accidentally disconnect the wires. Insert 4 AA batteries into each holder. Replace the holder back into the battery compartment and replace the lid. Plug hand controller into the HBX port on the mount (Figure 8). Turn on power and use four Arrow keys (▲▼◄►) to rotate the mount Up, Down, Left, and Right. Use the SPEED key to change the slew rate from the slowest (1X) to the fastest (MAX).
Battery holder (X2)
Figure 7 | Figure 8 |
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4.Set the Location Latitude and Polar Alignment: In order for an equatorial mount to track properly, it has to be accurately polar aligned. This is achieved by making the polar axis of the mount parallel to that of the Earth’s axis of rotation.
This step requires you to know the latitude of your current location. It can be easily found on the Internet, with your GPS navigator or a GPS capable cell phone. You will have to change this latitude setting every time you significantly change your night sky viewing location. This setting directly affects the mount’s tracking and GOTO accuracy.
Unlock Latitude Clutch. Turn the Latitude Adjustment Screw to set your current latitude as indicated on the Latitude Dial. This should be good enough for a casual visual observation.
Polar axis | Polar axis cover |
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(R.A. axis) |
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Latitude dial
Polar scope cover
Latitude clutch
Latitude adj. screw
Azi. adj. knob
Figure 9. Align mount to the celestial pole
For a better polar alignment, one may use the polar scope opening on the R.A. axis. Take off the Polar Axis Cover and Polar Scope Cover. Release the Counterweight Shaft as indicated in Figure 10. Look through polar scope opening to find the Polaris. If the opening is blocked by the DEC axis, power the mount on and use the
▲or ▼ button on the hand controller to turn the DEC axle to unblock the view. (You may use the number button to change the slewing speed. 9 for MAX speed). Loosen the Azimuth Locking Screws and adjust the mount to center the Polaris in the azimuth direction using Azimuth Adjustment Knobs. Tighten the locking screws to secure the mount. Loosen Latitude Clutch on the side of the mount, turning the Latitude Adjustment Screw to adjust the latitude (altitude) to center the Polaris along the altitude direction. Re-tighten the locking screws.
If an optional polar scope is installed, please follow the instruction to perform the polar alignment.
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iOptron Corp. 6E Gill Street Woburn, MA 01801 USA (781)
