iOptron #3520, #3500 Select Mount Latitude Range, Reference source not found, Adjust Latitude

STEP 1. Select Mount Latitude Range

Carefully remove the mount from the package and familiarize yourself with the components shown in Error!

Reference source not found..

The mount is by default shipped with the Long Latitude Adjustment Knob installed (for 35-60º). At lower latitudes of 0-35º, the Short Latitude Adj. Knob needs to be used. To change this knob, remove the Latitude Locking T-bolts on both sides (Be careful not to lose the washers). Unscrew Bottom Post Locking Screw to free the Bottom Latitude Adj. Post and remove the Latitude Adj. Knob. Thread in evenly the Short Latitude Adj. Knob to Top and Bottom Latitude Adjustment Posts. Reinstall and tighten bottom locking screw. Lastly, with 4 washers all properly placed, insert and tighten the Latitude Locking T-bolts into the upper threaded holes.

Short Lat. Adj. Knob	Level Bubble
	Lat. Locking T-bolt
Bottom Lat. Adj. Post
Locking Screw

	Latitude Indicator
Long Lat. Adj. Knob	For Low Latitude
	For High Latitude
Azi. Adj. Knob

to secure it with tripod. Tighten the Tray Locking Knob to fully spread the tripod legs. Adjust the tripod legs to level the mount using the Level Bubble.

Alignment Peg	Azimuth
	Adjustment Knob
	(b)

Alignment Peg

Figure 5. Set up tripod and mount

STEP 3. Adjust Latitude

This step requires you to know the latitude of your current location. This can be found on the Internet, with a GPS navigator or a GPS capable cell phone. You will have to change this latitude setting every time you significantly change your night sky viewing location. This setting directly affects the mount’s tracking accuracy.

Slightly loosen the Latitude Locking T-bolts. Turn Latitude Adjust Knob to adjust the latitude until the arrow points to your current latitude on the Latitude Indicator (see Figure 4b). Relock the Latitude Locking T-bolts. At this point, with the mount leveled and pointed north, and the latitude set, the Polar Axis (R.A. axis) should be pointing very close to the NCP and Polaris. This alignment accuracy will be sufficient for visual tracking and short duration astrophotography.

STEP 4. Install Counterweight (CW) shaft and CW

Figure 4. Switching latitude adjustment knobs

STEP 2. Setup Tripod and Mount

Expand the tripod legs and adjust the tripod height. Position the tripod so that the Alignment Peg faces north, (if you are located in the northern hemisphere). If you are located in southern half—face the Alignment Peg south. Thread the Tripod Center Rod into the tripod head. Install the Tripod Support Tray and thread the Tray Locking Knob onto it. Do not fully tighten the Tray Locking Knob.

There are two threaded holes on the tripod head for alignment peg installation. You may place the peg at

Thread the stainless

steel counterweight shaft onto the 3/8”-16 threaded hole on the short arm of the DEC Adapter. Remove CW Safety Screw and slide the CW onto the CW shaft. Tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place. Tighten the CW Safety Screw.

CW shaft

CW locking screw

CW

CW safety screw

Figure 6. CW shaft and CW

either position, as long as the mount does not hit the tripod leg when tracking.

Retract both Azimuth Adj. Knobs to allow enough clearance inside the chamber. Position the mount on the tripod head with the Alignment Peg in between the 2 Azimuth Adj. Knobs. Thread the Center Rod into mount

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STEP 5. Balance the SkyGuiderTM Mount

After attaching an optional ball head and a camera or telescope onto the mount, the SkyTracker mount must be balanced to ensure minimum stress on the mount gears and motors inside.