Balancing The Equatorial Mount - Vixen AP Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual

PREPARATION

Balancing the Equatorial Mount

The Vixen AP is a German equatorial mount, in which the rotating R.A axis and rotating DEC axis cross each other at a right
angle. The axes are rotated by using the movement of both axes to get maximum stability and limit the stress on the gears. If
the equatorial mount is in an unbalanced state, it will increase stress to the gears and this could result in larger consumption
of electricity or erratic operation.
The AP mount employs a friction stop mechanism in the motion of the R.A and DEC axes. It will tend to slip while rotating if
used in an unbalanced state. It is necessary to adjust the balance to bring the center of balance onto the R.A and DEC axes
respectively for a comfor table operation of the telescope.
CAUTION
Take care not to drop the optical tube assembly as it could seriously damage the equipment or lead to injury. Pay close attention to the security of the
telescope tube and do not excessively loosen the lock knobs on the equipment.
First Step: Balancing the Mount in Right Ascension (R.A)
1
While holding the counterweight bar, turn the declination body
by hand until the counterweight bar is horizontal.
2
Release the counterweight bar slowly to see if the declination body remains in place. If the declination body starts turning as you
release the counterweight bar, you will need to shift the counterweight on the counterweight bar until the mount is in balance.
3
Loosen the lock knob on the counterweight and slide it gradually to the
point at which the declination body remains stationary. Tighten the lock
knob on the counterweight to hold in place.
Note: Do not slide the counterweight too much in balancing.
This could damage the telescope tube or lead to injury.
21
Lock knob
Counterweight bar
Stand still