignment in the
Northern Hemisphere………………………………………..21 Polar Alignment in the Southern
Hemisphere……………………………………….24 Using Star Adventurer mini Console in APP
mode……………………………………………..26 Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For
Astrophotograhy………………27 Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For Astro Time-
Lapse…………….29 Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For Time-Lapse
Photography…31 Manual Control with the Star Adventurer mini
Console…………………………34 Settings with the Star Adventurer mini
Console……………………………………35 Wi-Fi Network……………………………………………………………………………………..36 Six
Preprogrammed Function Modes…………………………………………………………………37 Appendix I : Calibrate
The Polar Scope…………………………………………………………………………..38 Appendix : Fine-Tuning
Mounting Assembly………………………………………………………………..41 Appendix : Equatorial
Wedge………………………………………………………………………………………42 Appendix : How to Restore Factory
Settings………………………………………………………………..43 Appendix : Firmware Upgrade
Procedure…………………………………………………………………….45 Appendix :
Specification……………………………………………………………………………………………..46
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Features:
· High precision, portable and stable celestial tracking system · Built-in Wi-
Fi with free App for Android and iOS platforms · Multi-language support ·
Solar, lunar, sidereal and customized tracking speeds for astrophotography ·
Supports unguided dithering option for easily removing hot/cold pixels ·
Maximum payload up to 5 kg (11 lb) · Supports star-scape photography ·
Supports standard short exposure time-lapse photography · Supports long
exposure time-lapse photography · User-friendly Mode Dial with preprogrammed
functions · Built-in Polar Scope with illuminator for precise polar alignment
· Provides DSLR shutter control for multiple brands · Lifetime free firmware
upgrade · Supports single axis auto-guiding · Built-in motor protection and
status indication · Uses AAx4 batteries · Supports external USB power · Low
power consumption · Fits standard 3/8 and 1/4 inch tripod/quick release
brackets · Expandable with a range of optional accessories
4
Introduction:
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Body
3 4
5
13 14
12 10 11
1
2
6
9
8 7 15
20
21 18 19 16
17
23 22
1:Mode Dial 2:Mode Index 3:Polar Scope Cap 4:Battery Case Cover 5:Polar Scope Cover 6:Quick Polaris Finder 7:Mini USB Port 8:RJ-12 6-pins Auto-guider Interface 9:DSLR Shutter Control Port 10:3-Position Slide Switch 11:Right Button and LED Indication 12:Left Button and LED Indication 13:Clutch Knob
24
25
26
14:Mounting Platform 15:Locking Knob 16:Knurled Ring of Polar Scope 17:Polar
Scope 18:Date Graduation Circle 19:Time Meridian Indicator 20:AAx4 Battery
Case 21:Time Graduation Circle 22:Time Meridian Indicator Calibration Screw
23:Polar Scope Calibration Screw 24:Worm Gear Meshing Adjustment Screw
25:Socket for 3/8″ Thread Screw 26:1/4″ to 3/8″ Convert Screw Adapter
5
The Optional Accessories: (The default included accessories may vary. Please
refer to local dealers for details). Polar Scope Illuminator – To provide
lighting source for Polar Scope. Also compatible with Sky-Watcher EQ3, EQ5 and
EQ8.
Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly – To mount a telescope with ¼” thread screw on
the Star Adventurer 2i. Allows pointing and fine-tuning pointing in two
directions.
3/8″ Ball Head Adapter – To mount a standard camera ball-head with 3/8″ thread
screw on the Star Adventurer 2i.
Equatorial Wedge – To adjust the latitude of the Star Adventurer 2i for polar
alignment. Offers higher accuracy and stability than a standard photo tripod
head.
Counterweight – To balance the telescope or camera loading with 1kg
counterweight.
1/4″ to 3/8″ Convert Screw Adapter – To convert the default socket for 3/8″
thread screw to the socket for 1/4″ thread screw in order to mount the Star
Adventurer 2i to a standard quick release plate of the tripod with 1/4″ thread
screw.
6
DSLR Shutter Control Cable – To connect the DSLR Shutter Control Port of Star Adventurer 2i to your DSLR’s external shutter control port. This allows Star Adventurer 2i to directly control the DSLR’s shutter release with preprogrammed shutter interval. You can order an optional cable for your camera from your local resellers. The Following list shows the cables that we offer as optional items.
Sky-Watcher Cable model
Camera interface
Compatible Remote controller interface
Compatible Camera
AP-R1C (CANON C1)
Canon remote control terminal (E3
type)
AP-R3C (CANON C3)
Canon remote control terminal (N3
type)
Canon RS-60E3
Canon RS-80N3, TC-80N3
Canon EOS 100D, 300D/350D, 400D/450D, 500D/550D, 600D/650D, 700D, 60D/60Da,
70D
Canon EOS 5D/6D/7D, 10D/20D/30D/40D/50D, 1V, 1D, 1Ds Mark III, 5D Mark III
AP-R1N (NIKON N1)
Nikon Ten-pin remote terminal
Nikon MC-22, MC-30, MC36
Nikon D1/D2/D3/D4 D200/D300/D700/D800
AP-R2N Nikon Remote cord
(NIKON N2)
connector
Nikon MC-DC1
Nikon D70S, D80
AP-R3N (NIKON N3)
Nikon Accessory terminal
Nikon MC-DC2
Nikon D90, D600, D3000/D3100/D3200/D3300, D5000/D5100/D5200/D5300, D7000/D7100
AP-R1S (SONY S1)
Sony REMOTE terminal
Sony RM-S1AM, RM-L1AM
Sony a100, a200, a300, a350, a450, a550, a560, a700, a850, a900
AP-R3L (OLYMPUS
OP12)
Olympus Multi-connector
RM-UC1
Olympus E-P1/E-P2, E-PL2/E-PL3, E510/E520/ E550/E620, E400/ E410/E420, SP- 570UZ/SP-590UZ
7
Preparation :
Setup Tripod:
Without Tilt-head: take a standard photo tripod or video tripod with a 3/8″ connection screw. Spread the legs and secure the tripod legs at the desired height to provide a stable support for your Star Adventuer 2i. Assemble Equatorial Wedge to the tripod as Fig 1.
With Tilt-head/Ball-head: Take a standard photo tripod or video tripod with Tilt-head or Ball-head. Spread the legs and secure the tripod legs at the desired height to provide a stable support for your Star Adventurer 2i as Fig 2.
Mount Star Adventurer 2i:
With Equatorial Wedge: Make sure the 1/4″ to 3/8″ Convert Screw Adapter is not
in the 3/8″ threaded socket at the bottom side of the Star Adventurer 2i. If
it is, use a Slot Screwdriver to remove it. Mount the Star Adventurer 2i on
the (optional) Equatorial Wedge (Fig 3). Make sure the Stopper is facing
forward. Then point the Polar Scope to the direction of the North Pole (For
Northern Hemisphere observing) or South Pole (For Southern Hemisphere
observing) (Fig 4). Lastly, complete the Polar Alignment process (Please see
Polar Alignment session for reference).
