Tele Vue Original Style Gibraltar Encoder Attachment User Manual

AZIMUTH
ENCODER
ASSEMBLY HOLES

BEARING COVER
DISK

CRADLE

AZIMUTH
ENCODER
BUSHING

ENCODER SHAFT
HOLE

ALTITUDE
ALIGNMENT
MARK

BRASS
BEARING

ORIGINAL STYLE GIBRALTAR - ENCODER ATTACHMENT

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT

IMPORTANT: Read these instructions fully and carefully before installing encoders. This

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
instruction sheet gives the attachment points for the optical encoder kit supplied with Tele
Vue’s Sky Tour computer. These instructions also basically apply to other computer kits
designed for the Gibraltar mount.

Azimuth Encoder

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT

IMPORTANT: Remove the

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT

Gibraltar Mount HeadGibraltar Mount Head

Gibraltar Mount Head from the tripod before installing the

Gibraltar Mount HeadGibraltar Mount Head

azimuth encoder.

1) With the tripod upside-down, tray removed and legs spread, note the 2, #6-32 tapped
holes in the underside of the
metal strap onto the

Tripod HeadTripod Head

Tripod Head, making sure the electrical pins don't contact the metal

Tripod HeadTripod Head

Tripod HeadTripod Head

Tripod Head. Lay the encoder assembly with the attached

Tripod HeadTripod Head

head. Thread the #6-32 socket head screws into the head, leaving them loose enough
so the encoder assembly can slide for positioning.

2) Turn the tripod right side-up and re-attach the triangular tray.

3) Gently lower the

Gibraltar Mount HeadGibraltar Mount Head

Gibraltar Mount Head into the

Gibraltar Mount HeadGibraltar Mount Head
seated. Expect some resistance when the
Encoder BushingEncoder Bushing

Encoder Bushing. Reach under the

Encoder BushingEncoder Bushing

Tripod HeadTripod Head

Tripod Head and tighten the azimuth encoder

Tripod HeadTripod Head

Azimuth Bearing ShaftAzimuth Bearing Shaft

Azimuth Bearing Shaft engages the

Azimuth Bearing ShaftAzimuth Bearing Shaft

Azimuth Bearing HoleAzimuth Bearing Hole

Azimuth Bearing Hole until it is fully

Azimuth Bearing HoleAzimuth Bearing Hole

assembly.

Altitude Encoder

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT

IMPORTANT: Note which arm of the

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
(drilled mark straddling the

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

Yoke Arm and

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

Mount HeadMount Head

Mount Head has the

Mount HeadMount Head

Bearing Cover DiskBearing Cover Disk

Bearing Cover Disk,

Bearing Cover DiskBearing Cover Disk

Altitude Alignment MarkAltitude Alignment Mark

Altitude Alignment Mark

Altitude Alignment MarkAltitude Alignment Mark

see drawing below).
NEVER loosen the 2 screws from this disk, or you will lose the accuracy of the alignment
mark.

1) Note the

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

Yoke Arm and

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

this arm has 2, #6-32 tapped holes that accept an encoder assembly. (The

DiskDisk

Disk almost covers them) Remove the two screws holding this

DiskDisk

Bearing Cover Disk Bearing Cover Disk

Bearing Cover Disk

Bearing Cover Disk Bearing Cover Disk

without

the alignment mark. The side of

Bearing Cover DiskBearing Cover Disk

Bearing Cover Disk in place.

Bearing Cover DiskBearing Cover Disk

Bearing CoverBearing Cover

Bearing Cover

Bearing CoverBearing Cover

Wipe any excess grease from the exposed surfaces and save the parts for possible future
use.

2) Push the

3) Next, place the bell shaped

Altitude Encoder ShaftAltitude Encoder Shaft

Altitude Encoder Shaft into the

Altitude Encoder ShaftAltitude Encoder Shaft

Brass BearingBrass Bearing

of the

Brass Bearing. Lock it to the bearing by tightening the Allen key

Brass BearingBrass Bearing

Encoder Shaft Set ScrewEncoder Shaft Set Screw

Encoder Shaft Set Screw located in the side of the

Encoder Shaft Set ScrewEncoder Shaft Set Screw

Encoder Housing Encoder Housing

Encoder Housing over the altitude encoder. Securely

Encoder Housing Encoder Housing
tighten one of the shorter #6-32 button head screws into the side of the
encoder accuracy, squeeze the sides of the

Encoder Housing Encoder Housing

Encoder Housing so that you feel it press

Encoder Housing Encoder Housing

against the encoder body as you tighten the second button head screw to the

Encoder ShaftEncoder Shaft

Encoder Shaft

Encoder ShaftEncoder Shaft

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

Yoke Arm. To ensure

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

HoleHole

Hole in the center

HoleHole

Brass BearingBrass Bearing

Brass Bearing.

Brass BearingBrass Bearing

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

Yoke Arm.

Yoke ArmYoke Arm

This will prevent the encoder body from moving within the housing while the shaft rotates.

Electrical Connectors

Plug the phone jacks into the receptacles, noting the longer wire connects to the

ENCODER
SHAFT SET
SCREW

altitude encoder.

Getting Started With Your Computer

1) Mount the telescope within

Gibraltar’s Cradle Gibraltar’s Cradle

Gibraltar’s Cradle and balance it using the

Gibraltar’s Cradle Gibraltar’s Cradle

Gibraltar Mount instructions.

2) Turn the computer on. The Sky Tour will request “ALIGN MARK” (other
computers might say “level me”). Swing the
Alignment MarksAlignment Marks

Alignment Marks come together to form a circle. (The mark was precision drilled

Alignment MarksAlignment Marks

Cradle Cradle

Cradle so that the two semi-circle

Cradle Cradle

in a fixture with the cradle base carefully set 90° to the azimuth axis.) A low
power eyepiece such as a 32mm or 40mm Plössl used in reverse will make a
great magnifier to assist in aligning the semi-circles.

3) Follow your computer’s instructions for “STAR FIX” alignment to the night sky.

“I've found the computer a lot of fun and very educational even after 40 years
as an amateur who disdains the complexity of setting circles. It's great for locating objects,
learning the names of stars, and identifying objects. I hope you enjoy the Gibraltar mount
with our telescope and its computer capabilities. Please write me with your comments and
suggestions on all aspects of its operation and use.”

- Al Nagler

AzimuthAzimuth

Azimuth

AzimuthAzimuth

BEARING COVER
SCREWS

AZIMUTH
BEARING
SHAFT

TRIPOD
HEAD

AZIMUTH
ENCODER
ASSEMBLY

BRASS
BEARING

ALTITUDE ENCODER
ASSEMBLY HOLES

BEARING COVER
DISK

CRADLE

AZIMUTH
BEARING HOLE

BOTTOM VIEW
OF TRIPOD
HEAD

GIBRALTAR
MOUNT HEAD
YOKE ARM

ALTITUDE
ENCODER
SHAFT

ENCODER HOUSING

YOKE ARM

MARKS
ALIGNED

MARKS NOT
ALIGNED

Tele Vue

Visionary

®

32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 [phone] televue.com