ASTRO-PHYSICS German Equatorial 1200GTO, Manual, Page: 15 / 38

6. Tighten the altitude locking knobs by hand.
7. If you are using the Standard Pier Adapter or the Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge, tighten the pier knobs firmly by hand. On
the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter, the knobs will already be tight.
Assemble Declination Axis
A
B
B
C
C
B B
D
E
E E
E
A - Single Pocket
B - Dovetails
C - Parallel Guides
D - Altitude Adjuster
Knob
E - Clutch Knobs
R.A. Axis Dovetail
1. Do not have your telescope or counterweights
connected to the Dec. axis assembly for either assembly
or disassembly of the Dec. and RA axes.
2. Position the R.A. axis as shown in the illustration at
right with the single pocket "A" at the top, opposite the
altitude adjuster knob. Firmly tighten R.A. clutch knobs.
3. During shipment, the Dec. axis assembly lock knobs
will be fully screwed into the Dec. axis. For correct
assembly, these lock knobs should be unscrewed at
least 7 full turns and no more then 8.5 full turns. This is
between 5/16" and 3/8" out from the "shipped" tightened
position.
Note: These lock knobs can be completely removed
from the Dec. axis assembly with about 9.5 full turns out.
4. Position the Dec. axis above the R.A. axis as shown
in the lower illustration at right, a light movement
(wiggle) in the downward direction (arrow "A") will help to
correctly seat the principle dovetail(s) and parallel
guides.
5. When both Dec. and R.A. assemblies are fully
seated, hand tighten both Dec. lock knobs.
6. Thread the counterweight shaft into the Dec. axis.
7. Remove the Safety Stop from the base of the
counterweight shaft. Add sufficient counterweights (10 or
18 lb. counterweights are purchased separately) to the
declination shaft to balance the telescope you intend to
use. Always use two hands to attach or move them on
the shaft.
8. Reattach the Safety Stop to the end of the declination
shaft. This will help to prevent injury if someone
accidentally loosens the counterweight
knob.
NOTE: Firm tightening of the counterweight knob will not
damage the surface of the counterweight
shaft. The pin
that tightens against the stainless counterweight shaft is
constructed of brass. Likewise the bronze sleeve that
has been press fit into the center of the counterweight
will prevent marring of the shaft as you move the
counterweight up and down.
Removing Declination Axis at the End of your
Observing Session
1. Remove your telescope, counterweights and
counterweight shaft.
2. Unscrew the lock knobs 5.5 to 7 full turns (this is still 5/16" to 3/8" out from the fully tightened position) and slide/tilt
the Dec. axis assembly in an upwards direction (arrow "B").
3. For transport/storage we recommend fully tightening the lock knobs.
14