If a ZEQ25GT mount equipped with an iOptron’s AccuAligningTM polar scope, you can do a fast and accurate polar axis alignment with iOptron’s Quick Polar Alignment procedure.
Polar Scope LED
Figure 17. Polar Scope | Figure 18. Polar Scope LED |
As indicated in Figure 17, the Polar Scope Dial has been divided into 12 hours along the angular direction with
Quick Polar Alignment
(1)Level the ZEQ25 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. Take off the Polar Axis Cover and Polar Scope Cover.
(2)Connect polar scope LED cable between Reticle plug located on the main unit and the LED socket at the bottom of the DEC axle, as shown in Figure 18. The light intensity can be adjusted using the HC via “Set Polar Scope Light” function under “Set Up Controller” menu.
(3)Turn on the mount power by pressing the On/Off switch on the main unit. Make sure that the time and site information of the hand controller is correct. Press the MENU button, then select “Align” and “Pole Star Position” to display the current Polaris position. For example, on May 30, 2010, 20:00:00 in Boston, United States (Lat N42º30’32” and Long W71º08’50”, 300 min behind UT, DST set to Y), the Polaris Position is 1hr 26.8m and r = 41.5m, as shown in Figure 19 (a).
(4)Look through the polar scope to find the Polaris. Using Azimuth Adjustment Knob and Latitude Adjustment Knob 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. In this case, the Polaris will be located at a radius of 41.5’ and an angle of 1 hour 26.8 minute, as shown in Figure 19 (b).
(a) | (b) |
Figure 19. Polaris Position shown on HC (a) and where to put on polar scope dial (b)
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