6
A
ligning the finderscope
Fig.a
Fig.a-1
These fixed magnification scopes mounted on the optical tube are
very useful accessories. When they are correctly aligned with the
telescope, objects can be quickly located and brought to the centre
of the field. Alignment is best done outdoors in daylight 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).
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.
Check the finderscope to see if the object centred in the main
telescope view is centred on the crosshairs.
Adjust the two small screws to centre the finderscope crosshairs
on the object (Fig.a-1).
1)
2)
3)
B
alancing the telescope
Fig.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 doing
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) Slowly unlock the R.A. and Dec lock levers. 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.b).
2) Tighten the Dec. lock lever.
3) Move the counterweights along the counterweight rod until
the telescope is balanced and remains stationary when released.
4) Tighten the counterweight thumbscrews to hold the
counterweights 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 befor proceeding with Dec. balancing.
1) Release the R.A. lock lever and rotate R.A. axis so that the counterweight rod is in horizontal position.
Tighten the R.A. lock lever.
2) Unlock the Dec. lock lever and rotate telescope tube until it is parallel to the ground.
3) Slowly release the telescope and determine which direction the telescope rotates. Loosen telescope tube
rings and slide telescope tube forward or backward in the rings to balance Dec. axis.
4) Once the telescope no longer rotates from its parallel starting position, re-tighten the tube rings and the Dec.
lock lever. Reset the altitude axis to your local latitude.
Summary of Contents for SK P25012EQ6-2IN
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