PrimaLuceLab EAGLE4 Manuel utilisateur
VERSION 1.0
Update 15-12-2020
EAGLE is manufactured by PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. (Italy). For any matters relating to the use, service and warranty, please
refer to the addresses given in the relevant documents.
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. • Via Roveredo 20/B, 33170, Pordenone • www.primalucelab.com
EAGLE4
advanced control unit for telescopes and astrophotography
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
English
CAUTION: To avoid danger of electric shock and malfunction, do not expose EAGLE to rain or moisture. The electronics are
not waterproof so in adverse weather like rain or snow, the EAGLE is not to be used outdoors.
PLEASE NOTE: EAGLE is designed to control telescopes and accessories for astronomy and is not a standard computer.
Please do not modify EAGLE system settings since this could stop some of the EAGLE features. Additionally, operating
system updates are not required if your EAGLE does not connect to the internet.
FIRST CONNECTION: For wireless connectivity, EAGLE creates a WiFi network at the same frequency as those of usually
modems / routers used to connect to the internet. So if you use EAGLE at home (for example the first time, to install your
software) you might notice a low signal or, in some cases, have connection problems. You can move it to an area with
fewer WiFi connections or connect it to a monitor (HDMI), keyboard (USB) and mouse (USB) to install your software.
WINDOWS: EAGLE includes a computer with Windows OS. For any reference on how to use Windows, please refer to the
operating system user manual.
QUALITY CONTROL: After assembly in our laboratories, every EAGLE unit, is tested by PrimaLuceLab technical experts to
verify the correct operation of all components = the integrated computer, stability and speed of the wireless connection
and the power bridge.
pagina 1
CAUTION: in order to connect EAGLE to other mechanical PLUS elements please avoid to use too
long screws that may touch the internal electronics of the EAGLE. THE THREADED PART OF THE
SCREW THAT EXIT FROM THE ELEMENT (ring, bar or clamp) TO BE CONNECTED TO THE EAGLE HAS
TO BE NO LONGER THAN 6mm. If any of the screws touches the internal elements of EAGLE, this
could lead to breakage or malfunction.
CAUTION: EAGLE must be powered with 12V regulated voltage. You can use a power supply with 12V output voltage or a field
battery. If you use a battery, this MUST be provided with a proper voltage stabilization. In case of any malfunction, immediately
unplug the power supply. DO NOT CONNECT TO THE EAGLE A BATTERY WITHOUT 12V VOLTAGE REGULATOR since it may da-
mage the other instruments powered by EAGLE (like the cooled camera). Immediately disconnect power supplies or battery if
there’s any malfunction of the unit.
CAUTION: Before installing your devices driver and your astronomy software in the Windows operating
system of the EAGLE, PLEASE CREATE A BACKUP COPY OF YOUR SSD DISK by following the instruc-
tions you find at paragraph “First use: backup your SSD drive before installing your software” of this
user manual.
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
Index
Components Identification 4
First use: how to choose the correct power source 5
First use: switch on and activation of wireless network 6
First use: Setting remote control with iPhone or iPad 10
First use: Setting remote control from a Windows computer 14
First use: Setting remote control from a Mac computer 16
First use: Setting remote control from an Android device 20
First use: backup your SSD drive before installing your software 24
First use: install your software 29
First use: turn off EAGLE 30
First use: installing EAGLE on the telescope 31
First use: powering other instruments connected to the EAGLE 34
First use: remotely control devices with EAGLE Manager 36
- connect or disconnect every power out port of EAGLE 38
- set power out voltage of the 3 power out ports with adjustable voltage 39
- connect or disconnect devices attached to the 4 USB 2.0 ports 40
- check for power in voltage and battery lifetime 40
- set WiFi connectivity 41
-remotely turn on/off the entire telescope 43
- change the password of the WiFi network created by EAGLE 44
- Check for GPS data 45
- EYE sensor data 47
- DARK mode 48
Advanced use: EAGLE ASCOM drivers 49
Advanced use: program connection and power to devices 50
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PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
WARNING
If improperly handled, EAGLE may be damaged, so please follow the instructions below:
•Do not disassemble
•Do not open, damage or subject to electric shock or excessive impact any part of EAGLE. Do not drop.
