Orion TeleTrack 9441 Instruction Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TM
Orion® TeleTrack
Altazimuth Tracking Mount
#9441
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
Customer Support (800)-676-1343
E-mail: support@telescope.com
Corporate Offices (831)‑763‑7000
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
IN 295 Rev. C 02/09
1⁄4”-20 L-bracket
Altazimuth Fork Arm
Tripod
Hand Controller
2
Figure 1.
The TeleTrack Altazimuth Tracking Mount
Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion product. Your new TeleTrack Altazimuth Tracking Mount allows
high performance support for terrestrial or astronomical observations. The TeleTrack is an “altazimuth” type of mount which can
move in altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right) with respect to the ground. Designed for use during day or night,
your TeleTrack mount features a smooth altazimuth fork arm, adjustable tripod, and multi-function hand controller for convenient
operation.
The TeleTrack Altazimuth Tracking Mount is designed for small telescopes, spotting scopes and cameras. The weight of the
instrument supported by the mount should not exceed 9 lbs. The mount will also work best with short tube optical systems no
longer than 15" (380mm).
These instructions will help you set up and properly use your TeleTrack mount. Please read them over thoroughly before getting
started. It may take a few observing sessions to become familiar with all the features of the TeleTrack mount, so keep this manual
handy until you have mastered your mount’s operation.
1. Parts List
Qty. Description
1 Hand controller
1 Adjustable tripod
1 Fork arm
1 L-bracket with 1⁄4"-20 adapter
1 Snap cable
2. Assembly
The TeleTrack Mount comes partially assembled and can
become operational in a matter of minutes. It is packaged
in one reusable shipping carton. Remove all parts from the
box. Make sure all the parts listed In Section 1 are present.
Remember to save all the shipping containers so that they
can be used to transport the mount. In the unlikely event that
you need to return the mount, you must use the original packaging.
Refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3 during assembly.
1. Remove the tripod from its box. Note that each leg has
two telescoping sections. To extend each leg, loosen the
leg lock lever by rotating it counterclockwise, then extend
the leg. When it has been extended to the desired length,
rotate the leg lock lever clockwise until tight. Before placing an instrument on the mount, it is a good idea to press
down on the tripod to make sure the legs are locked
securely and will not give way under the instrument’s
weight.
2. The TeleTrack’s tripod has a wide stance for enhanced
stability. The widest stance is achieved when the leg brace
is as far down as it will go on the elevator shaft housing.
The leg brace lock knob should be tightened to secure the
stance.
If you are using the tripod in a confined space, the stance
can be narrowed by loosening the leg brace lock knob and
pushing the legs closer together. Re-tighten the lock knob
to secure the legs in the new position. Be aware that the
tripod will become more prone to tipping as its stance is
narrowed. Be very careful when mounting an instrument
with an offset, or unwieldy, center of gravity on the tripod,
especially if it begins to approach the 9 lb. weight limit.
3. With the tripod secure, the fork arm can be easily attached
using the 3/8"-16 threaded post on top of the tripod mounting platform. Hold the fork arm so its circular base is facing
downward and place it on the 3/8"-16 threaded post gently. Rotate the entire fork arm assembly clockwise until it
threads completely onto the tripod’s 3/8"-16 threaded post,
and rests securely on the tripod’s mounting platform.
Tripod Mounting
Platform
Elevator Lock Knob
Leg Brace Lock
Knob
Figure 2.
The TeleTrack Tripod
3/8"-16 Threaded Post
Elevator Shaft
Hinged Hand Crank
Leg Brace
Leg Lock Levers
3
Dovetail Lock Knob
Dovetail Mount
1⁄4"-20 L-bracket
AUX Jack
Snap
Cable Jack
12V DC IN Jack
12V DC
OUT Jack
Bubble Level
Battery Compartment
Circular Base
Battery Compartment Latch
Figure 3. The TeleTrack Mount Fork Arm Head
4. There is a bubble level at the base of the fork arm. To
make the fork arm level, simply adjust each tripod leg up
or down, one at a time, until the bubble rests in the central
black circle of the level. It is not critical that the mount be
precisely level, but if the mount is significantly unlevel, it
may compromise the stablity of the setup.
5. To raise or lower the TeleTrack Mount’s fork arm to a comfortable height, first loosen the elevator lock knob on the
tripod, then use the hinged hand crank to move the elevator shaft up or down. Re-tighten the elevator lock knob to
secure the instrument at the new height. The mount will be
most stable when the elevator shaft is not extended.
6. The TeleTrack’s hand controller has a modular plug at
the end of its cord. To attach the hand controller to the
TeleTrack, plug the connector into the “HC” jack at the
base of the mount’s fork arm (see Figure 4). Push the plug
into the jack until it clicks into place. Make sure not to confuse the “HC” jack with the “AUX” jack. The “AUX” jack is
not used for normal operation of the mount.
HC Jack
Figure 4. The TeleTrack Mount Control Panel
Note: Do not attempt to reposition the altitude or azimuth
of the mount by hand! Doing so can damage the gears and
motors within the mount.
3. Powering the
TeleTrack Mount
The TeleTrack mount can be powered by 8 AA batteries, an
optional 12V DC power supply, or an optional AC adapter.
The mount’s power requirement is 12 volts DC nominal with a
maximum voltage of 16 volts and a minimum of 8 volts.
Powering by AA Batteries
For maximum por tability, the TeleTrack mount features a
battery compartment that holds eight (8) AA batteries (user
supplied). To open the compartment, press down on the black
battery compartment latch gently and lift the cover off. You
will find two separate battery holders that hold 4 AA batteries
each. For easiest installation, detach each battery holder and
insert your AA batteries until each holder is full. Be sure to orient the batteries as indicated on the battery holder. Reattach
the filled battery holders securely using the snap connectors
and close the battery compartment by pressing its cover down
gently until its latch clicks. Power the TeleTrack on by pressing
the red on/off switch to the “on” position.
Powering by Rechargeable Battery
For optimal results, we recommend using a portable rechargeable battery like the Dynamo or Dynamo Pro available from
Orion. These DC batteries will power the mount far longer
than standard AA batteries. Make sure your rechargeable
battery is tip positive and capable of producing continuous
current with a minimum of 2 amps.
If you are using a portable battery like the Orion Dynamo, use
the Dynamo’s supplied 12V DC power cable (cigarette lighter
plug on one end, standard 12V DC power plug on the other
end) to connect the battery to the “12V DC IN” power jack on
the side of the mount. Make sure the Dynamo’s power switch
is in the “on” position after connecting. Power the TeleTrack on
by pressing the red on/off switch to the “on” position.
On/Off Switch
4
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