8
North/South Pole
Stopper
North/South Pole
With Tilt-head/ Ball-head: Make sure the 1/4″ to 3/8″ Convert Screw Adapter is
in the 3/8″ threaded socket at the bottom of the Star Adventurer 2i. If it is
not, use an Slot Screwdriver to install it. Mount the Star Adventurer 2i to
the quick release plate on the tripod. Then point the Polar Scope to the
direction of the North Pole (For Northern Hemisphere observing) or South Pole
(For Southern Hemisphere observing) (Fig 5). Then complete the polar alignment
process (Please see Polar Alignment session for reference). Please DO NOT move
the tripod or change the angle of Equatorial Wedge or tilt-head in order to
keep the polar alignment. IF you did, please redo the polar alignment process.
9
Mount The Imaging Equipment:
Now you can mount your imaging equipment according to your need, including the
Shutter Control Cable, as the following figures show. You can contact Sky-
Watcher authorized dealers to acquire the optional accessories as needed.
During mounting, please DO NOT move the tripod or change the angle of the
Equatorial Wedge or tilt-head in order to keep the polar alignment. For
Astrophotography: Star Adventurer 2i +3/8″ Ball Head Adapter + Ball head +
Camera + Shutter Control Cable: Note: Make sure the locking bolt of the
Mounting Platform has locked on the indentation on the side of the 3/8″ Ball
Head Adapter for better locking and support.
3/8″ Ball Head Adapter
Star Adventurer 2i + Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly + Polar Scope Illuminator +
1kg Counterweight + Telescope
Or
Star Adventurer 2i + Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly + Polar Scope Illuminator
Camera + Ball Head + Shutter Control Cable + 1kg Counterweight
10
Star Adventurer 2i + Dovetail + Dual Ball Heads +Dual Cameras + Shutter
Control Cable:
Take the Dovetail from the Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly to mount two Ball
Heads
Ball Head
Star Adventurer 2i + Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly + Ball-Head + Camera+
Telescope (+ Auto-guider):
11
For Time-Lapse Photography: (For reference only: you can assemble very
different configurations to create more interesting time-lapse photography)
Horizontal Rotation Time-Lapse Photography:
Vertical Rotation Time-Lapse Photography:
12
Provide Power Source:
Star Adventurer 2i allows two power source options. One is inserting 4 AA type
batteries; the other is providing DC 5V through USB port (type mini-B).
insert 4 AA batteries plug in USB power
13
Start Using Star Adventurer 2i
Overview:
Star Adventurer 2i is the next generation of Star Adventurer. It’s a compact
and versatile camera tracking platform that lets you make truly unique
photographs and time-lapse videos. While keeping previous high-accuracy
tracking and the friendly Mode Dial with preprogrammed functions, it also adds
Wi-Fi capability to allow users easily configure their favorite photographic
settings through free Star Adventurer mini Console App. Besides previous
Astrophotography and Regular-Exposure Time-lapse modes, It also adds Long-
Exposure Time-lapse and patented Astro Time-lapse. Moreover, It supports
unguided dithering option in Astrophotography mode for easily removing
hot/cold pixels, satellite/airplane trails and may also improve pattern noise
problem during the stacking process. Star Adventurer 2i has a fully App
controlled mode (APP) and six preprogrammed function
modes ( , , , , RT and LT). The APP mode let users fully control Wi-Fi
settings and photographic settings including exposure time, frame period,
number of pictures taken, tracking speed, dithering range and swing range
through Wi-Fi and Star Adventurer mini Console App. All the successful
executed settings in APP mode will be stored into corresponding preprogrammed
function modes. Next time users can directly select any of the six
preprogrammed function modes without initiating the Wi-Fi communication. Star
Adventurer 2i will automatically execute the corresponding preprogrammed
function with customized settings. Following is the basic description. For
more details, please read each section carefully to understand how to control
Star Adventurer 2i using the free control app or the preprogrammed function
modes.
Mode Dial : For power control and mode selection. While powering off the Star
Adventurer 2i , please wait until LEDs completely off
Mode Dial Mode Index
Mode Dial
Functional Description
OFF
Turn off Power
Astrophotography mode with celestial tracking
Astrophotography mode with solar tracking
Astrophotography mode with lunar tracking
Astro Time-lapse mode
RT
Regular-Exposure Time-lapse mode
LT
Long-Exposure Time-lapse mode
APP
Star Adventurer mini Console App mode
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3-Position Slide Switch: For selection of rotation direction in six
preprogrammed function modes
( , , , , RT and LT). This function has no effect in APP mode.
Buttons: The Right / Left buttons are used for rotating in higher speed (about
12X celestial tracking speed) in six preprogrammed function
modes ( , , , , RT and LT) . The slewing function has no effect in APP mode.
In APP mode, buttons are ONLY used to enable Wi-Fi if it is disabled .
Slide Switch
Snap : This is a 2.5mm 3-segment stereo jack for connecting to a camera’s shutter control port to control camera shutter interval.
Auto-Guider: Star Adventurer 2i also contains auto-guiding interface to accept single axis (RA axis) auto-guiding signal to provide more accurate celestial tracking for better quality of astrophotography. The RJ-12 6-pin outlet is for connecting an auto-guider. It is compatible with any auto-guider with a ST-4 type interface. This function only works in Astrophotography Mode with Dithering disabled and the tracking speed is not faster than 2 times of sidereal speed. For other modes, the auto-guiding signal has no effect.
USB Port: Star Adventurer 2i contains a USB port (Type Mini-B) to support external USB power and to support control commands for firmware upgrade or App control. For firmware upgrade, please refer to “Appendix :Firmware Upgrade procedure ” for details For APP control please refer to ” Using Star Adventurer mini Console in APP mode” for details.
Buttons Shutter Control Port
auto guide USB
15
LED Status Indicators
Mode Dial LED: Mode Dial LED Off: The Power is Off.
Mode Dial LED
Mode Dial LED Solid On: Power is on and system is normal.
Mode Dial LED Slow Blink: Low Battery Level. The red LED blinks 2 times per second when the battery level is lower than 4.6V, or USB power is lower than 4.4V.
Mode Dial LEDs Fast Blink: The red LED blinks 3 times per second to indicate motor speed errors exceeding 5% and/or motor stalls that last over 5 seconds. Speed errors can be caused by overloading the mount and by low battery levels. To correct a speed error reduce the load or supply new batteries. Motor stalls are usually due to obstructions of the mount so that it cannot rotate. In the case of motor stalls, remove the cause of the block then restart your task.
Button LEDs: For six preprogrammed function modes ( , , , Button LEDs Solid
On: Motor status is normal
For APP mode: Button LEDs Off: Wi-Fi is turned off.
, RT and LT):
Buttons
Button LEDs Blinking: Wi-Fi is activated and ready for connection.
Button LEDs Solid On: Wi-Fi is connected and Star Adventurer mini Console is connected and running
Both of Mode Dial LED and Button LEDs Repeatedly Blink 3 times: Indicate the
Star Adventurer 2i is ready for firmware update or firmware update is in
progress.
Now is time to learn more about Star Adventurer 2i in each of following
sections.
