Sky-Watcher EQ5 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Telescopes with NEQ3 & EQ5 Mount

031007V3

REFRACTOR

B

A

EQ5

A

B

H

G

NEQ3

C

D

E

F

C

I

11

10

D

E

J

K

1

L

2

3

4

5

9

8
7

G

6

H

I

F

12

(150mm/1200mm)

11

10

9

8

7

a

b

J

K

L

1

6

5

4

2

EQ3-2

EQ5

3

Dust Cap/Mask

A.

(Remove before Viewing)

Sun Shade

B.

Objective Lens

C.

Telescope Main Body

D.

Piggyback Bracket

E.

Finderscope

F.

Finderscope Bracket

G.

Alignment Screw

H.

Eyepiece

I.

Diagonal

J.

Focus Tube

K.

Focus Knob

L.

1.

R.A. Flexible Control
Cable

2.

Dec. Flexible Control
Cable

3.

R.A. Lock knob

4.

Polarscope Holder
(not shown)

5.

Altitude Adjustment T-bolts

6.

Counterweight Rod

7.

Counterweight

8.

Counterweight Thumb
Screw

9.

Azimuth Adjustment Knob

10.

Dec. Lock Knob

11.

Tube Rings

a.

Accessory Tray
Tripod Leg

Dust Cap/Mask

A.

(Remove before Viewing)

Sun Shade

B.

Objective Lens

C.

Telescope Main Body

D.

Piggyback Bracket

E.

Finderscope

F.

Finderscope Bracket

G.

Alignment Screw

H.

Eyepiece

I.

Diagonal

J.

Focus Tube

K.

Focus Knob

L.

Polarscope Holder

1.
(not shown)
Altitude Adjustment T-bolts

2.
Azimuth Adjustment Knob

3.
Counterweight Rod

4.
Counterweight

5.
Counerweight Thumb

6.
Screw
R.A. Control Knob

7.
R.A. Lock Knob

8.
Dec. Lock Knob

9.
Dec. Control Knob

10.
Mounting Plate

11.
(150mm/1200mm)
Tube RIngs

12.

a.

Accessory Tray
Tripod Leg

a

b

2

REFLECTOR

C

B

NEQ3

D

E

F

G

A

H

EQ5

I

J

B

10

A

9

8

7

1

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

2

6

5

3

4

12

11

10

9

J

a

b

Dust Cap/Mask

A.

(Remove before Viewing)

Focus Tube

B.

Finderscope

C.

Finderscope Bracket

D.

Finderscope Adjustment

E.

Screws
Eyepiece

F.

Focus Knob

G.

Piggyback Bracket

H.

Telescope Main Body

I.

Primary Mirror Position

J.

1.

Dec. Flexible Control
Cable

2.

R.A. Lock Knob

3.

Polarscope Holder
(not shown)

4.

Altitude Adjustment T-bolts

5.

Counterweight Rod

6.

Counterweight

7.

Counterweight Thumb
Screw

8.

Azimuth Adjustment Knob

9.

Dec. Lock Knob

10.

Tube Rings

a.

Tripod Leg
Accessory Tray

EQ5EQ3-2

Dust Cap/Mask

A.

(Remove before Viewing)

Focus Tube
Finderscope

C.

Finderscope Bracket

D.

Finderscope Adjustment

E.

Screws
Eyepiece

F.

Focus Knob

G.

Piggyback Bracket

H.

Telescope Main Body

I.

Primary Mirror Position

J.

Mounting Plate

1.
(200mm/1000mm)
R.A. Control Knob

2.
Polorscope Holder

3.
(not shown)
Altitude Adjustment T-bolts

4.
Azimuth Adjustment Knob

5.
Counterweight

6.
Counterweight Thumb

7.
Screw
Counterweight Rod

8.
R.A. Lock Knob

9.
Dec. Lock Knob

10.
Dec. Control Knob

11.
Tube Rings

12.

a.

