Polar axis adjustment: Loosen Azimuth Locking
Quick Polar Alignment:
(1)Take off the Polar Axis Cover and Polar Scope Cover;
(2)Thread the dark field illuminating LED into the
(3)Use the “▲” or “▼” button to turn the DEC axis to unblock the Polar Scope view (there is a hole on the DEC axis). You may loosen the DEC clutch to turn the DEC axis without rotating the telescope;
Figure 14
(4)Use the “◄” or “►” button to turn the RA axis to rotate the Polar Scope dial to a clock position where 12 is at the top, as shown in Figure 14. You may release the R.A. Locking Screws and hold the OTA while turning the R.A. axis;
(5)Press the MENU button, then select “Align” and “Pole Star Position” to display the Pole Star Position on the LCD screen. Shown in Figure 15(a) is Polaris position in northern hemisphere. For example, May 30, 2010, 20:00:00 in Boston, US (alt N42º30’32” and long W71º08’50”), 300 min behind UT, the Polaris Position is 1h26.8m and 41.5m.
(If you are located in the southern hemisphere, Sigma Octantis will be used as the reference for polar alignment.)
(a) | (b) |
Figure 15
(6)Follow Polar Axis Adjustment procedure to adjust the mount in altitude and azimuth directions and put the Polaris in the same position on the Polar Scope Dial as indicated on the HC LCD, as shown in Figure 15 (b).
BrightStar Polar Alignment
If the mount is not equipped with a polar scope or the pole star cannot be seen, you can use BrightStar Polar Alignment procedure from the hand controller:
(1)Level the iEQ45 mount and set it at Zero Position. Make sure the telescope is parallel to the pole axis (R.A. axis) of the mount. If a finder scope is used, adjust it to be parallel to the telescope optical axis. Set correct R.A. and DEC back lash numbers. An eyepiece with cross hairs is recommended.
(2)Power on the mount. Press the MENU button, then select “Align” and “Polar Alignment”. The HC will display the azimuth and altitude position of several bright stars near meridian. Select one that is visible from the site as aligning Star A. Follow the on screen instruction to move the Star A to the center of the eyepiece with a combination of Latitude Adjustment Knob and the “◄” or “►” button. Press ENTER to confirm. Then select a bright star that is close to the horizon as aligning Star B. Center it using the Azimuth Adjustment Knob and “◄” or “►” button (The “▲” and “▼” buttons are disabled during the process). Press ENTER to confirm.
(3)The telescope will point to Star A again and repeat above steps until the error is minimum, or at your decision. Press the BACK button to exit alignment procedure.
10.Adjust the Mount to Zero Position: The Zero Position is the position where the counterweight shaft points to ground, telescope is at the highest position with its axis parallel to the polar axis and the telescope is pointing to the Celestial Pole. Loosen the DEC and R.A. Clutches to adjust the mount to the Zero Position. Tighten the screws after each adjustment. Power the mount OFF/ON.
11.Manual Operation of the Mount: Now you can observe astronomical objects using the arrow keys of the Go2Nova® hand controller. Flip the I/O switch on
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