Losmandy G-11 Quick Start Manual

When the scope is already set up in the dome, you can jump to Step 26. However, in that case,
some directions for opening the dome without damaging it are also necessary. The dome is a
commercial product made of fiberglass, but it is far from indestructible. Also, we need to add
some directions for turning on the control room power supplies, and remembering to turn them
off afterwards.
This mount is a Losmandy G-11. Its
WARNING
● When lifting heavy parts, make sure to only hold them by their structural parts. The 1x
finder is plastic, not structural. The polar scope illuminator is plastic, not structural.
Before You Set Up
1. A good time to be setting up is just as the sun sets. The light of dusk will make it far
easier to not screw up.
2. Make sure you have power that reaches the scope. A very long extension cord from a
normal outlet should be sufficient. The 200' extension cord with attached multiplier was
purchased specifically for use with this gear.
3. For best results, set up somewhere with good horizon and away from large light sources.
There's a spot with a table a little less than 200' behind the duplex. There are pavers
well-placed in the dirt for the tripod. It will be hard to do any better than that!
4. Best results will be achieved on a night with minimal moonlight and atmospheric
turbulence.
a. After a storm or after lots of cloudy weather there is generally lots of atmospheric
turbulence.
b. Astronomers refer to this as "poor seeing." They measure "seeing" in arcseconds.
Three or four arcseconds is typical. Two arcseconds is very good. One
arcsecond is unusual and excellent. More than five arcseconds is poor.
c. Targets low on the horizon (below 20º) are especially impacted by seeing.
d. The best single source for astronomy forecasts (but certainly not the only source)
for Deep Springs is here.
Setting up
1. Transport the tripod to the viewing area.
a. Orient it so the holder for Gemini II points NW (and one leg points N).
b. Make sure all three legs are on a flat, solid surface.
2. Place the mount on the tripod and rotate it slightly counterclockwise to lock it into the
tripod, and then tighten all three knurled knobs.
3. Using the two levels on the mount, adjust the tripod legs until the mount is level. All three
legs should be tight when finished.
4. Screw the counterweight shaft in place on the mount. Remove the counterweight safety
from the end of the shaft.
5. Put on the three counterweights just below the tape mark. Tighten the counterweights to
the shaft. The tape mark has been set to take care of the balance in RA.
user manual is on-line.