Kurt, I own two of the exact same controller. Calibration: On this setting, the pilot light will flash if on AC current. Due to the non-digital, resistor-capacitor design of this old system, it requires adjustment to achieve a precise 60hz fequency. You turn the adjustment knob until the light stays on continuously (or is off continuously). You then supposedly have an accurrate 60 hz and precise sideral rate. It's worth checking periodically during the night to see if the frequency has changed due to a temperature change. Auto & Manual refer to an optional auto-guider that was sold with this system. You should always be set to "manual" unless using the autoguider. I still have both of my autoguiders and they worked well, if you selected the right guide star. It had to be fairly bright and red or yellow. The photodetectors were not sensitive to blue light. "Auto" is the setting if using the autoguider. This is a 30+ year old design and is not digital. It will not work with modern autoguiders designed for computer interface. You'll have to ask Bruce or Patrick if SLAS still has the autoguider for the Ealing corrector. I suppose I could loan you one of mine, if Bruce OK's it and it would work with the way the telescope is currently configured. On Fri, Jun 13, 2008 at 1:14 PM, Canopus56 <canopus56@yahoo.com> wrote:
Can someone get me the heads up on how the Ealing's Astro-physics Model 8002 drive controller is intended to be used. While the toggle options "sidereal", "lunar" and "solar" are self explanatory, there is another mode "calibration". There is a calibration knob. Then there are two sets of switches to the right labeled "right ascension" and "declination", each with a setting "auto" and "manual". I assume the "auto" and "manual" options means one drive is slaved to the other? The "calibration" mode is less clear. Thanks - Kurt