diff --git a/docs/source/quick_start.rst b/docs/source/quick_start.rst index 77d51b2b8..4b84834b9 100644 --- a/docs/source/quick_start.rst +++ b/docs/source/quick_start.rst @@ -9,44 +9,43 @@ Quick Start Not sure which you have? See :ref:`Which PiFinder do I have? ` below. - If you need docs for a previous version please choose `1.x.x `_ + If you need docs for a previous version please see `1.x.x `_ , `2.0.x `_ or `2.1.x `_ Congratulations on getting your hands on a PiFinder™! Whether you built it yourself or -ordered a finished unit from BBLabs, you're on your way to a new level of accuracy and +ordered a ready-built one from BBLabs, you're on your way to a new level of accuracy and ease at the eyepiece. -This Quick Start gets you out and observing with most of what you need. For the rest — -settings and non-observing functions — see the full :doc:`User Guide `. +This Quick Start gets you out and observing with most of what you need. For the rest, such +as settings and non-observing functions, see the full :doc:`User Guide `. -We'll get your PiFinder running for the first time, walk you through your first night out, -show you how to change your settings, and leave you confident in how it works. +We'll get your PiFinder running for the first time, walk you through your first +night out, shows you how to change your settings, and leaves you confident in how it works. -PiFinder takes continuous pictures of the stars, compares them to its database, and tells -you exactly where your scope is pointed. This process — called *plate solving* — runs -constantly, so the PiFinder always knows your aim. An accelerometer (like the one in a -mobile phone) senses when you move the scope, so between solves the PiFinder can still -tell you where to go. +The PiFinder takes continuous pictures of the stars, compares them to its database, and +tells you exactly where your telescope is pointed. This process is called *plate solving*, +and it runs constantly, so the PiFinder always knows your aim. An accelerometer, like the +one in a mobile phone, senses when you move the telescope. Between solves, the PiFinder +uses the accelerometer to keep telling you where to go. .. image:: images/quick_start/v3_slate_family_front.jpeg Unboxing -------- -The PiFinder arrives fully assembled and ready to use. The keypad and screen are how -you'll interact with it — choosing what to look for, getting Push-To guidance, and logging -objects. +The PiFinder arrives fully assembled and ready to use. You work with it through the keypad +and screen: select what to look for, follow Push-To guidance, and log the objects you see. .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_front.jpeg :width: 45% .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_rear.jpeg :width: 45% -You get around with the joystick: push it up, down, left or right for the four arrow keys, -and press it straight in for **SQUARE** — the same as the **SQUARE** key on the pad, -whichever falls under your thumb. From here on this guide simply names the keys — **UP**, -**RIGHT**, **SQUARE** and so on — without repeating how each one is reached. +You get around with the joystick. Move it up, down, left or right for the four arrow keys, +and press it straight in for **SQUARE**. That does the same as the **SQUARE** key on the +pad, so use whichever falls under your thumb. From here on, this guide names only the keys, +such as **UP**, **RIGHT** and **SQUARE**, without repeating how you reach each one. .. note:: On v3 and v2.5 PiFinders the four arrows are separate buttons in a row along the bottom @@ -54,79 +53,78 @@ whichever falls under your thumb. From here on this guide simply names the keys on both. |v3_docs| -Depending on your configuration, the camera may face a different direction or sit in a -different spot, so it can see the sky while the keypad and screen stay within easy reach -on any type of scope. +Depending on your configuration, the camera can face a different direction or sit in a +different spot. The camera then sees the sky while the keypad and screen stay within easy +reach on any type of telescope. Which PiFinder do I have? -------------------------- -This guide covers three generations of hardware — rev4, v3 and v2.5 — and you can tell them -apart without opening anything. Here's a v3 on the left beside a rev4 on the right: +This guide covers three generations of hardware: rev4, v3 and v2.5. You can tell them apart +without opening anything. Here's a v3 on the left beside a rev4 on the right: .. image:: images/quick_start/v3_vs_rev4_front.jpeg -**The directional control.** rev4 has a single joystick you push up, down, left and right. -v3 and v2.5 have four separate arrow buttons in a row along the bottom of the keypad. It's -the quickest tell, and you can't miss it. +**The directional control.** rev4 has a single joystick that you move up, down, left and +right. v3 and v2.5 have four separate arrow buttons in a row along the bottom of the +keypad. This is the quickest way to tell them apart, and you can't miss it. -**The screen.** rev4's is 1.91" across and 176 pixels square; the v3 and v2.5 screen is -1.5" and 128 pixels square. The extra room shows: below is the same main menu on each, in -the same order as the photo above. +**The screen.** The rev4 screen is 1.91" across and 176 pixels square. The v3 and v2.5 +screen is 1.5" and 128 pixels square. The extra room shows. Below is the same main menu on +each, in the same order as the photo above. .. list-table:: * - .. figure:: images/quick_start/main_menu_v3_docs.png - v3 / v2.5 — 1.5", 128 px + v3 / v2.5: 1.5", 128 px - .. figure:: images/quick_start/main_menu_rev4_docs.png - rev4 — 1.91", 176 px + rev4: 1.91", 176 px **The SD card slot.