Step 9. Polar Alignment - iOptron iEQ30 Pro Instruction Manual

To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input the number
directly. Use ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between "+" and "-". After the time zone information is entered, press
ENTER and go back to the previous screen. Note that fractional time zones can be entered.
Do not manually add or subtract an hour from displayed time to reflect Daylight Saving Time
(DST). Only select "Y" after DST begins.
For other parts of the world you can find your "time zone" information from the internet.
Set Observation Site Coordinate
The third and fourth lines display the longitude and latitude coordinates respectively. The
longitude and latitude coordinates will be automatically updated when the GPS picks up a satellite
signal. "W/E" means Western/Eastern Hemisphere; "N/S" means Northern/Southern Hemisphere; "d"
means degree; "m" means minute; and "s" means second.
If, for any reason, your GPS does not pick up the satellite signal, you can manually enter your
longitude and latitude coordinates. Press the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor, use the ▲ or ▼ key to
toggle between "W" and "E", and "N" and "S", and use the number keys to change the numbers. It is
always a good idea to do your homework and get longitude and latitude coordinates before traveling to
a new observation site.
The site coordinates information can be found from your smart phone, GPS receiver or via the
internet. Site information in decimal format can be converted into d:m:s format by multiplying the
decimal numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be changed to N47º31'48": 47.53º = 47º +0.53º,
0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore, 47.53º=47º31'48" or 47d31m48s.
Select N/S Hemisphere
If the polar axis is aligned to the North Celestial Pole, then set the mount to Northern
Hemisphere. If the polar axis is pointing to the South Celestial Pole, set the mount to Southern
Hemisphere. Press the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor and use the ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between
"Northern Hemisphere" and "Southern Hemisphere".
As an example, select Northern Hemisphere if you are located in US and press ENTER to go
back to the main menu.
The time and site information will be stored inside the hand controller's memory chip. If you are
not traveling to another observation site, they do not need to be changed.
Check the Battery
The hand controller has a real time clock (RTC) which should display the correct time every time
the mount is turned on. If the time is incorrect, please check the battery inside the hand
controller and replace it if needed. The battery is a 3V, CR1220 button battery.

3.2.9. STEP 9. Polar Alignment

In order for an equatorial mount to track properly, it has to be accurately polar aligned. With
iOptron innovative Polar Scope and Quick Polar Alignment procedure, you can do a fast and accurate
polar axis alignment.
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