•Do not short the electronic elements
•Do not expose at temperatures above 50°C
•Do not burn or incinerate any component.
•Do not wet any electronic or electric component
•Do not bend, modify or force any part of EAGLE
•Never point the EYE sensor without cap towards the Sun. If you use your telescope to observe or photograph the Sun,
please cover the EYE sensor with the proper cap provided in the box before pointing the Sun.
NOTICE In case you check any malfunction, please contact us immediately (+ 39-0434-1696106 or support@primalu-
celab.com). Do not try to disassemble, repair or modify yourself EAGLE, without our written approval, in order not to
loose the manufacturer warrantee.
Advanced use: remotely turn on EAGLE with wired connection 51
Advanced use: configure EAGLE to automatically start when power is restored 55
Controlling the telescope remotely with Cartes du Ciel 57
Autoguiding with PHD2 Guiding 64
Drift Alignment using PHD Guiding 69
Q & A 77
Add EAGLE’s ports control in external software 79
Troubleshooting 82
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PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
Components Identification
The numbers indicate the name of the specific component. Read the paragraphs below for detailed operation description.
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Power IN 12V
HDMI port for external monitor
3
4
n.2 USB 3.0 ports
5
n.2 USB 3.0 ports
7
On / Off switch
8
n.4 12V power OUT
2
Network port
n.4 USB 2.0 ports
WiFi Antenna
1
6
n.3 power out ports with regulated voltage
9
10
EYE light sensor
11
Status LEDs
GPS Antenna
12
13
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
First use: how to choose the correct power source
EAGLE allows you to distribute power to many devices used in telescopes astrophotography (such as mount, camera, fil-
ter wheel, electronic focuser, dew heaters, etc.), thus eliminating the need for many different power supplies. Since the
EAGLE allows you to have a single power source (battery or AC adapter), it’s important to select the correct power source
to properly power all the devices you want to use.
Which battery or power supply have I to use for my equipment?
The power supply or battery you need to use to power the EAGLE and all peripherals connected to it depends on the elec-
tric current needed to power all the instruments plus the EAGLE. Let’s make an example by considering the EAGLE basic
model, that needs for an average of 0,6 Ah:
- EAGLE: 1,2Ah maximum consumption (average consumption: 0,6Ah)
- Cooled camera: 4Ah maximum consumption (average consumption: 3Ah)
- Computerized mount: 2Ah maximum consumption (average consumption: 1Ah)
- Guide camera: 0 consumption (power from the USB port of EAGLE)
We’ll have a total maximum power consumption: 7,2Ah. So, for this setup, you should use the 14A AC adapter. If you want
to use a battery (WARNING: The battery must have a 12V voltage regulator with protection system) that can power the
entire system for 8 hours (for example for the duration of an astronomical night), you will need a battery with a capacity of
at least:
7,2Ah (consumption per hour) x 8 (hours duration) = 57,6 Ah
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CAUTION
EAGLE must be powered with 12V regulated voltage. You can use a power supply with 12V output voltage or a
field battery. If you use a battery, this MUST be provided with a proper voltage stabilization. In case of any mal-
function, immediately unplug the power supply. DO NOT CONNECT TO THE EAGLE A BATTERY WITHOUT
12V VOLTAGE REGULATOR since it may damage the other instruments powered by EAGLE (like the cooled
camera). Immediately disconnect power supplies or battery if there’s any malfunction of the unit.
TIP
When many devices are powered through the EAGLE (and Ampere consumption exceeds 5Ah) we re-
commend the use of a power supply or battery with voltage regulator set to 12.8V volts instead of 12V.
