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Members of the ap-gto Yahoo group occasionally discuss alternative methods of polar alignment that they have
found helpful. We suggest that you participate in this Internet discussion group. Follow the links from the sidebar of
our website to find the group.
Azimuth Adjustments
The one-piece Azimuth Adjustment assembly makes for easy and accurate polar alignment in your observatory or in the
field. The heavy-duty construction and integrated one-piece design results in smooth control of the azimuth axis. Large left
and right adjuster knobs are graduated for precise control of azimuth position angle.
The small graduations are 1.3 arc
minutes per graduation; long graduations are 6.5 arc minutes per graduation.
The size of the knobs makes them easy
to turn with very little torque required, even with the mount fully loaded.
The procedure for making azimuth adjustments is somewhat different with the Rotating Pier Adapter (1200RPA) and
Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA). If you are using your own pier adapter or one provided with the Particle Wave
Technologies Monolith Pier, there may be additional considerations to achieve smooth, accurate adjustments.
Rotating Pier Adapter with Azimuth Bearing (1200RPA)
The rotating pier adapter consists of two plates that allow ultra-smooth adjustments for critical polar alignment. When using
the Rotating Pier Adapter, tighten the hand knobs fully by hand. It is not necessary to use a wrench. These will remain tight
during and after the adjustment procedure.
Notice the two setscrews on the side of the rotating pier adapter. These setscrews are used to apply tension to the rotating
plate. You may need to adjust these setscrews to gain the proper feel during the adjustment process. If you notice a slight
amount of shift, particularly with a larger scope, tighten the screws. If you find too much resistance, the screws may need to
be loosened slightly.
Azimuth adjustment is accomplished with the two fine azimuth adjustment knobs, one on each side of the mount.
You must
back off the opposing azimuth knob in order to move the other knob in that direction. Please refer to Diagram 4. Follow one
of the alignment methods discussed above in the Polar Alignment section.
Once your azimuth position has been attained, do not tighten the hand knobs any further since this is likely to disturb your
alignment.
Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA)
Each of the azimuth lockdown knobs has a hardened washer. With these washers, the lockdown knobs can hold the mount
down tight while still allowing the axis to be easily adjusted with your fingers. These will eliminate minor shifts in the axis
when you are tweaking your azimuth adjustment.
The washers have a sharp-edged side and a rounded-edge side (the difference is subtle). Place them with the sharp edge
of the washers facing up toward the knob, rounded edge down onto the painted surface of the base plate. If you install the
washers with the sharp edge down, they will bind into the paint and prevent smooth movement. If you do not have a
permanent installation, you may wish to mark the down (or up) side of the washer with a marker so that you can quickly
identify the desired orientation. If you have a rotating pier plate, the orientation of the washers is not important at all.
1. The altitude axis should be fully locked down with a hex key before adjusting the azimuth.
2. Follow one of the methods of polar alignment mentioned above.
3. During the initial adjustment phase, the 4 lock-down knobs should be hand tight only. This will allow easy
movement of the azimuth axis.
4. When you are close to the final position of the azimuth axis, use a hex key to lock down the rear knob only. The
azimuth can still be moved with the adjusters, but it will now be solidly connected to the pier top. The other knobs
should remain hand-tight. The weight of the mount and scope puts pressure on the front of the plate for a solid
connection, so it is not necessary to lock them down fully with a hex key.
Altitude Adjustment
Loosen the altitude locking knobs. Move the polar axis up or down with the large altitude adjustment knob located in the
front of the polar axis assembly. The tommy bar can be positioned in any of the threaded holes located in the altitude
adjustment knob. Use this bar to help you turn the knob. Please refer to Diagrams 3 and 4 if you are unsure about these
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