5
A
ligning
the Finderscope
1) Focus the telescope eyepiece on a distant object.
2) Once the object has been centered in the telescope
view, ensure the locking screws are tightened.
3) Use the three alignment screws to center the
finderscope crosshairs on the object seen in the
telescope view (Fig.a).
Depending on telescope design, the object may appear
inverted in the telescope view.
Do not over-tighten the three alignment screws
on the finderscope mount.
OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
Fig.a
Telescope should be balanced before each observing session. Balancing reduces stress on telescope mount
and allows precise control of micro-adjustement. A balanced telescope is specially critical when using the
optional clock drive for astrophotography.
The telescope should be balanced after all accessories (eyepiece, camera, etc.) have been attached. Before
balancing your telescope, make sure that your tripod is balanced and on a stable surface. For photography,
point the telescope in the direction you will be taking photos before preforming the balancing steps.
R.A. Balancing
1) Adjust altitude of the mount to between 15º and 30º by
using the altitude adjustment T-bolt.
2) Slowly unlock the R.A. and Dec. lock knobs.
Rotate the telescope unitl both the optical tube
and counterweight rod is horizontal to the ground,
and the telescope tube is to the side of the mount. (Fig. b)
3) Tighten the Dec. lock knob.
4) Move counterweight along counterweight rod until
telescope is balanced and remains stationary when released
5) Tighten counterweight thumb screws to hold the counterweight
in its new position.
Dec. Balancing
All accessories should be attached to the telescope before
commencing with balancing the declination axis. The R.A.
axis should be balanced before proceeding with Dec. balancing.
1) Adjust altitude of the mount to between 60º and 75º.
2) Release the R.A. lock knob and rotate R.A. axis so that the
counterweight rod is in horizontal position. Tighten the R.A. thumbscrew.
3) Unlock the Dec. thumbscrew and rotate telescope tube until it is paralled to the ground.
4) Slowly release telescope and determine which direction the telescope rotates. Loosen
telescope tube rings and slide telescope tube forward or backward in the clamps
to balance Dec. axis.
5) Once telescope no longer rotates from its parallel starting position, re-tighten tube rings
and the Dec. lock knob. Reset altitude axis to your local latitude.
B
alancing
telescope
Fig.b
