iOptron Stereo Equalizer #3500, Stereo Equalizer #3520 User Manual
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SkyGuider™ Tracking Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product #3500 and #3520
WARNING!
NEVER USE A TELESCOPE OR CAMERA TO LOOK AT THE SUN
WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
1.SkyGuiderTM Tracking Equatorial Mount Overview
Thank you for choosing the new iOptron SkyGuiderTM Tracking equatorial mount for astrophotography. This portable mount makes it easy to take long exposures of the night sky without streaking or star trailing.
The SkyGuiderTM mount is simple to set up. Just attach the mount to a tripod. Mount your digital camera or lightweight scope onto the mount and balance it. Align the mount to the Pole Star using the included AccuAligningTM dark field illuminated polar scope and an optional smart phone App. Then turn on the motor and it will keep your camera tracking at the same speed the earth rotates. The unique DC servo motor keeps your camera in motion to avoid star trails and allows you to take long exposures for beautiful images of the night sky. A built-in ST-4 compatible guide port will enable you to use autoguiding and make the tracking even better!
Features:
•Accepts cameras weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg)
•Capable for dual mount application up to 11 lbs (5kg) + 7.7lbs (3.5kg), balanced
•Spring loaded gear system with customer adjustable loading force
•Auto-tracking for smooth camera motion perfect for long-term exposures
•Four pre-set tracking speeds with northern/southern hemisphere selection
•Includes iOptron AccuAligningTM dark-field illuminated polar scope for Quick Polar Alignment
•Built-in ST-4 compatible guide port
•Padded carry bag included
•1.5” stainless steel short field tripod with padded carry bag (#3500 only)
•Optional ball heads available separately (#3305)
•Optional AC/DC adapter (#8417)
•Optional 1.5” stainless steel regular height tripod (#3521)
DO NOT hold and swing the counterweight shaft rigorously. This will degrade the performance of the spring loaded gear meshing system and possibly damage it.
The Tension Adjuster is used as the last step to lock, and the first step to release the gears. When disengaging the gear system, release the Tension Adjuster first. Then turn the Gear Switch to OPEN position. When engaging the gear system, turn the Gear Switch to LOCK position first. Then tighten the Tension Adjuster.
Never fully tighten the Tension Adjusters during operations. Fully screw in the Tension Adjuster and then back out by from half a turn to about 2 turns. The optimum spot varies with actual conditions, but is mostly within 2 turns from the fully tightened position. Ideally, it should be at a position just deep enough to eliminate any free movement (“play”), while any force on the worm assembly is kept at a minimum.
2.SkyGuiderTM Tracking Equatorial Mount Assembly
2.1. Introduction
You have just purchased a tracking equatorial mount that is capable of taking you to a new level of astrophotography. When the polar axis of the SkyGuiderTM mount is aligned with the celestial North Pole (CNP), or celestial South Pole (CSP), the mount will evenly match the Earth’s rotation against the sky. Since all celestial objects appear to rotate around the CNP, or CSP—the polar alignment allows the mount to “track” with the celestial sphere and provide accurate tracking for visual observations and astrophotography.
The AccuAligningTM polar scope, along with the Quick Polar Alignment procedure, provides a fast and accurate polar alignment for the mount. A built-in ST-4 compatible guide port will enable you to use autoguiding for highperformance tracking.
The SkyGuiderTM mount is designed for wide field astrophotography. The following sections of this manual provide detailed steps to successfully set up and operate the SkyGuiderTM mount.
2.2. Parts List1
The SkyGuiderTM comes with either a mount only (#3520) or as a package (#3500) with mount and a short field tripod.
#3520 SkyGuiderTM Mount Includes (Figure 1):
•SkyGuiderTM Tracking equatorial mount with AccuAligningTM polar scope
•Padded carry bag
•Counterweight shaft
•One 3.5 lbs (1.5kg) counterweight
•A short latitude adjust knob for low altitude
#3500 SkyGuiderTM Mount Package Includes (Figure 2):
•#3520 SkyGuiderTM mount
•#3501 1.5” stainless steel short field tripod with padded carry bag
Figure 2. Parts for a #3500
SkyGuiderTM mount package
Figure 1. Parts for a #3520 SkyGuiderTM mount
ADDITIONAL PARTS NEEDED:
The following parts are needed to take astrophotography but are not included in the package:
•Power source provided by a battery pack or an AC/DC adapter (#8417)
•Ball head adapter (#3305)
•DLSR camera
•Tripod (for #3520)
YOU MAY NEED THIS FOR POLAR ALIGNMENT:
•iPhone/iPad app for accurate polar alignment (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ioptron-polar- scope/id564078961?mt=8)
•Or other application/program to calculate the pole star position. Please refer to the FAQ section under “Support” at http://www.ioptron.com for more information.
1 US market only. Actual contents and appearances may vary.
3
ONLINE CONTENTS (click under “Support” menu) www.iOptron.com
•This manual
•Tips for set up
•Reviews and feedback from other customers
2.3.Assembly Terms
3/8” 16 screw
Tension adjuster
DEC adapter
Polar axis cover
Polar scope cover
CW |
DEC |
|
lock screw |
||
|
Az. Adj. Screw
CW shaft
Center rod with knob
Tripod support tray
Tray locking knob
Figure 3. SkyGuideTM mount with tripod
2.4. SkyGuiderTM EQ Mount Assembly
NOTE: The SkyGuiderTM mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that you read the entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and functions of all components before starting the assembly.
WARNING: Please DO NOT hold and swing the counterweight shaft rigorously. This will degrade the performance of the spring loaded gear meshing system and possibly damage it.
WARNING: The new Gear Switch will allow you to have more precise weight balance. This also means the mount will swing FREELY when the Gear Switch is disengaged. Always hold the mount when releasing the Gear Switch or adjusting the gear tension.
NOTE: The mount is shipped with the latitude setting at high range (35º ~ 60º). If your site latitude is lower than 35º please switch the latitude range before using.