(polar axis). Consult the manual that came with your equato- rial mount for details on how to polar-align it.

For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the N/S switch on the hand controller should be in the “N” position, and should be in the “S” position for Southern Hemisphere observers. Make sure the motor is engaged, and turn the power switch on the hand controller to the “ON” position. The LED in the center of the hand controller should be shining green. Tighten the mount’s R.A. lock knob. If properly polar-aligned, the mount will now be tracking the motion of the night sky, and the telescope should hold any astronomical object in its eyepiece steady over time.

To move your telescope to a new object, loosen both the R.A. and Dec. lock knobs and move the telescope until it is pointed in the general direction of the object you wish to view. Retighten the R.A. and Dec. lock knobs. Now, disengage the motor and use the R.A. and Dec. slow-motion control cables to center the object in the eyepiece’s field-of-view. Re-engage the motor, and the motor drive system will keep the object centered over time. Remember, never use the R.A. slow-motion control cable when the motor in engaged, or you could permanently damage the motor.

There are four buttons on the hand controller. If no buttons are pressed, the motor will turn the R.A. axis of the mount at sidereal rate. If the bottom right button is pressed, the motor will turn at 2x sidereal rate, which will cause objects viewed in the telescope’s eyepiece to move slowly eastward. If the bot- tom left button is pressed, the motor will stop turning (pause), which will cause objects in the eyepiece to move slowly westward. The bottom two buttons are most useful for guiding purposes during long-exposure astrophotography.

Similarly, the top right button on the hand controller moves objects in the telescope’s eyepiece quickly eastward, while the top left button moves objects quickly westward.

For the EQ-1M, the top buttons move the mount at 8x sidereal rate, while the EQ-2M’s top buttons move the mount at 4x sidereal rate. The top two buttons are most useful for centering an object within the field of view of an eyepiece.

Note that whenever any of the four buttons on the hand control- ler are pressed, the LED in the center of the hand controller will shine red; when the button is released, the LED will shine green again.

5. Specifications

EQ-1M

Guiding rate: 100% sidereal

Centering rate: 800% sidereal

Power requirement: 6V DC

Battery type: four D-cell

Northern or Southern Hemisphere operation

Externally clutched

EQ-2M

Guiding rate: 100% sidereal

Centering rate: 400% sidereal

Power requirement: 6V DC

Battery type: four D-cell

Northern or Southern Hemisphere operation

Externally clutched

One-Year Limited Warranty

This Orion EQ-1M & EQ-2M Motor Drives are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.

This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343 • Day or Evening

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Orion EQ-1M, EQ-2M instruction manual Specifications

EQ-2M, EQ-1M specifications

The Orion EQ-2M and EQ-1M are two remarkable telescope mounts that cater to both amateur and seasoned astronomers seeking a balance of precision, ease of use, and advanced technology. Designed specifically for astrophotography and visual observation, these mounts provide users with a sturdy and reliable platform to explore the night sky.

The Orion EQ-2M is ideally suited for those who are delving into astrophotography. With its robust equatorial design, it allows astronomers to track celestial objects with remarkable accuracy. One standout feature is its GoTo functionality, which relies on a computerized system that can automatically locate thousands of astronomical objects at the touch of a button. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star mapping.

The EQ-1M, on the other hand, presents a more simplified version of equatorial mounting, targeting casual observers and those new to stargazing. While it lacks the GoTo functionality of the EQ-2M, it still provides a smooth and stable platform for astronomical observation. Its lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable, making it easy to set up and transport for a night under the stars.

Both mounts are engineered with high-quality materials that ensure durability and stability. The EQ-2M comes equipped with a motorized drive system that allows for automatic tracking of celestial objects, significantly enhancing the experience for astrophotographers looking to capture long-exposure images without trails. The EQ-1M, while manually operated, still allows for precise movement, making it suitable for traditional visual astronomy.

User-friendly features are paramount in both models. The mounts incorporate easy-to-read settings for altitude and azimuth adjustments. Additionally, the intuitive control panel on the EQ-2M allows users to navigate through various modes and settings effortlessly.

Together, the Orion EQ-2M and EQ-1M serve as excellent tools for the astronomy community. Their respective features cater to different requirements, whether you seek automated tracking capabilities or a straightforward mount. With these models, both beginner astronomers and seasoned observers can engage in celestial exploration with ease, depth, and excitement. Their versatility and user-centric design reflect Orion’s commitment to quality and innovation in the realm of telescopic observation.