Tripod Leg
Accessory Tray

8

(200mm/1000mm)

7

1

2

6

3

4

5

a

b

3

MAKSUTOV

NEQ3

A

B

C

D

E

9

8

F

1

2

7

3

6

4

5

a

Dust Cap (not shown,

A.

remove before Viewing)

Red Dot Finder

B.

Focus Locking Screw

C.
D.

Eyepiece

E.

Diagonal

F.

Focusing Knob

1.

R.A Lock Knob

2.

Dec Flexible Control
Cable

3.

Polarscope Holder/
Polarscope (not shown,
optional)

4.

Altitude Adjustment T-bolt

5.

Azimuth Adjustment
Knobs

6.

Counterweight Locking
Thumb Screw

7.

Counterweight Rod

8.

Dec Lock Knob

9.

Dec Setting Circle

b

c

a.

Tripod Leg

b.

Accessory Tray
Height Adjustment
Clamp

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Assembling Your Telescope

For NEQ3

Tripod Set up
Telescope Assembly
Finderscope/Red Dot Finder Assembly
Eyepiece Assembly

For EQ5

Tripod Set up
Telescope Assembly
Finderscope Assembly
Eyepiece Assembly

Operating Your Telescope

Aligning the Finderscope
Using the Red Dot Finder
Balancing the telescope
Using the leveling bubble
Operating the NEQ3 Mount
Operating the EQ5 Mount
Using the Barlow Lens
Focusing
Polar Alignment for visual use
Pointing your telescope
Using the setting circles
Choosing the appropriate eyepiece

6

6
6
7
7

8
8
9
9

10

10
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
13
14
16
18

Observing the Sky

Sky Conditions
Selecting an Observing Site
Choosing the Best Time to Observe
Chooling the Telescope
Adapting Your Eyes

Proper Care for Your Telescope

Collimating a Newtonian reector
Collimating a refractor (with the adjustable objective-lens cell)
Cleaning Your Telescope

Appendix A-Precise polar alignment for Northern Hemisphere

Appendix B-Optional Accessories

Appendix C-Recommended Reading

efore you begin

B

This instruction manual is applicable to all the models with the EQ3-2 or EQ5 mount. Take a moment
to find the model closest to your telescope on p.2 p.3, and p4. Follow the instructions for your specific
model in the manual. Read the entire instructions carefully before beginning. Your telescope should
be assembled during daylight hours. Choose a large, open area to work to allow room for all parts to
be unpacked.

19

19
19
19
19
19

20

20
22
22

I

III

IV

FOR NEQ3 MOUNT

TRIPOD SET UP

Fig. 1

ADJUSTING THE TRIPOD LEGS (Fig.18)

1) Slowly loosen the height adjustment clamp and
gently pull out the lower section of each tripod leg.
Tighten the clamps to hold the legs in place.

2) Spread the legs apart to stand the tripod upright.

3) Adjust the height of each tripod leg until the
tripod head is properly leveled. Note that the
tripod legs may not be at same length when
the equatorial mount is level. Do not over tighten
the clamps.

ATTACHING THE ACCESSORY TRAY (Fig.2)

1) Place the accessory tray on top of the bracket, and
secure with the locking thumb screws from underneath.

ATTACHING THE MOUNT TO THE TRIPOD (Fig.3)

1) Align metal dowel on the tripod head with the gap
between the azimuthal adjustment knobs underneath
the mount. Tighten the knurled knob underneath the
tripod head to secure mount to tripod.

Note: Loosen the azimuthal adjustment knobs if mount does not

fit into tripod head completely. Retighten knobs to secure.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 7

TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY

Fig. 4

ATTACHINGTHE MOUNTING
PLATE (Fig.7)

1) Align the screws with the grooves

2) Secure by tightening the two

INSTALLING THE COUNTERWEIGHT(S) (Fig.4, 5)

1) Locate the counterweight rod.

