Sky-Watcher EQ5GOTO 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.

ligning the nde

A

Fig.a

Fig.a1

OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE

scope

r

The finderscope (optical or red dot) is a very useful accessory
that is included with your telescope. When the finderscope is
correctly aligned with the telescope, objects can be quickly
located and brought to the centre of the field. Alignment is best
done outdoors in day light when it's easier to locate objects. If
it is necessary to refocus your finderscope, sight on an object
that is at least 500 yards (metres) away. Loosen the locking
ring by unscrewing it back towards the bracket. The front lens
holder can now be turned in and out to focus. When focus is
reached, lock it in position with the locking ring (Fig.a).

1)

Choose a distant object that is at least 500 yards away and
point the main telescope at the object. Adjust the telescope
so that the object is in the centre of the view in your
eyepiece.

2)

Check the finderscope to see if the object centred in the
main telescope view is centred on the crosshairs.

3)

Adjust the two small screws to centre the finderscope
crosshairs on the object (Fig.a1).

scope

sing the Red Dot Finde

U

The Red Dot Finder is a zero magnification pointing
tool that uses a coated glass window to superimpose
the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. The
Red Dot Finder is equipped with a variable brightness
control, azimuth adjustment control, and altitude
adjustment control (Fig.b). The Red Dot Finder is
powered by a 3-volt lithium battery located underneath
at the front. To use the Finder, simply look through the
sight tube and move your telescope until the red dot
merges with the object. Make sure to keep both eyes
open when sighting.

Aligning the Red Dot Finder

Like all finderscopes, the Red Dot Finder must be
properly aligned with the main telescope before use.
This is a simple process using the azimuth and altitude
control knobs.

1)

Open the battery cover by pulling it down (you can
gently pry at the 2 small slots) and remove the
plastic shipping cover over the battery (Fig.b1).

2)

Turn on the Red Dot Finder by rotating the variable
brightness control clockwise until you hear a "click".
Continue rotating the control knob to increase the
brightness level.

3)

Insert a low power eyepiece into the telescope's
focuser. Locate a bright object and position the
telescope so that the object is in the centre of the
field of view.

4)

With both eyes open, look through the sight tube at
the object. If the red dot overlaps the object, your
Red Dot Finder is perfectly aligned. If not, turn its
azimuth and altitude adjustment controls until the
red dot is merged with the object.

r

Fig.b

Altitude
Adjustment
Control

Fig.b1

ON/OFF
Brightness
Control

Azimuth
adjustment
control

Sight Tube

Battery cover

Plastic
shipping
cover

10

alancing the telescope

B

A Telescope should be balanced before each observing session. Balancing reduces stress on the telescope
mount and allows precise control of micro-adjustment. A balanced telescope is specially critical when using
the optional clock drive for astrophotography. The telescope should be balanced after all accessories
(eyepiece, camera, etc.) have been attached. Before balancing your telescope, make sure that your tripod is
balanced and on a stable surface. For photography, point the telescope in the direction you will be taking
photos before performing the balancing steps.

R.A. Balancing

1)

For best results, adjust the altitude of
the mount to between 15º and 30º if
possible, by using the altitude
adjustment T-bolt.

2)

Slowly unlock the R.A. and Dec. lock
knobs. Rotate the telescope until
both the optical tube and the
counterweight rod are horizontal to
the ground, and the telescope tube
is to the side of the mount (Fig.c).

3)

Tighten the Dec. lock knob.

4)

Move the counterweight(s) along the
counterweight rod until the
telescope is balanced and remains
stationary when released.

5)

Tighten the counterweight thumb
screws to hold counterweight(s) in
their new position.

Dec. Balancing

All accessories should be attached to the telescope before balancing around the declination axis. The R.A.
balancing should be done before proceeding with Dec. balancing.

1)

For best results, adjust the altitude of the mount to between 60º and 75º if possible.

2)

Release the R.A. lock knob and rotate around the R.A. axis so that the counterweight rod is in a horizontal
position. Tighten the R.A. lock knob.

3)

Unlock the Dec. lock knob and rotate the telescope tube until it is parallel to the ground.

4)

Slowly release the telescope and determine in which direction it rotates. Loosen the telescope tube rings and
slide the telescope tube forward or backward in the rings until it is balanced.

5)

Once the telescope no longer rotates from its parallel starting position, re-tighten the tube rings and the Dec.
lock knob. Reset the altitude axis to your local latitude.

