Sky-Watcher AZ EQ6 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

AZ-EQ6 GT Mount

Copyright © Sky-Watcher

310113V1

CONTENT

PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

1.1 Setting Up the Tripod ...............................................................................................3

1.2 Putting on the AZ-EQ6 GT Mount ............................................................................3

1.3 Attaching the Accessory Tray and the Hand Controller Holder ...............................4

1.4 Installing the Counterweights ..................................................................................5

1.5 Installing the Telescope ...........................................................................................5

1.6 Balancing the Mount ...............................................................................................6

PART II : USING THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

2.1 Manually Rotating the Mount ..................................................................................7

2.2 Using the Dials ........................................................................................................7

2.3 Adjusting the R.A. Axis’s Elevation .........................................................................8

2.4 Setting the AZ-EQ6 GT Mount to Alt-azimuth Mode ...............................................9

2.5 Installing a Secondary Telescope .........................................................................10

PART III : POLAR ALIGNMENT

3.1 Preparation ........................................................................................................... 12

3.2 Alignment ..............................................................................................................13

3.3 The Orientation of the Polaris ................................................................................14

3.4 Align the Polar Scope ...........................................................................................14

PART IV : ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE

4.1 Control Panel .........................................................................................................16

4.2 Panel Interface Components .................................................................................16

4.3 Pinout of the Interfaces ..........................................................................................17

4.4 Power Supply Requirements .................................................................................17

PART V : OTHER AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT FEATURES

5.1 Auxiliary Encoder Function ...................................................................................18

5.2 Permanent Periodic Error Correction ....................................................................18

5.3 Batch Exposures Function ....................................................................................18

APPENDIX I : SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions ..................................................................................................................19

Specications ...............................................................................................................19

Note: The 1 2 3 signs on the diagrams are not related to the Chapter Steps 1. 2. 3.

2

PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

1.1 Setting Up the Tripod

1. Fully expand the tripod legs on level ground.

2. Locate the locking clamps on the legs and turn counter-clockwise to unlock them to extend

the tripod legs.

3. Extend the legs to desired height, make sure the tripod top is level and then lock the

clamps.

clamp

Fig. 1.1

1.2 Putting On the AZ-EQ6 GT Mount

1. Loosen the two azimuth adjustment knobs on the AZ-EQ6 GT mount until there is sufcient

space between the two knob screws. (Fig. 1.2a)

1

*

*

Dowel

Azimuth Adjustment Knobs

*

3

2

Primary
locking shaft

Fig. 1.2a Fig. 1.2b

3

PART I: SETTING UP THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

2. Align the metal dowel on the tripod top with the gap between the two azimuth adjustment

knobs; then put the mount on the tripod top. (Fig. 1.2b)

3. Once the mount is seated, slightly tighten the two azimuth adjustment knobs.

4. While supporting the mount with one hand, gently push the primary locking shaft up against

the underside of the mount and turn the shaft counter-clockwise to secure the mount to the

tripod top. Tighten the shaft with the knurled knob on the primary locking shaft. (Fig. 1.2b)

1.3 Attaching the Accessory Tray and the Hand Controller Holder

1. Slide the accessory tray along the primary locking shaft until its three tips push against the

tripod legs, and then secure the tray with the washer and the locking knob. (Fig. 1.3a)

2. By referring to the bubble leveler on the mount, level the mount by adjusting the length of

the tripod legs. (Fig. 1.3b)

3. Insert the hand controller holder into the U-shaped opening on the accessory tray. (Fig.

1.3b)

Warning: The accessory tray will ensure the tripod legs remain rmly expanded, which will

prevent the tripod from accidentally toppling over. When using the AZ-EQ6 GT mount, an ac­cessory tray should always be used to ensure stability.

Bubble
Leveler

1

Accessory
Tray

2

3

Fig. 1.3a Fig. 1.3b

4

PART I: SETTING UP THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

1.4 Installing the Counterweights

1. Loosen the T-bolt for locking the counterweight rod and gently pull out the counterweight

rod. Re-tighten the T-bolt to secure the counterweight rod in place. (Fig. 1.4a)

2. Loosen the R.A. Clutch with the handle, and rotate the R.A. Axis until the counterweight

rod is pointing towards the ground. (Fig. 1.4b)

3. Remove the threaded cap from the end of the counterweight rod.

4. The AZ-EQ6 GT mount comes with a 150mm counterweight rod extension, which can be

installed at this point if necessary. Ensure the extension is tightly secured before installing

counterweights. (Fig. 1.4c)

5. Loosen the counterweight’s thumb screw and slide the counterweight onto the counter-

weight rod. Re-tighten the thumb screw to secure the counterweight on the rod.

6. Replace the cap to the end of the counterweight rod.

R.A.
Clutch
handle

Locking T-bolt

Fig. 1.4a

Fig. 1.4c

Lock Loosen

Fig. 1.4b

1

Thumb
Screw

2

Fig. 1.4d

1.5 Installing the Telescope

1. Before installing a telescope, ensure:

• The counterweight rod is pointing towards the ground.

• All counterweights have been moved to the end of the counterweight rod.

• The R.A. Axis is secured by tightening the R.A. Clutch.

5

PART I: SETTING UP THE AZ-EQ6 GT MOUNT

2. Release the Dec. clutch wheel and rotate the Dec. axis until the two knobs on the dual-t

saddle are facing upward and the dovetail groove is leveled. Tighten the Dec. clutch again.

Dual-t Saddle

Lock

Loosen

Dec. Clutch Wheel

Fig. 1.5

3. Loosen the two knobs on the saddle until the width of one of the dovetail grooves is slightly

wider than the width of the dovetail bar on the telescope.

4. While holding the telescope horizontally, seat or slide the dovetail bar of the telescope to

the proper groove of the saddle. The lower groove is for a 45mm width dovetail bar and the
upper groove is for a 75mm one.

5. Tighten the two knobs to secure the dovetail bar in the groove.

Warning: Keep supporting the telescope until you are sure that it has been rmly attached to

the saddle.

1.6 Balancing the Mount

Once the counterweight, telescope, and accessories tray have been installed, the mount
should be balanced to reduce stress on the motor drive system, as well as to ensure smooth
and accurate operation.

1. Loosen the R.A. Clutch and rotate the R.A. Axis until the counterweight rod is parallel to

the ground. Tighten the R.A. Clutch.

2. Loosen the Dec. clutch and rotate the Dec. axis until the telescope is parallel to the ground.

Tighten the Dec. clutch.

3. Loosen the thumb screws on the counterweights.

4. Hold the counterweight rod with one hand, release the R.A. Clutch and adjust the counter-

weights along the rod until the mount is able to remain stationary without support. Tighten
the thumb screws on the counterweights again.

5. Rotate the R.A. Axis; the mount should remain relatively balanced along different angles.

Once this is conrmed, return the mount to its original position described in Step 1 and

tighten the R.A. Clutch again.

6. Hold the telescope with one hand and release the Dec. clutch.

7. Slowly let go of the telescope and check for any rotational movements. If there is a move-

ment, adjust telescope position with relation to the tube rings and saddle. The nal position

of the telescope should remain stationary without support.

6