2) Screw the counterweight rod into the threaded hole
on the end of the declination shaft. Tighten the locknut
on counterweight rod until it is locked against the mount.

3) Unscrew the threaded cap from the end of the
counterweight rod.

4) Locate the counterweight(s) and slide them
halfway along the counterweight rod.Tighten
the counterweight thumbscrews to secure.

5) Replace the cap on the end of the
counterweight rod.

INSTALLING THE CONTROL CABLES (Fig.6)

1) Slide the sleeve end of the cable over the

(short mounting plate)

on the side of the mounting bar.
Position the mounting plate
on the mounting bracket.

locking screws.

Fig. 5

nipple on the end of the worm gear. Secure
the cable by tightening the set screw against
the flat surface of the nipple.

(long mounting plate)

Fig. 8

ATTACHING THE
MOUNTING PLATE (Fig.8)

1) Position the mounting plate
on the mounting bracket.

2) Secure by tightening
the two locking screws.

6

TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE TUBE RINGS TO THE MOUNT (Fig.9)

1) Remove the telescope tube assembly from
its plastic packaging.

2) Remove the tube rings from the telescope by
releasing their thumb nuts and opening their hinges.

3) Using the bolts provided, fasten the tube rings to
the mount with the 10mm wrench provided.

ATTACHING THE TELESCOPE MAIN TUBE
TO THE TUBE RINGS (Fig.10)

1) Remove the telescope tube from the paper covering.

2) Find the center of balance of the telescope tube.
Place this in between the two tube rings. Close the
hinges around the telescope and fasten securely by
tightening the thumb nuts. Do not over tighten.

FINDERSCOPE/RED DOT FINDER ASSEMBLY

(reector and Maksutov)

Fig.11

ATTACHING THE FINDERSCOPE
BRACKET/RED DOT FINDER (Fig.11)

1) Locate the nderscope optical assembly
or Red Dot Finder.

2) Slide the nderscope bracket/Red Dot
Finder into the rectangular slot and tighten
the screw to hold the mount in place.

Fig.10

(refractor)

Fig.12

Fig.13

Fig.14

Fig.9

ATTACHING THE FINDER­SCOPE (Fig.12, 13, 14)

1) Locate the nderscope bracket.
Carefully remove the rubber-o­ ring from the nderscope bracket.

2) Position the o-ring into the
groove located approximately
half-way along the nderscope
tube.

3) Locate the nderscope optical
assembly.

4) Slide the nderscope bracket
into the rectangular slot and
tighten the screw to hold the
mount in place.

5) Position the nderscope into
its mount by sliding it backwards

until the rubber o-ring seats
in the nderscope mount.

Fig.15

Fig.16

EYEPIECE ASSEMBLY

(reector)

INSERTING THE EYEPIECE
(Fig.15, 16)

1) Unscrew the thumbscrews
on the end of the focus tube
to remove the black plastic
end-cap.

2) Insert the desired eyepiece
and secure it by retightening
the thumbscrews.

(refractor and
Maksutov)

Fig.17

7

INSERTING THE EYEPIECE
(Fig.17)

1) Loosen the thumbscrew on the
end of the focus tube.

2) Insert the diagonal into the focus
tube and re-tighten the thumbscrew

to hold the diagonal in place.

3) Loosen the thumbscrews

on the diagonal.

4) Insert the desired eyepiece

into diagonal and secure by re­ tightening the thumbscrews.

FOR EQ5 MOUNT

TRIPOD SET UP

Fig.18

1) Slowly loosen the height adjustment clamp and
gently pull out the lower section of each tripod leg.
Tighten the clamps to hold the legs in place.

2) Spread the legs apart to stand the tripod upright.

3) Adjust the height of each tripod leg until the
tripod head is properly leveled. Note that the
tripod legs may not be at same length when
the equatorial mount is level. Do not over tighten
the clamps.