Fig.c

N

sing the le

U

For best telescope performance, the equatorial mount
should be properly leveled. A level tripod allows easier
fine adjustment of controls and better weight distribution.
This equatorial mount includes a small leveling bubble
near its base (Fig.d). Adjust the height of each tripod leg
until the bubble appears in the center of the circle. Note
that the tripod legs may not be at same length when the
equatorial mount is level.

veling

b

11

le

b

ub

Fig.d

Leveling bubble

perating the NEQ3 mount

O

The NEQ3 mount has controls for both conventional
altitude (up-down) and azimuth (left-right) directions of
motion. These two adjustments are suggested for large
direction changes and for terrestrial viewing. The two
azimuth adjustment knobs located near the tripod head
allow fine-adjustment of azimuth for polar alignment.
Use the altitude adjustment T-bolts for altitude
adjustments. These allow fine-adjustment for setting the
mount to your local latitude. (Fig.e).

In addition, this mount has Right Ascension (hour
angle) and Declination direction controls for
polar-aligned astronomical observing. Loosen the lock
knobs to make large direction changes. Use the control
cables for fine adjustment after the lock knobs have
both been locked (Fig.e1). An additional scale is
included for the altitude axis. This allows polar
alignment for your local latitude. (Fig.e2)

Fig.e

Azimuth
adjustment

Fig.e1

Dec.
adjustment

Altitude
adjustment

Dec. fine
adjustment

R.A. fine
adjustment

R.A. adjustment

Fig.e2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70
80

90

Latitude scale

perating the EQ5 mount

O

The EQ5 mount has controls for both conventional
altitude (up-down) and azimuth (left-right) directions of
motion. These two adjustments are suggested for
large direction changes and for terrestrial viewing. The
two azimuth adjustment knobs located near the tripod
head allow fine-adjustment of azimuth for polar
alignment. Use the altitude adjustment T-bolts for
altitude adjustments. These allow fine-adjustment for
setting the mount to your local latitude. (Fig.f).

In addition, this mount has Right Ascension (hour
angle) and declination direction controls for
polar-aligned astronomical observing. Loosen the lock
knobs to make large direction changes. Use the
control cables for fine adjustment after the lock knobs
have both been locked (Fig.f1). An additional scale is
included for the altitude axis. This allows polar
alignment for your local latitude. (Fig.e2)

Fig.f

Azimuth
adjustment

Fig.f1

Dec. fine
adjustment

Dec. adjustment

Altitude
adjustment

R.A. adjustment

R.A. fine
adjustment

12

w lens (optional)

sing the Barl

U

o

A Barlow is a negative lens which increases the
magnifying power of an eyepiece, while reducing the
field of view. It expands the cone of the focussed light
before it reaches the focal point, so that the telescope's
focal length appears longer to the eyepiece.

The Barlow is inserted between the focuser and the
eyepiece in a reflector, and usually between the diagonal
and the eyepiece in a refractor or a maksutov (Fig.g).
With some telescopes, it can also be inserted between
the focuser and the diagonal, and in this position it gives
even greater magnification. For example, a 2X Barlow
when inserted after the diagonal can become 3X when
placed in front of the diagonal.

Fig.g

Barlow

Diagonal

(Refracting Telescopes
and Maksutovs)

Barlow

Eyepiece

Eyepiece

In addition to increasing magnification, the benefits of
using a Barlow lens include improved eye relief, and
reduced spherical aberration in the eyepiece. For this
reason, a Barlow plus a lens often outperforms a single
lens producing the same magnification. However, its
greatest value may be that a Barlow effectively doubles
the number of eyepieces in your collection.

ocusing

F

Slowly turn the focus knobs under the focuser, one way
or the other, until the image in the eyepiece is sharp
(Fig.h). The image usually has to be finely refocused
over time, due to small variations caused by temperature
changes, flexures, etc. This often happens with short
focal ratio telescopes, particularly when they haven't yet
reached outside temperature. Refocusing is almost
always necessary when you change an eyepiece or add
or remove a Barlow lens.

Visual Use

or

olar Alignment

P

f

Tracking of celestial objects can be simplified by
performing a procedure known as a polar alignment. For
visual use the procedure does not require high precision.
For satisfactory results all you need to do is point your
mount at Polaris, the North Star.

To point at Polaris, start by aiming the north leg of the
tripod north. Next, adjust the altitude angle of the mount so
that you can see Polaris through the polar axis view port.