** rev4 has a spring-loaded card slot in the left side of the case as you -face the screen, reachable from the outside. On v3 and v2.5 the card sits inside, behind -three screws. +face the screen, and you reach it from the outside. On v3 and v2.5 the card sits inside, +behind three screws. -Everything else follows from those. rev4 starts and stops with a power button rather -than a slide switch, charges from an on-board charger and shows a battery indicator in the -title bar, and has a small buzzer with its own Volume setting. Where the revisions differ, -this guide describes rev4 and notes the v3 and v2.5 behaviour underneath. +Everything else follows from those. rev4 turns on and off with a power button rather than a +slide switch. It charges from an on-board charger and shows a battery indicator in the +title bar, and it has a small buzzer with its own Volume setting. Where the revisions +differ, this guide describes rev4 and notes the v3 and v2.5 behaviour underneath. Powering the PiFinder ---------------------- Plug in and charge your PiFinder before first use. Two USB-C ports sit on top of the case, -each named on the faceplate just below it: plug the cable into **POWER**. The **CHG** light -on the faceplate stays on while the battery charges and goes out when it's full; from empty -that takes about six hours. The other port, **DATA**, is for connecting accessories such as -the PiFinder remote. +each named on the faceplate just below it. Plug the cable into **POWER**. The **CHG** light +on the faceplate stays on while the battery charges and goes out when it's full. From empty +that takes about six hours. The other port, **DATA**, connects accessories such as the +PiFinder remote. -Press the button marked **PWR**, on the front below the keypad, and hold it for about two -seconds to switch the PiFinder on. +Press and hold the button marked **PWR**, on the front below the keypad, for about two +seconds to turn the PiFinder on. .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_power.jpeg A full charge runs the PiFinder for about ten hours, enough for all but the longest observing sessions. You can also use the PiFinder while it charges, so a USB power bank on -the **POWER** port will keep you going all night. Any 5V USB-C supply rated for at least 2A -will do. +the **POWER** port keeps you going all night. Any 5V USB-C supply rated for at least 2A +works. -The first power-on takes a minute, and the welcome screen may come and go as the PiFinder -restarts; later start-ups are much quicker. Once it's powered on, you'll see a welcome -image, then some loading information, and finally the Main Menu. +The first time you turn the PiFinder on it takes a minute, and the welcome screen can come +and go as the PiFinder restarts. Later it is much quicker. You see a welcome image, then +some loading information, and finally the Main Menu. The **PWR** label lights as soon as you press the button, so you know the PiFinder is on -and starting before there's any other sign of life. It goes out once the screen and keypad -are illuminated. It isn't dimmable like the rest of the interface, and it going dark is -normal. +before there's any other sign of life. It goes out once the screen and keypad light up. It +isn't dimmable like the rest of the interface, and going dark is normal. .. note:: - On v3 and v2.5 PiFinders, power is a small white slide switch above the screen — facing - the screen, slide it right for on and left for off. Charging is through the port nearest - the back of the case, whose indicator glows blue while charging and green when full; - the port nearest the keypad runs the unit without charging the battery. + On v3 and v2.5 PiFinders, power is a small white slide switch above the screen. Facing + the screen, slide it right for on and left for off. Charge through the port nearest the + back of the case. Its indicator glows blue while charging and green when full. The port + nearest the keypad runs the PiFinder without charging the battery. |v3_docs| @@ -135,23 +133,23 @@ normal. Using the PiFinder ------------------- -The PiFinder uses a scrolling menu with the active option highlighted in the middle of +The PiFinder uses a scrolling menu with the active menu item highlighted in the middle of the screen. .. image:: images/quick_start/pifinder_main_menu.png -Every feature is reached through this menu — by scrolling, selecting options, or moving +You reach every feature through this menu, by scrolling, selecting menu items and moving between screens: -.. This key list is duplicated in user_guide.rst (The Menu System) — keep the two in sync. +.. This key list is duplicated in user_guide.rst (The Menu System). Keep the two in sync. - The **UP** and **DOWN** arrows scroll the current menu -- The **RIGHT** arrow activates the current option, selecting it or moving to another menu +- The **RIGHT** arrow selects the current menu item, which either sets an option or opens another menu - The **LEFT** arrow takes you back to the previous menu or screen -- Holding **LEFT** for more than a second always jumps back to the TOP of the menus +- Press and hold **LEFT** for more than a second to jump back to the TOP of the menus -Some menus, like the catalog selection, let you check multiple options on and off with the -**RIGHT** arrow. +Some menus, like the catalog selection, let you check several menu items on and off with +the **RIGHT** arrow. .. image:: images/quick_start/filter_menu_docs.png .. image:: images/quick_start/catalog_select_docs.png @@ -165,41 +163,43 @@ telescope is currently pointing. The **LEFT** arrow always takes you back to the previous menu or screen. Many screens use the number keys along with **+**, **-**, and **SQUARE** for extra -functions, listed in that screen's help pages. +functions. That screen's help pages list them. -To open a screen's help (and other screen-specific options), hold **SQUARE** for more than -a second to bring up the handy Quick Menu (the radial menu). +To open a screen's help and its other options, press and hold **SQUARE** for more than a +second. This brings up the handy Quick Menu, also called the radial menu. .. image:: images/quick_start/main_menu_marking.png -The Quick Menu offers four options you can reach quickly with the arrow keys; **UP** +The Quick Menu offers four options that you reach quickly with the arrow keys. **UP** normally selects HELP. .. image:: images/quick_start/main_menu_help.png Use the **UP** and **DOWN** arrows to read through all of a screen's help. -The PiFinder has a lot of powerful features, but they all live in this menu system and use -the same basic set of buttons to get around. +The PiFinder has a lot of powerful features. They all live in this menu system and use the +same basic set of keys to get around. Configuration Setup -------------------- -There is only one physical rev4 PiFinder. The body rotates on its mount, so the same unit -sits with the screen facing left, right or straight back — whichever suits your scope. What -changes between configurations is the position you rotate it into, not the hardware. +There is only one physical rev4 PiFinder. The body rotates on its mount, so the same +PiFinder sits with the screen facing left, right or straight back, whichever suits your +telescope. What changes between configurations is the position you rotate it into, not the +hardware. .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_convert.gif -The mount is spring-loaded, with detents marking the three positions, so nothing needs -loosening first. Take hold of the body and turn it firmly; it drops into the next position -and stays there. +The mount is spring-loaded, with detents marking the three positions, so you don't need to +loosen anything first. Take hold of the body and turn it firmly. It drops into the next +position and stays there. -The software needs to know which position you've chosen so its star charts and pointing +The software needs to know which position the body is in, so its star charts and pointing directions come out the right way round. Your PiFinder arrives set to match the position it -shipped in; check the setting if you rotate it, or if the Push-To directions send you the -wrong way — reversed Push-To is the usual sign that the setting and the hardware disagree. +shipped in. Check the setting if you rotate the body, or if the Push-To directions send you +the wrong way. Reversed Push-To is the usual sign that the setting and the hardware +disagree. From the main menu, select Settings, scroll down to Advanced, then select PiFinder Type. @@ -214,20 +214,20 @@ the PiFinder software. The rev4 entries sit at the bottom of the list. Three of them name the position you've rotated the body into: -- **Rev4 Left** — the screen faces left, for a Dobsonian or Newtonian with the focuser on +- **Rev4 Left**: the screen faces left, for a Dobsonian or Newtonian with the focuser on the left of the tube. -- **Rev4 Right** — the screen faces right, for a focuser on the right. -- **Rev4 Straight** — the screen faces back, directly away from the camera. +- **Rev4 Right**: the screen faces right, for a focuser on the right. +- **Rev4 Straight**: the screen faces back, directly away from the camera. **AS Bloom** and **AS Heart** are the exceptions: they name a telescope rather than an -orientation. Analog Sky's Bloom and Heart can be ordered with a PiFinder fully integrated -into the scope, so if you're observing with one of those, choose the entry that matches it. +orientation. You can order Analog Sky's Bloom and Heart with a PiFinder fully integrated +into the telescope. If you observe with one of those, select the entry that matches it. .. note:: The entries above these are the v3 and v2.5 configurations. Left, Right and Straight - mean the same as they do on rev4, but on those units the configuration is set by how the - unit is built rather than by rotating it; Flat v3 and Flat v2 sit with the lens on top - and the screen angled back toward you. + mean the same as they do on rev4, but on those PiFinders the build sets the + configuration rather than a rotation. Flat v3 and Flat v2 sit with the lens on top and + the screen angled back toward you. |v3_docs| @@ -235,47 +235,47 @@ Mounting --------- The PiFinder comes set up with a 32 mm dovetail that fits the standard finder shoe found on -most scopes. It slides into the shoe the same way a finder does. +most telescopes. It slides into the shoe the same way a finder does. .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_mounting.jpeg :width: 47% .. image:: images/quick_start/rev4_on_scope.jpeg :width: 47% -The PiFinder works out its own orientation, so it no longer needs to sit perfectly upright -— any mounting angle is fine, as long as the camera points where the scope points. You may +The PiFinder works out its own orientation, so it no longer needs to sit perfectly upright. +Any mounting angle works, as long as the camera points where the telescope points. You may still prefer it roughly level so the screen is easy to read. The dovetail is adjustable, so you can set a comfortable angle even if your finder shoe isn't right at the top of the optical tube. Loosen the two dovetail screws, set the PiFinder -on your scope, adjust the angle to suit, then remove it and tighten the two screws. You're -all set for a night of observing. +on your telescope, adjust the angle to suit, then remove it and tighten the two