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Basic Operations in APP mode:
Installing the Star Adventurer mini console: The Star Adventurer mini Console
is available at the Android “Play Store” for your Android device and at the
“App Store” for your iOS device. Go to your particular store, search for “Star
Adventurer mini Console”, then download and install. The app performs the same
way for both operating systems. Detailed use of the app is provided in the
relevant sections. Turn on Wi-Fi: Turn Mode Dial to APP mode to enable Wi-Fi
and allow device to accept commands from App. Connect to Wi-Fi: Once Wi-Fi is
activated and ready for connection, go to the “Settings > Wi-Fi” for your
phone, then search for and join the Wi-Fi access point “SynScanWiFi_xxxxxx”
Start the Star Adventurer mini Console: Once WiFi is connected you can run the
Star Adventurer mini Console to access its many features. See specific details
in the relevant sections Turn Off Wi-Fi : Turn Mode Dial to any mode other
than APP mode will disable the Wi-Fi Reconnecting the Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi
may be disabled due to timeout or after task started according to users’
setting. Timeout happens when the Wi-Fi traffic is absent for certain period.
The default timeout is disabled but you can set it to other values using the
Star Adventurer mini Console. The Wi-Fi may also be disabled after the task
started when user enable the “Wi-Fi Off on Run”. To resume Wi-Fi, press the
Right/Left Button briefly until the Button LEDs starting flashing. Re-connect
to Wi-Fi as described above.
Following we will start to explain the most popular function of Star
Adventurer 2i, Astrophotography and explain how Star Adventurer 2i makes this
challenge job become easier.
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Astrophotography and Astro Time-Lapse
Astrophotography Astrophotography refers to photography of the night time sky.
It has become far more familiar to us due to the incredible images recorded by
the Hubble Space Telescope and shared by NASA with the public over the past
two decades. But astrophotography didn’t start with the Hubble Space
Telescope. In fact, it started more than 100 years ago and has been done in
large part since that time by amateur astronomers.
With Star Adventurer 2i, astrophotography is now something you can do, too.
You won’t be able to produce photographs that have the same image scale as
those taken by the Hubble, but you will be able to make beautiful portraits of
constellations and large regions of the Milky Way galaxy showing star clouds,
star clusters, and light and dark nebulae. You’ll be able to record time-lapse
videos of auroras, and the stages of a lunar eclipse.
First, however, there are two challenges to overcome that you don’t encounter
in typical, terrestrial types of photography. One is the need to use long
exposures (e.g., greater than 30 seconds) to record dim night sky objects. The
second is the need to have the camera follow the sky as the exposure is taking
place.
The Need For Long Exposures Unfortunately, you can’t just set your camera to
AUTO, aim it at the night sky and take a picture. The night sky is far too dim
for that to work, and any attempts you make will produce seriously
underexposed results. But, you can overcome this challenge by selecting BULB
mode on your camera and using Star Adventurer 2i’s SNAP cable connection to
create much longer exposures like a minute or two or ten! With a
sufficiently long exposure, your camera will collect enough light to reveal
hidden details that are much too faint for our eyes to see. But then, quite
literally, you’ll see the second problem!
The Milky Way Galaxy revealed through a long exposure astro-photo with
precision tracking
18
An equatorial mount rotates to prevent star trailing in your photo by precisely countering Earth’s Rotation Milky Way Galaxy revealed through a long exposure astrophoto with precision tracking
The Need For Tracking In your now, nicely exposed photo, the stars don’t look
like stars anymore. they look like little lines and arcs of variable lengths!
The problem here is called trailing, and it becomes more noticeable as the
focal length of your lens and/or your exposure time increases.
You might think that trailing is due to the movement of the stars, but it’s
not. It’s due to the movement of your camera as it records those distant stars
over the course of that exposure. Your camera is moving because it is sitting
on a tripod that is sitting on the Earth, and the Earth is rotating. This
motion causes the stars, which appear to be fixed in space from our
perspective, to appear to move relative to us, and more importantly, to our
camera.
Star Adventurer 2i overcomes this challenge by moving your camera to precisely
offset the effects of Earth’s rotation while a sufficiently long exposure of
the night sky is being made. Star Adventurer 2i’s tracking capability keeps a
specific area of the sky impinging upon the same part of the camera sensor
throughout the exposure. So a star will fall on the same set of pixels from
the beginning through the end of the exposure. The result is a well-exposed
photo of the night sky with pin point star images.
With Star Adventurer 2i, two of the biggest challenges in doing
astrophotography are simplified and automated for you. Star Adventurer 2i’s
camera control features enable you to take exposures in excess of 30s each.
Star Adventurer 2i’s tracking ability keeps your camera on target to produce
pin point star images. As your skill level in astrophotography progresses you
can set Star Adventurer 2i up to take multiple images of your subject, then
use advanced processing techniques like stacking to make truly remarkable
celestial portraits.
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Astro Time-Lapse Astro Time-Lapse photography faces the same challenges as
astrophotography in general. Namely, due to the dimness of the subject (the
night sky), longer exposures are required to record sufficient detail, and
tracking is needed to prevent star trailing during those exposures. But there
are some differences as well. For astrophotography, the region of sky that is
being photographed moves over the course of the exposure sequence. We
generally repeat the process to obtain a sequence of images, all of the same
subject, and all framed identically. This means that our camera is pointing in
a different direction at the end of the sequence compared to where it was
pointing at the beginning. This occurs because our subject has moved and the
camera has moved along with it. In Astro Time-Lapse we take multiple images as
well, and the camera moves with each exposure. But, unlike in
astrophotography, Star Adventurer 2i returns the camera to the starting point
after each exposure is completed. Now, when the frames are sequenced into a
video, you see the night sky moving about a fixed terrestrial reference point.
By finding locations with beautiful foreground settings you can produce
breathtaking videos of the sky moving over your location. [Visit our YouTube
channel to see some examples]. Special Requirements For Astrophotography and
Astro Time-Lapse In order to track the movement of the night sky the camera
has to be continuously moved to offset the rotation of the Earth in order to
hold the subject perfectly steady on the sensor. The rotation of the camera
needs to take place about an axis that is parallel to Earth’s rotational axis,
and therefore, the two axes must be aligned in order for tracking to work
correctly.
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Polar Alignment:
Polar Alignment refers to the procedure for aligning Star Adventurer 2i’s
rotational axis with the Earth’s rotational axis. If we extend Earth’s
rotational axis out into space it intersects an imaginary point called the
Celestial Pole. In the Northern hemisphere we refer to that point as the North
Celestial Pole, or NCP for short. In the Southern hemisphere it is the South
Celestial Pole or SCP. Because the celestial poles are imaginary points, there
is nothing to see at their locations. This can make pointing at them a bit of
a challenge! However, there are a couple of celestial land marks nearby the
poles that help us along. In the north it is Polaris, the North Star. In the
south it is the star Sigma Octanis
Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere
To polar align Star Adventurer 2i with the NCP follow this procedure. It is
best to do this at dusk when you can just see Polaris, but before it is
completely dark so that you can more easily see what you are doing. Also, it’s
always good practice to save the dark for taking your pictures, not for
setting up your equipment.
While using a tilt/pan head or ball mount attached to your tripod:
1. Set up your tripod and be sure that it is secure. 2. Attach Star
Adventurer 2i to the tilt/pan or ball head. 3. Move the tripod and make the
Mounting Platform facing north. Then remove Polar Scope Cap. 4. Attach Polar
Scope Illuminator to the Polar Scope on Mounting Platform side. This will help
make the reticule pattern in the Polar Scope eyepiece more visible in dark
conditions. Adjust the intensity of the illuminator by turning the dial. Make
it bright enough to see the reticule pattern, but not so bright as to wash out
your view of Polaris 5. Loose Clutch Knob and rotate Mounting Platform so that
In view of Polar Scope the “0” label on the reticule pattern is at the12
o’clock position (i.e., at the top). When positioned correctly 3 will be seen
at the right, 6 and the bottom and 9 to the left. Then fasten Clutch Knob. 6.
