
Figure 10. The optical tube must be at a 90° angle to the R.A. axis in order to view through the polar axis finder.
Power switch
Indicator light
R.A. pushbuttons
Rate switch
Reverse switches
Dec. pushbuttons
quick and easy. To align the mount using the polar axis finder scope, follow these instructions:
1.Approximately
2.Loosen the Dec. lock lever and rotate the optical tube on the declination axis so that the tube is at a 90° to the right ascension axis (Figure 10). Tighten the Dec. lock lever.
3.Remove the cap on the front opening of the equatorial mount (Figure 7). Focus the polar finder by rotating the eyepiece. Now, sight Polaris in the polar axis finder scope. If you have followed the approximate polar alignment pro- cedure accurately, Polaris will probably be within the field of view. If not, move the tripod
4.Flip the power switch on the hand controller to the N or S position. With the power on you can now use the illuminator on the polar axis reticle. Look through the polar axis finder and adjust the illuminator by turning the dial on the mount (located above the power and hand controller jacks) count-
5.Now use the azimuth adjustment knobs (Figure 2) and the latitude adjustment
Figure 11. The Atlas EQ Mount hand controller.
tion the star Polaris inside the tiny circle marked “Polaris” on the finder’s reticle.You must first loosen the knob under- neath the equatorial mount on the center support shaft to use the azimuth adjustment knobs. Once Polaris is proper- ly positioned within the reticle, you are precisely polar aligned. Retighten the knob underneath the mount.
If you do not have a clear view of Polaris from your observing site, you will not be able to use the
Note: 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 tri- pod. Doing so will undo the polar alignment. The tele- scope should be moved only about its right ascension and declination axes.
Additional Note Regarding Focusing the Polar Axis Finder Scope
The polar axis finder scope is normally focused by simply rotating the eyepiece focus ring. However, if after adjusting the focus ring you find that the image of the reticle is sharp, but the stars are out of focus, then you must adjust the focus of the polar axis finder’s objective lens. To do this, first remove the polar axis finder from the mount. Look through the polar axis finder at a star (at night) or distant object at least 1/4 mile away (during daylight). Use the eyepiece focus ring to bring the reticle into sharp focus. Now, loosen the focus lock ring (Figure 9) and thread the entire objective end of the finder inwards or outwards until images appear sharp.
Operation of the Atlas Mount Motor Drives
The Atlas EQ mount comes with dual
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