Gemini Astronomical Telescope Positioning System

The Gemini System is used to control the GM-8, G11, Titan and HGM-200 German Equatorial Mounts from Losmandy Instruments and the MI-250 by Mountain Instruments.

Minimum System Requirements

Telescope Initialization

Minimum System Requirements

Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Step-by-step Setup Procedure (Windows)

TheSky must be configured correctly before it can communicate with the Gemini.

1. Turn off the Gemini.

2. Using the appropriate cable, connect the serial port on the Gemini to an unused serial port).

3. Turn on the Gemini.

4. Click Telescope | Setup.

5. In the Control System list, select Gemini by Losmandy and then click (or tap) OK. No additional settings are required.

Linking to and Synchronizing with the Telescope

The Gemini drive system must be properly configured before TheSky can control it. The telescope can be initialized using the Gemini hand paddle (see the Gemini user's manual for details). Or, you can do it from within TheSky. The time and terrestrial coordinates must be entered. If the telescope is connected to your computer, you might find it easier to use TheSky's Telescope | Initialize command.

1. Click Telescope | Link | Establish. The telescope cross hairs appear on the Virtual Sky.

2. Using the Gemini hand paddle, point the telescope at bright star. (Arcturus, for example).

3. From TheSky, click Edit | Find and then enter the name of the bright star and then click Find.

4. From the Large Object Information dialog box, click the Telescope tab.

5. On the Telescope tab, click the Sync button. If the "Confirm Syncs" option is marked on under Telescope | Setup, click Yes when asked to confirm the telescope synchronization.

6. From the Gemini hand paddle, click Align | Synchronize | PC Object.

The Losmandy Gemini control system emulates the LX200 protocol.  See the documentation for the Meade Instruments LX200 (Non GPS) for additional details about using this control system with TheSky.