TMS-ASTRO Dobsonian EQ Platform, visual, 45-50°

TMS-ASTRO Dobsonian EQ Platform, visual Version, for 45-50° Latitude

An equatorial platform is a sophisticated device designed to enhance the functionality of Dobsonian telescopes by compensating for the Earth´s rotation. By precisely tracking celestial objects as they move across the night sky, equatorial platforms enable prolonged observation sessions without the need for constant manual adjustment. This revolutionary technology aligns the telescope´s axis with the Earth´s rotational axis, allowing amateur and professional astronomers to observe objects with unparalleled ease and accuracy. Experience the wonders of the universe like never before with this cutting-edge equatorial platforms.

The manufacturer specializes in crafting equatorial platforms tailored specifically for Dobsonian telescopes, setting a benchmark for unparalleled quality in the market. His platforms boast exceptional load capacity, incorporating advanced protective features such as electrical and mechanical overrun protection, automatic reset mechanisms, and precision-checking subroutines to ensure accurate polar alignment. Explore his range and elevate your stargazing experience today.

Newly designed EQ platforms:

EQ platform for visual observing: The newly designed EQ platform is made from aluminum, which is sturdier and more rigid than wood. The main functions are the same as they were on the wooden EQ platforms.

EQ platform for astrophotography: The visual EQ platform mentioned above can also be realized as a photographic EQ platform, featuring a dual-axis drive system which can be guided through an ST4 port.

Features of the TMS-ASTRO equatorial platforms:
While other manufacturers also produce equatorial platforms, Tamás HORVÁTH believes that TMS-ASTRO´s equatorial platforms are unique because they offer a multitude of additional features and functions that other manufacturers´ platforms lack. His platforms do not only come in a version for visual observing (short-time exposure is possible), but are also offered in a photographic version with declination drive, suitable for the use of an autoguider!

For example, these features include:

60 min tracking time

Built-in battery

Electrical and mechanical overrun protection

Automatic reset function, full automatic working

Programmed tracking speed, which can be adjusted by ±3% with a potentiometer

Audible feedback for every movement, end position, pushbutton presses, etc.

Built-in compass and spirit level to facilitate alignment

Alignment check subroutine to ensure the polar alignment is as precise as possible

Ultra-silent operation

Some features explained:

DIP switches:
The DIP switches on the top of the controller´s front plate allow you to configure all necessary settings.

Switches #1-3 are responsible for setting the tracking speed for the specific segment.

Switch #4 selects the hemisphere based on the location.

Switch #5 determines the size of the platform.

Switch #6 selects the operating mode

Note: The photographic mode is only active if the declination axis is connected, and therefore not in the case of this visual version.

Multifunctional pushbutton:
The multifunctional pushbutton allows you to interrupt all movements with a short press.
When the button is pressed, the controller enters standby mode. In this mode, there are two
options:

A short press starts the tracking routine.

A long press starts the homing routine.

To activate the polar alignment assistant routine, follow these steps: press and hold the pushbutton, then switch on the controller. The controller will begin homing the RA axis. Once homing is complete, a short press of the pushbutton will move the top plate to the opposite position.

Speed adjust knob:
This knob allows you to adjust the tracking speed by ±3%.
Note: speed adjustments cannot compensate for insufficient polar alignment.

Autoguider port:
The autoguider port allows you to connect your guider to the controller, with an autoguider speed of 1x starspeed.
Note: pay close attention to the pinout!

DC in/output:
There are two DC input/output ports: one located on the front side of the controller and another on the back side.
Note: pay close attention to the pinout!

Main switch and LED:
The main switch allows you to turn the controller on and off. The LED above the main switch
indicates the current status of the controller.

The LED is on continuously > Tracking routine.

The LED is blinking evenly > Homing routine.

The LED flashes briefly and stays off for a longer duration > Tracking time is over. The controller is waiting for a button press or will start the homing routine after 12 seconds.

The LED stays on for a longer duration and turns off briefly > Movement interrupted by the pushbutton. Waiting for action.

The LED is blinking rapidly > An incorrect segment has been set.

Beside the LED there is a buzzer too to inform you about the operation.

2 short beeps > controller started succesfully.

1 short beep > homing/tracking routine is started / pushbutton pressed / end position detected

3 short beeps > tracking time is over

5 short beeps > an incorrect segment has been set

How the platform works:

In visual mode, after the controller is turned on, the top plate moves to the start position, and the tracking routine starts automatically. If the tracking time is over, a beep signals this, and the controller waits for 12 seconds. If no button activity occurs during these 12 seconds, the top plate moves back to the start position, and the tracking routine restarts. Otherwise the platform will not reset itself. In this case, you can initiate the resetting with a long press of the white button (minimum 2 seconds).

In photo mode, after the controller is turned on, the declination axis moves to the home position and, once it reaches it, moves back to the middle position. At the same time, the RA axis begins its homing routine. If both axes reach the start position, the tracking routine starts. If the tracking time is over the process is the same as in visual mode.

Polar alignment:
The built-in compass and spirit level help to roughly align the platform.

You need to account for your location´s declination (deviation between the magnetic and geological north) when using the compass. You can check this here: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml?#declination

The platform is designed for the middle of the usage range of the segment. For example, the model 4045 was designed to 45.5°. Here ist a list of M models and TMS sets:

M/TMS 4045 > 40°-45° > 42.5°
M/TMS 4550 > 45°-50° > 47.5°
M/TMS 5055 > 50°-55° > 52.5°
M/TMS 5560 > 55°-60° > 57.5°

If the bubble of the spirit level is in the middle, then the platform is aligned to the middle of the segment´s range. With the adjustable feet, it is possible to change the pole angle. To achieve a higher angle, you need to lift the front (pole-facing) feet of the platform or sink the rear (away from the pole) feet.

Now you can place the telescope onto the top of the equatorial platform and use the main switch on the controller to turn it on, then the platform will reset itself. Once this is done, the tracking will start automatically.

Precise polar alignment:
To achieve precise polar alignment, follow these steps:

1. Place and align the platform using the compass and spirit level.

2. Mount the telescope onto the platform.

3. Start the alignment assistant routine. Refer to the multifunctional pushbutton section for detailed instructions.

4. Wait until the top plate reaches its end position.

5. Aim the finder scope´s crosshair at the pole (not Polaris!) and press the pushbutton.

6. The top plate will then move to the opposite end position. Observe the motion in the finder scope during this process. If the crosshair remains on the pole, no further adjustments are needed, and the alignment is complete.

- Equatorial Dobsonian platform

Safety informations: PDF Download