ASTRO-PHYSICS German Equatorial 1200GTO, Manual, Page: 10 / 38

Attach Pier Adapter to Pier Post (purchased separately)
If you purchased the pier from Astro-Physics, the pier adapter of the 1200 will attach right to the top of the pier. If you are
constructing your own pier or tripod, you will need to incorporate this part. Three models of the pier adapter are now available
for use with the 1200 from Astro-Physics. The Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA) and the Precision Adjust Rotating Pier
Adapter (1200RPA) are the choices for people living within the mount’s 22 to 69 degree latitude range. For customers in
tropical or extreme polar latitudes, the third adapter: the Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge is also available as either a complete
assembly (1200WDGA) or as the Wedge alone (1200WDG). If you have more than one pier, you may wish to purchase two
adapters so that you can leave them attached permanently. You will probably want to attach the pier adapter to the pier post
before going to your observing site. We recommend that you leave whichever pier adapter you choose attached to your pier
post for transport and storage. These pier adapters can be used with all prior versions of the 1200 mount.
If you did not purchase one of our pier adapters described below - for instance, if you purchased the Monolith Pier from
Particle Wave Technologies, you will need to purchase the Pier Adapter Knob Kit (part# 12KBKIT) in order to attach your
mount to the Monolith.
Important notes for all three pier adapters or when using the Monolith
Pier :
•
The washers for the pier adapter knobs must be positioned with the
smooth surface and rounded edge down so that the assembly can
be adjusted back and forth. (Not important for the Precision-Adjust
Rotating Pier Adapter.)
•
Do NOT remove the center pivot screw. Just as the name implies,
this is the point around which the mount rotates (pivots) when
making azimuth adjustments. The screw head has been machined
to assure a close fit. Please do not replace it with another screw.
Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA)
This 1200 Pier Adapter is similar to those that we have included with mounts in the past, however the azimuth adjuster block
is slightly taller to accommodate the improved azimuth adjuster assembly on all 1200GTO mounts produced after January,
2004 (and all upgraded older mounts). If you have a permanent installation, this base is a good choice since you will not have
to set up every session.
The adapter includes the machined flat plate, four machined aluminum lock knobs with 5/16 " ID x 1.5" OD stainless
washers, the azimuth adjuster block, center pivot screw and six 5/16-18 x 5/8 button head screws and washers. All
machined parts are black anodized. The Standard Pier Adapter was designed to fit into a 10" x 0.094"
wall tube.
Attach to an Astro-Physics pier: To attach the pier adapter to your Astro-Physics pier, simply
set the adapter into the top of the pier post, make sure the azimuth adjuster block is on the
north side, and fasten from the side with the six screws and washers provided.
Attach to a flat surface on your own pier: If you are mounting to a flat surface of your
own design, simply use four 1/4–20 stainless steel cap screws of appropriate length,
fastened through the top of your adapter. Refer to the diagram in the back of the manual
for bolt pattern information.
If you prefer a more finished look, you may wish to consider using our 1200 Flat Surface Adapter (1200FSA). The Flat
Surface Adapter bolts onto the flat plate on top of your pier or tripod, then the Standard Pier Adapter slips in (just as it fits into
our pier) and you fasten from the side with the six screws and washers provided with the Standard Pier Adapter. The bolt
circle for attaching the 900 Flat Surface Adapter to your pier is 7.230” diameter.
Using an ATS pier: The O.D. of the plate will need to be modified by ATS for an additional charge.
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