Attaching the Equatorial Mount

The equatorial mount allows you to tilt the telescope’s axis of rotation so that you can track the stars as they move across the sky. The CG-4 and CG-5 mounts are German equatorial mounts that attache to the tripod head (i.e., metal plate on the tripod). On one side of the plate there is an “N” which signifies north. This side of the tripod will face north when setting up for an astronomical observing session. Above the “N” is a peg about 3/4" high that points straight up. To attach the equatorial head:

1. Locate the azimuth adjustment screws on the equatorial mount.

2. Retract the screws so they no longer extend into the azimuth housing (rectangular extrusion) on the mount. Do NOT remove the screws since

they are needed later for polar alignment.

3. Hold the equatorial mount over the tripod head so that the azimuth housing is above the metal peg.

4. Place the equatorial mount on the tripod head so that the two are flush.

5. Tighten the knob on the underside of the tripod head to hold the equatorial mount firmly in place. The knob is already attached and can NOT be removed.

Figure 2-4

The G-8N • 13

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Image 13
Celestron 31058, 31056 instruction manual Attaching the Equatorial Mount, They are needed later for polar alignment