screws. +You're all set for a night of observing. .. note:: * Mount the PiFinder so the camera has an unimpeded view of the sky. - * Whichever position or configuration you're using, the software needs to be set to - match — see :ref:`quick_start:configuration setup`. + * Whichever position or configuration you use, set the software to match. See + :ref:`quick_start:configuration setup`. First Time Out -------------- -Once your PiFinder is charged and your mount is set on your scope, you're ready to head out -to your observing site. Set up your scope, mount your PiFinder, and read on. +Once your PiFinder is charged and your mount is set on your telescope, you're ready to head +out to your observing site. Set up your telescope, mount your PiFinder, and read on. You can start using the PiFinder as soon as several stars are visible in the part of the -sky it faces — it uses those stars (and its internal GPS sensor) to learn where it is and -what it's looking at, so it needs a few stars to get going. That might be soon after +sky it faces. It uses those stars, along with its internal GPS receiver, to learn where it +is and what it's looking at. It needs a few stars to get going. That might be soon after sunset, or, under light pollution, not until full darkness. Two icons in the upper right tell you whether the PiFinder knows where it is. The satellite -dish is solid once a GPS signal is received and a location acquired, and flashes while -searching for location and time. +dish flashes while the PiFinder searches for its location and time, and turns solid once it +has a GPS signal and a location. -The other icon shows how the PiFinder determined your telescope's position. A camera means -it has plate-solved its current view; the camera fades when the scope is moving and it's -relying on the accelerometer. An 'X' means it hasn't worked out where it's pointing yet -(see :ref:`quick_start:setting focus & first solve`). +The other icon shows how the PiFinder worked out your telescope's position. A camera means +it has solved its current view. The camera fades while the telescope moves and the PiFinder +relies on the accelerometer. An 'X' means it hasn't worked out where it's pointing yet. See +:ref:`quick_start:setting focus & first solve`. .. list-table:: @@ -302,15 +302,16 @@ relying on the accelerometer. An 'X' means it hasn't worked out where it's point .. note:: The GPS receiver must be outside to get a lock, and it can take several minutes to gather everything it needs to calculate its location and date/time. Expect a longer wait - after the PiFinder has been off for a long period, or moved a distance while off; later - start-ups at the same location are quicker. + after the PiFinder has been off for a long period, or moved a distance while off. Once + it has a lock at a location, later sessions there are quicker. - Leaving the PiFinder on the GPS Status screen speeds up the lock: this screen disables - the camera, which reduces EM noise and helps the receiver see more satellites. + Leave the PiFinder on the GPS Status screen to speed up the lock. That screen turns the + camera off, which reduces electromagnetic noise and helps the receiver see more + satellites. .. note:: - No GPS, or don't want to wait for a lock? You can enter your location and time by hand - and start using the PiFinder right away — see :ref:`Place & Time ` + No GPS, or don't want to wait for a lock? Enter your location and time by hand and + start using the PiFinder right away. See :ref:`Place & Time ` in the User Guide. @@ -318,79 +319,79 @@ relying on the accelerometer. An 'X' means it hasn't worked out where it's point Adjusting Brightness ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -You can adjust the brightness of the screen and keypad at any time: hold **SQUARE** and +You can adjust the brightness of the screen and keypad at any time. Hold **SQUARE** and press **+** for brighter, or **-** for dimmer. At a dark sky site, turn it right down to -preserve your dark-adapted vision. The keypad backlight tracks the screen; if you'd rather -the keys sat brighter or dimmer than the display, **Key Bright** in the -:ref:`user_guide:settings menu` shifts the balance between the two. +preserve your dark-adapted vision. The keypad backlight tracks the screen. To set the keys +brighter or dimmer than the screen, use **Key Bright** in the +:ref:`user_guide:settings menu`. .. note:: - After it's been idle for a while, the PiFinder dims the screen and slows its exposures, + After a while with no activity, the PiFinder dims the screen and slows its exposures, solving, and other processes to save battery and prevent glare at the eyepiece. The - default is 30 seconds; you can change it, or turn it off, in the - :ref:`user_guide:settings menu`. Any button press, or moving the PiFinder, wakes it. + default is 30 seconds. You can change it, or turn it off, in the + :ref:`user_guide:settings menu`. Any key press, or moving the PiFinder, wakes it. Start with the Start menu ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ At the start of each session, you may need to do a few things: -- Check and adjust camera focus -- Align the PiFinder by telling it where your scope is pointing +- Check and adjust the camera focus +- Align the PiFinder by telling it where your telescope is pointing - Check the status of the GPS lock -These items live in the 'Start' menu at the top of the PiFinder main menu. +These items live in the Start menu at the top of the PiFinder main menu. .. image:: images/quick_start/pifinder_main_menu.png You won't always need all three. Focus generally holds from night to night, and if you -leave your PiFinder on your scope you may not need to re-align. Most