(c) Databases 

Databases of many well known celestial objects are permanently stored in the Gemini.  

These are arranged in eleven descriptive lists and/or astronomical catalogs.  The RA and 

Dec coordinates in these databases are precessed to the equinox of the day; consequently, 

once the mount and Gemini are properly aligned, the user can accurately slew to any of 

these objects.  In addition to the permanent databases, Gemini also contains a 

customizable (user defined) database where the user can conveniently input and store the 

names and coordinates of his or her most often observed celestial objects.  This list can 

be retained or erased at will.  Finally, Gemini allows the user to set and return the 

telescope to marked coordinates called Bookmarks. 

(d) Displaying Date, Time, Pointing Coordinates, and Object 

If the mount and Gemini are star aligned, Gemini is able to provide the user with an 

accurate RA and Dec coordinate readout of any position to which the mount is pointing, 

and is also able to identify (within a level of probability), the most likely celestial object 

in the field of view, filtered by type of object and magnitude.  It can also show the current 

date and time in UTC, Civil Time, Julian Date, and Local Sidereal Time. 

(e) Object Search 

Sometimes the user knows the approximate position of a celestial object, but the object is 

not in the field of view.  Gemini can search for the object in two ways: (1) by starting at a 

known coordinate and scanning in an outward pattern limited to a 5 arc minute to 2 

degree FOV, and (2) by moving in a "Z" shape, 5 arc minutes per axis, to help recognize 

faint objects. 

(f)  PC Control 

Gemini can be controlled by a remote computer via an RS232C serial cable.  Such 

control is most often accomplished with planetarium software using the LX200 protocol, 

or with the Gemini Control Program that is offered online free of charge for Microsoft 

Windows.  In addition, Gemini's Feature Port can be used to control user designed 

hardware. 

(g) QuickMenu 

This menu duplicates functions found elsewhere in the menu tree, but is convenient to (1) 

quickly change Gemini's Centering Speed incrementally from 2X to 128X, (2) quickly 

change Hand Controller Mode to either Visual or Photo, and (3) quickly park the mount 

in the pre determined Home position.  A focusing feature is also available on the 

QuickMenu, but only when an auxiliary adapter board is connected. 

1.2.3  Changes In Latest Version 

Version 1.10 incorporates the following changes over version 1.01: 

Support for the Titan 50 mount (a Titan mount with 50:1 spur gears) 

The Polar Alignment Correction (PAC) command has been corrected to work in 

the southern hemisphere 

Gemini Users Manual 

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