Now, angle the tilt/head or ball mount up and rotate so that you can see
Polaris in the field of view of the Quick Polaris Finder . 7. Now you should
be able to see Polaris in field of view of Polar Scope. If not, angle the
tilt/head or ball mount up and rotate until Polaris in the field of view. It
can be anywhere in the field of view at this point. You will adjust to its
exact location in a moment 8. Go to Using the Polar Clock Utility for Polar
Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere to finish the Polar alignment procedure
Polaris
21
While using the optional Equatorial Wedge attached to your tripod with Mounting Assembly:
1. Set up your tripod and ensure it is stable.
2. Attach the Equatorial Wedge directly to your tripod via
the 3/8-inch threaded mounting hole.
3. Once the wedge is securely attached align the tripod
so that the Altitude Adjustment Knob is facing north.
Polaris
4. Now, level your tripod using the built-in Bubble
Level. A leveled Equatorial Wedge is not a requirement
for astrophotography, but it makes subsequent
adjustments easier to make.
5. Once leveled, rotate the Altitude Adjustment Knob
until the Altitude Indicator points at your latitude on the
Altitude Scale. (The altitude of Polaris above the horizon
at your location matches your latitude). If you don’t know
your latitude you can look it up in the Star Adventurer
mini Console under Settings-> Location. 6. Attach Mounting Assembly, Camera,
Ball Head and Counterweight. Loose Clutch Knob then adjust the position of
counterweight until it’s balanced. Then Fasten the Clutch Knob and remove
Polar Scope Cap.
7. Attach Polar Scope Illuminator to the dove tail of Mounting Assembly. Adjust the position to align it to the Polar Scope. This will help make the reticule pattern in the Polar Scope eyepiece more visible in dark conditions. Adjust the intensity of the illuminator by turning the dial. Make it bright enough to see the reticule pattern, but not so bright as to wash out your view of Polaris 8. Loose Clutch Knob and rotate Mounting Platform so that In view of Polar Scope the “0” label on the reticule pattern is at the12 o’clock position (i.e., at the top). When positioned correctly 3 will be seen at the right, 6 and the bottom and 9 to the left. Then fasten Clutch Knob. 9. Now, adjust Altitude and Azimuth Adjustment Knobs on the wedge so that you can see Polaris in the field of view of the Quick Polaris Finder . 10. Now you should be able to see Polaris in field of view of Polar Scope. If not, adjust Altitude and Azimuth Adjustment Knobs until Polaris in the field of view. It can be anywhere in the field of view at this point. You will adjust to its exact location in a moment. 11. Go to Using the Polar Clock Utility for Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere to finish the Polar alignment procedure 12. After complete the polar alignment. Connect the SNAP camera control cable between Star Adventurer 2i and your camera. Point your camera at your subject, then proceed to set up Star Adventurer 2i via the Star Adventurer mini Console or 6 preprogrammed function modes. 13. You can monitor the accuracy of polar alignment during taking the astro-photos. Adjust it if needed.
22
Using the Polar Clock Utility for Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere
Now tap on the Polar Clock Utility in the Main Menu of the Star Adventurer
mini Console. Tap on Northern Hemisphere if it is not already selected. The
app shows you a drawing that matches the view in the Polar Scope. Note the
position of the small black dot. It represents Polaris and shows where Polaris
should be located relative to the NCP at the time off your session. Angle the
tilt/head or turn your Altitude and Azimuth Adjustment Knobs until Polaris as
seen in the view finder of your Polar Scope matches the position of the black
dot. You are now precisely polar aligned with the NCP (represented by the
intersection at the centre of your field of view) and can increase the focal
length of your lenses and/or exposure times of your photos with confidence.
23
Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere:
Northern observers/photographers have a great advantage when it comes to
performing a polar alignment. They have the naked-eye star Polaris situated
just 2/3 of a degree from the North Celestial Pole. This makes a quick
alignment of an equatorial device like Star Adventurer 2i very easy to
accomplish. Just find Polaris and point Star Adventurer 2i so that you can see
Polaris in the field of view of the Polar Scope. Unfortunately there are no
bright reference stars in the immediate vicinity of the SCP, so the procedure
to obtain a polar alignment is a bit more involved. However, there is a small
group of stars near the SCP that, while invisible to the naked eye, can be
seen in your Polar Scope. Once you have this group in view, a precision polar
alignment is just as easy to accomplish in the southern hemisphere as it is in
the north, thanks to the Polar Clock function included in the Star Adventurer
mini Console. First remove the Polar Scope Cap and attach the Polar Scope
Illuminator to the other end. This will help make the reticule pattern in the
Polar Scope eyepiece more visible in dark conditions. Adjust the intensity of
the illuminator by turning the dial. Make it bright enough to see the reticule
pattern, but not so bright as to wash out your view of the faint stars near
the SCP.
Performing a Coarse Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere
The goal of the coarse polar alignment is to get your Polar Scope aimed near
enough to the SCP that you will be able to see a small group of four stars
within its field of view. We refer to these as the Sigma Octantis group, with
Sigma Octantis being the slightly brighter of the four, and always the one
that is nearest the SCP as the group rotates about the SCP over the course of
24 hours. 1. Setup the mount as described in Polar Alignment in the Northern
Hemisphere. 2. Find Acrux, then following a line from it to alpha Muscae,
locate the next brightest star, gamma Muscae. If you were to draw a line
through Acrux and gamma Muscae, it would point very nearly to the SCP(see
chart on previous page). 3. Raise your hand at arm length and spread your
fingers so there is about an extra finger space between each one. Put the tip
of your little finger near gamma Muscae and tilt your hand so that the tip of
your thumb would be on a line that connects it to gamma Muscae and Acrux 4.
Points your Polar Scope into the region where the tip of your thumb has been.
If you points with reasonable accuracy, you should be able to see the Sigma
Octanis group in the field of view of the Polar Scope. If not, keep making
adjustment until you can using the altitude and azimuth adjusters on your
wedge.
24
Using the Sigma Octantis Clock Utility Once you can see the Sigma Octantis
group in your Polar Scope field of view you are ready to fine-tune your polar
alignment to the SCP. 1. Bring up the Star Adventurer mini Console and tap on
the Polar Clock Utility. 2 . Ta p o n S o u t h e r n H e m i s p h e r e i f
i t i s not already selected. This will bring up a representation of the
reticule in your Polar Scope. 3. Loose Clutch Knob and rotate Mounting
Platform to rotate your Polar Scope to match the view in the Polar Clock
Utility. That is, rotate it so that the representation of the Sigma Octantis
group in your Polar Scope has the same orientation as shown in the Polar Clock
Utility, then fasten the Clutch Knob. 4. Use the fine-tuning knobs on your
wedge to adjust it until the stars of the Sigma Octantis group as seen in the
Polar Scope match their representation as shown in the app.
