Polar axis adjustments

NOTE: You may need to re-check the polar alignment after loading the OTA.

As explained in the introduction, an equatorial mount must have an accurate polar axis alignment in order to track properly. With the iOptron innovative Polar Scope and Quick Polar Alignment procedure, you can do a fast and accurate polar axis alignment.

Figure 12. Polar Scope Dial

As indicated in Figure 12, the Polar Scope Dial has been divided into 12 hours along the angular direction with half-hour tics. There are 2 groups, 6 concentric circles marked from 36’ to 44’ and 60’ to 70’, respectively. The 36’ to 44’ concentric circles are used for polar alignment in northern hemisphere using Polaris. While the 60’ to 70’ circles are used for polar alignment in southern hemisphere using Sigma Octantis.

You have already pointed the tripod to True North in Step 1 and set your current latitude in Step 4. Now, you are ready to perform the Quick Polar Axis Alignment procedure.

Whenever polar axis adjustments are required, loosen the three Azimuth Locking Screws and adjust the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs to do a fine adjustment of the mount in the azimuth direction. Tighten the locking screws to secure the mount. Loosen four Latitude Locking Screws on the side of the mount, turning the Latitude Adjustment Knob to adjust the latitude (altitude). Use the Lever for a fine latitude adjustment. Re-tighten the lock screws.

Initializing the polar scope

NOTE: Do not disassemble the Polar Scope to rotate it. It is adjusted at the factory and can be misaligned if you disassemble it. A good Polar alignment is the basis for good GOTO and tracking performance.

During initial setup of the iEQ mount, it is likely that the viewing hole on the DEC axis of the polar scope may be blocked by the DEC axle. The Polar Scope Dial in the polar scope may not be set at the normal clock position with 12 located at the top, as shown in Figure 12. Before doing the Quick Polar Axis Alignment, complete the following steps:

(1)Take off both the Polar Axis Cover and the Polar Scope Cover from the mount.

(2)Remove the protection tape on the threaded hole located on the Polar Scope. First, thread the dark field illuminating LED end into the threaded hole and then plug the other end into the Reticle socket located on the R.A. unit. The illumination intensity can be adjusted using the hand controller (HC) via the “Set Eyepiece Light” function under the “Set Up Controller” menu.