Table of Contents
Advertisement
To eliminate undue stress on the mount, the telescope should be properly balanced after all the standard accessories (i. e., star
diagonal, eyepiece, etc.) have been attached to the telescope. An unbalanced telescope may cause possible damage to the mount.
In addition, proper balancing is crucial for accurate tracking if using a motor drive.
®To balance the mount, release the R. A. clamp and position the
telescope off to one side of the mount. The counterweight bar
will extend horizontally to the opposite side of the mount.
Without tightening the R. A. clamp, gradually let go of the
telescope to see which way it rolls. Loosen the counterweight
and move it to a point where it balances the telescope.
Re-tighten the counterweight.
®The telescope should also be balanced on the declination axis
to prevent any sudden motions when the Decl. clamp is
released. To balance the telescope in Decl., release the R. A.
clamp and rotate the telescope so that it is on one side of the
mount (i. e., as described above for balancing the mount). Once
this is done, lock the R. A. clamp to hold the telescope in place.
Now, hold the telescope tube with one hand while releasing the
Decl. clamp with the other. The telescope will most likely rotate
around the declination axis. Slightly loosen the tube-ring screws
and slide the telescope either forward or backward in the tube
rings until it remains stationary when the Decl. clamp is released.
Re-tighten the tube-ring screws.
| Step 4 Your first look
Your first look should be done in the daytime when it will be easier to locate adjustment knobs and clamps.
This will help to familiarize you with your telescope, thus making it easier to use at night.
©Attach a low-power eyepiece having a long focal length. A
high-power eyepiece having a short focal length will make the
field of view darker and will make it more difficult to bring into
focus.
©Remove lens caps from the objective and eyepiece.
©Look through your telescope.
5
VixenAmerica.com
Advertisement
Table of Contents