25
Using Star Adventurer mini Console in APP mode Now that you have Star
Adventurer 2i set up with your camera gear attached it’s time to learn how to
use the Star Adventurer mini Console. This section assumes that you installed
the app on your device. If you have not, please refer back to the section
titled Installing the Star Adventurer mini Console. The main screen of the
control app divides Star Adventurer 2i’s functions into separate sections. To
select a function just tap on it. There are separate sections for
astrophotography and for different types of time-lapse photography. The app
also provides for Manual Control of Star Adventurer 2i, assists you with Polar
Alignment (see astrophotography section), and lets you alter Settings, such as
making a Wi-Fi connection with Star Adventurer 2i.
For Astrophotography, Star Adventurer 2i helps you to conquer the biggest
challenge for photography of the night time sky, which is, precisely
offsetting the effects of Earth’s rotation while a sufficiently long exposure
of the night sky is being made. For Astro Time-Lapse, Star Adventurer 2i
provides you a method to create a breathtaking videos of the sky moving over
your location while the challenge in Astrophotography is also overcome. For
Regular-Exposure Time-Lapse, it is the simplest mode for Star Adventurer 2i
and a good one for helping you understand how to set the control options.
RegularExposure Time-Lapse mode is for capturing time-lapse videos under
daylight or well-lit conditions where long exposure times are not necessary.
In this mode, exposure settings are set on your camera. The Star Adventurer
mini Console pans your camera and sends signals to trigger the shutter as it
creates your time-lapse video. For Long-Exposure Time-Lapse, Star Adventurer
2i controls the exposure time instead of your camera. This way you can use
exposures that exceed 30 seconds, which are often needed in low light
conditions, especially with small aperture settings on your lens. Whenever you
use Long-Exposure Time-Lapse mode, set your shutter to BULB mode. If it is not
set on BULB mode the camera shutter speed setting will be used instead. You
can make time-lapse videos using Star Adventurer 2i to control the shutter
only (no panning), or to pan continuously while firing the shutter of your
camera at intervals set by you. Use the first of these techniques to produce a
time-lapse video from a fixed perspective and the second to create a time-
lapse video in which the perspective changes as the video is recorded
26
Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For Astrophotography
Exposure (Sec): Exposure should be set to a value that is sufficiently long to
record detail in the night time sky, which is typically longer than 30
seconds. Be sure that your camera is attached to Star Adventurer 2i via the
SNAP control cable, then set your exposure time in the Exposure field. Be sure
to set your camera to BULB mode, otherwise your shutter will close according
to whatever shutter speed is selected on your camera.
Photo Interval (Sec): Taking multiple long exposures generates a heat build-up
in your camera. This heat can increase the amount of grain (noise) in your
picture. You can reduce this effect by giving the camera some time to cool
down between photos. A good place to start is to set Photo Interval to half of
the value you set for Exposure. Star Adventurer 2i will continue to track the
object during the Photo Interval, then resume with the next exposure once the
Photo Interval has elapsed.
Photos: Enter the number of photos you wish to acquire of the subject. You can
use advanced image processing methods to combine multiple images of an object
into a single photo with much less graininess and far more detail than can
typically be recorded in a single long exposure.
Tracking Rate: Celestial objects within our own solar system move at slightly
different rates than the distant stars and nebulae that populate the rest of
our galaxy. Star Adventurer 2i can be set to track “nearby” objects more
accurately by setting this parameter. Choose Sidereal if you are taking a
constellation or Milky Way portrait and Lunar if you are tracking the Moon
(e.g., to record the stages of a Lunar Eclipse). Solar is reserved for
advanced uses where specialized equipment is being used to photograph the Sun.
Dithering Range (Arcmin): Check the box to enable the dithering option and
enter the dithering range you allow. Star Adventurer 2i will pseudo-randomly
dither the astro-photos within the dithering range according to the photo
numbers. Same celestial object won’t be at the same position for all photos
due to the dithering. Please notice that too large
27
dithering range may result in longer total task time, but too small dithering
range may result in poor dithering effect after photo stacking. Please adjust
dithering range according to your condition. Due to the nature of dithering,
Dithering only works when Star Adventurer 2i control the camera shutter and is
not guided through Auto-Guiding Port. WiFi Off on Run: When enabled, Star
Adventurer 2i will automatically turn off Wi-Fi at the start of a task to save
power. Wi-Fi can be restored at any time in APP mode by pressing the
Right/Left Button until Button LEDs start slowly blinking. Profiles Save /
Edit: To save a profile tap Save. To edit or delete a profile tap Edit. You
can store your multiple profiles of your favorite settings for recall at
future sessions.
Start the Task: Once your tripod, Star Adventurer 2i and camera gear are set
up and all of your task parameters are set, just press Run to initiate the
task. Cancel Current Task: After your task started, you can cancel current
task at any time by tapping on STOP at the top-right corner of the parameters
screen. It brings up a confirmation screen. You can cancel the Stop request
and resume the task or proceed to end the task at that point Astrophotography
Progress Screen: Anytime you have a process running you can view its progress
by tapping on Status at the bottom of the parameters screen. This brings up
information about number of photos taken, percentage of task complete, etc.
28
Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For Astro Time-Lapse One of the most
unique features of Star Adventurer 2i is its ability to create time-lapse
videos of celestial vistas. This feature combines Star Adventurer 2i’s
astrophotography functions with its time-lapse functions giving you a powerful
tool to create stunning and unique time-lapse videos. Note that to obtain
astronomical time-lapse videos you must polar align Star Adventurer 2i as
described above. Below are the parameters you can set along with their
explanations for producing astronomical time-lapse videos
Exposure (Sec): Exposure should be set to a value that is sufficiently long to
record detail in the night time sky, which is typically longer than 30
seconds. Be sure that your camera is attached to Star Adventurer 2i via the
SNAP control cable, then set your exposure time in this field. Be sure to set
your camera to BULB mode, otherwise your shutter will not stay open. It will
close according to whatever shutter speed is selected on your camera.
Video Time Span (Hr): Video Time Span refers to the amount of real time that
will elapse from the start to the end of the recording. Video Time Span is
affected by Exposure, Photos, Video Length and Frame Rate, and will be
calculated for you. However, you can also directly set a value for Video Time
Span. For instance, if you want to follow the Moon for 5 hours to record the
stages of a lunar eclipse, you could set Video Time Span to 5. Set the length
of your desired time-lapse video in Video Length and the appropriate frames
per second (fps) in Frame Rate. Other related parameters will then be
calculated for you.
Video Length (Sec): Set this parameter to the desired length in seconds of
your finished time-lapse video. You can set this parameter directly, or you
can allow it to be calculated for you based on the values of other parameters.
Frame Rate: Select NTSC (30 fps) or PAL (25 fps) according to the video
standards for your location. You can further adjust the playback speed of your
video in your video editing software.
Photos: Enter the number of photos you wish to make up your video. It is
usually easier to let this field be calculated based on settings for other
parameters.
29
For instance, you have more creative control on your time-lapse video by
setting the Video Time Span and the Video Length parameters, then letting the
app calculate the number of Photos that will be required. Tracking Rate: If
you are making a time-lapse video of the Moon then select Lunar. Otherwise,
select Sidereal. WiFi Off on Run: When enabled, Star Adventurer 2i will
automatically turn off Wi-Fi at the start of the task to save power. Wi-Fi can
be restored at any time in APP mode by pressing the Right/Left Button until
Button LEDs start slowly blinking. Profiles Save / Edit: To save a profile tap
Save. To edit or delete a profile tap Edit. You can store multiple profiles of
your favorite settings for recall at future sessions.
