4.
Telescope Balancing
To guarantee a precise mount tracking it is necessary to correctly balance the telescope in both
the rotation axes. To perform this operation is needed to move manually and freely the telescope
in RA and DEC. As anticipated, the LineAR is provided of latches in both axes. To freely move
the telescope, the latches need to be released by rotating the related levers in the counter
clockwise direction.
Note: Before performing the balancing of the telescope be sure to have the full control of it
before releasing the latches. An over unbalanced mount can move very quickly causing
damages to the optical tube or to the mount itself.
4.1 Dec Balancing
To obtain the best tracking performance from the mount, the telescope must be balanced in both
axes. Even if the telescope does not track in Declination, it must be balanced on this axis to
avoid sudden movements when the declination knob is unlocked. Good balance also helps to
prevent vibrations and overly-quick responses while guiding and reduces strain on the motors.
With the M-uno mount it is better to start balancing the DEC axis rather than the RA axis. The
M-uno is unique in that it allows the RA axis to be almost automatically balanced with any
telescope.
Before beginning the balancing operation, it is worthwhile to test the saddle locking knobs to
make sure they are tight. Telescopes do not like to being dropped!
Perform the following operations:
•
Unlock the RA axis knob and move the arm of the mount to an equilibrium position, as
seen in the image, and re-tighten the RA axis knob
.
•
Loosen the DEC knob and move the telescope parallel to the ground as seen in left
picture, but do not let go of the telescope.
•
Move the tube SLOWLY and CAREFULLY – to see in which direction, if any, it rotates
around the DEC axis. If the front end moves down, the telescope must be moved
backwards in the mount. If the front end moves up, the telescope must be moved
forwards. To do either of these, maintain a good grasp of the OTA and slowly loosen the
dovetail knob on the mounting saddle.
•
Move the tube back or forth in the saddle, depending on whether it moved up or down,
until it stays in a horizontal position by itself when you remove your hand.
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