Moving the Telescope Manually

In order to properly balance your telescope, you will need to move your telescope manually at various portions of the sky to observe different objects. To make rough adjustments, loosen the R.A. and DEC clutch knobs slightly and move the telescope in the desired direction.

Both the R.A. and DEC axis have two knobs to clutch down each axis of the telescope. To loosen the clutches on the telescope, rotate the clutch knobs counterclockwise. Rotate the clutch knobs on each axis clockwise to lock the telescope in place.

Adjusting the Mount

In order for the clock drive to track accurately, the telescope’s axis of rotation must be parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation, a process known as polar alignment. Polar alignment is achieved NOT by moving the telescope in R.A. or DEC, but by adjusting the mount vertically, which is called altitude, and horizontally, which is called azimuth. This section simply covers the correct movement of the telescope during the polar alignment process. The actual process of polar alignment, that is making the telescope’s axis of rotation parallel to the Earth’s, is described later in this manual in the section on “Polar Alignment.”

To adjust the mount in altitude:

DEC Clutch

Knob

R.A. Clutch

Knobs

Figure 2-9

1.Locate the altitude adjustment bolt just above the tripod column (see figure 2-10).

2.Using the 7/32" Allen wrench provided, turn the altitude adjustment bolt until the mount is at the right elevation.

The total altitude range is from 13° to 65°. With the 23 lb counterweight attached to the counterweight shaft, the equatorial head can go as low as 20° without hitting the tripod leg.

To adjust the mount in azimuth:

Azimuth Lock

Knobs

Altitude Adjustment

Bolt

1.Locate the azimuth adjustment bolt on the flat portion of the tripod column (see figure 2-10).

2.Loosen the two azimuth lock knobs located on the top of the tripod column.

3.Turn the azimuth adjustment bolt with the 7/32" Allen wrench until the polar axis is pointing in the right direction.

4.Tighten the azimuth lock knobs to hold the mount in place. The mount can be moved ± 7° in azimuth using these bolts.

Helpful Hint: Located on the side of the equatorial mount head is a hole that serves as a convenient storage place for the polar alignment Allen wrench. This will help prevent you from misplacing the tool when polar aligning in the field.

Keep in mind that adjusting the mount is done during the polar alignment process only. Once polar aligned, the mount must NOT be moved. Pointing the telescope is done by moving the mount in right ascension and declination, as described earlier in this manual. Once the appropriate adjustments have been made and you are aligned on the celestial pole, turn the clock drive on and the telescope will track.