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Moving the Telescope
in R.A. and DEC
With your C4.5 telescope fully assembled, take time to familiarize yourself
with its basic operation. This should be done indoors where it is easier to
find knobs and clamps. This will make your first observing session under
the stars more enjoyable.
To change the direction the telescope is pointing, the C4.5 can be moved in
two axes; east/west which is known as the right ascension (R.A.) and north/
south which is called declination (DEC). Figure 3-1 shows the appropriate
motion of each axis.
For major changes in the direction the telescope is pointing (not the mount):
1. Loosen the R.A. and/or DEC clamps (see figure 3-2).
2.
Move the telescope so that it is pointing in the desired direction. Notice
that as you move the telescope, the mount always points in the same
direction.
3.
Tighten the R.A. and DEC clamps to hold the telescope in place.
For fine adjustments needed to center an object, turn the R.A. and DEC slow
motion knobs. If you are using the optional motor drive, the telescope will
track in right ascension.
The R.A. setting circle reads in minutes and is incremented at 10-minute
intervals. The hour of R.A. is printed above the appropriate mark. The
declination setting circle reads in degrees and is incremented in 2 degree
intervals. For more information, please see the section on "Using the Setting
Circles."
Figure 3-2
Basic Operation
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