functions need a GPS -signal, which happens automatically — but the GPS Status screen lets you monitor progress -toward a lock and boost the signal, which helps in marginal conditions or to speed things -along. +leave your PiFinder on your telescope you may not need to align it again. Most functions +need a GPS signal, and the PiFinder gets one automatically. The GPS Status screen lets you +monitor progress toward a lock and boost the signal, which helps in marginal conditions or +when you want to speed things along. Setting Focus & First Solve ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -Once stars are populating the sky, turn on your PiFinder, take off the lens cap, and aim at -one of the brightest stars you can see; it gets to work solving straight away. The lens -focus is set when your PiFinder is assembled, but may need a little adjustment to catch the -dimmest stars. +Once stars are out, turn on your PiFinder, take off the lens cap, and aim at one of the +brightest stars you can see. The PiFinder gets to work solving straight away. The lens +focus is set when your PiFinder is assembled, but it may need a little adjustment to catch +the dimmest stars. .. note:: **Focus is the single most common reason a PiFinder won't solve.** Stars that look - sharp by eye are often still too soft to solve, so rather than judging focus by sight, - use the **HFD** readout on the Focus screen (described below) to find the - sharpest point precisely. + sharp by eye are often still too soft to solve. Don't judge focus by sight. Use the + **HFD** readout on the Focus screen, described below, to find the sharpest point + precisely. -Screw the lens in and out in the holder to adjust focus. Starting from scratch — a new -build, or a lens that's been moved — set the lens so about 6 mm of thread is showing -(roughly the width of a pencil). That's close to in focus and a good place to begin. +Screw the lens in and out in the holder to adjust focus. If you start from scratch, with a +new build or a lens that has been moved, set the lens so about 6 mm of thread is showing, +roughly the width of a pencil. That's close to in focus and a good place to begin. -Select the 'Focus' option under the 'Start' menu. +Select Focus in the Start menu. .. image:: images/quick_start/start_menu.png The Focus screen finds the four brightest stars in the camera's view and shows each one magnified in its own quadrant of the screen. The same stars keep their quadrants while you -work — even if the image shifts as you handle the lens — and a star that drops out is -replaced by the next brightest. None of this needs a plate solve, so the screen keeps -working however far out of focus you start. +work, even if the image shifts as you handle the lens. When a star drops out, the next +brightest takes its place. None of this needs a plate solve, so the screen keeps working +however far out of focus you start. .. image:: images/quick_start/focus_stars_docs.png -The tiles show raw camera pixels, simply cropped and enlarged — no sharpening, smoothing, -or contrast tricks — so what you see is honestly how tight your stars are. Each star is -magnified about 10x; a badly defocused star automatically gets a wider view so its broad -disc or donut isn't clipped, tightening back up as focus improves. The **+** and **-** -keys adjust the magnification between 4x and 16x. +The tiles show raw camera pixels, simply cropped and enlarged, with no sharpening, +smoothing, or contrast tricks. What you see is honestly how tight your stars are. Each +star is magnified about 10x. A badly defocused star automatically gets a wider view so its +broad disc or donut isn't clipped, and it tightens back up as focus improves. The **+** +and **-** keys adjust the magnification between 4x and 16x. -At the center of the screen is the **HFD** readout — the Half-Flux Diameter of the detected -stars, in camera pixels. This is simply how spread-out the starlight is, so a smaller -number means tighter, sharper stars: slowly screw the lens in or out and chase the lowest -stable number. A readout of ``?.?`` means no star could be measured on the current frame — -keep adjusting, and it returns as the stars tighten. +At the center of the screen is the **HFD** readout. This is the Half-Flux Diameter of the +detected stars, in camera pixels, and it measures how spread out the starlight is. A +smaller number means tighter, sharper stars, so screw the lens slowly in or out and chase +the lowest stable number. A readout of ``?.?`` means the PiFinder could not measure a star +on the current frame. Keep adjusting, and the number returns as the stars tighten. Work in small steps. The whole journey from stars too soft to see on screen to good focus is only a few turns of the lens, and the difference between fair and good focus is less @@ -399,18 +400,18 @@ hand away for a moment so any vibration settles and the readout catches up. Big continuous turns make it easy to sweep straight through best focus without ever seeing it. A trace of the last 10 seconds of HFD runs along the divider on either side of the number, -with lower (sharper) values below the line. As you sweep the focuser slowly through best -focus the trace falls and rises again — go back to the low point. Good focus means the -quickest solves, so it's worth taking the time to find the true minimum, judging by the -number and all four stars together rather than a single unusually bright star. +with lower (sharper) values below the line. As you turn the lens slowly through best focus, the +trace falls and rises again. Go back to the low point. Good focus means the quickest +solves, so it's worth taking the time to find the true minimum. Judge it by the number and +all