ATTACHING THE ACCESSORY TRAY (Fig.19)

ADJUSTING THE TRIPOD LEGS (Fig.18)

1) Place th e accessory tray on top of the bracket, and
secure with the locking thumb screws from underneath.

ATTACHING MOUNT TO TRIPOD (Fig.20)

1) Align metal dowel on the tripod head with the gap
between the azimuthal adjustment knobs underneath
the mount. Tighten the knurled knob underneath the
tripod head to secure mount to tripod.

Note: Loosen the azimuthal adjustment knobs if mount does not
t into tripod head completely. Retighten knobs to secure.

Fig.19

Fig.20

Fig.23

TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY

INSTALLING COUNTERWEIGHT (Fig.21, 22)

Fig.21

ATTACHING THE MOUNTING
PLATE (Fig.23)

1) Position the mounting plate
on the mounting bracket.

2) Secure by tightening the two
locking screws.

Note: The screws should align with the
grooves in the side of the mounting bar.

1) Locate counterweight rod.

2) Screw counterweight rod into threaded hole on the
end of the declination shaft. Tighten locknut on the
counterweight rod until it is locked against the mount.

3) Unscrew the threaded cap from the end of the
counterweight rod.

4) Locate the counterweights and slide them halfway
along the counterweight rod. Tighten the counterweight
thumb screws to secure.

5) Replace the cap on the end of the counterweight rod.

(short mounting plate)

Fig.22

(long mounting plate)

Fig.24

ATTACHING THE
MOUNTING PLATE (Fig.24)

1) Position the mounting plate
on the mounting bracket.

2) Secure by tightening
the two locking screws.

8

TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE TUBE RINGS TO THE MOUNT(Fig.25)

1) Remove the telescope tube assembly
from its plastic packaging.

2) Remove the tube rings from the telescope by releasing
their thumb nuts and opening their hinges.

3) Using the bolts provided, fasten the tube rings to
the mount with the 10mm wrench provided.

ATTACHING THE TELESCOPE
MAIN TUBE TO THE TUBE RINGS (Fig.26)

1) Remove the telescope tube from the paper covering.

2) Find the center of balance of the telescope tube.
Place this in between the two tube rings. Close the
hinges around the telescope and fasten securely by
tightening the thumb nuts.

FINDERSCOPE ASSEMBLY

(reector)

Fig.27

ATTACHING THE FINDERSCOPE
BRACKET (Fig.27)

1) Locate the nderscope optical assembly.

2) Slide the nderscope bracket into
the rectangular slot and tighten the
screw to hold the mount in place.

Fig.26

(refractor)

Fig.28

Fig.29

Fig.30

Fig.25

ATTACHING THE FINDER­SCOPE (Fig.28, 29, 30)

1) Locate the nderscope
bracket. Carefully remove
the rubber-o-ring from the
nderscope bracket.

2) Position the o-ring into the
groove located approximately
half-way along the nderscope
tube.

3) Locate the nderscope optical
assembly.

4) Slide the nderscope bracket
into the rectangular slot and
tighten the screw to hold the
mount in place.

5) Position the nderscope into its
mount by sliding it backwards

until the rubber o-ring seats
in the nderscope mount.

Fig.31

Fig.32

EYEPIECE ASSEMBLY

(reector)

INSERTING THE EYEPIECE
(Fig.31, 32)

1) Unscrew the thumbscrews
on the end of the focus
tube to remove the black
plastic end-cap.

2) Re-tighten thumb screws to
hold the eyepiece in place.

(refractor)

Fig.33

9

INSERTING THE EYEPIECE
(Fig.33)

1) Loosen the thumbscrew on the
end of the focus tube.

2) Insert the diagonal into the focus
tube and re-tighten thumbscrew
to hold the diagonal in place.

3) Loosen the thumbscrews
on the diagonal.

4) Insert the desired eyepiece
into diagonal and secure by
re-tightening the thumbscrews.