Welcome to the TPoint for Windows Information Site!

TPoint Telescope Pointing Analysis Software for the Windows operating system can be used in conjunction with TheSky6 for Windows to analyze and improve the pointing accuracy of many computer-driven telescopes.

The TPoint software technology is used the majority of the world's most advanced telescopes (Keck, GBT, Gemini, ALMA, AAT, ARC, WIYN, WHT, UKIRT, JBO, IRTF, NSST, ESO, CTIO, SOAR, MMT, Magellan, LBT and others) to maintain pointing models, monitor and improve pointing performance.

TPoint: An Advanced Telescope Pointing Analysis System

Combined with TheSky6 Astronomy Software, TPoint provides you with the tools to efficiently analyze and improve the polar alignment and pointing accuracy of your computer-driven telescope. In concert, TheSky6 and TPoint, can rapidly (or automatically) select, target, and log telescope pointing data. TPoint can then graphically display the data in different formats to quickly reveal important characteristics of your telescope.

After learning about the inherent quirks and idiosyncrasies of your telescope, mount and optics, TPoint can automatically compensate for them, and improve your telescope's pointing accuracy. TPoint even has an advanced analysis capability that enables you to determine axis misalignments, polar misalignment, gear errors, and more.

To learn more about TPoint technology, and fundamental issues involved in telescope error modeling, visit the TPoint Software home page. Be sure to read the informative Telescope Pointing document.

Key Elements for Precise Pointing

What does it take for a telescope mount to point accurately? Below is a short list of "must haves" for TPoint compatibility.

Repeatability	Try this simple "litmus" test with your mount. Slew to any star, then center the star in the eyepiece. Next, slew approximately 20 degrees away, then slew back. Is the star centered in the eyepiece? If not, your mount probably has "non repeatable errors" (backlash, out of round gears, mirror flop, etc.) that make it unsuitable for telescope modeling.
Stability	Another simple test: center a star in the eyepiece, then gently push on (using a very small amount of force) one axis, then release. If the star does not return to it's original position, the mount may be unstable and result in poor overall pointing.
High-Resolution Encoders	Your mount's control system should use optical encoders that resolve 10 arcseconds or less. TPoint is less effective with telescope mounts that use low resolution encoders.

Does your mount pass this test? Click here to view a list of supported telescope mounts.

TPoint in Action

The same technology that is used by TPoint for Windows is also used at a majority of world's large observatories. For example, TPoint maintains the pointing models and monitors the performance of the 8-meter Gemini telescopes, the Keck, UKIRT, and UKST telescopes (among others), and is currently being used to make the Anglo-Australian Telescope point to about one arcsecond RMS — about the angular size of one of Jupiter's moons as viewed from earth.

TPoint is also used by hundreds of Paramount ME owners to get accurate pointing (and accurate tracking using ProTrack).

Why not use TPoint for Windows to make your telescope pointing world-class!