FIRST LIGHT

hemispheres, and these can be stored for later sessions if required. On start-up you can elect to ignore the model via a cold start, or reuse it. If the scope was moved (for example, parked) between sessions, a warm start can work with the previous model after you re-sync the mount with an alignment star. If it has not been moved at all, a warm restart allows you to carry on from where you left off without re-syncing. When creating our models, we found the accuracy of the system improved noticeably after each suggested hemisphere target had been centred. We also found the Go-To capability to be excellent, the mount placing our chosen targets close to the centre of our field of view each time.

Web ready

The Gemini-2 Mini can be linked to a computer network via an ethernet cable. Accessing the unit’s IP address via a standard browser brings up a web interface. This provides a lot of functionality, including cleaner access to the Go-To catalogues and a set of tutorial videos regarding the mount’s operation. We found the web interface easy to set up and use. The Gemini-2 Mini integrates well with the ASCOM platform, allowing the mount to be controlled from many ASCOM-compliant planetarium programs. In particular, after installing an ASCOM Gemini.net driver, we had no problem autoguiding the mount via the ethernet connection using the popular PHD Guiding software.

The G11-G is a solid, technical performer ideally suited for remote access thanks to its excellent ethernet connectivity. Beginners may struggle with some of its more technical aspects but under the bonnet, it really does deliver. Its accuracy appears to be extremely good and the G11-G is certainly a suitable candidate for longexposure precision imaging.