four stars together rather than by a single unusually bright star. Press **SQUARE** to cycle through four views: -* **Stars** — the four magnified star tiles described above. -* **Single** — the brightest star alone at twice the magnification, with the HFD readout +* **Stars**: the four magnified star tiles described above. +* **Single**: the brightest star alone at twice the magnification, with the HFD readout and trace along the bottom. -* **Image** — the full camera frame, brightened for display. -* **Stats** — the HFD alongside an FWHM estimate, the detected-star count, exposure, gain, +* **Image**: the full camera frame, brightened for the screen. +* **Stats**: the HFD alongside an FWHM estimate, the detected-star count, exposure, gain, and a histogram of the raw image. .. image:: images/quick_start/focus_single_docs.png @@ -418,52 +419,52 @@ Press **SQUARE** to cycle through four views: .. image:: images/quick_start/focus_stats_docs.png :width: 45% -Hold **SQUARE** in any view to open the :ref:`user_guide:quick menu`, which offers the -camera exposure setting. With dark enough skies and good focus, the camera icon appears in -the top right and the current constellation shows in the title bar. Congratulations — the +Press and hold **SQUARE** in any view to open the :ref:`user_guide:quick menu`, which offers +the camera exposure setting. With dark enough skies and good focus, the camera icon appears +in the top right and the current constellation shows in the title bar. Congratulations, the PiFinder knows where it's pointing! If you touch up focus on a later night, judge it here on the Focus screen rather than by -the camera icon — a solve takes a second or so to catch up with each change of the lens, so +the camera icon. A solve takes a second or so to catch up with each change of the lens, so the icon always lags a little behind. The HFD readout responds much faster, and the technique is the same: a small turn, then a pause to let things settle. .. note:: - **Can’t get a plate solve?** The usual culprits are simple: make sure the lens cap is off - and the PiFinder isn't moving, then check focus — soft stars stop solves, so watch the HFD + **Can’t get a plate solve?** The usual causes are simple. Make sure the lens cap is off + and the PiFinder isn't moving, then check focus. Soft stars stop solves, so watch the HFD on the Focus screen and adjust the lens until it reaches its lowest value. For anything - beyond that — obstructions, dew, thin cloud, exposure settings — see the + beyond that, such as obstructions, dew, thin cloud or exposure settings, see the :doc:`troubleshooting` page. Alignment ^^^^^^^^^^^ -To get the most out of PiFinder, you need to align it with your telescope. PiFinder uses -*digital* alignment: instead of physically nudging the PiFinder so its field of view matches -your scope, you simply tell it where your scope is pointing within its wide field. +To get the most out of the PiFinder, align it with your telescope. The PiFinder uses +*digital* alignment. Instead of physically nudging the PiFinder so its field of view matches +your telescope, you tell it where your telescope points within its wide field. -The camera sees a 10° patch of sky — about 20 full moons across — and your eyepiece's much -smaller field sits somewhere inside it. By pointing your telescope at a star and then -selecting that same star on PiFinder's chart, you tell PiFinder exactly where to place -objects so they land in the center of your eyepiece. +The camera sees a 10° patch of sky, about 20 full moons across, and your eyepiece's much +smaller field sits somewhere inside it. Point your telescope at a star, then select that +same star on the PiFinder's chart. This tells the PiFinder exactly where to place objects so +they land in the center of your eyepiece. .. note:: These instructions cover the alignment system in software version 2.1.0 and above. For the previous instructions, `click here `_. -To begin, select 'Align' from the 'Start' menu. +Select Align in the Start menu. .. image:: images/quick_start/start_align_selected.png -You'll see a rendered star chart with constellation lines showing the sky PiFinder is -currently seeing. If you instead see a message about not having a solve, return to the focus +A rendered star chart appears, with constellation lines showing the sky the PiFinder +currently sees. If you instead see a message about not having a solve, return to the focus section above. .. image:: images/quick_start/align_intro.png -The current alignment point is marked with a Telrad-style reticle. As you move your -telescope the chart updates, and you can zoom in and out with the **+/-** keys. +A Telrad-style reticle marks the current alignment point. The chart updates as you move +your telescope, and the **+/-** keys zoom in and out. .. note:: The reticle marks where your telescope is pointing *within* the camera's wide 10° field, @@ -472,51 +473,51 @@ telescope the chart updates, and you can zoom in and out with the **+/-** keys. Now align in a few steps: -1. Pick a star you can easily recognize — a bright star, or one in a distinctive - constellation or asterism. Any naked-eye star works, but you can't align on a planet. - Point your telescope at it and roughly center it in your eyepiece. -2. Look at the PiFinder screen and find that star plotted there. Use the **+/-** keys to +1. Start with a star you can easily recognize, such as a bright star or one in a + distinctive constellation or asterism. Any naked-eye star works, but you can't align on + a planet. Point your telescope at it and roughly center it in your eyepiece. +2. Look at the PiFinder screen and find that star plotted there. Press the **+/-** keys to zoom