This is because, when you distribute power to many devices and you have an high power consumption,
there’s a normal and small voltage drop: by setting your source at 12.8V, you will have a voltage of 12.xV
in the EAGLE’s power out ports and this will be fine with all your 12V powered devices. The important
thing is to have the voltage not lower than 12.0V. In order to create a large capacity field battery and have
a voltage of 12.8V, you can connect to the battery a 220V inverter and then connect to this the standard
12.8V 12A AC adapter for EAGLE.
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
First use: switch on and activation of wireless network
EAGLE is designed to be controlled from an external device (not included with EAGLE) via WiFi. You can use any mobile
device (tablet or smartphone) with any operating system (iOS or Android) or any computer (Windows or macOS). For re-
mote control, you will need to download the “Microsoft Remote Desktop” app onto the device (smartphone, tablet, or
computer) that you will use to control your EAGLE. Depending on the App Store for your system, the application can also
be found under the name “RD Client Microsoft”. The Remote Desktop client is free and compatible with all operating sy-
stems - iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. As an alternative, you can also use the “Parallels RDP Client” that is free and
available for different operating systems.
Install the 2 WiFi antennas (9) included in the package by threading them onto the the proper ports on the side of EAGLE
with the status LEDs. Next, install the GPS antenna (12) onto the proper port located on the opposite side, as shown in
the diagram (image 1). Please note: since the connectors for the Wifi and the GPS antennas are identical, care must be
taken to attach the antennas to the proper ports. The Wifi antennas must be connected to the side of the EAGLE with
the two antenna ports, the GPS antenna must be connected to the side of the EAGLE with the single antenna port.
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Image 1: thread the WiFI antennas (left) and GPS (right) to the proper ports
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
In order to power EAGLE with a 12V battery equipped with a cigarette lighter socket, use the 12V cable with cigarette
lighter socket that you find in the EAGLE package. Insert the power cable (image 2) into the appropriate socket (1- 12V
power input), you will hear a beep sound and the PW LED light will turn on. If you want to power EAGLE from the
110/220V wall plug, replace the power cable with the optional 12.8V power supply. Then press the power button (7). The
ON LED will light up and the SSD LED will start blinking, this means Windows is booting.
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Image 2: Connect the power plug into the socket (1)
Image 3: press the Start button (7) to switch EAGLE on
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
Now wait about one minute and you will hear a second beep sound. This indicates
that the EAGLE’s WiFI connection is ready. On the side of the EAGLE case you will
see the STS LED light turn green, this means that Windows has booted correctly.
Turn on your WiFi device you choose to control EAGLE. The network name is EA-
GLEXXXXXX (where the XXXXXX is the serial number of your EAGLE as written also
is also on the EAGLE’s case).
Look at the list of WiFi networks shown on your device (identification mode of wire-
less networks depends on the control device you use, so if you do not know how to
search for WiFi networks, please read the manual of your device) and select the
network created by EAGLE (picture 4).
A window will appear where you will be asked to enter the password of your net-
work (image 5). The password is primalucelab. Using the keyboard (virtual or physi-
cal) of your device, enter the password paying attention to appropriate upper or
lower case. Then press the CONNECT.
(Note: Each EAGLE has a different Windows login password known only to you; the
password is shown on the EAGLE quick guide that you find in the box. This way it
is safe to use your EAGLE at a star party where other EAGLE users might be pre-
sent).
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Image 4: select the WiFi net created by
EAGLE
Image 5: insert network password
PrimaLuceLab S.p.A. EAGLE4 User Manual
Then EAGLE WiFi network connection is confirmed (image 6). The network setting
is complete and the next time you want to access the EAGLE you will no longer
need to enter your password: your device will connect automatically when you
select the network created by EAGLE.
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Image 6: connection to WiFi network.
NOTE
On Windows operating systems, when you select EAGLE’s WiFi network, you may be requested to insert a “PIN
from the router label”. Please click on the “Connect using a security key instead” and then type the password
“primalucelab”.
Table des matières
