Balancing The Mount in DEC

Although the telescope does not track in declination, the telescope should also be balanced in this axis to prevent any sudden motions when the DEC lock lever is loose. To balance the telescope in DEC:

1.Loosen the R.A. clutch lock lever 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 Mount in R.A.”).

2.Tighten the R.A. lock lever to hold the telescope in place.

3.Loosen the DEC clutch lock lever and rotate the telescope until the tube is parallel to the ground.

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.Slightly loosen the knobs that holds the telescope to the mounting platform and slide the telescope either forward or backward until it remains stationary when the DEC clutch is loose. Do NOT let go of the telescope tube while the knob on the mounting platform is loose. It may be necessary to rotate the telescope so that the counterweight bar is pointing down before loosening the mounting platform screw.

6.Tighten the knobs on the telescope mounting platform to hold the telescope in place.

Like 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.

Adjusting the Mount

In order for a motor 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.”

Adjusting the Mount in Altitude

To increase the latitude of the polar axis, tighten the rear latitude adjustment screw and loosen the front screw (if necessary).

To decrease the latitude of the polar axis, tighten the front (under

the counterweight bar) latitude adjustment screw and loosen the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rear Latitude

 

 

 

rear screw (if necessary).

 

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screw

 

 

 

The latitude adjustment on the CG-5 mount has a range from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Front Latitude

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

approximately 30° going up to 60°.

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment Screw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is best to always make final adjustments in altitude by moving

 

 

Azimuth

 

 

 

the mount against gravity (i.e. using the rear latitude adjustment

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

Knobs

 

 

 

screw to raise the mount). To do this you should loosen both

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

latitude adjustment screws and manually push the front of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mount down as far as it will go. Then tighten the rear adjustment

Figure 2-14

 

 

screw to raise the mount to the desired latitude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

Page 14
Image 14
Celestron C5-S, C8-S, C9-S instruction manual Balancing The Mount in DEC, Adjusting the Mount in Altitude

C5-S, C9-S, C8-S specifications

Celestron, a leader in the field of amateur and professional astronomy, offers a range of telescopes ideal for both novices and experienced stargazers. Among their most celebrated models are the C8-S, C5-S, and C9.25-S, each designed with unique features and technologies that enhance the observational experience.

The Celestron C8-S is an iconic telescope known for its 8-inch aperture. This Schmidt-Cassegrain design combines a compact form factor with a powerful light-gathering capability, making it perfect for deep-sky observing. Its optical tube has a focal length of 2032mm, providing an excellent balance of wide field viewing and high magnification. The C8-S features Celestron's StarBright XLT optical coating, enhancing light transmission and contrast, ensuring that even faint objects are visible. With compatibility for various accessories and a sturdy mount, the C8-S stands as a versatile option for different observing styles.

Moving to the C5-S, this model boasts a 5-inch aperture while maintains a compact and portable design. It is particularly popular among travelers and casual astronomers who value convenience without compromising on quality. The C5-S also employs the Schmidt-Cassegrain design, providing sharp images and improved color correction. With its shorter focal length of 1250mm, the C5-S excels in both planetary and deep-sky observation. The telescope's lightweight build makes it easy to transport, while the integrated optical systems ensure a clear view of celestial objects.

The C9.25-S represents a step up in performance, featuring a 9.25-inch aperture that captures more light than its smaller counterparts. This telescope offers a versatile focal length of 2350mm, allowing for impressive high-power planetary views, as well as detailed observations of deep-sky objects. The C9.25-S utilizes a unique StarBright XLT coating and features advanced optics that minimize optical distortion, resulting in sharp, high-contrast images. It is equipped with a sturdy mount that ensures stability during extended observation sessions.

All three models are compatible with Celestron's advanced computer-driven mount systems, allowing for effortless tracking and alignment. With built-in features such as GoTo technology, users can easily locate thousands of celestial objects with the touch of a button. This combination of advanced optics, portability, and user-friendly technology makes the Celestron C8-S, C5-S, and C9.25-S excellent choices for anyone looking to explore the cosmos more deeply. Whether for casual stargazing or serious astronomical study, these telescopes deliver exceptional performance to meet a variety of needs.