Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion product. Your new AZ-3 Altazimuth Mount is designed to pro- vide stable support and smooth operation of many different types of telescopes, spotting scopes, giant binoculars, and telephoto lenses. It is an excellent mount for terrestrial applications as well as astronomical viewing. Whether your target is a ship on the ocean horizon, a bird perched in a distant tree, or a planet looming in the night sky, the AZ-3 mount makes it easy to acquire the view and hold it steady.

These instructions will help you set up and properly use your mount. Please read them over thoroughly before getting started.

1. Parts List

Qty. Description

1 Altazimuth mount

3 Tripod legs w/attachment bolts

1Accessory tray w/mounting hardware

1Accessory tray bracket

2Slow-motion control cables

2 Assembly tools (wrench, Phillips-head screwdriver)

2. Assembly

Carefully open all of the boxes in the shipping container. Make sure all the parts listed in Section 1 are present. Save the boxes and packaging material. In the unlikely event that you need to return the mount, you must use the original packaging.

Assembling the mount should take only about 10-15 minutes. All bolts should be tightened securely to eliminate flexing and wobbling, but be careful not to over-tighten or threads may strip. No tools, other than the ones provided, are needed. Refer to the figure on page 2 during assembly.

1.Lay the altazimuth mount on its side. Attach the tripod legs, one at a time, to the mount with the long bolts installed in the tops of the tripod legs. First remove the bolts, then line up the top of each tripod leg with the holes in the base of the mount and reinstall the bolt. Tighten the wingnuts finger-tight, for now. Note that the accessory tray bracket attachment point on each leg should face inward.

2.Tighten the leg lock knobs at the base of the tripod legs. For now, keep the legs at their shortest (fully retracted) length; you can extend them to a more desirable length later, after the mount is completely assembled.

3.With the tripod legs now attached to the altazimuth mount, stand the tripod upright (be careful!) and spread the legs apart enough to connect each end of the accessory tray bracket to the attachment point on each leg. Use the screw that comes installed in each attachment point to do this. First remove the screw using the supplied screwdriver, then line up one of the ends of the bracket with the attach- ment point and reinstall the screw. Make sure that the smooth side of the accessory tray bracket faces upward.

4.Now, with the accessory tray bracket attached, spread the tri- pod legs apart as far as they will go, until the bracket is taut. Attach the accessory tray to the accessory tray bracket with the three wingnut-head bolts already installed in the tray. Push the bolts up through the holes in the accessory tray

bracket, and thread them into the holes in the accessory tray.

5.Next, tighten the bolts at the tops of the tripod legs, so the legs are securely fastened to the altazimuth mount. Use the larger wrench and your fingers to do this.

6.Now attach the two slow-motion cables to the altitude and azimuth worm gear shafts of the mount by positioning the setscrew on the end of each cable over the indented slot on the worm gear shaft and then tightening the setscrew.

3. Attaching A Telescope

The AZ-3 is designed to hold small to mid-size telescopes weigh- ing up to about 10 lbs. For heavier telescopes, the mount may not provide sufficient stability for steady imaging. Any type of tel- escope can be used on the AZ-3, including refractors, reflectors, catadioptrics, and spotting scopes, as well as telephoto lenses and giant binoculars, provided a proper coupling adapter or pair of tube rings is available to couple the instrument to the mount.

Orion carries a variety of differently sized tube rings and a 1/4"-20 mounting adapter designed exclusively for the AZ-3. One of these items probably fits the telescope you wish to use. See the list of Suggested Accessories at the end of these instructions, or check the Orion print or online catalogs for currently available mounting accessories.

4. Using the Mount

To acquire an object in the telescope you’ve mounted on the AZ-3, first loosen the azimuth lock knob. Point the telescope at the object you wish to observe by simply pushing the back end of the telescope in the vertical (altitude) and horizontal (azimuth) directions. Accurately center the object within the telescope’s field of view by using the altitude and azimuth slow-motion controls. The azimuth slow-motion control will not engage until the azimuth lock knob is retightened.

The slow-motion controls are also useful for keeping moving subjects in the field of view.

The AZ-3 is an excellent mount for astronomcial use too. There is no need for “polar alignment,” and it is very easy to point the telescope at what you wish to see. When employing the AZ-3 for astronomical observing, use both slow-motion controls to keep objects centered in the telescope’s eyepiece, since the rotation of the Earth will cause them to gradually move out of the field of view. With a little practice, you’ll have no problem manually “tracking” the night sky. Keep in mind that increasing magnification makes objects appear to move faster. This is because the field of view becomes narrower.

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Orion AZ-3 instruction manual Parts List, Assembly, Attaching a Telescope, Using the Mount
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AZ-3 specifications

The Orion AZ-3 represents a notable advancement in the realm of aerospace technology, showcasing innovations that cater to both civilian and military applications. This state-of-the-art drone is designed for multi-role capabilities, enabling it to perform a variety of missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.

At the core of the Orion AZ-3 is its robust design, featuring a wingspan of approximately 16 meters, which allows it to achieve exceptional flight efficiency. This design not only enhances its aerodynamic performance but also contributes to its low radar cross-section, making it a valuable asset for covert operations.

One of the standout features of the Orion AZ-3 is its advanced avionics system. The drone is equipped with an integrated suite of sensors that includes high-resolution optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). These sensor systems enable real-time data collection and analysis, providing users with critical information during operations. The Orion AZ-3's capabilities extend to both day and night missions, ensuring versatility in various operating conditions.

In terms of propulsion, the Orion AZ-3 utilizes a highly efficient turboprop engine, allowing it to maintain extended flight times of up to 24 hours. This remarkable endurance enhances its usefulness for long-duration missions while minimizing the need for frequent refueling. Moreover, with a maximum operational altitude of 15,000 feet, the drone can efficiently navigate through various airspace environments.

The Orion AZ-3 is also characterized by its advanced communication systems. It features secure data links that ensure seamless connectivity with ground control stations, enabling real-time command and control during missions. The integration of satellite communication systems further enhances its operational range, allowing for global deployment.

A significant aspect of the Orion AZ-3 is its modular design, which facilitates rapid reconfiguration for different mission profiles. Whether deployed for military reconnaissance or atmospheric research, the Orion AZ-3 can be easily adapted with different payloads to meet diverse operational needs.

Overall, the Orion AZ-3 stands out as a versatile, highly capable drone that integrates innovative technologies and features. Its combination of endurance, advanced sensor systems, and modularity makes it a formidable platform for a wide array of mission scenarios, solidifying its role as a vital tool in modern aerospace operations.
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