The handpaddle allows observers to manually adjust the telescope position. It has two buttons per axis (one for each direction) and a switch for controlling which mode the buttons refer to (see table below).
The Handpaddle Mode menu on the main window allows you to determine how the handpaddle will operate. You can move in camera x/y mode, which will move the telescope in x/y directions as seen in the optical axis of the telescope, or you can move in Az/El, which will move the finder image in horizontal and vertical directions. You can also mirror the directions so that the system works in logical directions on your screen, independent of what optics are put before the camera.
Using the Handpaddle Step Size menu you can select the distance corresponding to one press on a handpaddle button.
The handpaddle is wireless, and the accompanying receiver sits above the optical table. A red LED indicates that it is connected to the (5V) power supply, while the green LED shows when it is receiving data from the handpaddle.
The handpaddle has two power switches. One, at the top of the unit, is a permanent on/off switch. The second, on the rear of the unit, is designed to switch the unit off when it is placed down on the desk (as a way of preserving battery life).
The battery status can be tested by pressing any button while checking that the green LED on the receiver is lit. A set of spare batteries can be found in the Ni Mh charger to the right of the turret monitor (above the telephone box).
The handpaddle will work even at the top of the tower, provided it has a fresh set of batteries, the top hatch is open and the receiver is placed on the ground floor.