10
Leveling bubble
Fig.d
U
sing the leveling bubble
For best telescope performance, the equatorial mount should
be properly leveled. A level tripod allows easier fine adjustment
of controls and better weight distribution. This equatorial mount
includes a small leveling bubble near its base (Fig.d). Adjust the
height of each tripod leg until the bubble appears in the center
of the circle. Note that the tripod legs may not be at same
length when the equatorial mount is level.
B
alancing the telescope
Fig.c
N
For best results, adjust the altitude of
the mount to between 15º and 30º if
possible, by using the altitude
adjustment T-bolt.
Slowly unlock the R.A. and Dec. lock
knobs. Rotate the telescope until
both the optical tube and the
counterweight rod are horizontal to
the ground, and the telescope tube
is to the side of the mount (Fig.c).
Tighten the Dec. lock knob.
Move the counterweight(s) along the
counterweight rod until the
telescope is balanced and remains
stationary when released.
Tighten the counterweight thumb
screws to hold counterweight(s) in
their new position.
A Telescope should be balanced before each observing session. Balancing reduces stress on the telescope
mount and allows precise control of micro-adjustment. A balanced telescope is specially critical when using the
optional clock drive for astrophotography. The telescope should be balanced after all accessories (eyepiece,
camera, etc.) have been attached. Before balancing your telescope, make sure that your tripod is balanced and
on a stable surface. For photography, point the telescope in the direction you will be taking photos before
performing the balancing steps.
R.A. Balancing
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Dec. Balancing
All accessories should be attached to the telescope before balancing around the declination axis. The R.A.
balancing should be done before proceeding with Dec. balancing.
For best results, adjust the altitude of the mount to between 60º and 75º if possible.
Release the R.A. lock knob and rotate around the R.A. axis so that the counterweight rod is in a horizontal
position. Tighten the R.A. lock knob.
Unlock the Dec. lock knob and rotate the telescope tube until it is parallel to the ground.
Slowly release the telescope and determine in which direction it rotates. Loosen the telescope tube rings and
slide the telescope tube forward or backward in the rings until it is balanced.
Once the telescope no longer rotates from its parallel starting position, re-tighten the tube rings and the Dec. lock
knob. Reset the altitude axis to your local latitude.
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