out if it helps you identify it. 3. Press **SQUARE** to switch to star-selection mode. .. image:: images/quick_start/align_start.png - The large reticle is replaced by a small selection marker. The arrow keys jump it to the - next closest star in that direction. + A small selection marker replaces the large reticle. The arrow keys jump it to the next + closest star in that direction. .. image:: images/quick_start/align_select.png 4. Use the arrow keys to highlight the star your telescope is pointing at, then return to the eyepiece and center it as well as you can. -5. Press **SQUARE** to complete the alignment — PiFinder will now place objects wherever in - your eyepiece that star sits. Or press **0** to exit without changing the alignment point. +5. Press **SQUARE** to complete the alignment. The PiFinder now places objects wherever in + your eyepiece that star sits. To exit without changing the alignment point, press **0**. .. image:: images/quick_start/align_done.png The marker returns to the normal Telrad-style reticle, showing your newly adjusted alignment -point. PiFinder saves it, so you won't need to repeat this unless you remove and re-attach -the PiFinder to your telescope. +point. The PiFinder saves it, so you don't need to repeat this unless you remove the +PiFinder from your telescope and attach it again. .. note:: You can also align on any catalog object. If you've found an object and it's not centered, - center it up, hold **SQUARE** for one second, and choose align. This isn't like adding - alignment points to a standard DSC for accuracy — it simply tells PiFinder where in your - eyepiece you'd like objects placed if your initial alignment wasn't quite right. + center it up, press and hold **SQUARE** for one second, and select Align. This isn't like + adding alignment points to a standard DSC for accuracy. It simply tells the PiFinder where + in your eyepiece you want objects placed if your initial alignment wasn't quite right. Daytime alignment ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -The alignment above relies on a plate solve, so it only works once there are stars to see. To -set things up during the day, choose 'Align (Day)' from the 'Start' menu. It reaches the same -result by hand: you point your telescope at a distant object, find where the camera sees it, -and mark that spot directly — no solve required. +The alignment above relies on a plate solve, so it only works once there are stars to see. +To set things up during the day, select Align (Day) in the Start menu. It reaches the same +result by hand, with no solve required: point your telescope at a distant object, find +where the camera sees it, and mark that spot directly. .. image:: images/quick_start/align_day_start.png Opening the screen switches the camera to a short daytime exposure so you can see what it's pointing at. Press **SQUARE** to begin. -The view splits into four quadrants labelled to match the keypad corners — **7** top-left, +The view splits into four quadrants, labelled to match the keypad corners: **7** top-left, **9** top-right, **1** bottom-left, **3** bottom-right. Press the key for the quadrant your object sits in. @@ -536,28 +537,28 @@ arrow press also leaves quadrant mode, so you can switch to fine adjustment at a .. image:: images/quick_start/align_day_fine.png Center your distant object in the eyepiece, move the marker onto it on screen, then press -**SQUARE** to save. Press **0** to exit without changing the alignment. Pick something far -enough away that the focus matches the night sky — a distant treetop, chimney, or hilltop, -not something across the room. +**SQUARE** to save. Press **0** to exit without changing the alignment. Use something far +enough away that the focus matches the night sky, such as a distant treetop, chimney or +hilltop, rather than something across the room. .. note:: - In daylight the image is shown in plain white rather than the usual red, since night vision - isn't a concern. If the view is washed out or too dark, **+** and **-** adjust the exposure - by hand. Hold **SQUARE** for the Quick Menu, where 'Exp Auto' hands exposure back to the - camera and 'Center' returns the marker to the middle. + In daylight the PiFinder shows the image in plain white rather than the usual red, since + night vision isn't a concern. If the view is washed out or too dark, **+** and **-** adjust + the exposure by hand. Press and hold **SQUARE** for the Quick Menu, where Exp Auto hands + exposure back to the camera and Center returns the marker to the middle. GPS Status ^^^^^^^^^^^ A GPS status indicator in the PiFinder title bar flashes while the PiFinder searches for its -position and time, and turns solid once it knows where and when it is. You can monitor this -process and turn on a signal-boost mode from the 'GPS Status' item in the 'Start' menu. +position and time, and turns solid once it knows where and when it is. To monitor this +process and turn on a signal-boost mode, select GPS Status in the Start menu. .. image:: images/quick_start/start_gps_selected.png -The screen has two modes — a large-text summary and a full-details view — and you switch -between them with the **SQUARE** button. +The screen has two modes: a large-text summary and a full-details view. Press **SQUARE** to +switch between them. .. list-table:: @@ -575,31 +576,31 @@ leave this screen active to boost the GPS signal by temporarily stopping the cam most electronics, the camera generates electromagnetic noise that can drown out the faint GPS satellite signals. -Once a lock shows, press the **LEFT** arrow to return to the menu, re-activate the camera, -and go find your first object. +Once a lock shows, press the **LEFT** arrow to go