Telescope Setup; Balancing The Telescope - Bresser Goto-Kit Instruction Manual

Telescope setup

Balancing the telescope

In order for the telescope to be stable on the tripod and also for it to move
smoothly, it must be balanced. To balance the telescope, unlock the Right
Ascension or R.A. lock (17, Fig. 1a). When this axis is unlocked, the telescope
pivots on the R.A. axis. Later in the procedure, you will also unlock the Declination
or Dec. lock (1, Fig. 1a). When unlocked, the telescope pivots on the Dec. axis.
Most of the motion of the telescope takes place by moving about these two
axes, separately or simultaneously. Try to become familiar with these locks and
observe how the telescope moves on each axis. To obtain a fine balance of the
telescope, follow the method below:
1. Firmly hold the optical tube secure so that it cannot accidentally swing
freely. Loosen the R.A. lock (17, Fig. 1a). The optical tube now moves freely
about the R.A. axis. Rotate the telescope so that the counterweight shaft (6,
Fig. 1a) is parallel (horizontal) to the ground.
REMARK
The LXD-75 mount comes with a 4,5 kg counterweight. In case that you do
not suceed in balancing the mount., it could be necessary to use a second
or third counterweight . Those are available as an optional accessory. Make
sure however that a higher total weight affects stability of your complete
setup negatively.
Unlock the counterweight lock knob and slide the counterweight (5, Fig. 1a)
2.
along the counterweight shaft until the telescope remains in one position
without tending to drift down in either direction. Then re-tighten the coun-
terweight lock knob, locking the counterweight in position.
3. Again, hold the optical tube so that it cannot accidentally swing freely.
Lock the R.A. lock (17, Fig. 1a), and unlock the Dec. lock (1, Fig. 1a). The
telescope now is able to move freely about the Dec. axis. Loosen the cradle
ring lock knobs so that the main tube slides easily back and forth in the cra-
dle rings. Move the main tube in the cradle rings until the telescope remains
in one position without tending to drift down in either direction. Re-lock the
Dec. lock (1, Fig. 1a).
The telescope is now properly balanced on both axes. Next, the viewfinder must
be aligned.
Instruction Manual
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