5.
M-zero LHQ Alignment.
The mount alignment consists of adjusting the mount’s altitude and latitude such that its
declination axis points exactly to the celestial North Pole.
To perform such an adjustment, the actions necessary to set the altitude and the latitude of the
mount to those of the observation site are described here. For more precise alignment, the polar-
scope provided with the mount (or a different type of optional polar-scope) is used.
5
.1
Precise Latitude Adjustment
After leveling the mount base using built-in the
bubble level, the next step in this process consists
of approximately setting the polar axis at an
angle equivalent to the latitude of the observation
site. For example Rome is about 42° North,
Milan and Venice 45° North and Palermo 38°
North. Refer to the latitude scale on the side of
the mount.
The latitude adjustment must be performed
using both hands to turn the two latitude
adjustment knobs in conjunction with each
other. While one hand is tightening the front
knob, the other hand should be loosening the
rear knob and vice-versa. To increase the
latitude (i.e. raise the polar axis), the rear knob
must be turned in the clockwise direction
while the front one is turned in the
counterclockwise Direction. To lower the
axis, the opposite actions are performed.
NOTE:
It is generally better to perform the fine latitude operations against the force of gravity,
that is, by raising the mount.
©
All Rights reserved
25
