NEW!!! Focusser Controller for any stepper motor. Look here.

 Introducing Pulsar2 – the latest from Gemini

GEMINI PULSAR – used items at reduced price!!

 Testreport by Dietmar Hager (Deutsch) English

This new drive controller was designed to meet the needs of advanced amateurs in the 21^st century and at the same time it offers simple handling.

Main features

Suitable for all mounts with bipolar 2 phase stepper motors (step mode from full to 1/256 micro, auto selected).

Handles German and fork mounts with artificial intelligence - does not hit the pier with the telescope tube.

Has encoder controlled PEC function.

PemPro compatible (2.0.37 and above).

Offers real time King rate tracking (RA and DEC) computed from actual telescope position and geographical position.

You can connect your GPS (serial, 4800 baud NMEA) to enjoy observatory functions in transportable mode (geog. coordinates and UT are updated).

The power of 24V operation (faster and smoother motions) is available from 12V battery with our built-in transverter.

The Hand Controller has joystick, red LCD, numeric keypad and can have 500 m (!) of cable connection. Yet it is just 8x15 cm in size. As of Oct. 2004. the hand controllers are supplied with an optoelectronic joystick, eliminating mechanical problems.

It is LX200 and ASCOM compatible, has autoguider inputs (Meade, SBIG with adapter http://www.sbig.com/pdffiles/TIC_Cable.pdf) and can be remotely operated (Internet)

Besides the obvious tracking rates and user programmed slewing speeds it offers a progressive speed mode that works as well for precise centering as jumping several degrees in the sky.

Its ultra precise time base (tipically a few sec/30 days) provides accurate position memory for weeks. You just turn it on and go (permanent setup mode).

The internal database includes 46 Stars, M, NGC and User catalogues (data is editable in Excel, planets and double stars available).

The PC software offers full control of the telescope: you can observe from your living room.

The hand controller software is available in Deutsch, Dutch, English, Espanol, Italiano. 

The power management software keeps your motors cool during operation and standstill.

Finally, good news for electronics nuts: nothing will go wrong if you reverse the polarity. Not even the fuse.

To see the manual, click here (pdf)!

If you are still in doubt ask one of our customers about his oppinion! References

Product configurations

Basic:

Motor driver unit (10-35V input /max.24V recommended/, 2x2A max output), PC software, serial and power cable. This configuration allows LX200 based control of stepper driven mounts with a planetarium program and Pulsar Commander SW (for observatory use) The PEC can be CCD programmed (by simply guiding on a star or by PemPro) and the virtual hand controller provides access to all menu features. EUR 300 (used w.1yr warranty)

Options

1.     Hand controller (2x16 char. red LCD, Joystick, back illuminated numeric keypad, LED flashlight, full menu control, direct menu keys, with user defined cable length (max. 500 m, at EUR 2/m over 2m) EUR 200 (new)

2.     GPS cable 2m. Provides an accurate time source, enables real time King rate and intelligent mount handling when your geographical position is unknown, that is in transportable mode: EUR 30

Accessories

Autoguider cables for ST4, STAR2000, STV, SBIG Relay box, are supplied upon request with your purchase of Pulsar (EUR 35).

Special offers

Units ordered with G-42 mount will have a free PEC encoder installation.

 Driver unit ports

:

Motors+PEC, power cable, On/Off

Meade autoguider RJ11, Hand controller, RS232,

Complete configuration

Driver, power cable (with optional terminals – banana, cigar lighter, alligator clips), 1m serial cable, Hand controller with 2m cable.

The Computer connection: widening your horizon.

With the standard RS 232 interface, cable (supplied), and the LX200 protocol (programmed into the controller) your possibilities are unlimited. You can:

Use any LX 200 compatible Planetarium program to control your telescope,

Guide an astrophoto with almost any CCD, including webcams (use Astroart, Astrosnap or other LX200 compatible astronomy software),

A guiding tip from E. Tam (Hong Kong): "I included two small DIP switches inside the plug (at the end of the guider cable) at the ST-4 side to selectively disable either side of DEC correction." This is an effective way to prohibit oscillations in DEC during guiding with a guider camera which has a separate cable connection (not LX200 serial connection). The latest version of Astroart user interface also supports direction sensitive disabling in DEC.

Remote control your telescope via a Local Network (two computers connected with an UTP cable) or the Internet!

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