loosen the Dec. lock knob (12). The telescope should now be able to move freely on the Dec. axis. Loosen the ring clamps on the tube rings (10) a few turns, until you can slide the telescope tube forward and back inside the rings (this can be aided by using a slight twisting motion on the optical tube while you push or pull on it).

6.Position the telescope in the tube rings (10) so it remains horizontal when you carefully let go with both hands. This is the balance point for the optical tube (11) with respect to the Dec. axis.

7.Retighten the ring clamps.

3.5. Polar Alignment of the Equatorial mount

Objects located in the sky appear to revolve around the celestial pole. In northern latitudes, the North Star (Polaris) is close to the pole. (In actual fact, stars are essentially "fixed" in place and their apparent motion is caused by the earth rotating around its own axis.) Over a 24 hour period, stars will perform a complete revolution around the pole, generating concentric circles with the pole at their center. By aligning the telescope's polar axis with the celestial north pole (or with the celestial south pole for observers located in the earth's southern hemisphere), astronomic objects may be followed (or tracked) by simply moving the telescope around an axis, the polar axis.

If the telescope is reasonably aligned with the pole, changing the instrument's declination using its flexible control cable will consequently be of little use – almost all the telescope motion required will take place using the Right Ascension coordinates. (If the telescope is perfectly aligned with the pole—no declination change will be required to follow stellar objects). For occasional visual observations through the telescope, aligning the telescope's polar axis by one or two degrees in relation to the pole is more than enough. With this level of aiming precision the telescope can achieve precise tracking if the R.A. flexible control cable is used while maintaining the objects within the telescope's FOV for some 20 to 30 minutes.

To polar-align the telescope:

search the internet. For example, if your latitude is 35° north, set the pointer to 35. Then retighten the latitude knob. The latitude setting should not have to be adjusted again unless you move to a different viewing location some distance away.

3.Loosen the Dec. lock knob (12) and rotate the telescope optical tube (11) until it is parallel with the R.A. axis, as it is in Figure 1. The pointer on the Dec. setting circle (13) should read 90°. Retighten the Dec. lock knob.

4.Loosen the azimuth adjustment knob (23) on the mount and rotate the mount so the telescope tube (and R.A. axis) points roughly at Polaris. If you cannot see Polaris directly from your observing site, consult a compass and rotate the mount so the telescope points north. Retighten the azimuth adjustment knob.

Ursa minor

 

 

 

Polaris

Ursa major

Cassiopeia

Figure 3: Finding Polaris

The equatorial mount is now polar aligned.

From this point on in your observing session, you should not make any further adjustments in the azimuth or the latitude of the mount, nor should you move the tripod. Doing so will undo the polar alignment. The telescope should be moved only about its R.A. and Dec. axes.

1.Level the equatorial mount by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs (2).

2.Loosen the latitude adjustment knob (24) and tilt the mount until the pointer on the latitude scale is set at the latitude of your observing site. If you don’t know your latitude, consult a geographical atlas or

Having trouble setting up or making it work? Email us at 900X70@ioptron.com We’ll be glad to help!

9

Page 8 Page 10
Page 9
Image 9
iOptron 6001, 6002 instruction manual Polar Alignment of the Equatorial mount, To polar-align the telescope
Page 8 Page 10

6001, 6002 specifications

The iOptron 6002 and 6001 are advanced equatorial mounts designed for both amateur and professional astronomers seeking reliable tracking and precision in their astronomical observations. Renowned for their robust construction and advanced technology, these mounts enable users to fully exploit their telescopes' capabilities, ensuring a rich stargazing experience.

Both models feature iOptron’s innovative GoTo technology, which allows users to locate and track celestial objects automatically. With an extensive database of over 200,000 celestial objects, the user can easily choose their target, and the mount will accurately position the telescope. The built-in GPS feature enhances usability, automatically determining the observer's location and the current time, thus simplifying the setup process.

One of the standout characteristics of the iOptron 6002 and 6001 is their impressive payload capacity. The mounts are engineered to handle a variety of telescope sizes and weights, enabling users to attach larger optical tubes while maintaining optimal stability. The robust construction ensures minimal vibrations during observations, providing clearer images and reduced tracking errors.

The iOptron mounts are equipped with dual-axis tracking motors, providing smooth movement across the sky. The high-precision encoders enhance the tracking accuracy of celestial objects, while the internal battery ensures the mounts can operate for extended periods without needing an external power source. This feature makes the iOptron mounts particularly attractive for remote observations and extended astro-photography sessions.

Another notable technology incorporated in these mounts is the user-friendly controller. The intelligent hand controller is designed with a graphical interface that simplifies navigation through the extensive database of star catalogs and observation objects. Users can enjoy customizable options and easily update the firmware via USB connection to keep the system at its best performance.

With their compact design and portability, the iOptron 6002 and 6001 models are ideal for astronomers who wish to take their observatories on the go. The set-up process is quick and straightforward, allowing users to focus more on their observations rather than on complicated installations.

In summary, the iOptron 6002 and 6001 are high-performance mounts equipped with cutting-edge technology and features. From their robust construction, remarkable payload capacity, reliable tracking, and user-friendly controls, these mounts provide an exceptional platform for all astronomy enthusiasts, elevating the stargazing experience to new heights.
Top Page Image Contents