Balancing the Telescope in R.A.
To eliminate undue stress on the mount, the telescope should be properly balanced around the polar axis. In addition, proper balancing is crucial for accurate tracking if using an optional motor drive. To balance the mount:
1.Release the R.A. Clamp and position the telescope off to one side of the mount (make sure that the balance bracket thumbscrew is tight). The counterweight bar will extend horizontally on the opposite side of the mount (see figure
2.Release the telescope — GRADUALLY — to see which way the telescope “rolls.”
3.Loosen the set screw on one or both counterweights.
4.Move the counterweights to a point where they balance the telescope (i.e., it remains stationary when the R.A. clamp is released).
5.Tighten the set screw to hold the counterweight(s) in place.
These are general balance instructions and will reduce undue stress on the mount. When taking astrophotos, this balance process should be done for the specific area at which the telescope is pointing.
Figure
The telescope should be balanced after all the standard accessories (i.e., star diagonal, eyepiece, etc.) have been attached to the telescope. The correct procedure for attaching these accessories is discussed in the section on “Telescope Basics.”