Start the Task: Once your tripod, Star Adventurer 2i and camera gear are set
up and all of your task parameters are set, just press Run to initiate the
task. Cancel Current Task: After your task started, you can cancel current
task at any time by tapping on STOP at the top-right corner of the parameters
screen. It brings up a confirmation screen. You can cancel the Stop request
and resume the task or proceed to end the task at that point. Astro Time-Lapse
Progress Screen: Anytime you have a process running you can view its progress
by tapping on Status at the bottom of the parameters screen. This brings up
information about number of photos taken, percentage of task complete, etc.
30
Using the Star Adventurer mini Console For Time-Lapse Photography The major
difference between Regular-Exposure Time- Lapse mode and LongExposure Time-
Lapse mode is that, in the latter case, rotation stops during the exposure.
This enables the sensor to capture more of the available light resulting in a
better image.
The parameters for Regular-Exposure Time-Lapse and Long-Exposure Time-Lapse
are exactly the same except for the Exposure parameter. In the Regular-
Exposure TimeLapse screen you cannot change the value for Exposure. It is
fixed at 0.5 seconds, which is a requirement in order for Star Adventurer 2i
to provide an adequate signal to control the shutter of your camera. Note:
This 0.5 second period is automatically taken into consideration when the App
calculates the Video Time Span parameter.
In the Long-Exposure Time-Lapse mode the Exposure parameter controls the TV
(exposure time) setting of your camera and can be set to suit your needs. For
night scenes where a small aperture and low ISO value is used, individual
exposures may range from a second or two to several minutes. Take some test
shots to establish the best settings and exposure for your needs, then enter
that value into the Exposure parameter field. Again, you must set your shutter
to BULB mode, otherwise the TV setting on your camera will take precedence
over the value in the Exposure field.
Please note that because several of the parameters are interrelated some may
be unavailable at certain times. For instance, when Frame Rate and Video
Length are set you cannot manually choose the number of Photos as it is
calculated for you based on the other two parameters. However, if you deselect
Video Length and set Photos directly, the app will calculate a new value for
Video Length.
Exposure (Sec): Fixed at 0.5 seconds for RegularExposure Time-Lapse. For Long-
Exposure Time-Lapse set this value to suit your exposure requirements. Be sure
to set your camera shutter to BULB mode.
Video Time Span (Hr): Set this parameter to the total Video Time Span time for
your video. For example, if you want your video to cover a span of three
hours, set Video Time Span to 3. Note that Video Time Span does not refer to
the length of your video, it refers to the time span over which it is created.
You set the desired length of your video in the Video Length parameter.
Video Length (Sec): Set Video Length equal to the desired length of your video
in seconds. For a oneminute long video, set Video Length to 60.
Frame Rate (fps): Select NTSC (30 fps) or PAL (25 fps) according to the video
standards for your location. You can further adjust the playback speed of your
video in your video editing software.
31
ON
OFF
Star Adventurer 2i will rotate left to right if Clockwise is set to ON, or right to left if Clockwise is set to OFF
Photos: This parameter is automatically set by setting Video Length and Frame
Rate using the formula: Photos = Video Length x Frame Rate
Frame Period (Sec): You can set the Frame Period to select a desired interval
between photos taken rather than have it calculated for you based on other
parameters. Note that if you set Photo Interval and Video Length the app will
re-calculate Video Time Span. Anytime you are changing a parameter it is a
good idea to check its effects on the other ones
Swing Range (Deg): Use Swing Range to create an interesting swing or pendulum
effect for your timelapse video. When used, Star Adventurer 2i will pan to the
limit of the Swing Range that you set, then pan back to your starting point as
many times as specified in the Swing Count parameter. For instance, say you
have two interesting subjects that you want to feature in your video. Set
Swing Range to the angle between them and Swing Count to 1, then point your
camera at the first subject. As the time-lapse video is being recorded, Star
Adventurer 2i will pan from the first subject to the second subject then stop.
By setting Swing Count to 2, it will pan to your second object, then back to
your first object, then stop. By using Swing Range values greater than 1 you
can have Star Adventurer 2i pan back and forth multiple times during the
video. Set Swing Range to 0 for no panning and to an even number to always end
up where you started.
Speed (Deg/Hr): Speed determines how quickly Star Adventurer 2i will pan. In
most cases, you do not need to set this parameter unless you want to control
the panning speed but are not concerned with the actual video time span. If
you do not want Star Adventurer 2i to pan in your time-lapse video then set
Speed to 0.
Clockwise: ON will cause Star Adventurer 2i to rotate left to right (viewing
down with the Mounting Platform on top). OFF will cause Star Adventurer 2i to
rotate right to left.
WiFi Off on Run: When enabled, Star Adventurer 2i will automatically turn off
Wi-Fi at the start of a task to save power. Wi-Fi can be restored at any time
in APP mode by pressing the Right/Left Button until Button LEDs start slowly
blinking.
32
Profiles Save / Edit: To save a profile tap Save. To edit or delete a profile
tap Edit. You can store multiple profiles of your favorite settings for recall
at future sessions
Start the Task: Once your tripod, Star Adventurer 2i and camera gear are set
up and all of your task parameters are set, just press Run to initiate the
task. Cancel Current Task: After your task started, you can cancel current
task at any time by tapping on STOP at the top-right corner of the parameters
screen. It brings up a confirmation screen. You can cancel the Stop request
and resume the task or proceed to end the task at that point Time-Lapse
Progress Screen: Anytime you have a process running you can view its progress
by tapping on Status at the bottom of the parameters screen. This brings up
information about number of photos taken, percentage of task complete, etc.
The Long-Exposure Time-Lapse’s stop confirmation screen and progress screen
show the same information and works in the same manner.
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Manual Control with the Star Adventurer mini Conso Go to the Main Menu and tap
on Manual Control. This will bring up the manual control arrows on either side
of an angle given in degrees and minutes. Tap or touch and hold the arrow
symbols to nudge or continuously move Star Adventurer 2i to the left or right,
respectively. Release the arrow symbol to stop Star Adventurer 2i’s movement.
The angle you have rotated through will show up between the arrows. Manual
Control gives you the ability to nudge your camera, but without touching it
directly a handy feature when you need to tweak your composition to get that
perfect shot without bumping your gear out of alignment. You can also use it
to determine the Swing Range for your time-lapse video compositions. For
instance, say you have two points of interest and want your video to swing
from one to the other. Aim your camera at the first point, then Zero the
counter. Now, tap and hold the arrow keys until your camera is pointing at
your second point of interest. Record the angle that is showing between the
arrows and enter it as your Swing Range parameter when you are ready to create
you time-lapse video.
34
Settings with the Star Adventurer mini Console
Tap on Settings on the home screen to set a variety of device functions as
detailed below.
Use Serial Port: ONLY AVAILABLE in Android and PC. If enabled, Star Adventurer
mini Console will use serial port to control mount instead of Wi-Fi. Your
Android phone need to support USB OTG in order to use this feature. You can
also use PC version of Star Adventurer mini Console to use this feature.
Please select the correct COM port for “Serial Port”
Language: Choose the default language for the Star Adventurer mini Console.
Night Mode: Tap and choose On or Auto to get a black background with red text.
