BALANCING THE STAR ADVENTURER GTi
The optical system needs to be balanced for both Right Ascension and
Declination, (RA+DEC) in order for the mount to function as intended. This
is achieved by moving the optical system within the saddle as well as the
counterweight along the shaft. Before you begin, make sure that everything
is fastened securely to the mount, and that the mount is secured to the tripod
and does not present any tipping hazards from uneven ground or loose soil.
Step 1
Set the counterweight to the
bottom of the shaft.
Slide the optical system left or
right to ensure that the system
is balanced by loosening the
dovetail locking screw.
The optical system should not
fall to either side and remain
stationary. Make necessary
adjustments until balanced,
remember to tighten dovetail
lock screw when completed.
Step 2
Disengage the RA clutch and
orient the optical system so it
too is parallel to the ground.
If the optical system pitches
forward or backwards, the DEC
is not balanced and will need to
be adjusted.
Once you have corrected any
balance issues on DEC, you
may proceed with sliding the
counterweight along the shaft.
Step 3
Flip the mount over to the
other side by rotating counter-
clockwise. Check to make sure
that both RA and DEC axis are
balanced. Adjust if required.
Remember, when adjusting
the optical system, always
return the mount to its upright
position, with the saddle
oriented left to right before
attempting to move the optical
system to avoid any mishaps.
Remember to always install the counterweight before you begin.
Once balancing is completed, the mount should be able to be placed in any
position, with the clutches disengaged, and not have the system move or fall
in any direction.
All accessories must be attached when balancing the optical systems. If
you are using a refractor telescope, set the focus to be as close to focus as
possible. A general rule is to extend the focuser out to 3/4 its length.
On camera lenses that extend out, set it to the 2/3 of the focal length. This
will ensure that if the length of optical system changes from focusing or
zooming, the Star Adventurer GTi will not be overly unbalanced.
Always have a hold on the system with your hand in case of the system
swingings during any part of the balancing phase.
TIPS:
When the counterweight shaft is parallel to the ground and the optical
system pitches forward, too much weight is located at the front. The same
applies if it pitches backwards, meaning there is too much weight in the
back. Move the optical system accordingly to ensure that it does not move
when oriented in this position. You will need to return the mount to its upright
position before doing so to avoid any mishaps.
Once you are done with balancing the system, return the mount to its
upright position, ensuring that the optical system is back in it’s left to right
orientation (Fig. 2a).
The DEC clutch is located at the top of the mount under the saddle. Rotating
counterclockwise will loosen the clutch (Fig. 2b).
The RA clutch is located on the side of the mount on the right hand side
when standing behind the mount (Fig. 2b).
Fig. 2a
Fig. 2b
DEC clutch
RA clutch
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