Note that the proper altitude angle is equal to your local
latitude. If you know your local latitude simply adjust the
front and back latitude adjustment bolts until the indicator
points to your local latitude on the scale. Fig. j. To find your
local latitude you can consult a road map, call your airport,
or look it up on the Internet.

(Reflecting Telescopes)

Fig.h

Polaris

Fig.i

Polaris axis
view point

Dec. setting
circle

If you can see Polaris through your polar scope
view port, you are polar aligned sufficiently for
most visual applications.

Fig.j

Front Latitude
adjuster

Azimuth
adjusters

These are the main controls for adjusting the position of
your mount to aim it at Polaris. Here, the latitude is set to
approximately 40 degrees. East/west adjustments are made
with the Azimuth adjusters.Up/down adjustments are made
with the Latitude adjusters.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70
80

90

R.A Setting circle

Rear Latitude
adjuster

13

Fig.m

You aim your telescope by rotating it along the RA and
Dec axes of your mount. In the upper image the
telescope is in the HOME position, aimed due north.
The side images show the telescope pointing NE (right
side) and SW (left side). The bottom image shows the
telescope pointing due south.

After pointing at an object and tracking it for a while you may find the counterweight(s) rise above the point of
being parallel to the ground. If so, it is time to perform a meridian flip. This is necessary to prevent your
telescope from eventually colliding with the mount or tripod.

To do a meridian flip, rotate your telescope 180 degrees in Dec and lock the Dec axis. Now, rotate your mount
12H in RA and lock the RA axis. Using the setting circles to assist you will help you do this more accurately.

When finished you should be pointing at the same object you were pointing at before, but from the opposite side
of your mount. Don’t forget to adjust your RA setting circles back to the coordinates of your object. Lock the
setscrew when done.

15

sing the Setting Cir

U

c

les

Now it is time to learn what those numbered dials are for!
The dials are called setting circles and they can be used

Fig.n

0

2

4

6

8

10

to help you find objects in the sky simply by dialing in a
set of coordinates.

All objects in the sky have assigned coordinates labeled
Right Ascension (RA for short) and Declination (Dec for
short). The RA axis follows east/west movement of the

1

2

3

21

4

20

8

23

22

10

9

23

0

22

1

11

21

2

20

3

4

12

sky and is the primary axis. By periodically rotating the RA
axis you are able to follow the apparent motion of the sky
and keep objects centered in your eyepiece. This is called
tracking.

The Dec axis is for north/south positions. It is primarily
used for finding objects, not for tracking them. It is normal,
however, to make occasional adjustments to the Dec axis
as well. The better your polar alignment, the fewer Dec

The RA setting circle is numbered from 1 to 24 in 10
minute increments. The example above shows the mount
is set to the RA coordinates of 8h 20m. The lower scale
marked 1 to 12 is the date scale. The upper scale is the
RA minute scale. Both of these can be ignored when
using the setting circle scale for finding objects.

adjustments you will need to make.

First you need to calibrate the RA axis (Fig.n). To do this align your telescope to an object with known
coordinates and then rotate the RA setting circle to show those coordinates. Leave the setscrew unlocked at this
point. Your Dec scale is factory set and does not need to be calibrated in this way. Once you are aimed at the
known object the Dec scale should have the correct coordinate reading.

Now as you rotate the scope in RA and Dec, the setting circle values change. So, to find a specific object, you
simply turn both the axes until the designated coordinates line up with the pointers on the respective scales.
After finding the object, centre it in your eyepiece, then lock the RA set screw securely. This will prevent the RA
setting from incrementing as the telescope tracks the object. You only want the RA setting circle to rotate with the
mount when you are locating objects, not when tracking them.

Let’s do an example. During summer nights the star Vega shines brightly overhead (Fig.0). Vega is easy to find
because it is so much brighter than any other stars in its general vicinity. It’s easiest to find Vega by spotting the
Summer Triangle. This is a trio of bright stars in the eastern sky consisting of Deneb (Cygnus), Altair (Aquila) and
Vega (Lyra). Vega is the westernmost of the three stars. It will be highest overhead of the three for northern
observers. Find Vega and centre it in your eyepiece.

Fig.o

Deneb

Vega

Vega is the brightest star in the
Summer Triangle, which consists of
Deneb (Cygnus), Altair(Aquila) and
Vega (Lyra). In this image Vega is at
the top. In the sky when facing east
it will be the highest of the three
stars with Deneb to its left (north)
and Altair to its lower right (south).

Altair

NE

E

SE

16