ASTRO-PHYSICS German Equatorial 1200GTO, Manual, Page: 13 / 38

AT YOUR OBSERVING SITE
Assemble Pier (purchased separately)
Begin by assembling the portable pier at the desired observing
location. Take note which direction is north.
1. Slide the three legs onto the nubs of the base and
rotate the assembly so that one of the legs points
toward north (or south, if that is your preference).
2. Place the pier post on the base orienting the center
azimuth block directly north. If you choose to have one
leg north, then the pier adapter plate will have to be
installed with the azimuth block directly over a
turnbuckle. If you have one leg south, the pier adapter
plate will have to be installed with the azimuth block
over and between two of the pier post turnbuckles.
3. Attach the tension rods. The turnbuckles should be
drawn tight until the whole assembly is stiff enough to
support your weight without movement.
Assemble Polar Axis Assembly to Pier or Tripod
In order to track the motion of astronomical objects, the polar axis must be positioned so that an imaginary line drawn
through the center of the axis points toward the celestial pole. Refer to the diagram at the front of this manual for a graphical
representation. At this stage of the assembly process, you want to position the mount so that it points roughly north.
1. Remove the four (4) pier adapter knobs from the Pier Adapter and keep them close at hand.
2. Prior to lifting the polar axis assembly into place, turn the fine azimuth adjustment knobs so that the space between
them is wide enough to allow the pier adapter’s azimuth block to fit easily between them. Ensure both pier top and
polar axis assembly mating surfaces are clean and free of dirt. If you are using the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier
Adapter, make sure that the Altitude Adjuster Block is centered in the slot of the top plate.
3. Place the polar axis assembly onto the pier top
adapter so that the center azimuth block fits
between the fine azimuth adjustment knobs. The
Center Pivot Screw on the Pier Adapter (all models)
will help you center the mount on the adapter.
4. Move the base of the polar axis assembly so that
the threaded holes of the pier top can be seen
through each of the four slots.
5. Thread the four hand - knobs loosely in place (you
will tighten these later after polar alignment) with
the washers underneath. If you are using the
Standard Pier Adapter, be sure that the side with
the rounded edge is facing down. This will ensure
smooth movements as you adjust your polar
alignment. The position of the washers does not
matter for the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier
Adapter.
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