back to the menu. This turns the camera on +again, and you're ready to find your first object. Find Your First Object ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -Now that you're aligned, it's time to explore. We'll select an object, get some information -about it, and push your scope until it's in the eyepiece. +Now that you're aligned, it's time to explore. Select an object, read about it, then move +your telescope until the object is in the eyepiece. -- Hold the **LEFT** arrow for more than a second to jump to the main menu if you're not - already there -- Select Objects from the menu +- Press and hold the **LEFT** arrow for more than a second to jump to the main menu, if + you're not already there +- Select Objects in the menu .. image:: images/quick_start/main_menu_01_docs.png .. image:: images/quick_start/objects_menu_01.png -- Scroll down to By Catalog to browse objects by catalog -- Select the Messier catalog from the menu +- Scroll down to By Catalog to see the objects in each catalog +- Select the Messier catalog .. image:: images/quick_start/objects_menu_02.png .. image:: images/quick_start/by_catalog_01.png Selecting the Messier catalog brings up the heart of the PiFinder observing system, the -Objects List. Here it shows every Messier object that matches your +Objects List. It shows every Messier object that matches your :ref:`filters`. .. image:: images/quick_start/messier_01.png @@ -611,54 +612,55 @@ Objects List. Here it shows every Messier object that matches your .. image:: images/quick_start/messier_03.png .. image:: images/quick_start/messier_04.png -- Use the **UP** and **DOWN** keys to browse objects and pick one you want to view +- Press the **UP** and **DOWN** keys to scroll through the objects and stop on one you want + to view - Press the **RIGHT** arrow to open Object Details, including Push-To guidance .. image:: images/quick_start/M13_locate.png -Object Details shows Push-To instructions by default; press the **SQUARE** key to see an +Object Details shows Push-To instructions by default. Press the **SQUARE** key to see an image of the object or its catalog details instead. .. image:: images/quick_start/M13_image.png .. image:: images/quick_start/M13_details.png -Now point your scope at the object. +Now point your telescope at the object. - Press **SQUARE** to cycle the object information until you see the Push-To instructions .. image:: images/quick_start/M13_locate.png -The Push-To instructions show how far to move your scope on each axis. The top arrow and -number tell you which way to spin the scope — clockwise or counterclockwise — and how far in -degrees. The lower arrow tells you whether to move toward the zenith or the horizon, and how -far in degrees. +The Push-To instructions show how far to move your telescope on each axis. The top arrow +and number tell you which way to turn the telescope, clockwise or counterclockwise, and how +far in degrees. The lower arrow tells you whether to move toward the zenith or the horizon, +and how far in degrees. -Watch the numbers as you move the scope; they change to show how much closer or further you -are from the object. When both are near zero, the object should be in your eyepiece. +Watch the numbers as you move the telescope. They change to show how much closer or further +you are from the object. When both are near zero, the object should be in your eyepiece. .. note:: - How close to 0.00/0.00 you need to get depends on your eyepiece. With a true field of view of 1/2 degree, a readout below 0.25/0.25 puts the object somewhere in your eyepiece. - - While you're moving, the PiFinder estimates position from its accelerometer — less - accurate than a plate solve, so the numbers dim slightly. Stop moving and it takes a fresh - image, fixes your exact position, and the numbers shift a little and brighten to show a - reliable solve. + - While you're moving, the PiFinder estimates position from its accelerometer. That is + less accurate than a plate solve, so the numbers dim slightly. Stop moving and the + PiFinder takes a fresh image and fixes your exact position. The numbers shift a little + and brighten to show a reliable solve. Shutting down the PiFinder --------------------------- -Shutting down isn't strictly required before power-off, but the PiFinder is a computer and -skipping it risks file corruption. Press the power button and hold it for about a second: -the screen asks you to confirm, and a second press shuts the PiFinder down and switches it -off. The :ref:`user_guide:shutdown` section walks through it with pictures, including the -keypad route. +A shutdown isn't strictly required before you turn the power off, but the PiFinder is a +computer and skipping it risks file corruption. Press and hold the power button for about a +second. The screen asks you to confirm, and a second press shuts the PiFinder down and +turns it off. The :ref:`user_guide:shutdown` section walks through it with pictures, +including the keypad route. .. note:: - On v3 and v2.5 PiFinders, shut down from the keypad: hold **LEFT** for more than a second - to jump to the main menu, hold **SQUARE** to open the Quick Menu, then press **DOWN** for - SHUTDOWN and confirm with **RIGHT**. Once the screen and keypad turn off, it's safe to - slide the power switch off. + On v3 and v2.5 PiFinders, shut down from the keypad. Press and hold **LEFT** for more than + a second to jump to the main menu, press and hold **SQUARE** to open the Quick Menu, then + press **DOWN** for SHUTDOWN and confirm with **RIGHT**. Once the screen and keypad turn + off, it's safe to slide the power switch off. |v3_docs| That's the basics of using your PiFinder sorted. To learn more, continue to the full