Celestron C5-S, C8-S, C9-S Attaching the Equatorial Mount, Attaching the Center Leg Brace

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-5 mount is a German equatorial mount that attaches to the tripod head. On one side of the tripod head there is a metal alignment peg for aligning the mount. This side of the tripod will face north when setting up for an astronomical observing session. 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 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 (attached to the central rod) on the underside of the tripod head to hold the equatorial mount firmly in place.

Equatorial

Mount

Azimuth

Alignment Screws

Tripod

HeadAlignment

Peg

Mounting

Knob

Figure 2-3

Attaching the Center Leg Brace

1.Slide the accessory tray over the central rod so that each arm of the tray is pushing against the inside of the tripod legs.

2.Thread the accessory tray knob on to the central rod and tighten.

Installing the Counterweight Bar

To properly balance the telescope, the mount comes with a counterweight bar and at least one counterweight (depending on model). To install the counterweight bar:

1.Locate the opening in the equatorial mount on the DEC axis

2.Thread the counterweight bar into the opening until tight.

3.Tighten the counterweight bar lock nut fully for added support.

Once the bar is securely in place you are ready to attach the counterweight.

Mounting Knob

Central Rod

Accessory Tray

Accessory

Figure 2-3Tray Knob

Figure 2-4

Since the fully assembled telescope can be quite heavy, position the mount so that the polar axis is pointing towards north before the tube assembly and counterweights are attached. This will make the polar alignment procedure much easier.

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