NOTE: If you are located in southern hemisphere, Sigma Octantis will be chosen for Polar Alignment. For example, on May 20, 2010, 20:00:00 in Sydney, Australia (Lat S33º51’36” and Long E151º12’40”), 600 min ahead of UT, the Sigma Octantis Position is 1hr21.8m and 64.4m.

BrightStar Polar Alignment

For those who do not have a polar scope, take off the Polar Axis Cover and Polar Scope Cover. Look through the polar scope opening to locate the Polaris. Slightly turn tripod Center Rod Knob to loosen the mount head. Adjust the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs to do a fine adjustment of the mount to center the pole star in the azimuth direction. Tighten the Center Rod Knob to secure the mount. Slightly loosen two Latitude Locking T-bolts on the side of the mount, turning the Latitude Adjustment Knob to adjust the latitude (altitude). Re-tighten the locking screws. Use the BrightStar Polar Alignment procedure below to further align the mount.

If the mount is not equipped with a polar scope or the pole star cannot be seen, you can use this BrightStar Polar Alignment procedure.

(1)Level the ZEQ25 mount and set it at Zero Position. Make sure the telescope is parallel to the pole axis (R.A. axis) of the mount. If a finder scope is used, adjust it to be parallel to the telescope optical axis. Turn the mount power on. Set correct R.A. and DEC backlash numbers. An eyepiece with cross hairs is recommended.

(2)Pressing the MENU button, then select “Align” and “Polar Align”. The HC will display the azimuth and altitude position of several bright stars near meridian. Select one that is visible with high altitude as Alignment Star A. Follow the HC instruction to move the Star A to the center of the eyepiece with the combination of Latitude Adjustment Knob and “◄” or “►” button. Press ENTER to confirm. Next, select a bright star that is close to the horizon as the Alignment Star B. Center it using the Azimuth Adjustment Knob and “◄” or “►” button (The “▲” and “▼” buttons are not used here). Press ENTER to confirm.

(3)The telescope will now slew back to Star A to repeat above steps. The iteration can be stopped when it is determined that the alignment error is at the minimum. Press BACK button to exit alignment procedure.

NOTE: It is highly recommended to use an eyepiece with crossed-hair line for accurate centering.

NOTE: The movement of the alignment star in your eyepiece may not be perpendicular but crossed, depends on its location in the sky.

STEP 11. Return Mount to Zero Position

After polar alignment and balancing OTA, return the mount to Zero Position, as shown in Figure 20. The Zero Position is the position with the CW shaft pointing toward the ground, OTA at the highest position with its axis parallel to the polar axis and the OTA pointing to the CP. Loosen the DEC and R.A. Gear Switches to adjust the mount to the Zero Position. Engage the clutches after each adjustment. Remember, the hand controller needs to be at the Zero Position as well! The simplest way is turn the mount power OFF and ON again to reset the hand controller.

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iOptron ZEQ25GT instruction manual BrightStar Polar Alignment, Return Mount to Zero Position
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ZEQ25GT specifications

The iOptron ZEQ25GT is a highly regarded telescope mount that integrates advanced technologies and user-friendly features, making it a top choice for both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers. Its design focuses on portability, versatility, and precision, which are essential for anyone looking to explore the night sky.

One of the standout characteristics of the ZEQ25GT is its exceptionally lightweight and compact design. Weighing just 27 pounds, it is one of the lightest mounts in its class, allowing for easy transport and setup at various observing locations. Despite its lightweight form, the mount supports a significant payload capacity of up to 28 pounds, allowing users to attach a variety of telescopes and imaging equipment.

The mount's innovative design incorporates a unique "Hybrid" mount architecture, which combines features of both German and fork mounts. This enables a more streamlined setup and better balance during observation sessions. Additionally, the ZEQ25GT employs a patented design where the counterweight shaft is positioned above the mount. This design eliminates the need for a long counterweight bar, further enhancing portability and reducing setup time.

In terms of technology, the ZEQ25GT features iOptron’s renowned GoTo system, which provides users with access to a database of over 200,000 celestial objects. The system is equipped with dual-axis tracking and ultra-quiet servo motors, ensuring smooth and precise movement when tracking celestial objects. The built-in GPS allows for quick and accurate location setup, making it easy for users to begin their astronomical adventures with minimal delay.

Moreover, the ZEQ25GT includes an innovative SmartStar technology, enabling automatic alignment and calibration. This feature is particularly beneficial for newcomers, as it simplifies the setup process and reduces the learning curve associated with equatorial mounts. Users can control the mount via a hand controller or through a computer interface using iOptron's iControl app for smart devices, offering additional flexibility and convenience.

Durability is another important aspect of the ZEQ25GT, constructed from high-quality materials that ensure longevity and reliability. Its solid aluminum body not only contributes to its lightweight nature but also assures stability during use, which is crucial for astrophotography and high-magnification observations.

In conclusion, the iOptron ZEQ25GT is a cutting-edge telescope mount that combines portability, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for astronomers at all levels. Its innovative design, robust performance, and ease of use truly set it apart in the competitive landscape of astronomical equipment.
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