This mode is designed to help preserve your dark adaptation. Note: if there
are any visual astronomers in your vicinity you should set the app to On as a
courtesy to them.
Location: Tap to get a sub menu that gives you the option to use the location
sensor in your device to set your current longitude and latitude. If disabled
you can enter the coordinates manually. Location determines the hemisphere you
are in and sets the correct rotation direction for Astrophotography and Astro
TimeLapse functions. It is also used to display the position of Polaris and
Octans on the Polar Scope reticule.
WiFi Auto-Off: Tap to choose a delay to automatically turn off Wi-Fi to
preserve power. Wi-Fi will turn off when no Wi-Fi activity is detected during
the Auto-Off interval. You can turn it back on by pressing Star Adventurer
2i’s Right/Left Button. Note: Wi-Fi is not needed once parameters for a given
task have been set.
Auto-Run Task: If enabled, Star Adventurer 2i will automatically re-start the
previous photography process when next time the Mode Dial is turned into APP
mode.
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WiFi Network Tap on WiFi Network to bring up the Wi-Fi options as detailed
below. You can choose either Access Point (AP) Mode or Station (STA) Mode. Use
AP mode for a basic connection to Star Adventurer 2i. Use STA mode if you wish
to control Star Adventurer 2i while simultaneously being connected to a
wireless network (e.g., for internet access) or want to control Star
Adventurer 2i remotely via the internet. Be sure that you have the correct STA
SSID and Password information. If you enter the incorrect information you may
need to reset Star Adventurer 2i to its factory settings using the procedure
outlined in Appendix : How to Restore Factory Settings.
Access Point (AP) Mode: This is the default mode. In AP mode Star Adventurer
2i acts as a wireless access point so that you can connect to it via the Star
Adventurer mini Console.
AP Mode SSID: The SSID will automatically show up based on the SSID you
entered to make your initial WiFi connection. Select it to connect your device
to Star Adventurer 2i. Before attempting to connect be sure that Star
Adventurer 2i is at APP mode and the Button LEDs are slowly blinking which
indicates that Star Adventurer 2i is ready to make a Wi-Fi connection.
AP Mode Security: Select Open if no encryption is to be used. Otherwise, tap
on the settings field and choose an encryption type from the list, then enter
the correct password in Password.
Station Mode (STA): Choose this mode if you wish to have internet access while
using Star Adventurer 2i, control Star Adventurer 2i via the internet, or to
save battery power. When you select STA mode Star Adventurer 2i will join an
existing Wi-Fi network. To use STA Mode, select it, then set the SSID and
Password for the network you are joining. When all of your selections are made
click on Apply. Star Adventurer 2i will restart and join the network. The new
settings will be stored in Star Adventurer 2i’s memory and will remain there
until the settings are changed. STA SSID: Select the network you wish to join
and enter the SSID for that network. STA Password: Enter the password for the
network you have selected to join. STA Use DHCP: Turn this off ONLY if you
want to set the IP address manually
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Six Preprogrammed Function Modes ( , , , , RT and LT):
To provide more convenient operational experience, Star Adventurer 2i provides an easy way to execute 6 most popular photographic functions including Astrophotography mode with celestial tracking, Astrophotography mode with solar tracking , Astrophotography mode with lunar tracking, Astro Time-lapse mode, RegularExposure Time-Lapse mode and Long-Exposure Time-Lapse mode. All you have to do is turning the Mode Dial to corresponding mode, then Star Adventurer 2i will automatically execute the preprogrammed function with your favorite settings. The default factory settings will be used if user haven’t customized their own settings. Please refer to “Appendix : How to Restore Factory Settings” for details. Please note that all the successful executed parameters in APP mode will be automatically stored into corresponding preprogrammed function mode. For example, when you turn the Mode Dial to APP and configure the Exposure as 180 seconds , Photo Interval as 2 seconds , Photos as 60 pictures, Tracking Rate as sidereal, Dithering Range as disabled and WiFi Off on Run as disabled. After you click on Run, all these settings will be stored into preprogrammed Astrophotography mode with celestial tracking. Next time when you turn Mode Dial to , All the previous configured settings will take effect instead of factory setting. Whenever the button are pushed or Slide Switch are changed, the preprogrammed task will be terminated and restart after button released or Slide Switch changed.
Press Right Button
Press Left Button
Rotation direction in six preprogrammed task modes: Buttons: Whenever you push the buttons, Star Adventurer 2i will rotate at speed of 12 times of sidereal rate. Please refer to picture on the left for rotation direction. 3-position Slide Switch: Buttons: Whenever you push the buttons, Star Adventurer 2i will rotate at speed of 12 times of sidereal rate. Please refer to picture on the left for rotation direction.
Slide Switch Switched to N
Slide Switch Switched to S
Switched to STOP: The motor will stop rotation, however the camera shutter control still works. This is useful when taking astrophotography with landscape. You can switch to STOP to take a clear landscape photo first, then switch to N/S to take photos with sharp celestial objects. Then stacking them to get a fantastic astro-photo with landscape. Switched to N: For Astrophotography mode in Northern Hemisphere. For rotating direction in timelapse please refer to the picture on the left Switched to S: For Astrophotography mode in Southern Hemisphere. For rotating direction in timelapse please refer to the picture on the left
37
Appendix I : Calibrate The Polar Scope
Before using the Polar Scope for polar alignment, the Polar Scope itself must
be calibrated to ensure the pattern in the Polar Scope is aligned to the
mount’s R.A. axis. The following steps will outline how to calibrate the Polar
Scope. Calibrating during daytime is strongly recommended :
1. Choose a fixed object (the Polaris at night, or a faraway object in
daytime); orient Star Adventurer to put the crosshair of the Polar Scope
exactly on the chosen object.
2. Rotate the mount in R.A. axis for half a turn.
3. If the object remains exactly behind the crosshair in the Polar Scope
after the rotation, then it means the Polar Scope is aligned to the R.A. axis
and no calibration is needed.
4. If, during rotation, you see the object wandering off, calibration is
needed. You should rotate the Star Adventurer 2i to find the point where the
object is at the longest distance from the crosshair center, and then you
should move the crosshair halfway towards the object (Fig 2), using the 3 tiny
adjustment screws on the side of the Polar Scope (Fig 1). A 1.5mm Allen wrench
is needed.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Adjusting with the very small Allen screws is delicate.
Read the note below.
Fig 1
If Polaris drifted to here
Fig 2
Place Polaris here (Half of the distance)
Adjust these screws
38
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 a few times until the object remains at the center of
the reticle when rotating the mount in R.A. axis.
6. Turn the Date Graduation Circle to align Oct 31 to the 0 of the Time
Graduation Circle. Then hold the Date Graduation Circle and turn the
eyepiece/Mounting Platform to align the Time Meridian Indicator to the 0 of
the Time Meridian Circle (Fig 3). Then, when looking through the eyepiece, you
should see the pattern aligned as shown in Fig 4. If the pattern is oriented
differently, then scales need readjustment. To readjust, turn the Date
Graduation Circle to align Oct 31 to the 0 of the Time Graduation Circle. Then
hold it and turn the eyepiece/mounting platform to orient the pattern in the
position shown in Fig 4. Loosen the Time Meridian Indicator Calibration Screw
and move the meridian indicator to align it to the 0 of the Time Meridian
Circle without turning the Date Graduation Circle and Eyepiece/Mounting
Platform. Tighten the Time Meridian Indicator calibration screw. See through
the eyepiece. Now the pattern should still be in the right position.
