15
9. Later, as you adjust the mount’s altitude when polar
aligning, you should always make the final adjustments
pushing upwards. Additionally, the lock knobs should
be increasingly tightened as the final adjustments are
made.
Recommendation:
Rough polar positioning of the mount
and pier should be done with the R.A. axis only since you
will be making major adjustments to level the mount, aim it
north and set the elevation. The remainder of the mount,
telescope and counterweights will add considerable weight
and require more effort when positioning. Later, you will
do your actual polar alignment with telescope and counter-
weights attached, but the adjustments will be comparatively
small and within the range of the altitude and azimuth fine
adjustments. An inclinometer and a compass adjusted for
magnetic declination at your location (or these functions on
a smart phone App) are recommended.
Special 90 Degree Alt-Azimuth Position
One of the unique design features of the 1100GTO mount is its ability to be placed into a 90° Alt-Azimuth position. This
allows specialized functionality for research applications, as well as terrestrial viewing. In order to achieve maximum
stability, it is important to maintain the center of gravity directly above the pier. This requires that the R.A. axis be reversed
in the polar forks. The change over is outlined below in illustrations and description.
Note: This axis reversal must be
done by two people...one to hold and reverse the axis and the other to remove and replace the bolts.
1. Remove telescopes and counterweights before beginning this orientation change. It is also necessary to separate the
Dec. axis so that you are only working with the R.A. axis and forks.
2. Remove all four Polar Axis Lock Knobs.
3. Tilt the axis upward to its maximum balanced position and remove the Altitude Adjuster Bar and set aside. The axis
must be held in place as there is no way to secure it.
4. While one person holds the R.A. axis, have the other person remove the two shoulder bolts that are the Pivot Bolts for
the axis. Remember that the full weight of the axis will need to be supported.
5. Lift the axis straight
up and out of the
polar forks. Walk
around to the other
side of the mount so
that the R.A. axis can
then be lowered back
into place, but now
facing the other way.
6. Align the Pivot Bolts
with their respective
threaded holes and
screw into place. Do
not tighten them until
both bolts have been
fully threaded and the
axis rotated slightly
back and forth to ensure that it is properly seated. Now tighten the bolts fully.
7. Replace the four Polar Axis Lock Knobs. Notice that they will all be in the lower channel. Two of the knobs are placed
into the available threaded holes that were previously unused. Use a bubble level to position the axis and secure the
knobs tightly using a 1/4” hex key. You now have an Alt-Azimuth mount.
Important Note:
We do not offer software for the 1100GTO mount configured in the Alt-azimuth mode at this time.
It will be necessary for you to write your own command protocol. However, it can be used manually via button
moves.
(Not Used)
Indicator Line