Balancing the Telescope in DEC
The telescope should also be balanced on the declination axis to prevent any sudden motions when the DEC clamp is released. To balance the telescope in DEC:
1.Release the R.A. clamp and rotate the telescope so that it is on one side of the mount (i.e., as described in the previous section on balancing the telescope in R.A.).
2.Lock the R.A. clamp to hold the telescope in place.
3.Release the DEC clamp and rotate the telescope until the tube is parallel to the ground (see figure
4.Release the tube — GRADUALLY — to see which way it rotates around the declination axis. DO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBE
COMPLETELY!
5.Loosen the screws that hold the telescope tube inside the mounting rings and slide the telescope either forwards or backwards until it remains stationary when the DEC clamp is released.
6.Tighten the tude ring screws firmly to hold the telescope in place.
Like the R.A. balance, these are general balance instructions and will reduce undue stress on the mount. When taking astrophotographs, this balance process should be done for the specific area at which the telescope is pointing.
Figure
As with R.A., the telescope should be balanced in DEC after all the standard accessories (i.e., finderscope, eyepiece, etc.) have been attached to the telescope.
20 • The