Orion 9995 instruction manual Sirius EQ-G Dual-Axis Controller, Attaching the Dual-Axis Controller

it with the counterweights down as pictured in Figure 1. Again, you have to rotate the scope in right ascension so that the counterweight shaft is positioned horizontally. Then rotate the scope in declination so it points to where you want it near the horizon.

To point the telescope directly south, the counterweight shaft should again be horizontal. Then you simply rotate the scope on the declination axis until it points in the south direction.

To point the telescope to the east or west, or in other directions, you rotate the telescope on its right ascension and declina- tion axes. Depending on the altitude of the object you want to observe, the counterweight shaft will be oriented somewhere between vertical and horizontal.

Figure 9 illustrates how the telescope will look when pointed at the four cardinal directions: north (Figure 9a), south (Figure 9b), east (Figure 9c) and west (Figure 9d).

The key things to remember when pointing the telescope are that a) you only move it in right ascension and declination, not in azimuth or latitude (altitude), and b) the counterweight and shaft will not always appear as it does in Figure 1. In fact it almost never will!

7.The Sirius EQ-G Dual-Axis Controller

The Sirius EQ-G with dual-axis hand controller will automati- cally track any celestial object as the Earth rotates. You can also use the controller’s directional buttons to center objects within your telescope’s finderscope or eyepiece. For imaging purposes, the controller provides several guide speed rates so a camera can be accurately guided during a long exposure.

Attaching the Dual-Axis Controller

The dual-axis controller has a cable with a modular connector on one end. Plug the modular connector into the jack on the control panel of the mount (Figure 9.1) until it clicks into place.

The nylon hook-and-loop strips have been provided so the dual-axis hand controller can be placed in a convenient posi- tion on the mount when not in use. Place the “hooks” strip on the back of the dual-axis hand controller, and the “loops” strip on the mount in a convenient location. Make certain the loca- tion of the strip on the mount will not cause the dual-axis hand controller to interfere with the motions of the mount or tele- scope.

You can reduce the chances of getting your hand controller, power supply, or other cables tangled during use of the Sirius EQ-G by using the included wireclip. The clip also reduces mechanical strain on the cable. The wire clip is adhesive backed for easy attachment to any convenient location on the mount.

Powering the Sirius EQ-G Mount

The Sirius EQ-G should be powered by a 12V DC power supply (tip positive) capable of producing continuous current with a mini- mum of 2 amps. We recommend using a portable rechargeable battery, like the Dynamo or Dynamo Pro available from Orion.

If you are using a portable battery like the Orion Dynamo, use the supplied 12V DC power cable (male cigarette lighter plug on one end, standard 12V DC power plug on the other end) to connect the battery to the 12V DC power jack on the con- trol panel of the mount (Figure 9.1). Make sure the Dynamo’s power switch is in the “on” position after connecting.

Note: The power indicator LED on the mount (near the power switch) will begin to flash when the battery power is low. When the battery power is extremely low, the LED will flash rapidly. Recharge or replace the battery as needed.

Power indicator light

Hand controller jack

Autoguider

jack

12V DC power	Power switch
jack

Figure 9.1. The Sirius EQ-G control panel.

Speed buttons

Directional buttons

Set button

Figure 9.2. The Sirius EQ-G Dual Axis hand controller.

Functions of the Dual-Axis Hand Controller

There are three main categories of control buttons on the dual- axis controller (Figure 9.2):

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