Sky Sensor 2000
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the user set parameters and user library data stored in non-volatile ROM or battery backed up RAM?
A: Battery backed up RAM. The manual states there is a Lithium Battery for this task and that it should last for five years.
Q: Is the Periodic Error Correction training retained when the power is turned off?
A: Yes.
Q: How much noise to those motors make?
A: The motors and gears sound about like a small to medium sized electric screw driver when performing a fast slew. At all other times, you will hear a sound that reminds me of slow running motor boat way off in the distance.
Q: You had reported on sci.astro.amateur that your SkySensor 2000 had RA motor problems. How was this resolved?
A: The problem was a randomly twitching RA motor. It was solved by changing Setup/Telescope Configuration/Motor Parameters from "Set = 1" to "Set =3"
Q: Can the SkySensor 2000 be used with a CCD Autoguider?
A: Yes. There is CCD autoguide port. However, this port a different pinout then the default SBIG standard port. You will need to make a special cable. I have not yet tried using the SkySensor 2000 in autoguide mode.
Q: Can the SkySensor be controlled by a remote computer through the RS232 port.
A: No. The RS232 port is used only for downloading Satellite Tracking Parameters. Since the parameters are easily entered with the keypad, I have not tried the RS232 connection.
Q: Does Vixen have a web site?
A: Yes, but is all in the Japanese language. See: http://www02.so-net.or.jp/~vixen/
Q: How smooth is the tracking?
A: Very smooth. At 130x the image holds dead steady even with the polar axis 45 degrees away from polar alignment.