Ota Mounting And Balancing - iOptron SmartStarMiniTower II Instruction Manual

Lock knob
Figure 12
#15
#14
#16
Figure 13

2.3. OTA Mounting and Balancing

The iOptron MiniTower™ II can handle various OTAs. A 1.75" Vixen-style dovetail plate is
needed to mount an OTA onto the MT2 mount. A Losmandy-D dovetail saddle is also available
from iOptron.
Most telescopes come with a dovetail plate installed on the bottom of the telescope. If the size
of dovetail plate does not match MT2's dovetail saddle, un-screw the plate and install an
appropriate dovetail plate that matches the dovetail saddle. Vixen-style 1.75" dovetail plates are
available from iOptron at www.iOptron.com (part number #8422) or visit other online or local
camera store.
Some telescopes may not have dovetail plate mounting holes. In this case you may need
compatible mounting rings to attach the dovetail plate. The size of the mounting rings should
match the aperture of your OTA.
The counter weight (CW) is always helpful to balance the OTA in order to have smooth and
accurate GOTO and tracking. The heavier the OTA, the more necessary it is to use a CW. For
lightweight OTAs, i.e. 5-6 lbs, however, the CW is not needed.
If you have a secondary OTA on the secondary dovetail holder, make sure you align it with the
primary OTA. This alignment is done easier during the daytime. Point the primary telescope to a
target at a remote building or flagpole and center the target in the eyepiece. Loosen the
secondary dovetail holder lock (#15). Rotate the secondary OTA around the counterweight shaft
(#17). Center the object in the eyepiece of the secondary OTA. If the secondary OTA is tilted, it
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Step 9.
Secure the counterweight by tightening the lock knob. Again,
the counterweight should fit over the groove of the arm so that
the brass rod fits into the groove when tightened.
Counter weight is heavy. Please handle with care to
avoid injury!
This step is for attaching a second scope.
Step 10.
Attach Secondary Dovetail Holder (#14) by tightening the
holder lock (#16) onto the counterweight arm (#17).
After sliding your scope into the dovetail holder—secure the
scope by tightening the secondary lock (#15)
10