Fig 3
Fig 4
Note:
· When adjusting the Allen screws, loosen one screw only ¼ of a turn, and then
tighten the other two gently.
· Do not over tighten the Allen screws; it might damage the pattern plate in
the Polar Scope.
· Do not loosen one screw completely or loosen more than one screw at a time;
otherwise, the pattern plate in the Polar Scope will be disengaged and further
adjustment is impossible.
· If the pattern plate does disengage, remove the Polar Scope’s eyepiece by
turning the Knurled Ring counterclockwise and then engage the pattern plate
again.
39
· It is recommended to do this calibration at daytime, aiming at a point
object (such as a distant rooftop) because the delicate operation with the
tiny allen screws is even more delicate in the dark.
40
Appendix : Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly
for Telescope mounting
Clutch knob
fine-tuning knob
mounting knob Fine-Tuning ¼” Mounting Element
The Fine-Tuning Mounting Assembly connects a telescope to Star Adventurer 2i
and allows rotation in the other direction (at 90°, DEC direction). You can
adjust the tightness of the rotation with the clutch knob. You also can fine-
tune the camera or telescope orientation slightly in DEC direction by using
the fine-tuning knob. You can also remove the Fine-Tuning ¼” Mounting Element
from the dovetail and then mount two ball heads on the dovetail to carry two
cameras or one camera and another instrument. You can also use the Fine-Tuning
¼” Mounting Element at one side and use ball head at the other side. You can
implement various combinations to fit your needs.
41
Appendix : Equatorial Wedge
Locking Knob
Mounting Plate Stopper
Latitude Indicator
Horizontal Adjustment Knob
Latitude Adjustment knob
Horizontal Bubble
The Equatorial Wedge is a device to adjust the latitude for polar alignment.
Rotate the Latitude Adjustment Knob can adjust the latitude of the Star
Adventurer 2i indicated by the Latitude Indicator. The range is from 0° to
90°. The Horizontal Adjustment Knob can adjust the Wedge to rotate to right or
left horizontally. The Horizontal bubble is for checking if the base plate of
the wedge is horizontal. The accuracy is 1°. When you install the Mounting
Plate on the Star Adventurer 2i, Make sure the Stopper is facing forward as
figure shown above to avoid equipment slippage, before you fasten the Locking
Knob.
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Appendix : How to Restore Factory Settings
From time to time you may need to reset Star Adventurer 2i to its factory
settings. For instance, if you accidentally enter any incorrect Wi-Fi settings
or If you have forgotten the password, then you may need to restore Star
Adventurer 2i to factory settings.
Follow the procedures listed below to restore the factory settings: 1. Turn
the Mode Dial to APP mode 2. Press and hold both Right/Left Button
simultaneously for about 5 seconds until button LEDs start to blink fast. 3.
Release both Right/Left Button and wait until button LED start to blink
slowly. 4. Now all the factory setting has been restored. Please reestablish
Wi-Fi communication for normal operation. For details of default factory
settings, please see following tables.
Factory Settings for Wi-Fi
Operation Mode SSID
Security
Access Point Mode SynScanWiFi_XXXXXX
Open
Factory Settings for System Configuration
WiFi Auto-off Auto-Run Task
Disabled Disabled
Factory Settings for preprogrammed Astro-photography modes
Exposure(sec) Photo interval (sec)
Photos Tracking Rate Dithering Range WiFi Off on Run
celestial tracking
120 5
Continuous Sidereal Disabled Disabled
solar tracking
0.5 1.5 Continuous Solar Disabled Disabled
Factory Settings for preprogrammed Astro Time-Lapse
Exposure(sec) Photos
Tracking Rate WiFi Off on Run
30 300 Sidereal Disabled
lunar tracking
0.5 1.5 Continuous Lunar Disabled Disabled
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Factory Settings for preprogrammed Landscape Time-Lapse
Exposure(sec) Frame Period (sec)
Photos Swing Range (Deg)
Swing Count Speed (Deg/Hr)
Clockwise WiFi Off on Run
Regular-Exposure 0.5 2 300
unchecked N/A 180
Slide-switch selection Disabled
Long-Exposure 8 12
600 180
1 unchecked Slide-switch selection Disabled
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Appendix : Firmware Upgrade Procedure
1. Download ” Motor Controller Firmware Loader ” V1.73 or higher and the
newest firmware from www.skywatcher.com 2. Connect Star Adventurer 2i to the
computer with the mini USB cable. If this is the first time the device is
connected to this computer, please wait for a few minutes for the computer to
load the driver. 3. Rotate the Mode Dial to leave the OFF mode to turn on the
power. 4. Double click on Motor Controller Firmware Loader and load the
previously downloaded firmware. 5. Select ” auto-detect COM port ” and
deselect ” Using SynScan Hand Controller’s PC Direct Mode”. Click on the
“update” button. Please do NOT turn off power while updating the firmware.
After about 25 seconds, the Software will display ” Update Complete. Turn off
power “. Then the firmware upgrade is completed. 6. If you did not select ”
auto-detect COM port “or you have multiple Star Adventurer 2i connected to the
same computer, please manually select the correct serial COM port. Then click
on the “update” button. Please do NOT turn off power while upgrading is in
progress. After about 25 seconds, the Software will display “Update Complete.
Turn off power”. Then the firmware upgrade is completed. 7. Rotate the Mode
Dial to “OFF” and wait for LEDs completely off. 8. Now you can turn on the
power and use Star Adventurer 2i normally. 9. If you encounter power loss
during the firmware update, you can just repeat Step 3 through 7 after
restoring the power
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Appendix : Specification
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i
Type Tracking speed
Ultra compact equatorial tracking platform
Preprogrammed: Celestial, solar and lunar tracking rate APP controlled:
Customized
Max payload Wheel Gear Worm Gear Motor drive Built-in Wi-Fi Built-in accessory
Polar scope Working voltage Operation temperature Dimensions Weight
Base connect
5 kg (11 lb) 86mm dia. 144 teeth aluminum alloy
13mm dia. High tension brass DC Servo
Yes
Polar scope
About 7° field of view 4 x AA battery: DC 3.6V~ 6.5V External power supply: DC
5V 0 ° ~ 40 °C 173.5mm x 113.3mm x 96 mm 1 kg 3/8″ threaded socket ( or 1/4″
with conversion adapter supplied)
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Notice
Sky-Watcher reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware
and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.
Sky-Watcher cannot be held liable for any damage resulting from the
inappropriate use of this product. While every effort has been made to ensure
that the information in this manual is accurate and complete, any errors you
might find should be reported to Sky-Watcher
Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countrties. App Store is the serivce mark of
Apple Inc.
Android Google Play and the Gpoogle Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
CAUTION!
EVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL
RESULT. USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER FIRMLY MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF THE TELESCOPE
FOR VIEWING THE SUN. WHEN OBSERVING THE SUN, PLACE A DUST CAP OVER YOUR
FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE. NEVER USE AN
EYEPIECE-TYPE SOLAR FILTER AND NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNUGHT
ONTO ANOTHER SURFACE, THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP WILL DAMAGE THE TELESCOPE
OPTICAL ELEMENTS.