Section 3.3.1.2 - Configuring Your Pyxis
Pyxis rotator device and program settings can be configured via the Pyxis Commander program or the ASCOM Driver Setup Dialog. Any changes made in one will be reflected in the other.
- Pyxis Control Program Settings - To access the settings form in the Pyxis Control program, click Tools on the main menu bar and select Settings.
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- ASCOM Driver Settings - To access the settings from the Pyxis ASCOM Driver simply open the setup dialog from whichever client application you are using. Then click Device Setup on the main menu bar and select Advanced Setup.
- Change Settings - The settings available for viewing using either access option are listed below:
- Firmware Version (Read Only) - This property displays the version number of firmware that is programmed in the device that is currently connected.
- Resolution (Read Only) - This property displays the rotation resolution of the rotator in units of stepper motor steps per one revolution of the rotator.
- Backlash Compensation Enabled - This property can be used to enable or disable backlash compensation for the Pyxis. The backlash compensation works by traveling a specific number of steps beyond the target position, then turning around and returning to the target position. This ensures that the device reaches every position from the same direction and should reduce any backlash in the mechanical system.
- Backlash Steps - This property can be used to set the number of steps that the device travels past its target position when performing backlash compensation.
- Home On Start - This property determines whether the rotator will automatically begin homing when it is connected to power.
- LED Brightness - Allows you to set the brightness of the LED on the Rotator body.
- Nickname - Allows you to set a Nickname for this Rotator.
- Park Position - The Park Position is a fixed device position angle that the rotator will travel to during the Park procedure (i.e. when the Park button is pressed). It is often a good idea to park the Pyxis rotator at the end of the evening's observations to ensure a clean startup the next evening. It is usually a good idea to set the initial alignment of the Pyxis so that the Home and Park positions are at the same location. In this case, leave the default Park Position set to 0-degrees.
- Reverse - By default, the reverse property is set to false and any positive change in position angle will result in a counter-clockwise adjustment of the physical position of the device. When the reverse property is set to true, positive position angle adjustments will result in a clockwise change of the physical position angle of the device.
