Cyber DriveTM

GO REMOTE, with the Astronomers Control Panel (ACP) and the Satellite Tracker FREE, with Cyber DriveTM.  Scroll down for more Information.


PC Cyber DriveTM Now Ready for Release! 

I would like to take a moment, and thank all our customers, waiting 
patiently for the development of Cyber DriveTM, and our on going 
commitment from Boyd Observatories.

We are pleased to announce the release of PC Cyber DriveTM for Meade LX-200TM telescopes!

The PC Cyber DriveTM software is an easy to use 32-bit Windows program which interfaces to LX-200TM telescopes and the powerful IPM100 Motion Control Card from TechnoSoft.

The software simply polls the LX-200TM for the current azimuth position and then sends messages to the motion control card which in turn activates the dome's motor (with integrated encoder) to position the dome shutter.

Set up is quick and easy. Select the COM port numbers for which your devices are attached. If your telescope is not mounted exactly in the center of the dome then type in the offsets for perfect alignment every time!  How do I hook up my computer (Click here).

Alignment of the dome is easily accomplished.  Turn the dome so the  shutter faces due North and click the "Sync/Reset Dome" button and  you are ready to go!  At the end of your session, click the "Park Dome"  button and no further alignment procedure is necessary during subsequent sessions! 

With the dual serial port capability of the LX-200TM, you can still use your favorite planetarium software seamlessly with PC Cyber DriveTM. In  conjuction with the positive geared drive system, Dome Automation  has never been so reliable, easy and cost-effective! 

 

gj.gif (7940 bytes)

Garry J. Boyd, President 
Boyd Observatories 

Cyber DriveTM
All Boyd Domes Have Direct Drive


The Satellite TrackerTM from Brent Boshart, is Freeware with every Cyber DriveTM System.  The Astronomers Control Panel (ACP) from Robert Denny interfaces completely with the Cyber DriveTM, for full system capability, and is available thru ACP.  NO other Observatory company offers this complete "CLICK and GO" capability of these fine software upgrades.  Boyd Observatories offers only the best for your LX-200TM Telescopes (please scroll down for additional information).


  • Cyber Drive can interface with any Planetarium software of your choice

  • ACP (Astronomers Control Panel) Complete Interface, available from ACP

  • "Satellite Tracker" FREEWARE included at no extra charge

  • 52 Second 360 degree rotation, (seven degrees per sec) for fast , precise easy positioning 

  • High Grade Pitmann Servo motor, w/500 step optical encoder counts 41,000 times per revolution (no other obtrusive wires or sensors) 

  • Software diskette included, 30 second, quick and easy set up, no manual, or programming required 

  • Technosoft US IPM 100 controller board, high quality commericial electronics 

  • Standard S.E.C. professional 11 amp power supply, operates other 12 systems in your Observatory 

  • 16DP Spur track, and Boston gear direct drive, standard, for high accuracy positioning (NO friction Drive) 

  • Full one year warranty, on all mechanical equipment, with techinical support

If you have a technical question about the Cyber DriveTM, or the Satellite TrackerTM, please contact the developer, Brent Boshart at brentb@micro-man.com.  Please note, ACP is avilable thru their company for an additional charge.


 
gjboyd@tir.com -- 810-749-9525 (voice)
57607 Broughton Rd., Ray Township, MI, 48096 (USA)

Copyright © 1999-2001, Boyd Observatories

PM100 Copyright © 2000, TechnoSoft S.A.
Windows is a Registered Trademark of Microsoft Corporation
LX-200 is a Registered Trademark of Meade Instruments Corporation