Celestron FIRSTSCOPE 80 EQ Instruction Manual page 6

3. Slide the finderscope (#3) into the bracket and hold it in place by hand tightening the adjustment
screws (#4).
3. TELESCOPE OPERATION — GETTING SET UP
A. Loosen the polar axis knob (# 16) with one hand while holding the equatorial mount with the other-
hand. Look at the latitude scale (#17) and move the mount to the latitude of your location and then
tighten the polar axis knob. This only has to be done once unless you take the telescope to a different
location. For example, Los Angeles, California is located at about 34°. If you do not know your
latitude, it can be found on most road atlases of your area.
B. To change the direction your telescope is pointing:
1. To move the telescope in declination (north/south) there are two options. For large and quick
movements, release the declination knob (#22) and then tighten the knob when you are near the
position you want. For very small movements and fine adjustments, use the declination cable
(#18). The declination cable has a range of about 30° and if you come to the stop at the end then
overshoot your target by releasing the declination knob and move the telescope in declination.
Then tighten the knob and reverse the direction of the declination cable. Do not try to force
movement when the declination cable has reached the stop.
2. To move the telescope in right ascension (east/west) there are two options. For large and quick
movements, release the right ascension knob (#24) and then tighten the knob when you are near
the position you want. For very small movements and fine adjustments, use the right ascension
cable (#31).
If you are using the optional motor drive, the telescope will track in right ascension if you are polar
aligned.
C. The telescope should be properly balanced in order for it to move smoothly in both axes. Proper
balance is essential if using the optional motor drive for accurate tracking.
1. To balance the right ascension axis, move the counterweight shaft so it is parallel (horizontal) to
the ground. Slowly release the right ascension knob (#24) and see if the optical tube moves. If
the optical tube moves, then slide the counterweight up or down the counterweight shaft until the
optical tube remains stationary in the parallel position to the ground. When this happens, make
sure the counterweight lock (#36) is tight.
2. To balance the declination axis, put the counterweight shaft and optical tube in the parallel
position as described above. Release the declination knob (#22) and note if the tube moves. If the
optical tube moves, then loosen the tube mounting knob (#12) and move the tube in either
direction until it remains stationary (when the tube and counterweight shaft are parallel to the
ground) when the declination knob is loose. Once this is accomplished, then tighten the tube
mounting knob and the declination knob.
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