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rotate the telescope so that the counterweight bar is pointing down before loosening the mounting
platform screw.
6.
Tighten the knobs on the telescope mounting platform to hold the telescope in place.
Like R.A. balance, these are general balance instructions and will reduce undue stress on the mount. When
taking astrophotographs, this balance process should be done for the specific area at which the telescope is
pointing.
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In order for a motor
axis of rotation, a process known as polar alignment. Polar alignment is achieved NOT by moving the telescope
in R.A. or DEC, but by adjusting the mount vertically, which is called altitude, and horizontally, which is called
azimuth. This section simply covers the correct movement of the telescope during the polar alignment process.
The actual process of polar alignment, that is making the telescope's axis of rotation parallel to the Earth's, is
described later in this manual in the section on "Polar Alignment."
Adjusting the Mount in Altitude
•
To increase the latitude of the polar axis, tighten the rear latitude adjustment screw and loosen the front screw
(if necessary).
•
To decrease the latitude of the polar axis, tighten the front
adjustment screw and loosen the rear screw (if necessary).
The latitude adjustment on the CG-5 mount has a range from approximately 30° going up to 60°.
It is best to always make final adjustments in altitude by moving the mount against gravity (i.e. using the rear
latitude adjustment screw to raise the mount). To do this you should loosen both latitude adjustment screws and
manually push the front of the mount down as far as it will go. Then tighten the rear adjustment screw to raise
the mount to the desired latitude.
For Advanced GT users, it may be helpful to remove the front latitude adjustment screw completely. This will
allow the mount to reach lower latitudes without the screw coming into contact with R.A. motor assembly. To
remove the latitude screw, first use the rear screw to raise the mount head all the way up. Then remove the
front latitude screw completely. Now you should be able to
manually move the mount head all the way to it lowest latitude.
Now, using only the rear screw, raise the mount to your desired
latitude.
Adjusting the Mount in Azimuth
For rough adjustments in azimuth, simply pick up the telescope and
tripod and move it. For fine adjustments in azimuth:
1.
Turn the azimuth adjustment knobs located on either side of the
azimuth housing. While standing behind the telescope, the knobs
are on the front of the mount.
• Turning the right adjustment knob clockwise moves the mount toward the right.
• Turning the left adjustment knob clockwise moves the mount to the left.
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drive to track accurately, the telescope's axis of rotation must be parallel to the Earth's
(under the counterweight bar)
latitude
Rear Latitude
Adjustment
Screws
Front Latitude
Adjustment Screw
Azimuth
Adjustment
Knobs
Figure 2-14
12
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